Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

Mayor Carol Wardle opens the meeting and discusses the plans to commemorate World War 1. She asks members of the public to get involved with the Lights out Campaign.

A presentation from the League of Young Voters is given to the council to promote the campaign. A number of councillors praise the young people for their work and the presentation given.

The council approve the establishment of the new political group, Rochdale First to the council.

The Council approve the appointment of Councillor Peter Rush to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.

Rochdale First councillors are appointed to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Employment and Equality Committee. This was after an amendment to the recommendation submitted to the party for Rochdale First councillors to have positions on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Standards Committee, as well as the above committees, was rejected by fellow councillors.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell presents his report.

He describes the Tour de France as Tour de Littleborough and states that the event was fantastic. He adds that the biggest response he has had from the general public over the last few weeks has been in relation to the council tax freeze in which residents are pleased to hear is happening.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley asks for Councillor Farnell and his team to really consider the re-opening of the River Roch and asks for a full consultation to be undertaken. Councillor Farnell responds by stating that no decision has been made yet but whatever the decision is, it will be a difficult one to make.

Councillor Ann Stott asks for a cinema, theatre or youth zone to be incorporated into the Town Centre development plans to attract more visitors in the evening. Councillor Farnell states that this is on the agenda and that it is a priority for the town.

It is stated that from August 2013 - March 2014, there were 740 new apprenticeships started across the borough with more expected throughout the summer.

Councillor Alan Brett presents his report on finance. He states that recycling costs the council £15 million and is a big cost to the council.

The report for Adult Care is next.

The report for Public Health and Regulation is presented next by Councillor Cecile Biant.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed asks about rumours regarding the coroner’s service being removed. Councillor Biant states that she hasn’t heard anything and that the council is happy with the service.

The report for Community, Culture and Tourism is presented next. Issues regarding crime statistics and events in the borough are addressed.

Councillor Neil Emmott reports on Corporate Services and Neighbourhoods and wants to emphasise the volunteer sector.

The report for Children’s Schools and Families is next.

Councillor Donna Martin address the success of this years Key Stage 2 results and notes a rise in a number of the assessment results. Councillors praise Councillor Martin and the team at Children’s Services.

Housing and Environment presents next. Rochdale recycling rates are described as low with Rochdale being bottom of the tables reported with Councillor Beswick adding that things need to be done in regards to recycling.

Business Skills and Employment is presented next by Councillor Peter Williams. Councillor Williams praises the work of officers for controlling the crowds during the Tour de France.

The township chairs present their reports with no questions or remarks from councillors.

Meeting ended.