Full Council meeting as it happened

Councillor Richard Farnell

Wednesday 15 October

A minutes silence in memory of Jim Dobbin is held – this was the first meeting of full council since his death.

A presentation giving the Children’s Services Improvement update is next and is presented to the council by the Director of Children’s Services. The presentation states that 33 out of 35 targets set out by the improvement board are on target to be delivered or have already been delivered.

The Council discusses a motion in regards to Gaza. The council passes the motion with Councillor Farnell stating that the “Council is committed to raising its voice” on this issue.

The Council pass a motion regarding tax dodging in which the Council are calling on the Government to crack down on tax dodging by multi national companies.

The Council agree to the appointment of Steve Rumbelow as the new Chief Executive. Councillor Farnell describes Mr Rumbelow as a “bright star” of local government who is “one of the most experienced regeneration experts” in local government.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell presents his report. He states that “things in Rochdale are improving and Rochdale is on the rise.”

Councillor Pat Sullivan addresses the Leader regarding the loss of the 469 bus service along Bury Road and states that elderly people and young people cant access services along the road with the loss of the bus.

Councillor Farnell asks why she is brining this issue to him as it is down to the Tory Government that the bus service has been cut and adds that Rochdale has seen almost £700,000 worth of cuts to transport services.

Councillor Robert Clegg praises the GCSE results for the borough but adds that whilst 2,200 student received five grades at A-C, 900 students did not achieve either English or Maths or both and that this is having an “negative impact on the borough.”

Councillor Farnell responds by praising the work of teachers and states that they do not need comments like those made by Councillor Clegg as they are working hard.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Alan Brett presents his report next.

In a question asked by Councillor James Gartside regarding Blue Badge refusals, Councillor Brett states that there have been 11,201 badges applied for. 8,648 of them have been issued with 1,495 applications being refused. The main reason for refusal is that the applicants have failed to meet the new criteria for the badge and need to provide further evidence.

Councillor Donna Martin presents the report for Children’s Schools and Families. She praises the children of the borough and celebrates the success they have achieved.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed reports next. Councillor Ahmed states that the council recently agreed an increase in the rate paid by the council for domiciliary care.

Councillor Daalat Ali presents the report for Community, Culture and Tourism.

Councillor Peter Rush tells the council that he is “disgusted” because “Heywood is not policed for up to 14 hours a week.” He adds that if this was happening anywhere else then “there would be an uprising”. He wants to see Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd visit Heywood and speak to the people of the town.

Councillor Ali says that he will speak to the commissioner to try and arrange a visit.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, Councillor Jaqui Beswick reports next.

Councillor Beswick apologises for the inconvenience caused to those along Bamford Road during its recent double closure.

She adds that she is not pleased with the street lighting contract that has been causing issues for people in the borough.

In regards to a question surrounding enforcements, Councillor Beswick states that there have been 4,400 complains dealt with and that if the residents receive fines for fly tipping or dropping litter then they should be paid.

Councillor Cecile Biant presents her report as the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Regulation. She takes questions regarding health inspections and section 106 agreements.

Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Neighbouroods, Councillor Neil Emmott reports next and states that he is looking at “passing more power to the Townships” and adds that he is due to meet with Head of Contact at the Council to address some issues regarding contacting the Council.

Councillor Farnell then takes questions and comments regarding the report for Business, Skills and Employment. He adds that discussions with potential retailers for the new town centre development are going well.

The Chairpersons of each Township present reports next.

Councillor Ann Stott praises the work of organisers and volunteers of this years Rushbearing Festival.

Councillor Ali, Chairman of the Rochdale Township Committee comments on the change of the Rochdale skyline and adds that a report regarding the river re-opening will be at the cabinet in October.

Meeting ended.