Council Leader Richard Farnell's round-up for June

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council

Mark's get set and go

Rochdale has been chosen by M&S as one of only 10 areas nationally to pilot a pioneering programme which partners them with local councils and charity partners to support community initiatives.

The two year trial includes a range of actions designed to tackle the issues that mean most to communities, including unemployment, skills shortage, loneliness, poverty and mental health and wellbeing.

Tackling child obesity

Last week we launched the council's campaign to tackle childhood obesity. The problem is a ticking time-bomb that could have a devastating impact on the health and quality of life for future generations.

The council has made this a priority for public health funds and are working with schools, health and the youth service to make a real impact in tackling the issue.

Thanks to Councillor Donna Martin for making the keynote speech at the launch conference.

On the buses

Really pleased to support an innovative scheme which will see 100,000 16-18 year olds benefit from half price bus travel.

The offer has been agreed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and the county's bus operators.

The fare reduction will make it easier for our teenagers to access more work opportunities, training, education and skills. All they'll have to do is apply for a personalised 16-18 Get Me There smartcard, issued by Transport for Greater Manchester. It will let teenagers buy a new Junior Day Ticket when travelling by bus.

Budget meeting was challenging

Until we have a change of government it looks like austerity is set to continue. That's why it's important that, as a council, we keep a tight control over our budgets.

A major part of that work is the budget challenge sessions cabinet members are involved in.

We spent three hours this week locked in a room, number crunching with senior officers, exploring ways of saving money while continuing to provide essential services.

There are more such sessions planned for the weeks to come; I can't wait.

It's all change for town centre shoppers

Rochdale Township chairman, Shaun O'Neill helped launch a new campaign and website urging shoppers to donate online instead of giving cash to people on the streets.

The aim of the site, Big Change Rochdale, is to encourage people to donate either their time or cash to local charities, rather than giving directly to people asking for money.

The website also gives people information on practical ways they can support local charities, like Petrus, Stepping Stone Projects and the Sanctuary Trust.

Have a look: Big Change Rochdale: http://bigchangerochdale.co.uk/donate-to-the-campaign/

Dear Alok

I've written to the new housing minister Alok Sharma demanding an immediate change in the law to make tower blocks much safer and save lives.

I told him the government must act now to change the law and provide the funding to allow all high rise flats to have all the essential fire safety equipment in place.

College Bank does not have sprinklers in communal areas or fire alarms. It must be a priority for the government and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to put this right as a matter of urgency.

Hair to stay

I attended the opening of another firm which has benefitted from our innovative business rates discount scheme and building improvement scheme.

The fact that companies like Simply Special want to stay in Rochdale when they expand is a mark of how optimistic they are about Rochdale's future.

This shop makes a great addition to Baillie Street and I wish them every success for the future.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the business rates discount scheme and the shop improvement grant, can visit financial support for new businesses.

Rochdale's the place

I attended the recent launch of a new private-sector board, The Rochdale Ambassadors, which is aiming to promote Rochdale as a destination for businesses.

The new board is about bringing the people and businesses of Rochdale together so that collectively we can achieve more for Rochdale.

It's still early days yet, but if the group all work in partnership we can put Rochdale on the map.

I hereby give notice

[Labour] group colleagues Linda Robinson and Sameena Zaheer have sent in motions to Full Council on issues close to their hearts.

Sameena's condemns the recent terrorism and hate crime and calls up on the council to work hard to ensure distrust and hatred never grows between our communities.

Linda's calls for the council to work with the Greater Manchester Mayor's on his homelessness campaign and for us to also continue to implement its Youth Homelessness Strategy.

It's been flagged up

Services to mark Armed Forces Day were held in Heywood, Littleborough. Middleton, Milnrow and Rochdale.

Hundreds of soldiers, veterans, dependants, councillors and dignitaries turned out to pay tribute to past and present members of the Armed Forces family.

Thanks to Labour Group members who attended the special ceremonies throughout the borough where specially designed armed forces flags were raised.

Local Government Association conference

Last week the Local Government Association (LGA) conference was held in Birmingham and the return of austerity government and what that means for council finances dominated the proceedings, along with the political fall-out following the Grenfell fire, safety standards and the readiness of local government to cope with similar disasters.

Thanks Jacqui

Councillor Jacqui Beswick has stepped down as Deputy Leader. I would like to place on record my thanks to Jacqui for her support and contribution in the role.

Councillor Richard Farnell
Leader
Rochdale Borough Council