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Sir Richard hits out at c-charge alternative

14/08/2008

Manchester city council leader Sir Richard Leese has warned that calls for an increase of up to £600 million in business rates could undermine efforts to secure investment.

He was speaking after Greater Manchester Momentum Group (GMMG) called for a two pence increase in the business rate as an alternative to the congestion charge.

The GMMG says that adding two pence to business rates would levy between £400 and 600 million, which could be used to fund transport investment.

Sir Richard said: "This is not a serious alternative to £3 billion of investment in public transport.

"Even if GMMG's figures are correct, this is less than half of what is needed and it will not help tackle congestion."

He went on to say that the proposal is an "indiscriminate tax" because not all businesses contribute to congestion.

More than two million residents across Greater Manchester have been sent a full-colour brochure explaining the merits of a congestion charge and investment in public transport.

The public will have their chance to vote on the proposal later this year.