NORTH West Tories have blasted Labour's plans to introduce regional government.

"There is no evidence that people actually want regional government," claimed Conservative local government committee chairman John Walsh.

"People want sensible, decent local government, not another layer of bureaucracy which will stifle business, cost local taxpayers more and cause misery all round."

He said Labour's plans were a move back to the development agencies and the failed corporatism of the 1970s.

Conservatives say regional government would also push up taxes.

Treasury estimates show £300 million would be needed to promote, monitor and advise, with local taxpayers picking up the bill for more politicians.

"I challenge Labour to tell us what the regional assemblies would take from local government," said Mr Walsh.

"What would they take away from Westminster? And where would the North West assembly be?

"Since 1979, the Conservatives have moved government closer to the people.

"We established such things as hospital trusts, housing action trusts and so on, where the people using the services have a real say in how they are run.

"That is the way of the future."

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