Praise and criticism for Lib Dems

Councillor Irene Davidson

Councillor Irene Davidson, the new leader of Rochdale Borough Council had her praises sung by both Labour and Conservative opposition leaders at tonight’s full council meeting.

However, Finance Portfolio holder Councillor Greg Couzens found himself heavily criticised for being less than open about the Audit Commission’s report on the Council finance department.

Councillor Davidson has jetisoned previous leader Councillor Alan Taylor’s insistence on non co-operation with other parties, prompting Councillor Colin Lambert to declare: “the days of spin are over.” Conservative leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley thanked Councillor Davidson and looked forward to a “more productive” working relationship.

In his report to the Council, Councillor Couzens chose to highlight the level 3 score the Council achieved for managing finances. What Councillor Couzens omitted from his report was that the Council was assessed in three areas, not just one, and fell short in the other two areas, value for money and use of resources, scoring just the minimum acceptable level, a score of 2.

Conservative Councillor Michael Holly said Councillor Couzens should be “more open” and be truthful about the bad news as well as the good news.

Councillor Couzens was less than convincing in response saying: “I can’t win, you complain if the report is too long winded but then complain if there is not enough detail” – even Councillor Couzens didn’t sound convinced by his own defence, and there were audible groans in the Council chamber, from councillors and the public in the gallery.