Council leader says no council tax increase next April

Councillor Richard Farnell

Councillor Richard Farnell has said there will be no council tax increase next April despite the huge £50M cut in spending the Council has to implement over the next two years.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Councillor Farnell said: "We are mindful that lots of people in the borough are struggling financially, some have lost their jobs, others have had wages cut and the cost of essential bills has increased considerably and so it is right that the Council should consider the impact of council tax on household budgets."

Councillor Farnell said implementing the spending cuts will be very tough and undoubtedly impact on services, but he is determined to protect front line services such as sweeping the streets, emptying bins, looking after the vulnerable - the young, old and infirm - and schools, to ensure our children get the best possible education.

He said: "There will have to be cuts to essential services but we are examining line-by-line council spending and will cut out waste, needless beauracracy and pet projects first."

The £50M equates to a quarter of the council's spending and with no increase in council tax means the council will in effect have to cut a further £1.5M from its spending.

Councillor Farnell added: "We are the first council in the country to announce our budget strategy and we have done so having listened carefully to the public.

"The days of automatic council tax rises are gone."