New styles of service delivery suggested

Councillor Colin Lambert

Rochdale Borough Council has passed a motion that could see them using Mutual Societies, Co-operative models and Social Enterprise models to deliver services in the future.

The motion put forward by the Leader of the Labour Party, Councillor Colin Lambert, suggests that as part of the efficiencies programme the Council investigates setting up Mutual Societies, co operative models and Social Enterprise models which can deliver services in the future, and that savings produced are used to reduce the council spend whilst continuing to deliver front line services.

Councillor Lambert said: “This ConDem coalition Party which is running Rochdale Council is fully embracing the Tory-LibDem Government cuts agenda. They are focusing on cutting the old style services without any thought for investment, innovation or progressive plans.

“We need to talk directly with the workers and the service users and deliver a model of services for the future and that debate needs to begin now and not be held back by a short sighted cuts agenda.

“I propose an open debate with all service users and the workforce who provide the service, so that we can plan properly to provide the services people want and keep the service local.

“There must be less focus on keeping a management structure and more focus on keeping a local workforce. Local people want to know who is providing the care for our elderly and vulnerable, they want to know who is looking after our children and young people. Local people want to retain control over the services the council provide. There must now be a greater move to local devolvement and services directly controlled and commissioned by the townships and the local community.”

Councillor Lambert referred to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) as an example of this style being worked on.

“I am not asking for a commitment tonight because we need expert advice and information to make an informed choice.

“I have faith in our managers to do the job I and the Labour group want them to do, and that is why we are asking them to head up this investigation into new models rather than a pure balance sheet approach.”

Councillor Neil Emmott seconded the motion saying: “Rochdale has a great tradition of thinking outside the box; this is where the Co-op was born. Let's continue the idea of innovation and let the pioneers live on.”

The Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Irene Davidson described the motion as “spot on”.

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Councillor Ashley Dearnley added:  “Let's hope Rochdale can lead the way.”