Meeting to run rule over budget - including 3pc council tax hike in Rochdale - abandoned as not enough councillors turned up

A meeting to run the rule over budget proposals for the next financial year - including a 3pc hike in council tax - had to be abandoned as not enough councillors turned up.

Rochdale council’s corporate overview and scrutiny committee was due to examine a 16-item agenda on Tuesday night, with the focus very much on spending, revenue and investment.

However only three councillors made the Number One Riverside meeting - chair Coun Michael Holly and Coun Stephen Anstee of the Conservatives, and Labour vice-chair Coun Shaun O’Neill.

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At least five councillors have to attend the meeting for it to be deemed ‘quorate’ and for proceedings to go ahead.

While some had sent apologies in advance, other members of the cross-party panel were recorded as ‘absent’.

After allowing an extra 15 minutes for further members to join, the meeting was abandoned - leaving Coun Holly to offer his profuse apologies to council officers who were there to present their reports.

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He said: “We are not quorate, which I find hugely disappointing.

“As far as I’m aware, this is the first time I have ever been in this situation with Rochdale - certainly for the budget.”

However, he praised cofficers for 'working