Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

Wednesday 21 January

A minutes silence is held in honour of former councillor Bernard Schofield.

Councillor Robert Clegg is congratulated by Mayor Wardle on receiving his OBE. He also receives a round of applause from fellow councillors.

Councillor Allen Brett invites councillors to take part in ‘The Borough’s Got Brains,’ a quiz being held by Mayor Wardle on Thursday 26 February.

Councillors are asked to agree a notice of motion regarding agency work and zero hours contracts. Councillor Richard Farnell describes agency work and zero hours contracts as a “problem” and “exploiting the people of this borough.” Councillor Neil Emmott seconds the motion and adds that “people are now on lower wages than they were five years ago.” After a healthy debate, Councillors agree to pass the motion.

Councillors now present their quarterly reports.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Farnell presents first. He states that “Rochdale has suffered worse cuts than some of the well-healed councils.” Councillor Dearnely says that “there is lots of money in the borough and the reality is that if you have more, then more will be taken.”

Councillor Peter Rush addresses the Leader on the financial relationship between the Denehurt Park Stadium Company and the Council. Councillor Farnell says that “negations are ongoing” but he wants to ensure that professional sport stays in the borough.

The Finance Portfolio Holder, Councillor Allen Brett presents next. His report says that the council has begun the budget saving process with a savings requirement of £51m over the next two years (2015/16 and 2016/17).

Councillor Donna Martin, the Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Families, is next. She states that the council has done more in the past year to help parents apply for primary school places than any other year.

The report for Adult care is next. Councillor Jane Gartisde praises money coming in to help adult care services.

Councillor Cecile Biant, the Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Regulation, presents next. She states that the council is going to the government for help over the Turner Brothers Asbestos site with the potential of “tens of millions of pounds coming in to help”.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Environment is next.

The Council has so far collected over 5,000 unauthorised bins for properties across the borough with the second phase of this operation taking place next week.
Councillors praise Councillor Beswick for her work ensuring that all main roads have been gritted. The team doing the gritting are also praised.

Councillor Rush talks about the fly tipping at Ashworth Valley and thanks Rochdale Online for their work exposing fly tippers on Christmas day.

The report for Community, Culture and Tourism is next.

Councillor Liam O’Rourke praises a meeting held by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd that recently took place in Heywood. Councillor Rush also praises the meeting and questions Councillor Daalat Ali [the Portfolio Holder] as to if he was aware of the meeting. He says no but said if he knew, he would have attended.

The Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods report is next. Councillor Neil Emmott discusses devolution to townships so they have more power.

The Business, Skills and Employment Portfolio Holder, Councillor Peter Williams reports next. Councillor Ashley Dearnely describes the new market location as “super” with Councillor Pat Sullivan agreeing and adding “the cabins look most attractive”.

The chairperson of each township then presents their reports.

Councillor Phillip Burke presents his report as the representative to Transport for Greater Manchester. Councillor James Gartside questions the loss of buses in Norden and fears that Norden will be cut off from Rochdale. Councillor Burke says “we are lucky to have what we have as some places have lost everything”.

Meeting ended.