Council aims for huge savings

Rochdale Council aims to save £100 million over the next five years, it has announced today (Monday 29 June.)

The council is to begin a review of all services to find efficiencies and save money.

The programme will include a review of how council departments can work better together and also introduce a new senior management structure to cut costs.

The requirements of local residents and businesses will be at the heart of the programme as the council aims to provide an improved customer experience and greater value for money.

Pam Smith, Rochdale Council’s Executive Director for Transformation said: “The current economic climate means all councils have to find ways to provide the same services for less money.

“Our customers and the service that they receive will continue to be our number one priority, the major changes that take place will be about the way the council works and is structured.

“Those changes should also lead to better services and outcomes for local people.”

Senior managers will be working together with all staff across the council to share ideas and come up with actions the authority can take to become more efficient. An all-party group of councillors has also been set up to oversee the efficiency programme.

Councillor Alan Taylor, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “This isn’t something completely new, we’ve been delivering efficiencies year-on-year already and we’re always looking at ways to save money and cut waste.

“The recession and the financial risks we’re facing mean if we don’t act now then there’s a danger that the services we provide to the public could be adversely affected in future.”