Coun Emmott: Last News

The leader of Rochdale council has urged the government to ensure every area of the country is taking in its fair share of asylum seekers, claiming the current policy ‘continues to disproportionately affect' the borough. Councillor Neil Emmott’s angry letter to the home secretary comes after migrants were recently moved into hotels in the borough against the council’s wishes.

The Metrolink could soon come to Middleton and Heywood if the latest plans from transport bosses come to fruition in proposals that have been hailed as 'vital'.

The operators of a landfill with a ‘stunning stench’ should be stripped of their licence, according to a council leader.

A dad-of-two from Rochdale has reportedly been shot dead in Pakistan after travelling to the country to 'surprise his family.'

Rochdale council has passed its annual budget unopposed for the first time in nearly 50 years - including plans for a 2pc council tax rebate to all households. Labour’s proposals were unanimously approved by members, with none of the three opposition parties tabling an alternative budget or amendments.The financial plan for the next 12 months will see council tax bills rise by 4.99pc - including 2pc ring fenced for adult social care - rising to 5.15pc with Andy Burham’s mayoral precepts. It means the average 'Band D' household’s bill will rise by around £9 more per month from April.However, to cushion the blow somewhat, every home will automatically receive a 2pc rebate regardless of which council tax band it is in. This will be funded by reserves. An extra £500k has also been put aside for targeted support to help the poorest households in the borough ‘weather the storm of the cost of living crisis’.READ MORE: Council smash huge £65m-a-year crime network after being led to single Manchester trader

A huge criminal counterfeit goods operation 'worth up to £65m a year' has been smashed. Investigations by Rochdale council trading standards led to the discovery of a trader at the heart of a huge distribution network of counterfeit goods across the UK.

Three new railway stations have been mooted for Rochdale in a bid to improve the borough's links with Manchester and the wider city region. While residents can hop on a train in Rochdale and be in the city centre within 15 minutes, there are concerns other parts of the borough are less well served.