Are we set to share Charlie?

DUAL role? Oldham’s chief executive Charlie Parker

CHIEF executive Charlie Parker could be heading for a new dual role leading both Oldham and Rochdale councils.

Speculation linking Mr Parker with the neighbouring council is growing, and Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes confirmed that he has been approached by his counterpart at Rochdale Council to discuss the move.

The radical joint-CEO approach comes after it was revealed that Parker’s Rochdale counterpart, Roger Ellis, has applied for early retirement.

Councillor Sykes told the Chronicle today: “I have been approached by the leader of Rochdale Council to have some discussion about it, but we haven’t had that discussion yet. There is no more to tell.”

He would not discuss the matter further, but said that Rochdale had also approached other local authorities.

In December, Councillor Sykes warned that Government budget cuts meant that Oldham would have to become a slimmed-down council, commissioning more services from the private and voluntary sector and working more closely with other councils.

Last night Oldham Council confirmed a budget of £41million cuts that will see hundreds of jobs go.

Oldham and Rochdale already work together and have made successful multi-million joint bids to overhaul housing and replace street lighting.

A joint jobs initiative has also been set up to make sure people benefit from construction projects in the two boroughs.

Both councils have also signed separate partnership agreements with the private firm Mouchel to run some council functions such as back-office staff and road safety. As part of this, Oldham Council’s call-centre has moved to Rochdale.

Mr Parker said he was unable to comment on a possible joint role and added: “These things are matters for the political leadership.

“In these circumstances, it is something that is difficult for individuals to comment on.”

Conservative leader Councillor Jack Hume said the issue had not crossed his desk and added: “I think we have got to look at it. It’s happening across the country, there is a drive to reduce senior management costs and administration costs.

“It is certainly something that smaller councils need to explore when the opportunity arises. But what’s right for Oldham might not be right for Rochdale and vice versa.”