Rochdale is considering working jointly with other councils as it attempts to save £51m over the next two years.

The local authority is currently debating various options but has pledged to protect frontline services and avoid raising council tax.

Proposals on the table include more effective commissioning, ‘new ways’ of providing some services and better use of assets, according to council leader Richard Farnell.

‘We have looked right across the organisation at all our operations,’ he said.

‘By innovating and making savings we are also considering a proposal to freeze council tax, which will be subject to final decision making, but I hope will be welcome news for residents in this difficult climate.

‘No final decisions have been made, so I urge residents to read the details of the proposals that affect services they use and give us their views during the two months of consultation on the proposals or any other ideas they have to address this challenge.’

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