Rochdale loses out on government help with funding

Councillor Ashley Dearnley

Rochdale Council will receive nothing from a £400m fund to help councils with funding cuts – despite being the worst hit local authority in Greater Manchester.

Other local authorities are receiving thousands in 'transitional' funding from the Government, to help cope with cuts.

Lib Dem leader in Rochdale , Councillor Andy Kelly said: "This stinks of cronyism. It is hugely disappointing that yet again Rochdale is overlooked for funding to help brutal cuts.

“Here in Greater Manchester, Conservative-run Trafford Council got nearly half a million quid despite being one of the richest councils in the area. This is daylight robbery and we have written to the Government outlining our disgust”.

Conservative Leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley responded: “Whilst I always want Rochdale to receive as much money as possible, it’s important to point out that Trafford receives 23m from the Government and Rochdale receives 39.9m, which is almost 17m more.

“It hardly stinks of cronyism when Trafford’s money increases by 400k. I hope the Lib Dem councillor is not suggesting that Rochdale should be treated the same as Trafford as it appears he is, that would mean a significant reduction in spending.”