Council tax will increase by almost four per cent for Rochdale householders, the second highest rise in Greater Manchester.
The level of council tax increase was set at 3.6 per cent at a special budget meeting on Wednesday.
But this will increase to almost 3.96 per cent when taking into account the Greater Manchester Fire Authority's demand of a 3.5 per cent increase and 7.5 per cent by police.
Band D householders will now face council tax bills of £1,482.88 a year, up from £1,426 last year.
Rochdale Council meeting - as it happened
The decision by the ruling Liberal Democrats to increase tax to twice the national average and the second highest amount in Greater Manchester, behind Bury, was slammed by opposition councillors.
Conservative Group leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who called for an alternative 2.9 per cent rise in council tax, said: "Does Councillor Couzens believe that the council tax increase is historically low?
"Historically low to me is lower than the rate of inflation.
"The only time I can remember a reduction was when the council was Conservative led.
"To hear that Rochdale is the or probably one of the highest in the country is very disappointing indeed."
Defending the rise, Lib Dem finance portfolio holder Councillor Greg Couzens said: "The level of increase is still the lowest in the last 15 years."
He said other local authorities were setting a lower council tax increase as an election stunt.
But this comment was slammed by Conservative councillor Ann Metcalfe as 'incorrect and arrogant.'
Council leader Councillor Irene Davidson said: "Thank you to everybody who has put up with my nerves and temper seeing as I have only just taken over six weeks ago. We do our best and I think this budget will help the people of Rochdale to get the services they expect and require."
Showing 1 to 16 of 16 comments | View All
Mick Martin (26/02/2010 at 16:52)
The Bury Times reports "Council tax bills for householders in the borough will rise by 3.75 per cent."
The Rochdale Observer reports above "almost 3.96 per cent" increase.
Therefore, is Rochdale not 0.21% higher than Bury?
So Rochdale is the highest then in Greater Manchester then?
Harrysmate, Rochdale (26/02/2010 at 17:15)
A large Council recycle vehicle was parked behind our property 2 weeks ago. All the crew were sat eating sandwiches purchased from a local shop. I asked them could they empty our bins. 'You're not on our round' was the reply. Presumably we're OK to hide behind whilst skiving, but don't qualify for the 'service' they should be providing.
I've reported a large hole in the footpath THREE times since last October. What has been done about it?? Nothing - it's just got bigger. When someone injures themselves, I will gladly be a witness.
Twice since Christmas, I have reported a faulty Pelican crossing, where a bulb is broken, causing confusion as to when to cross. It was still defective this morning when I took my child to school. I hope we don't have to wait for an inquest before we get it repaired !!
The service provided by this Council is largely abysmal. Until you start to address the basics, the population of this Borough will continue to get ripped off, both with the increase in council tax, and in the service this inept Council provides.
bony Tony, rochdale (26/02/2010 at 17:45)
The biggest insult is they are told what to do and say by officers and private "partner" companies.
A classic case of incompetance promoted beyond their paygrades.
Henry Kelly, Ireland (26/02/2010 at 17:50)
keith garlick (27/02/2010 at 00:47)
EppyAndy, Rochdale (27/02/2010 at 01:46)
Utterly pathetic. With reagrds to other councils having a lower for an "Election Stunt".
Bury's is lower and are Conservative lead. You normally get election stunts from the present party not the opposition.
People of Rochdale, vote these numpties out
Noel Kelly (27/02/2010 at 12:20)
Shytorque, Heywood (27/02/2010 at 16:43)
We need to Cull the numbers on the Council payroll to start with .Too many hangers on costing us a fortune ,with little productivity .
Gold Plated pensions taking approx 25% ,yes 25% of our yearly Tax to pay for these slackers .
We should be getting a reduction after the disgraceful way they left us when the snow fell .When are they repairing the roads ?????
The sooner I can get myself out of this Country the better .
Rochdale Council you should hang your head in shame .
I wonder how much of this will go to pay for the refugees and immigrants they are pouring into the borough .I believe they recently did a compulsory purchase of peoples houses and businesses to build new flats and houses to fill with these people with .!!!!!
You have long since forgotten the people who made this country what it is .And have bled the hardworking people to the bone .You will soon be left with a town full of people who give nothing and take everything .
Nothing to do with colour ,creed or religion ,just one person who is sick to the back teeth of paying more and more ,for less and less in return .
I will shut the door when I leave .
Good Luck .!!!!!!!
Kevin Hutchinson (27/02/2010 at 23:34)
sonofa tool (28/02/2010 at 13:54)
Henry Kelly, Ireland (01/03/2010 at 01:15)
Harrysmate, Rochdale (01/03/2010 at 11:29)
NordenBloke, Norden (01/03/2010 at 15:54)
gatesofheaven (07/03/2010 at 23:02)
Noel Kelly (09/03/2010 at 10:00)
cheapside resident, middleton (12/03/2010 at 23:39)
However ,big problem now is that the ammount of households who pay FULL council tax is now a MINORITY .So will the majority who do not pay FULL council tax ,join the minority who do and then rebel?I doubt it but ,hey people I hope you can prove me wrong....