MILLIONS of voters in the North-west will be given their say on whether or not they want a directly-elected regional assembly.
Regional Government Minister Nick Raynsford confirmed that referendums will take place in the region on Thursday, November 4.
He described the ballot as an "historic opportunity" for people to change how their regions are governed.
Supporters of a regional assembly say it would decentralise power from London and allow the North-west to punch its weight and attract jobs and investment.
But opponents claim it will create another tier of bureaucracy and force up council tax bills.
What do you think? Should the North-west have its own assembly? Send your views to Letters to the Editor, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE, or email letters@boltoneveningnews
.co.uk
" class="link-red">letters@boltoneveningnews.co.uk</link>).
"The Government promised North-west people the chance to choose whether they wanted their own elected regional assembly and we have now delivered," said Mr Raynsford.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article