Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

Rochdale Council

Rochdale Council Meeting
Thursday 27 November

A minute’s silence is held in honour of former Heywood MP Joel Barnett and former Mayoress, Alderman Beryl White.

Councillors pass on their thanks to Acting Chief Executive Linda Fisher who is leaving Rochdale Council for a position in Wigan.

The medium term financial report is first.

The strategy is for 2014 through to 2018 and guides the allocation of resources to priority areas and sets out the framework through which those resources are managed and performances are measured.

Councillor Richard Farnell states that the report contains “important promises and principles for the borough".

Councillor Dearnley says that the council “has to do the best they can with the money they have.”

Councillors agree the report.

The Local Council Tax Support Scheme is next. The report includes increasing the amount of council tax support from 75% to 80% for a Band A property.

Councillor Alan Brett states that this scheme will “help protect the poorest members of our community”. Councillor Farnell agrees that this will assist people in real crisis.

The report is agreed with support of full council.

The Greater Manchester Agreement: Devolution to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transition to a Directly Elected Mayor is next.

The report sets out the implications for Rochdale Council of the recent agreement with the Government to devolved functional and fiscal responsibilities alongside a staged approached to Greater Manchester governance arrangements.

It is understood that a directly elected Mayor would work in line with the 10 leaders of Greater Manchester councils with no power being removed from local councils.

Councillor Farnell says: “This will provide extra resources and powers for Rochdale” and “will be a powerful voice for the North of England.”

Councillor Peter Williams adds “this is a great position for the authorities of Greater Manchester to be in.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley also supports the plans and said: “I am delighted to support this report” and added “a letter from George Osborne says that the council will keep their powers and money.”

Councillors agree the report.

In private, the council then discussed a budget savings proposal related to staff terms and conditions.

Councillor Farnell said: “This is a difficult time and thanks to our staff and trade unions for recognising the serious financial situation we face. We have listened to the feedback and had very productive discussions resulting in amendments being made to reflect their views.”

The report follows a staff consultation over the last two months as the Council looks to save £56 million over the next two financial years.

Councillors approve the report.

Meeting ended.