Zulfiqar Ali
Liberal Democrat Party
Central Rochdale Ward
Address
43 Dean Street
Rochdale
OL16 2NA
I have been involved in my local community for over 25 years. 10 years ago, I was very proud to get elected to Rochdale Council. In that time, I have been busy in a number of roles. I have stood in Parliamentary, European and local elections. As well as this, I have assisted Sir Cyril Smith MBE, Liz Lynne MEP and Paul Rowen MP in their campaigns.
I am currently Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Housing. I am very proud that our Council has Beacon Status for Community Cohesion and have enjoyed my time in this key position on our Council. I have worked alongside Paul Rowen MP and our Council Group to build and plan for more Council Housing. I was pleased to support our Council Tenants, despite pressure from the Government, and only impose a 3.8% increase in Council Rents instead of the 5.8% that the Government tried to foist on us.
This year has been a successful one for the Council. This Council can rightly call itself, ‘The award-winning’ Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. I have been to London on a number of occasions to receive awards for a number of schemes. Most recently, our Home Improvement Agency was named as Agency of the Year at the Foundations Home Improvement Agency Awards, held in Westminster. Our MP Paul Rowen presented the award. I was delighted that yet another service we provide has gained national recognition. That tells us that we are moving in the right direction.
The £500 Million Housing Market Renewal money is already making a massive difference to many people’s lives. The £150 Million that we campaigned for the Metrolink will also make a difference. If re-elected, I will work hard to deliver the Metrolink into the centre of our town. Only then will we see the full potential of our Town Centre Redevelopment.
I’m also excited about the new six-form college in the centre of our town. Regeneration is about positively changing people’s lives and not just the buildings. For too long, our town has seen its best students leave town to study. We say that is unacceptable and I hope the new College will change our town for the better.
These last 10 years have been a great rollercoaster ride. There is much to do but we are making real progress.
What's my most embarrassing time as a Councillor? That was when I had to shave my head, after losing a bet that England would win the World Cup in 2006 - I’ve always been approachable though and have approached my job with good humour.
I have mentioned the major material projects that we’re delivering. What about my job as a Ward Councillor? Since being elected I have dealt with thousands of cases for all members of our community. My letter’s file now takes up a full filing cabinet.
Looking back on many of our successes gives me enormous pride and a willingness. I hope I am re-elected to continue.
