Rochdale Council details plans for devolution

Date published: 26/10/2006

The proposals drawn up to look at which services could be controlled locally under 'devolution' plans, and where local people could have a greater influence on decision making in other areas, have been outlined in a Council document.

The Council is already considered pioneering in its approach to democracy and the township committees currently enjoy a say in areas such as street services, highways and planning.

The new plans would see even more services controlled at a grass roots level, including:

• Parks
• Greater powers over highways and engineering 
• Community centres
• Leisure projects
• Libraries
• Increased say in development control
• Cemeteries and crematoria

Townships would also exert more influence over:

• Planning and regulation
• Partnerships and regeneration (including Rochdale Development Agency)
• Strategic housing
• Revenues and benefits
• Customer services (including Impact Partnership)
• Learners and young people (except community centres which would be wholly devolved)
• Refuse collection and recycling
• Adult care
• Child care
• Schools
• Leisure (via the Trust)
• Property (Impact Partnership)
• Council housing (via Rochdale Boroughwide Housing)

For each service, the degree and nature of influence of the townships would be different and for the system to work effectively, the townships would continue to enjoy strong links with the Council, working together to achieve overall targets. 

An incentive scheme is being considered which would mean that any township that exceeds it contribution towards Borough wide targets would receive additional funding, while those that under achieve could have funding reduced.  Township funds could also be increased if the overall financial position allows. 

In return for devolved powers, each Township would be expected to submit a medium term vision and plan to ensure decisions are taken coherently. 

"Town Halls" are also planned in each of the four Townships to give the public a focal point for access to joint public services. 

The move to consider further devolution comes after the recent appointment of cabinet member for Townships.  Councillor Keith Swift said: "It’s important that people have a say over what happens in their area and we are doing everything we can to make that vision a reality. The aim is for township committees to play a much stronger role in commissioning those services which are primarily local."
 
Further strengthening of devolution to a neighbourhood level will also be considered now the Government’s White Paper has been published:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/news.asp?ID=2342

Township chairs are now being consulted about the proposals and reports will go to the township committees in mid November before being agreed by Cabinet and going to full Council.