So it seems that Burnham is going ahead with his plans to introduce a local income tax. This is a major step forward beyond the Brown Commission’s recommendations. Without detail this may be hard to comment on, but when I read the Brown Commission report I noted that the proposals do not involve any transfers from poor to richer places. Those places with a low tax base, which often require enhanced services will not find their problem solved by these proposals.
I also note that Labour is still stuck with its fixation on Commissars otherwise known that directly elected mayors. I am of the view that these are not democratic improvements, that committees are more democratic than commissars and wonder whether or when labour will drop this. My more detached mind knows this is unlikely.
For the big cities, a hotel tax might be simpler and great greater room for movement.