Redundancies will be kept to a minimum, says Council Leader

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, has said there will be redundancies as the Council tries to save £65m - but they will be kept to a “minimum.”

The Council is preparing to make final decisions on the second phase of efficiency proposals following a three month public consultation.

A summary of proposals recommending a wide range of savings has been drawn up following feedback from residents, staff and trade unions.

Staff affected by this latest stage of saving plans are due to be briefed in the next few days on the recommendations.

Councillor Lambert said: “Unfortunately, there will be some redundancies but because of careful planning and preparation we will keep these to a minimum.

"We do have to make major savings but we are trying to do this in a way that protects front-line services, protects the public and at the same time gives value for money for local residents who depend on our services.

"This is a most difficult exercise and the council are about to make some very hard choices.”

The recommendations will soon be available to view on the council’s website www.rochdale.gov.uk/yourviews in the local library or council customer service centre.

Decisions will be made during a cabinet meeting on 10 February before being announced at a budget setting council meeting on 23 February.

Due to a need to make further £10m to £15m of savings, in addition to the £50m already planned following recent government funding reductions, the council will shortly be announcing a third phase of savings proposals.

A three month consultation on this next stage of council savings is due to begin on 1 March.