Your voice matters, says council leader

Councillor Richard Farnell

Rochdale Council leader Richard Farnell is asking for the public’s views as the council grapples with £51million of government cuts.

Councillor Farnell has set out his “five principles” in dealing with the financial cutbacks.

They are: 

• Protect essential front line services as far possible.
• Cuts start at the top and not the bottom.
• Freeze the Council Tax and keep it as low as possible.
• Eliminate waste and unnecessary spending.
• Listen carefully to the public we serve and to make sure your priorities are our priorities. 

And in a move dubbed as “listen to the people” Councillor Farnell is asking residents to email him to tell him what you think are the most important services. Councillor Farnell has pledged to listen carefully to ideas council taxpayers have to cut out waste and reduce spending.

Councillor Farnell told Rochdale Online: “The council is grappling with millions of pounds cuts imposed on Rochdale by central government. The whole purpose of government grants is to help those councils who face the biggest demand on their services, yet this government has imposed some of the biggest cuts in grants on Rochdale – while well off areas in the south of England have seen their support increase. There can be no justification for this. These cuts are hugely damaging and unfair.

“Rochdale has some of the greatest needs of any council area in the country but unfair government cuts mean essential services to the vulnerable, disabled, elderly and children are suffering. We are facing a further £51m cuts and we cannot cut such a huge amount without affecting vital services. Government cuts are grossly unfair and painful for the people of Rochdale who desperately rely on our services.

“Your Labour council is currently tackling this huge reduction in government support. I have set out five clear priorities.

“I would like to know what you think are the most important services, and to listen carefully to ideas you may have to cut out waste and reduce spending. Please email me at leader@rochdale.gov.uk

“Your views will be carefully considered as the council grapples with making some really difficult and painful decisions.”