C-charge referendum question confirmed

The referendum ballot paper.

The arrangements for the referendum on Greater Manchester's Transport Innovation Fund proposals, and the question that is to be put to voters, were finalised today (Friday 31 October).

Sir Neil McIntosh, the independent Returning Officer appointed by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to oversee the referendum, put forward a series of recommendations which were endorsed by the Executive Board earlier today.

These include the wording used on the ballot paper, the contents of an information leaflet which will be included in the ballot pack and details of how the referendum will operate.

The wording on the ballot paper itself remains as reported on Rochdale Online earlier this week:

"Please read the leaflet enclosed with this ballot paper which provides details of the Greater Manchester Transport Innovation Fund proposals. These involve both major investment in public transport improvements in Greater Manchester and a weekday, peak time only, congestion charging scheme. Congestion charging would only be introduced after 80% of the public transport improvements are in place and not before the summer of 2013."

The question reads: "Do you agree with the Transport Innovation Fund proposals?"

Voters then have two options:

YES, I VOTE FOR THE PROPOSALS

NO, I VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSALS

The preamble and the question were drawn up by Sir Neil McIntosh with advice from experienced lawyers and guided by the Electoral Commission's established guidelines on referenda questions.

The ballot pack also contains an information leaflet summarising the key elements of the Transport Innovation Fund proposals on which Greater Manchester residents are being asked to vote.

Sir Ian said: "I am pleased that AGMA has endorsed my recommendations. I am mindful that there are strong feelings on either side of this debate and satisfied that both the ballot paper and the accompanying leaflet are clear, factual and do not lead voters one way or another.

"This is an important issue for Greater Manchester. I would encourage everyone who is on the electoral register to take the time to understand the issues and have their say."

The cost of the referendum will be covered by the 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester, which includes Rochdale Council, in proportion to the size of the authority's electorate.

Posting out of ballot packs will start on 24 November, with all packs delivered to voters by 28 November. The closing date for completed ballot papers to be returned to the Returning Officer will be 11 December, with results announced on 12 December.