Council face cuts of £50million

Rochdale Borough Council is developing plans to save £50million in the next financial year.

Over the last few months the council has been reviewing its operations, looking at where the organisation can change, and initial ideas are now being discussed. Options will be considered by councillors prior to staff consultation in August.

Based on current government information, the council estimate they will need to save £50 million in the next financial year (April 2011- March 2012).

 “Our first priority is good and regular communication with all our staff, so they know what is happening and are fully supported,” said Chief Executive Roger Ellis.

“We are asking staff for their ideas on how we can improve our services for residents and save money, and we have already had a lot of positive feedback.”

Chief Executive Roger Ellis continued: “We have already started making some of these savings, which represent a reduction to our budget of approximately 17%. Having to make further savings in the middle of the financial year when we have already made commitments, set budgets and agreed priorities is going to require a great deal of flexibility. It’s a big challenge.”

“We are looking at ways to make our services more efficient, avoid duplication and stop delivering some work, but unfortunately it is inevitable that there will be a significant reduction in jobs.

“We will only know how many jobs could be at risk once the options have been approved by cabinet.”

“We plan to tackle the £50 million savings in two phases. The first will be discussed with staff and Trade Unions in August, with the second phase set to begin in late Autumn.

“We are determined to fully support all our staff through these very challenging times,”added Mr Ellis.