Council leader's roundup for June

Councillor Richard Farnell, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council

What was all the fuss about?

Well, hands up anyone who correctly predicted the results of the general election? Everyone seemed convinced May and her Tory pals would romp home.

Like you, I was staring at the TV in disbelief as the results rolled in and it became obvious there had been a political sea change.

Voters were telling us loud and clear: we’ve had enough of austerity, we’re voting for change and a more positive way of governing.

Jeremy Corbyn had a very successful campaign. What was more important was that Labour was united throughout the campaign. We must work hard to maintain that unity and working together - both nationally and locally - if we are to build on our success.

Congratulations to Liz McInnes and Tony Lloyd in both securing impressive victories. We now have a united team of our Labour MPs and the Labour Council working together to improve the lives of all our residents.

Record turnout

The increase in turnout on Thursday 8 June in the Rochdale, and Heywood and Middleton constituencies, were the biggest in Greater Manchester.

Back to the day job

Now the election is out of the way (for the time being at least) we can get on with the every day job of running council services as best we can under the continued enforced austerity.

As I’ve already explained that means fighting whichever government is running the country for a greater share for our borough.

Rochdale Borough Council has been pretty good at attracting extra funding, but we can’t rest on our laurels. We must continue to explore every avenue we can to find the money needed to provide essential services for Rochdale borough’s public.

Talking of day jobs

I’ve taken up a new Greater Manchester Combined Authority role with responsibility for Digital City Region.

I look forward to catching up with the new Greater Manchester Mayor soon to discuss the role and what it can deliver for the county.

Delivering our manifesto promises

I took time out to see the first of our 40 new micro-business units under construction. More of our promises being delivered.

Thanks to Councillor Daniel Meredith, Assistant to Cabinet Member for Business Skills and Employment, and Tony Lloyd MP for joining me at the event.

Read the story here:

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/110851/new-business-units-set-to-be-completed

Grenfell fire

Following the horrendous fire in Kensington I called on Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to carry out extra fire safety checks on the College Bank flats.

Hopwood Hall College has carried out similar checks on the cladding on the Rochdale campus building and declared it safe.

The Council is taking independent advice on the cladding of terraced homes we have installed to improve insulation of the properties.

I have, on behalf of the council, expressed our sorrow and sympathy to the relatives of the victims of the disaster.

I have also asked the Chief Executive to review our disaster emergency plans to ensure we would be able to cope should, God forbid, a similar event occur here.

Queen’s Speech left me speechless

See below a link to my statement on the Queen's Speech.

The Queen's Speech left me speechless, it offered very little for Rochdale in tackling the funding crisis facing adult care, improving job and training prospects for young people or tackling the housing crisis, and pretty much everything else.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/110800/council-leaders-reaction-to-the-queens-speech

Co-operative fortnight

We're in the middle of Co-operative fortnight, with Rochdale, as the birthplace of the Co-op, taking centre stage. There are several events taking place. Good to see Labour councillors and Tony Lloyd MP at the raising of the Co-operative flag.

Talking of flags

It was good to see so many members present at the raising of the flag to commemorate Armed Forces Day. With all the dangers throughout the world and at home today we need our armed forces as never before.

Tasty rates

Rochdale Borough Council has collected 400 tonnes more food waste this year - up by a tasty 30%.

Well done Sultan

Congratulations to Councillor Sultan Ali on his recent appointment to the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel. I’m sure he will flourish in his new role and do the borough proud.

Here comes the sun - apparently

I just wanted to remind people that the spectacular floral displays that blossomed across the borough are set to return this year.

The borough is once again gearing up for the annual, national Britain In Bloom competition. Bettering last year, where we got gold, will be difficult to achieve, but if anyone can, we can.

Recycling breaking all records

Read my article on the great progress we are making on recycling. We are steadily climbing up the recycling league table.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/110783/council-leader-encouraging-recycling