Can I begin by congratulating Councillor Alan Taylor and his team of Liberal Democrat Councillors on a fantastic result in last weeks local elections. Throughout the campaign they focussed on the positive things they are doing to improve Rochdale rather than the negative tactics of our opponents. They now have two years to get on with the job!
Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pension's Minister and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has pressed under fire Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Parliament over jobs in Rochdale. Mr Rowen revealed figures that showed that Rochdale has lost 4,500 jobs in the last 7 years in mainly manufacturing. Paul was speaking after the Prime Minister revealed his proposals in a new Welfare Reform Bill.
Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has attacked Gordon Brown's plans to compensate low paid workers affected by the 10p income tax disaster. Over 3000* people in the Rochdale Borough will still be affected by the 10p tax debacle and the MP says that the Labour Government are lurching from 'one mess to another." In what has been described as a 'last throw of the dice' - the Chancellor Alastair Darling MP announced a £2.7bn tax cut. It is not clear where the Chancellor will find this money.
A campaign against a new import tax on mobility scooters for disabled and older people may have been given a lifeline by a Dutch court ruling.
I would like to thank everyone who voted in the Brentwood North Ward last week, which saw a turnout increase on last year, and to thank residents for placing their trust in me as their new councillor. I shall do my best to speak up for you in the chamber and on ward issues.
Sandgate residents are questioning the validity of the vote taken at the Sandgate Town Council AGM on Tuesday evening that saw Geoffrey Boot become elected as Sandgate Mayor.