MORE than 200 people attended a rally in Manchester city centre yesterday to demand a referendum on controversial government plans to devolve powers to the area.

Devo Manc is the name given to plans to give powers over Greater Manchester to a mayor and the leaders of 12 local authorities who make up Greater Manchester.

A mayor will eventually be elected, but one may initially be appointed by the government until elections are held.

While favouring devolution, campaigners say the people of Greater Manchester should be consulted on what form it will take and disagree with the government’s formulation.

There are also fears that devolution of National Health Service powers to Greater Manchester could lead to the break-up of the NHS.

Among the organisations involved in the referendum campaign is Manchester People’s Assembly and Greater Manchester County Association of Trades Union Councils.

Yesterday’s rally in Piccadilly Gardens was followed by a march round the city centre.