Decision Maker: Pennines Township Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 4, 2025

Purpose: Members to be updated on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2025/26 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.

Content:  The Township Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health and Communities, which sought to update on revenue and capital expenditure, commitments and balances of Pennines Township Funds 2025/26 and enable the allocation of funds to proposed projects.   Councillor Emsley declared a personal ad prejudicial interest in reference to Appendix 4B -  Application for funding Ebor Studio Group, by virtue of her appointment as a patron of Ebor Studio.   During consideration of this application, Councillor Emsley left the meeting and did not take part to the discussion and vote.   The Head of Townships and Libraries was in attendance to present the information and to address the questions and the comments of the Township Committee.   Applicants for Township’s funding were in attendance to present their projects.   Resolved: 1.     That the expenditure, commitments and balances for Pennines Township revenue and capital funds in Appendix 1 and 2 to the report be noted; 2.     That the decisions made under delegated authority as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report be noted; 3.     That it be noted that the Head of Townships & Libraries has assessed the proposed projects to be considered for funding against the criteria of eligibility for the Pennines Township Fund, the priorities of Pennines Township and any specific risks have been identified (information detailed in Appendix 4); 4.     That The Head of Townships & Libraries, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Pennines Township Committee, be given delegated authority to make decisions on any deferred projects; 5.     That the allocation of funds to proposed projects detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be considered and approved, refused or deferred as below:   PF/07/25 Hollingworth Lake Community Hub £5,000.00 Approved   PF/10/25 Ebor Studio Billboard Project £ 777.50 Approved   PF/11/25 Carols Around the Tree - Wardle £9320.55 Approved in principle   £5,900 from Events Fund   £3,420.55 Ward Fund   PF/11/25 Approved in principle, on condition that further breakdown of costs is provided and agreed by the Head of Libraries and Townships in consultation with Chair & Vice-Chair of Pennines Township. Members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the cost implications of hosting events. The Committee requested that Officers explore the feasibility of the Council procuring a comprehensive insurance policy to cover all events held within the Township     PTC/03/25 Town House Road Footpath £16,200 Approved   PTC/09/25 Wardle St TRO £ 2,500 Approved   PTC/10/25 Whitehead St TRO £ 2,500 Approved   PTC/11/25 Butterworth Hall TRO £ 2,500 Approved   PTC/12/25 Caldershaw Rd Sign £15,000 Deferred - The Committee agreed that the application would be reconsidered at the next meeting, subject to the availability of funds. Members also noted that there were other locations where fatalities had occurred and which appeared to present a greater level of risk.   Reason for decision: As per Council’s Constitution, Management of the Pennines Township Fund had been delegated to the Pennines Township Committee. Pennines Township Funds were allocated to projects that benefit the Township’s community and environment, and realise Pennines Township priorities. To enable the Pennines Township Committee to monitor and review the use of the Pennines Township Funds to ensure continued efficient and effective use of the funds.   Alternatives considered and rejected: In considering the report, Members would decide whether or not to approve the allocation of funds to projects as appropriate. The alternative to the proposed recommendations would be for Members not to approve the allocation of funds to the projects presented. However, this would limit Rochdale Borough Council’s ability to support initiatives that align with Pennines Township’s priorities and benefit the local community. Members also had the option to defer decisions to request further information or revisions to proposals. Each project would be assessed against eligibility criteria to ensure that public funds are allocated effectively and transparently.