The Rochdale South Township Committee meeting on 11 June 2024 covered several key issues, including the ongoing recovery efforts by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), the need for primary and secondary school places, and a review of the Township's area forums. Decisions were made on the alignment of Township plans with the Council Plan and the structure of area forums.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

The committee received a presentation from the Director of Property Services at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), detailing the organisation's current leadership structure, recovery plan, and voluntary undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing. The recovery plan focuses on five themes: Governance, Home, Tenant Involvement and Empowerment, Rebuilding Trust, and Lessons Learnt.

Members were informed that 78% of the recovery plan had been completed, including the establishment of a damp and mould taskforce. It was reported that 25% of RBH homes currently had evidence of damp and mould, and additional funding had been secured to address these issues. The committee raised concerns about the ongoing problems with damp and mould and the need for better communication with councillors regarding local drop-in sessions.

Need for Primary and Secondary School Places

The committee considered a report on the Need for Primary School Places 2024 – 2027 and Secondary School Places 2024 – 2028. The council has a statutory duty to provide education and school places for all school-aged children in the borough. Members raised concerns about the availability of school places in the Central Rochdale and Deeplish areas and the alignment of schools with Township boundaries. The committee expressed disappointment at the shortfall of secondary places and the delay in the Department for Education's decision regarding the construction of a new secondary school in Rochdale.

Townships Plan

The committee discussed the Townships Plan in relation to the Council Plan 2028, which outlines the council's values and priorities. It was agreed that the Townships Plan should align with the Council Plan, and no separate Townships Plan would be required. The Council Plan focuses on the values of being Proud, Passionate, and Pioneering, with priorities of People, Places, Planet, and Performance.

Review of Rochdale North and Rochdale South Townships Area Forums

The committee reviewed the Rochdale North and Rochdale South Townships Area Forums and considered whether they continued to be fit for purpose. Members raised concerns about the behaviour of some residents at meetings and the intimidation of staff. It was suggested that the number of ward forums could be reduced or held as needed. The committee decided not to accept the recommendations of the report but acknowledged the need to review the structure of area forums to ensure they deliver value for money and community benefits.

Open Forum

During the open forum, Mr. A. Davies raised concerns about the lack of parking for non-commuters at Rochdale Train Station. The chair noted that there was no officer from Highways present and requested a written response to the question from the Highways department.

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