Private Eye Slates Democracy in Rochdale

Private Eye Magazine

National news and current affairs magazine Private Eye has criticised Rochdale Council in its latest issue. An article entitled ‘Wonderful World’ comments on the state of democracy in Rochdale following a council advert for a new borough solicitor placed in the Local Government Chronicle.

The advert states, “Rochdale has the best of both worlds. Our new borough solicitor will inherit innovative, impeccable democratic services staff, supporting healthy local democracy.”

However, the magazine is quick to dispute the statement that democracy in Rochdale is healthy and provides three examples of supposed council wrong-doing.

The article reads:

“So healthy is democracy in Rochdale that the current borough solicitor, Bill Warley, doesn’t allow members of the public to photocopy the register of members’ interests, although they are allowed to inspect it.”

“So healthy is democracy in Rochdale that if a planning application is rejected by the elected committee against the recommendations of the planning officers, and then subsequently accepted on appeal, the committee must bear the cost of that appeal themselves. The first such charge - £6,000 – was made last month against the township planning sub-committee. If officers mess up, however, the bill is picked up by the taxpayer.”

“According to the ad: 'Massive regeneration and innovative partnerships are transforming our borough'. This may refer to plans to develop the former Akzo chemical plant in Littleborough, where Bellway Homes pulled out because the site was so contaminated. Or perhaps the Spodden Valley, which was earmarked for development by the council despite being contaminated by thousands of tonnes of asbestos.”

“The ad stipulates that 'the appointee will promote high standards of performance and conduct'. Should be a breeze at a council where the leader, Alan (sic) Brett, has been successfully prosecuted for assault. Brett sits on Rochdale’s planning committee and also works as a 'planning consultant' for developers in adjoining boroughs. That must be what they mean by 'the best of both worlds'.”

Councillor Brett responded by saying: "We at the Labour Party stick to policies rather than digging dirt. The assault happened over 15 years ago and it's common knowledge. If I wanted to dig dirt on someone I could, and I'm not sure many people read Private Eye anyway."