City region plan would ‘give control’ (From This Is Lancashire)

City region plan would ‘give control’

6:00am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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BURY would be able to control its own destiny as a borough if the creation of a new combined authority in Greater Manchester goes ahead.

Councillor Bob Bibby has described City Region governance proposals as “the most important thing to come before local government.”

The council leader’s comments came as Bury Council’s ruling executive considered the outcome of a review over City of Governance arrangements — which would see Greater Manchester councils working much closely together — and agreed that its formation would lead to certain benefits.

The Association of Greater Manchester Councils (AGMA) has approved a draft scheme for consultation.

The proposals must go through three main steps, culminating in approval by both Houses of Parliament.

Cllr Bibby said that during the past two years, AGMA had been seeking to develop a “more effective” form of City Region governance within Greater Manchester.

He stressed the underlying objective had been to ensure that future City Region arrangements, including transport, should enable the 10 local authorities to work effectively together.

If ultimately approved, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority would have essential powers to co-ordinate economic development, regeneration and transport functions and drive the economic performance of the area.

Commenting on the plan at the executive meeting, Cllr Bibby said: “This gives us control of our own destiny. I welcome these new proposals. There is much to achieve here.”