The democratic right of citizens is the cornerstone and guiding principle of this country's belief system. This is reflected in our ability to democratically elect our Councillors, MPs and MEPs.

In May of this year the Borough exercised this right and next year we will have the opportunity to elect who represents us in the European elections.  Despite the dithering of Gordon Brown we will eventually have the opportunity to elect the next Government.

I have, in previous articles, pressed for all of us to be given the opportunity to have a referendum on the failed European Constitution and its hybrid successor, the Lisbon Treaty, as promised in the last Labour manifesto. Whilst this remains unlikely, I am delighted that local politicians have the courage to give the residents of Greater Manchester a referendum on the proposed Congestion Charge.

The proposals are extremely concerning to motorists at a time of soaring fuel prices and plans to increase some vehicle taxes. The decision to add further taxes should be decided by the people who it directly affects and we should welcome this.

Motorists may be faced with a charge of £5 to drive into Manchester and out again at the busiest times. The outer corridor of the M60 could cost £2.

The proposed £2.7 billion scheme includes £1.24 billion of debt, which will be repaid from the charges paid by motorists.

The proposed reinvestment into the transport system, including the extension to the Metrolink, has some merits, yet this will not benefit Stockport residents or address the long awaited SEMMS relief road which has all party support at the Council and which has yet again been delayed by the Department of Transport.

The Leader of Stockport Council seconded a motion proposed by Susan Williams, the Conservative Leader of Trafford Borough Council, at a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities to ensure that every Borough has its own vote on these proposals.

The Labour Group of Stockport Council has for their part until recently supported the introduction of a Congestion Charge. I was pleased to see at the recent Council Meeting they, however reluctantly, supported the 'NO' stance. Perhaps they too have realised that Stockport gets nothing out of the Congestion Charge except one yellow bus (due for delivery 2012) and a mountain of debt.

Every voter in Stockport will have the right to consider the proposals and vote. I would encourage you all that when the referendum happens, everyone uses their democratic right to vote against this flawed scheme.

Cllr Brian Bagnall
Bramhall South

This article, by Cllr Brian Bagnall, was first published by the Stockport Express 01/10/2008.