The Cabinet of Rochdale Council met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss various significant issues, including the Ofsted Task and Finish Group report, the need for school places, the commencement of the Rochdale Local Plan update, and the renewal of the town centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Key decisions were made on the creation of a permanent Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, the reduction of admission numbers at certain primary schools, and the commencement of public consultations for the Local Plan and PSPO.

Ofsted Task and Finish Group Report

The Cabinet reviewed the findings of the Ofsted Task and Finish Group, which was established to investigate Rochdale’s Children’s Services following an Ofsted inspection in January 2023 that rated the service as requires improvement to be good. This rating was consistent with the previous inspection in 2018. The report highlighted the challenges faced, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the national shortage of social workers. The group made five recommendations to ensure continuous improvement, including regular updates to the Health, Schools and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the implementation of the 'Hertfordshire model' of social work practice. The Cabinet resolved to note the report and its recommendations.

Need for School Places

The Cabinet approved the creation of a permanent SEN resourced provision at Boarshaw Community Primary School, providing 12 additional places for children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs. Additionally, the Cabinet agreed to reduce the Published Admission Numbers at Harwood Park Primary School and Stanfield Hall Church of England / Methodist Church Primary School. These decisions were made to ensure the sufficiency of school places and to maintain financial viability through appropriate pupil funding allocations.

Rochdale Local Plan: Commencement and Regulation 18 Initial Consultation

The Cabinet agreed to commence the update of the Rochdale Local Plan through a Regulation 18 initial public consultation. This process will inform stakeholders that a new Local Plan is being produced and will include consultation on the Integrated Assessment Scoping Report. The update aims to ensure sustainable development in Rochdale, providing certainty for developers, investors, and the community. Delegated authority was given to the Director of Economy and Place to make necessary changes to the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement and Local Development Scheme.

Town Centre Public Space Protection Order Renewal

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a public consultation on the renewal of the town centre PSPO, which aims to address anti-social behaviour. The proposed PSPO will prohibit activities such as driving or using a car in an antisocial manner, obstructing the highway, begging in a way that causes intimidation, and using bicycles or scooters in a manner that causes nuisance. The current PSPO, which includes a prohibition on street drinking, is set to expire in July 2024. The new PSPO will align with the boroughwide PSPO currently under consultation, which also prohibits street drinking.

Other Decisions

• 2023/24 Outturn Finance Report: The Cabinet noted the Council’s financial position at the end of March 2024, including significant pressures in Adult Social Care and Children’s Services. Recovery plans are being progressed to address these overspends.
• HR & Payroll System Contract Renewal: The Cabinet approved the award of the HR and Payroll System contract to Midland HR Ltd (MHR) through the Greater Manchester Framework for an initial period of five years, with options for extensions.
• Supply of Liquid Fuels: The Cabinet agreed to commence the procurement process for the supply of liquid fuels for Environmental Management’s fleet, ensuring the continuation of essential services.
• Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services Contract: The Cabinet approved the procurement of a new contract for water, wastewater, and ancillary services through the YPO ESPO West Mercia Energy 1181 framework.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.