Richard Farnell challenged over Council banking
Local Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Andy Kelly has called on council leader Richard Farnell to explain why the Council has abandoned the Co-operative Bank and chosen Barclays. Councillor Kelly's challenge came in the week that Farnell was elected as national vice-chairman of the Co-operative Council's Innovation Network. Labour-run Manchester City Council, a Council with a much larger budget, has remained loyal to the Co-operative Bank. Councillor Kelly said: "Much is made of Rochdale being the birth of the 'Co-op movement'. I think residents will be alarmed that the Council has ended its relationship with the bank and gone with Barclays. This is especially surprising as Manchester City Council still banks with them. I'd like to know the reasoning behind the decision and whether it offers better value for money for the taxpayer. If the Council has a legitimate reason then Manchester City Council has questions to answer. Much has been made of the growing relationship with Greater Manchester authorities. N
