Residents to have their say on council budget savings

Residents are being asked to have their say as Rochdale Borough Council launches a public consultation on its latest 2015/16 and 2016/17 budget proposals.

The council has pledged its commitment to protecting frontline services as it looks to save £51million over the next two financial years. Consultation opened this week on proposals which will contribute towards the saving.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said finding a further £51 million savings over the next two years means the council will need to do things differently:

“We are doing all we can to protect the frontline services residents depend on. It is vital that interested residents and groups let us have their views. These proposals outline how the council could increase income, create savings and improve efficiency, but we want your views too. I want to ensure we maximise efficiencies and generate extra income so we can continue to deliver the services that mean most to residents, businesses and other organisations in the borough. 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, this will be subject to final decision making, but I hope will be welcome news for residents.”

The proposals form part of the council’s overall funding policies starting next April until March 2017 which deal with a total of £51m savings required.

Councillor Farnell is encouraging everyone to have their say:

“I urge residents to read the details of the proposals and send us their views which will enable us to have an up-to-date picture of people’s priorities, aspirations and views before any decisions are made.”

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

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