New year, new strategy?

As the sun sets on the financial year, a new one is about to begin, and many predict this year will be as controversial and challenging as ever.

Ahead of tonight’s Council Budget meeting, Rochdale’s Council Tax rise has been revealed – 3.7%, marketed by politicians as “the lowest in 11 years”.

But Rochdale’s council tax is rising above the national average of 3%, and is soaring 30 times above inflation, suggesting the decrease as not as “incredible” as some are suggesting.

Ex-mayor, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, has slammed Rochdale Borough Council as a “two star authority”, for not freezing council tax rates while the economic storm runs its course.

He said: “Society is changing so fast and more and more people are losing their jobs and drowning in debt.

“Pensioners are struggling because not enough is available to them.

The council is not being responsive enough to the needs of the local people and people are suffering more as a result”.

Labour councillor, Farooq Ahmed, also spoke of his views. He said: “Under the circumstances, any council tax rise is not a good thing. Inflation has gone right down to 0.1% for a reason, because people can not afford to pay any more.

“The council should look at more effective ways of making and saving money.”

Councillor Greg Couzens, portfolio holder for finance, said: “The Council Tax rise will rise by 3.7%, the lowest increase for eleven years.

“Remarkable considering the economic climate”.

Rochdale Borough Council Budget Meeting will take place tonight (Wednesday 25 February).