Tory warning over council city-zone commitment

Councillors should slow down before committing Oldham to joining a new city region for Greater Manchester.

Councillor Jack Hulme, leader of the Oldham Council Conservative group, says there has been no public consultation, and the plans are being steamrollered through.

The groundbreaking city region agreement between the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities and the Government has already been signed by political leaders watched by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas, the minister for the North-West.

The plans would mean that Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester will have more powers and responsibilities devolved from central government, giving the region more of a say in its own destiny.

But Councillor Hulme says the plans are unlikely to get Government approval before this year’s general election.

And he added: “While the Conservative group recognises the many benefits the creation of a City Region could bring to Oldham, we believe that it is irresponsible to rush into taking such a significant decision without proper consideration by elected members and after extensive public consultation.

“It is only through such mechanisms that decisions can be taken in the best interests of Oldham residents and the Greater Manchester area.”

He is also concerned new voting arrangements could be used to override the wishes of several districts at any one time.