Latest on council budget savings

Rochdale Borough Council has pledged its commitment to protecting frontline services as it looks to save £51million over the next two financial years – (2015/16 and 2016/17). 

The proposals were considered by councillors this week mainly in response to reductions in central Government funding and increased demand for council services. 

Council Leader Richard Farnell said:

“Making further savings on this scale presents a massive challenge, but we are doing all we can to protect the front line services residents depend on.  We are considering new ways of providing some of our services, smarter ways of working, more effective ways of commissioning, joint working with other councils and better use of our assets so we can deliver services at a lower cost. We have looked right across the organisation at all our operations.  By innovating and making savings we are also considering a proposal to freeze council tax, which will be subject to final decision making, but I hope will be welcome news for residents in this difficult climate.”

The proposals form part of the council’s overall funding strategy for 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2017 which addresses an overall £51m savings requirement.

Councillor Farnell is also encouraging everyone to have their say on the proposals before decisions are taken:

“No final decisions have been made, so I urge residents to read the details of the proposals that affect services they use and give us their views during the two months of consultation on the proposals or any other ideas they have to address this challenge.”

The proposals will be uploaded onto the council website for the start of the consultation, which begins at 9am on 8 September 2014. To view and submit your comments online visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/yourviews or send them by email to consultation@rochdale.gov.uk