Rochdale Council meeting as it happened

Wednesday 15 July

A public question has been submitted to the council in relation to the proposed new general waste collection service.

Councillor Beswick states that there are 23,000 households who do not currently have a blue bin and are therefore not recycling paper. If this were to happen, the recycling rate would rise to 25% and she adds that she supports the plans for the new waste collection services.

Amendments to the council constitution are agreed.

The Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 came into effect on 11 May 2015 and requires Councils to modify their Standing Orders/Procedure Rules to implement the regulations no later than the first ordinary meeting of the council after 11 May 2015.

The Corporate Plan for 2015-16 is next.

The report is seeking approval and adoption of the recommendation of the cabinet arising from the meeting held on 29 June 2015, in respect to the refreshed Corporate Plan for 2015-16 as part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework.

Councillors agree the plan.

Member’s quarterly reports are next.

A report by Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell is first. His report discusses Kingsway Business Park, the regeneration of Rochdale Town Centre, Middleton Town Centre, Hareshill Business Park and future plans for the borough.

Councillor Peter Williams, the Portfolio Holder for Business, Skills, Employment and Public Service Reform presents his report next.

Councillor Allen Brett, the Portfolio Holder for Finance presents his report next.

The Budget Fixing Council has set a balanced budget for 2015/2016 and this was set on 24 February 2015. The council has already made £136m of ongoing savings up to and including 2015/2016 agreed £7m of savings for 2016/2017. The remaining savings requirements for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 will require some difficult decisions to be made.

Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Councillor Iftikar Ahmed presents his report next.

Through joint work with the NHS and the Better Care Fund, there has been a reduction in hospital emergency admissions.

Figures also show that fewer people have been admitted to residential care than ever before.

Councillor Donna Martin, the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services is next.

Councillor Martin states that an improvement notice has been lifted from Rochdale Council and this shows the progress made in Rochdale. Councillor Sullivan praises the work of staff and Councillor Martin undertaken to have the notice removed.

Councillor Martin also recognised the success of businesses across the borough at this year’s Skills for Business Awards, as well as the work of young people, schools improvements and the Youth Service.

The report for Culture, Health and Wellbeing is next.

Councillor Janet Emsley has been confirmed as the Chairwoman of the Rochdale Borough Health Being Board. Dr Chris Duffy, Chairman of the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group has been appointed as Vice Chairman.

Councillor Kelly wants to see more leisure activities provided in the Pennines Township and in Milnrow and Newhey.

Councillor Jane Gartside praises the work of Rochdale Council for the events held to celebrate the Magna Carta anniversary and marking the Gallipoli campaign.

Councillor Daalat Ali, the Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood and Communities presents his report next.

Councillor Neil Emmott presents his report for Corporate and Regulation next.

Councillor O’Rourke is pleased to hear that a polling station review is being undertaken early.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Environment presents her report next. The report discusses the new waste and recycling collection services, Denehurst Park Cemetery, highways design and construction and affordable housing.

Councillor Neil Emmott states that he is supportive of the new waste collection plans as they include weekly food waste collections, whereas in 2007 the fortnightly collection plans did not include this.

Councillor Beswick states that no decision has been made on waste collection services as it is still out for consultation.

Councillor Dearnley would like to see the council come up with a scheme that would benefit Rochdale.

The Chairperson of each Township gives a report about their township.

Heywood Township is currently looking for a new site for their community bonfire after the loss of the Cherwell Avenue site.

Councillor O’Rourke praises the Heywood 1940s event and describes it as an event the whole borough can be proud of.

Councillor Shaun O’Neill states that he believes the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre entrance will bring in more footfall to the centre.

Meeting ended.