Still time to give your views on council budget savings

Residents across the borough have until 29 October to have their say on Rochdale Borough Council’s 2015/16 and 2016/17 budget proposals as the authority looks to make significant savings over the next two years. 

There are two weeks left of the public consultation, with the council pledging to do all it can to protect frontline services.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said the proposals outline how the council is looking to increase income, create savings and improve efficiency, but that he wants residents who haven’t yet had their say to do so:

“We still need to know what people want us to focus on and what they think of these budget plans.  The feedback on the proposals we have already had is really appreciated. It is vital that interested residents and groups let us have their views.  As ever we have to come up with sensible, smarter ways of working to balance the budget while making sure the impact on the most vital services is minimised.  We have identified efficiency savings of almost £20 million that will not affect front line services to the public. We are also considering a proposal to freeze council tax, subject to final decision making.”

The proposals form part of the council’s overall funding policies starting next April until March 2017, which deal with the savings required.

Proposals for services include savings by sharing services with neighbouring authorities, improving recycling and reorganising services for the elderly.

You can see the full list of proposals and take part in the consultation by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/savings or email your comments to consultation@rochdale.gov.uk

Alternatively, view the proposals and leave comments at your local library or any council customer service centre.

The closing date is 29 October 2014 at 5pm.  Responses and suggestions will be considered before decisions are made on the final budget for 2015/16.