Heywood Township Committee Meeting as it happened

Monday 14 September

The open forum starts the meeting.

The issue of a pelican crossing on Middleton Road between Coronation Avenue is discussed. Local resident Amanda Cheetham wants to see a crossing put in place to following numerous accidents and the issue of safety for local children. Councillors agree that this is an issue and discuss a traffic survey being undertaken.

A presentation regarding ‘Meeting our Budget Challenge’ is next.

Rochdale Council has made an animation to explain the current budget challenge that the council is facing. Over the last five years, Rochdale Council has had to make savings of £143 million and have to make further savings of £37 million over the next two years.

The Savings Programme for 2016/2017 and 2017/2108 is next.

The purpose of the report to councillors is to inform them of the savings proposals for 2016/2107 and 2017/2018, which have service delivery implications, and to see comments as part of the public consultation process.

Consultation is to be undertaken with staff, local residents, council tax payers, stakeholder groups and, where appropriate, service users. It is proposed to have two groups of savings proposals where consultation is to be undertaken. Group one proposals commenced on 8 September and consultation with the public on group one proposals for changes to service delivery will finish on 23 October. Group two proposals will commence consultation on 24 November 2015.

Councillors note the report.

An Armed Forces update is next.

The report to councillors is to inform them of the work carried out in relation to the Armed Forces family since the Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in November 2012. The report also highlights the increase in the amount of support given to members of the Armed Forces family and the number of activities and high profile events that it has been possible to deliver since the recruitment of a full-time Armed Forces Support Officer.

Rochdale Borough is at the forefront of Armed Forces activities and events and have received both regional and national recognition. The Council was awarded a National Silver Award at the North West Armed Forces Business Awards in 2015. Work undertaken by the council is recognised as best practice by the Royal British Legion to the extent that examples of their work are featured in the Royal British Legion’s guide to the Armed Forces Community Covenant.

Councillors praise the work undertaken by the Armed Forces Support Officer.

Councillors note the report.

Meeting ended.