Council executive pay off agenda

Councillor Colin Lambert

Rochdale Council has decided to defer recommending the Senior Management Report to tonight’s full council.

Councillor Colin Lambert, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council said: “The employment committee of the council has decided to defer recommending the Senior Management Report to tonight’s full council.

“They have decided that this report should go through further thorough and comprehensive examination.

“The committee will report its findings at a specially convened meeting of the council, where all aspects of management pay and grading can be considered.”

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has welcolmed Councillor Lambert's decision.

Mr Danczuk said: “I congratulate the Council leader on finally listening and responding to public anger. It is quite right that he’s realised this was the wrong thing to do.

"However, he needs to be clear that this is not a partial retreat, but a full climb down.

"Local government finances have changed dramatically in recent years and the days of bumper pay rises for senior officers are over.”

Speaking to Rochdale Online Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Conservative leader said: "Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have agreed that this issue be deferred.

"We need more information and clarity, plus we need to know more about the funding of the Police Commissioners Office before any further money is spent."