On Air Now

After Hours

Midnight - 2:00am

Now Playing

George Michael

I Can't Make You Love Me

Listen Live Watch

Reform UK councillors in Rochdale reject increase in council allowances

Friday, 31 July 2026 17:37

By David Murphy

Cllr John Taylor at Council in July. Credit: Rochdale Council Webstream

Reform UK's councillor group on Rochdale Borough Council says all of its members have formally declined an increase in councillor allowances approved earlier this month.

The group said each of its councillors has notified the council that they will not accept the additional payment.

The decision follows a meeting of Rochdale Borough Council on 16 July, where councillors voted on proposals to increase members' allowances.

According to Reform UK, Labour councillors present at the meeting voted in favour of the increase, while Reform UK councillors voted against the proposal. The party said councillors from other political groups either voted against the measure or abstained.

Reform UK said each of its councillors has since written to the council's governance team to formally opt out of receiving the increased allowance.

Group leader Councillor John Taylor said, "Hard working families across Rochdale are having to make tough financial decisions every single day. The idea that local politicians should push through an increase in their own allowances, as Labour did at the full council meeting on 16 July, is completely out of touch with reality. We were elected to serve our community, not to line our own pockets.

"Reform UK voted against this increase in the chamber, and every single member of our group has now formally instructed council governance that we will refuse to take a single extra penny. We urge councillors from other parties to do the right thing and follow our lead."

The Reform UK group said it believes council resources should be prioritised for frontline public services and described its decision as part of its commitment to financial responsibility.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Tuesday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Music Mix

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Roch Valley Radio is with you 24/7 with our great mix of music!

  • Phil Salter's Tuesday Lunchtime Jukebox

    11:00am - 2:00pm

    here every Tuesday for 3 hours of classic tunes from the last 6 decades - it’s all random on the Jukebox and you can join in too.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.