My Report to Council

Posted By: Andrew Abbott
Date Posted: 15/01/2010

Thank you Mr Mayor for the opportunity to report to the Council the latest developments on various matters relating to the Rochdale Township Committee.

Since my last report I have been working closely with the Township team and all my fellow Councillors to deliver projects across Rochdale to improve the wellbeing of our residents. We are working in partnership with the Police to make the most of their regular agenda item at Township Committees.

November Township meeting was very interesting with a busy open forum and a full agenda. Councillors were updated on the East Lancashire Railway Masterplan and very supportive of the proposal to develop the East Lancs Railway as a tourist attraction and a catalyst for regeneration. Members also benefited from a presentation about progress made with preparation for the re-development of Rochdale Town Centre.

Rochdale Township Committee has provided £100,000 for events in the Town Centre. This included the Feel Good Festival and a series of events in the run up to Christmas. The Christmas Lights switch on was very well supported with an estimated 3,000 people watching the events on the Butts.

Township Plan
We are currently developing the Township Plan and working with Heads of Service and partner agencies to develop action plans to deliver Township priorities in 2010/2011. Issues arising at the Area Forums form the priorities and actions are included in the plan.

Area Forums
The area forums continue to empower local people to influence services and budgets in their areas. At Rochdale Township we are developing the way we engage with and listen to local people, by improving the way the Forums operate and report back on issues raised. There is now a Forum for every part of the Township. We have seen an increase in attendance at forums of about 15% over the last 9 months, and expect this to build over the coming months. Residents appreciate the opportunity to raise a wide range of matters face-to-face with Elected Members and officers from RMBC and partner agencies.
Typical issues include the local environment, activities for children and young people, anti social behaviour, traffic management, the condition of streets and footpaths. The range expands as more agencies - including Planning and Health Services - realise the potential of Forums to increase engagement with residents.
Ward Funds
The availability of £9,000 annual Ward Funds has greatly improved the ability of Area Forums to respond to local demands. Now that local people can influence and agree how funds are used in their locality, their engagement has become more positive. The flexibility to fund both council-provided and community group schemes means we better match local need. Examples include:
 Balderstone and Kirkholt Forum contributed to the costs of providing a Police out- post on the Strand.
 Central Forum agreed to additional fencing to improve some alley-gating schemes.
 Norden Forum provided equipment for the Youth Club.
 Healey Forum introduced a Smartwater scheme for Home Watch areas.
 Bamford Forum paid for planters to brighten up a main road.
 Spotland & Falinge approved bollards to limit pavement parking by Spotland Road shops.
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Youth Fund Projects funded are now well under way. The fund is currently undergoing an interim monitoring process. The aim of this process is not only to monitor the progress of each project but also to recognise our successes and increase the public’s awareness of what Rochdale Township does and its achievements. Information received will be used to promote the work of the Township through the Council’s website and literature.

Community Cohesion Fund
Rochdale Township was successful in applying for external funding from the Community Cohesion Pathfinder Programme. The funds were allocated on a grants basis; its aim is to ‘close the gap between different communities, generations and cultures’. Projects funded range from sports, health and fitness activities to social networking workshops.

Community Grants The fund has become increasingly popular this year and is already fully allocated. The funding has helped to support various projects from community centres to restoration groups. The popularity of the fund is still on the increase with applications and enquiries still being received.

Townships in Bloom
Plans are underway for the next North West in Bloom competition. A more strategic approach involving each Township is being taken this year to increase our chances of success.

Customer Service In recognition of outstanding customer service the Rochdale Township Office were nominated for 2 Customer Service Awards. The first nomination was for ‘The Feel Good Festival, the second nomination was for the Rochdale Township Team for providing an excellent service, both nominations were put forward by Councillors.

Financial Update
We continue to monitor all budgets to ensure effective use of all Township Funds. Rochdale Township Action and Resources Committee receives monthly financial reports. As previously agreed unallocated funds from the Members and Ward funds will be transferred to the Action fund in January 2010. Members will be asked to put forward schemes for consideration at the Action & Resources Committee. Currently 67% of Township Revenue Funds are spent and a further 23% committed to projects; 75% of Township Capital funds are spent and a further 14% committed to projects. The Commissioning Process has helped to maximise spend which will in turn minimise the carry forward of funds, representing value for money.

Thank you Mr Mayor, I will be pleased to answer any questions from Members of the Council about these or any other matter relating to the Rochdale Township.

Councillor Andrew Abbott