Rochdale council has passed its annual budget unopposed for the first time in nearly 50 years - including plans for a 2pc council tax rebate to all households. Labour’s proposals were unanimously approved by members, with none of the three opposition parties tabling an alternative budget or amendments.
The financial plan for the next 12 months will see council tax bills rise by 4.99pc - including 2pc ring fenced for adult social care - rising to 5.15pc with Andy Burham’s mayoral precepts. It means the average 'Band D' household’s bill will rise by around £9 more per month from April.
However, to cushion the blow somewhat, every home will automatically receive a 2pc rebate regardless of which council tax band it is in. This will be funded by reserves. An extra £500k has also been put aside for targeted support to help the poorest households in the borough ‘weather the storm of the cost of living crisis’.
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Council leader Neil Emmott hailed the ‘good, fair and robust’ budget, saying it would result in Rochdale residents having the lowest council tax rise in Greater Manchester and one of the lowest in the North West. In a slightly bizarre move, he also brandished his 25 yard swimming certificate from 1974 - one of the last issued by the Lancashire Education Committee before services were transferred to the newly formed Rochdale council.
“I’m not asking for a new certificate this evening,” said Coun Emmott, now aged 60. “But I am the first leader of this council in 49 years of its existence who has been able to come to our budget setting meeting without having to face an alternative budget from the opposition, or indeed any opposition amendments to my budget. Forty-nine years, Mr Mayor.”
