GREATER Manchester council chiefs have dismissed criticisms of its consultation process on devolution for the region.

The Greater Manchester Green Parties Forum (GMGPF) hit out at what it calls the 'figleaf' consultation on devolution carried out by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The consultation period ended last week.

GMGPF says it 'deplores' what it calls "the lack of public consultation that there has been both before and during the introduction of Devo Manc."

Brian Candeland, North West Green Party chairman, said: “From the outset this process has been run by Tory and Labour politicians behind closed doors. To hold this figleaf consultation now two years down the line is a farce.

"The Green Party is in favour of devolving power from Westminster, but it should be done with full involvement of civic society at the start, and it should be done on a 'bottom up' instead of 'top down' direction. It should also be done in conjunction with wider democratic reform.”

But a GMCA spokesperson said: "Greater Manchester has led the way on devolution agreements that move decision-making about crucial public services like local transport, housing and roads closer to local people.

 "This consultation was a key opportunity for residents to examine up close what decisions we will make locally and how these new powers can make life better for the people of Greater Manchester. Responses to the consultation are currently being collated and will shortly be considered by Greater Manchester Leaders."

'Devo Manc' is the latest initiative in Chancellor George Osborne’s plan to create a 'northern powerhouse' to rival London, with other cities expected to follow.

The plans will see the post of police and crime commissioner for Greater Manchester police scrapped and replaced by the new elected mayor, while further powers will be devolved to the(GMCA), including some control over business growth as well as health and social care budgets.