Two councils refuse to ratify Manchester city-region status

Trafford and Stockport borough councils last week abstained from a vote to recommend the proposed Manchester City Region structure, it has been reported.

Crain’s Manchester Business said the eight other member councils of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities voted in favour of the proposals.

The AGMA councils sealed an agreement with the Treasury in December which won them greater devolved powers in areas such as skills, education and housing.

The government also agreed to examine how the region could assume transport responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by Transport for London.

Trafford and Stockport are understood to have been unhappy at the prospect of key issues being decided by a majority vote under the proposed governance arrangements for the City Region.

A spokesman for Manchester City Council told Crain’s that the abstentions would not derail the process.

He said: “It doesn’t mean it is dead in the water and it doesn’t mean plans will go ahead without them. It’s just part of the decision-making process.”