Local approach hits target as Government score own goal

has shown why our dedicated Rochdale approach to tackling this pandemic has helped support thousands of people across our borough.

The difference between national government inaction and local government action has never been starker.

One of the proudest decisions I have taken was to step in and support the free school meals campaign.

My action helped to ensure thousands of young people across the borough were provided with nutritional meals during last month’s half-term holiday.

The government has form on free school meals, offering resistance during the coalition years in 2014 and failing again the other week; hardly the 2020 vision we were promised.

The government u-turn over the weekend, quietly sneaked out when many were watching Strictly Come Dancing, underlined why Marcus Rashford was right all along.

A united approach between the young Manchester striker and progressive councils like ours.

It’s not just on the football pitch where he gets results.

Many thanks to everyone for their positive comments about our fast action and providing funding for this important issue.

The campaign to get fair funding for businesses was another great example of our local approach to supporting communities.

Across Greater Manchester, leaders – of all political colours – were as one in calling for the government for fair funding to support businesses and furloughed workers.

It was about fighting for fairness, not picking a fight.

It showed northern councils will stand up for themselves and campaign for what is right and just.

Yes, my door is always open for conversations with government ministers and I am happy to make a case for Rochdale.

I want to work constructively to deliver investment for Rochdale, the Pennines, Heywood and Middleton.

Where I think something is wrong, unjust and uncalled for, I will step in, putting our borough and residents first.

We did that on free school meals, we did that on calling for more funding and we did that on calling for the extension of the infection control grant to support our care sector.

On two out of three of those the government did a u-turn; it would have been nice for all three to be changed, but two out of three ain’t bad.

Real Rochdale leadership on issues that matter to our residents.

Across the borough this week, people of all ages stopped to commemorate the fallen on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

It was a vivid reminder of the sacrifices of so many, to protect our values, liberty and freedom.

This year, alas, there were no parades or services but I was delighted thousands watched our special online video tribute.

It was a moving and poignant service.

Just as it did after those major conflicts, life will return to normal and the news of the vaccine breakthrough gives us hope. There is still much to do, as we prepare for a tough winter.

Now is not the time to ease our resolve, quite the opposite, so we must all continue to follow the guidance, helping to protect our hospitals, care homes and vulnerable people.

I cannot thank our residents enough for sticking to the rules around Covid-19 since March.

Finally, to end on a high, our local frontline care workers have shown incredible fortitude, resolve and commitment over the last few months.

We clapped them, we thanked them and now it’s time to reward their pay packets.

That’s why from the spring, care workers across the borough will move to the real living wage, something I am proud to have campaigned for and implemented as council leader.

Further news on this will be communicated across the care sector.

So in a week when we remembered, we can also begin to look to the future with renewed optimism.

In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and keep an eye out for friends and neighbours.

Brighter days await us.