Greater Manchester demands: make local democracy a top priority for real devolution!
The devolution deals in Greater Manchester have been done behind closed doors and local people cannot be confident that the new deals will work for them. For example, many healthcare professionals are very concerned about the impact on health services and social care in the region, with impending, severe cuts on the way to Council funding.
But the 'northern powerhouse' revolution also has an opportunity to be an inspiration for cities all over the UK - if the devolution process takes place in a truly transparent and democratic way that delivers real social, environmental, economic and democratic benefits in the genuine best interests of the many. That is not what is currently happening and needs to change fast!
If the new devolved powers are to work for the people of Greater Manchester, local people must be the drivers of devolution, not the passengers. It must be driven by the people, not by small cliques in central government and City Halls.
