Agenda and minutes

(15 minutes for public questions and 25 minutes for Councillor questions)

The Mayor made reference to the recent death of Jo Cox MP and other acts of terrorism since the last Council meeting.

Council held a Minutes Silence.

The Mayor advised the meeting that the first item on the agenda in Open Council was Public Question Time.  The questions had been received from members of the public and would be taken in order in which they had been received.  Council was advised that if the questioner was not present then the question would appear on the screen in the Council Chamber.

The following questions had been submitted:

1.       Question received from Victoria Marshall via Twitter:

“Why were hangers recently placed on bins necessary?  They provided no info – info leaflet post following day” #waste of money”

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, responded that hangers were placed so residents were aware of the changes coming along with other circulated information to maximise the impact with the long lead in time.  This was a two pronged approach to ensure residents read all the information available.

2.       Question received from Paul Turner via Twitter:

“Oldham Council now OMBC want 3 week bin collections what are the unfortunate people who have clinical waste to dispose of to do?”

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that the Council did not collect clinical waste.  Assuming that it was medical then in that position it was advised residents should get in touch with officers to receive specific advice in those circumstances. 

3.       Question received from Shaun Garfin via Twitter:

“I work on Broadgate are there plans to improve access when there are more houses and industrial units in the Foxdenton area?”

Councillor Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, responded that measures had been developed with and agreed by Highways England including improvements at A663 Broadway signal controlled junction and link road into the site; A663 Broadway/Foxdenton Lane/Eaves Lane signal controlled junction; and the A663 Broadway/M60 junction 21.

The existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure surrounding the site would be enhanced by measures that would be incorporated into the junction improvements that form part of the mitigation measures at the Broadway junctions, the new link road junction, the new link road and along Foxdenton Lane.

It was also intended that traffic calming measures were introduced along Foxdenton Lane to ensure that there was not a significant increase in traffic travelling to the development using it.

4.       Question received from Ricky McLeary via Twitter:

“Oldham Council is our council tax being reduced as our bins are only being emptied once every three weeks?”

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance & HR, responded that the proposal to change the bin collection was not based on savings but to avoid future costs.  Based on recycling rates, Oldham had the lowest in Greater Manchester, if the recycling rate did not increase an additional levy would be imposed for the next three years on top of other savings that would have to be met.  There had been cuts  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

Apologies were received from Councillor Ames, Councillor Goodwin, Councillor Kirkham and Councillor McMahon.

RESOLVED that, subject to the following amendment, the minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on 18^th May 2016 be approved as a correct record:

Item 10 – Councillor Cath Ball, portfolio be amended to read Deputy Cabinet Member, Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, elected members declared the following interests:

Councillor Gloster declared a pecuniary interest at Item 15b by virtue of his employment with Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor McCann declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board, Unity Joint Venture Board and the MioCare Board.

Councillor Harrison declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Chauhan declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Dean declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board and Unity Joint Venture Board.

Councillor Garry declared a pecuniary at Item 15b by virtue of her husband’s employment with Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor Jean Stretton declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of her appointment to the Health and Wellbeing Board, Oldham Leadership Board and Unity Partnership Board and at Item 15b by virtue of her appoint to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Police and Crime Panel and the Joint GMCA/AGMA Executive.

Councillor Jabbar declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

Councillor G. Alexander declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Sykes declared a personal interest at Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

There were no items of urgent business.

The Mayor took the opportunity to congratulate the Chief Executive, Dr. Carolyn Wilkins, on being awarded an OBE.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is one petition to note.

The Mayor advised that one petition had been received for noting by Council:

Economy, Skills and Neighbourhoods

Petition regarding Traffic Around Knowsley Primary School (received 9 May May 2016) (72 signatures) (Ref 2016-05)

RESOLVED that the petition received since the last meeting of the Council be noted.

(time limit 15 minutes).

Councillor Dearden to MOVE and Councillor Moores to SECOND:

This Council notes with alarm, the recent statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) confirming that new guidelines are to be introduced which will curb councils’ powers to divest from or stop trading with organisations or countries they regard as unethical. Council further notes that the new guidelines, which will amend Pensions and Procurement law, follow on from the government’s announcement made at the beginning of October 2015 that it was planning to introduce new rules to stop “politically motivated boycott and divestment campaigns” (Greg Clarke, Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government).

Oldham Council is proud of its commitment to human rights and to putting this into practice through such measures as an ethical approach to its relationship with business.  Council believes that the proposed measures now being outlined by the DCLG will seriously undermine the Council’s ability to implement its commitment to ethical procurement and pensions investments.

Council also notes that the new guidelines represent a further, serious attack on local democracy and decision-making through a further restriction on councils’ powers. This is directly contrary to the government’s own stated commitment to the principle of localism, given a statutory basis by the Localism Act of 2011, which holds that local authorities are best able to do their job when they have genuine freedom to respond to what local people want, not what they are told to do by government.

This Council resolves to:

1). Instruct the Chief Executive to write to Greg Clarke, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to express Council’s unequivocal opposition to the proposed changes.

2). Write to Debbie Abrahams MP, Angela Rayner MP and Jim McMahon MP to ask them to use any parliamentary means available to oppose these proposals.

The Mayor informed the meeting that there was one item of outstanding business from the previous meeting.

Motion 1

Councillor Dearden MOVED and Councillor Moores SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes with alarm, the recent statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) confirming that new guidelines are to be introduced which will curb councils’ powers to divest from or stop trading with organisations or countries they regard as unethical.  Council further notes that the new guidelines, which will amend Pensions and Procurement law, follow on from the government’s announcement made at the beginning of October 2015 that it was planning to introduce new rules to stop “politically motivated boycott and divestment campaigns” (Greg Clarke, Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government).

Oldham Council is proud of its commitment to human rights and to putting this into practice through such measures as an ethical approach to this relationship with business.  Council believes that the proposed measures now being outlined by the DCLG will seriously undermine the Council’s ability to implement its commitment to ethical procurement and pensions investments.

Council also notes that the new guidelines represent a further, serious attack on local democracy and decision-making through a further restriction on councils’ powers.  This is directly contrary to the government’s own stated commitment to the principle of localism, given a statutory basis by the Localism Act of 2011, which holds that local authorities are best able to do their job when they have genuine freedom to respond to what local people want, not what they are told to do by government.

This Council resolves to:

1).  Instruct the Chief Executive to write to Greg Clarke, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to express Council’s unequivocal opposition to the proposed changes.

2).  Write to Debbie Abrahams MP, Angela Rayner MP and Jim McMahon MP to ask them to use any parliamentary means available to oppose these proposals.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Blyth MOVED and Councillor Williamson SECONDED the following amendment:

“Insert in the second paragraph, line 12, after business a new sentence:

‘.This Council is proud also to have played its part in encouraging the divestment from tobacco companies of the Greater Manchester Local Government Pension Scheme as a commitment to public health and of its decision to remove Saudi Arabia and Singapore from a list of countries approved for investment because of their appalling human rights records.’”

Amended motion to read:

“This Council notes with alarm, the recent statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) confirming that new guidelines are to be introduced which will curb councils’ powers to divest from or stop trading with organisations or countries they regard as unethical.  Council further notes that the new guidelines, which will amend Pensions and Procurement law, follow on from the government’s announcement made at the beginning of October 2015 that it was planning to introduce new rules to stop “politically motivated boycott and divestment campaigns” (Greg Clarke, Secretary of State  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council which set out a summary of the implications of leaving the EU on Oldham’s Economy and Greater Manchester, in the context of the recent independent economic review of the Northern Powerhouse.

The implications could not be precisely understood for some time due to the protracted period of political and economic uncertainty resulting from the UK “leave” vote.  The report dealt principally with some of the known and predicted economic and business implications.  Alongside these implications were wider social cohesion implications and risk caused by the negative focus on the campaign on immigration issues.  These would continue to be monitored and managed in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and other local partners.

On 30^th June 2015, the Government had received the report of the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review (NPIER) which had been commissioned by Transport for the North (TfN) on behalf of Leaders across the North.  The report found that:

·       The North’s economic performance gap was persistent and entrenched and averaged 25% below the rest of England (10-15% when London was excluded);

·       Productivity differences accounted for the majority of the performance gap; and

·       The poor productivity was explained mainly in terms of workforce skills – although issues related to technology, investment and connectivity also had a bearing.

The NPIER identified distinctive sector capabilities in the North, which was highly productive and could compete on national and international stages.  The sectors were outlined in the report and were closely aligned with the Council’s new Strategic Investment Framework (SIF) and Work and Skills Strategy.

The uncertainty which surrounded the future economic performance of the UK as a consequence of the EU referendum provided a more challenging macroeconomic context for delivery of the NPIER’s aspirations.  Greater Manchester was working rapidly to seek safeguards for the national and international competitiveness of the city region against the backdrop of the referendum result and to help achieve the NPIER aspirations in Oldham and across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Mushtaq spoke on the report.

Councillor Jabbar spoke on the report.

Councillor Roberts spoke on the report.

Councillor Harkness spoke on the report.

Councillor Hudson spoke on the report.

Councillor Bates spoke on the report.

Councillor Sykes spoke on the report.

Councillor Sykes MOVED that a letter be written to the Prime Minister to guarantee or make claim to monies promised prior to the EU Referendum Vote to come to Greater Manchester and Oldham.

Councillor Sykes also MOVED under Council Procedure Rule 8.4 of the Council’s Constitution that the Leader give consideration to creation of a Cabinet responsibility to an individual or a number of individuals within the Administration to consult with Group Leaders and report back to Councillors and full Council where appropriate on this issue.  Councillor Blyth SECONDED the MOTION.

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council, responded that she would be happy to write to the Prime Minister jointly signed with the Leader of the Main Opposition and also suggested that each  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 20 minutes)

In April 2016 Oldham Youth Council began a new 2 year term of office for 2016 – 2018. The following motion will set out our intentions within this term.

We have identified that we focus on 3 areas within this term. These were identified and agreed based on consultation with young people from across Oldham as part of the make your mark ballot in October 2015. We will have a priority theme, a priority issue and a priority campaign: this are outlined below:

Priority theme – improving health outcomes for young people in Oldham.

We recognise that good health, both physical and mental, is vital to ensure individuals are able to lead happy, productive and successful lives.

Health has been a priority for the Youth Council and our fellow youth voice family members in the children in care council and the barrier breakers for a number of years and will continue to be so.

We will continue to work closely with a range of organisations and partners to help shape and influence the health agenda for children and young people.

We will continue to strengthen our working relationship with the CCG, Public Health and other health organisations to develop mechanisms and opportunities for young people to be central to decision making processes and to ensure the voice and views of young people are reflected in the health services we receive.

We are continuing with our Kerrching funding stream with a focus on health outcomes for children and young people. This includes providing small grants for health related projects and we have already allocated funding to 27 projects across Oldham for this year. We have continued to commission kooth.com the online mental health service for children and young people and this service continues to be a well-used and effective resource. We are looking forward to working further with commissioners as health services develop further and hope to be further involved in the commissioning of services for Children and Young People.

We are particularly pleased to carry forward our I Love Me branded initiative for another term, this will focus on promoting positive health messages via a range of activities, events and consultations.

We are also working closely with public health on the making every contact count programme and developing MECC resources specifically for children and young people.

Priority issue - learning for life

We believe that our education will be greatly improved if it includes the teaching of life skills that are important for our growth and development. We believe that education should fully prepare us for adult life and this should include the teaching of citizenship and personal, social and health education as part of the core offer in every school and college. We want all young people to have the opportunity to learn about political education and democracy, sex and relationships, cultural awareness, community cohesion, financial literacy, sustainable living and active citizenship.

We want to be able to enhance fantastic English , Maths, Science, humanities  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

The Youth Council, attended the meeting and addressed the Council on the following motion:

“In April 2016 Oldham Youth Council began a new 2 year term of office for 2016 – 2018.  The following motion will set out our intentions within this term. 

We have identified that we focus on 3 areas within this term.  These were identified and agreed based on consultation with young people from across Oldham as part of the make your mark ballot in October 2015.  We will have a priority theme, a priority issue and a priority campaign:  this are outline below:

Priority theme – improving health outcomes for young people in Oldham

We recognise that good health, both physical and mental, is vital to ensure individuals are able to lead happy, productive and successful lives.

Health has been a priority for the Youth Council and our fellow youth voice family members in the children in care council and the barrier breakers for a number of years and will continue to do so.

We will continue to work closely with a range of organisations and partners to help shape and influence the health agenda for children and young people. 

We will continue to strengthen our working relationship with the CCG, Public Health and other health organisations to develop mechanisms and opportunities for young people to be central to decision making processes and to ensure the voice and views of young people are reflected in the health services we receive.

We are continuing with our Kerrching funding stream with a focus on health outcomes for children and young people.  This includes providing small grants for health related projects and we have already allocated funding to 27 projects across Oldham for this year.  We have continued to commission kooth.com the online mental health service for children and young people and this service continues to be a well-used and effective resource.  We are looking forward to working with commissioners as health services develop further and hope to be further involved in the commissioning of services for Children and Young People.

We are particularly pleased to carry forward our I Love Me branded initiative for another term, this will focus on promoting positive health messages via a range of activities, events and consultations.

We are also working closely with public health on the making every contact count programme and developing MECC resources specifically for children and young people.

Priority issue – learning for life

We believe that our education will be greatly improved if it includes the teaching of life skills that are important for our growth and development.  We believe that education should fully prepare us for adult life and this should include the teaching of citizenship and personal, social and health education as part of the core offer in every school and college.  We want all young people to have the opportunity to learn about political education and democracy, sex and relationships, cultural awareness, community cohesion, financial literacy, sustainable living and active citizenship.

We want to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Leader of the Main Opposition, Councillor Sykes, raised the following two questions:

Question 1:  The Oldham Education Commission

“The end of the current school year is very nearly upon us.  My first question to the Leader tonight concerns the Oldham Education Commission and the pathetically slow progress made so far in implementing its recommendations.

In fact, the story of the Commission seems to have unveiled at the pace of a lethargic tortoise from inception.

The Commission was established over two years ago by our former Leader at a launch in June 2014.  An interim report in January 2015 failed to materialise.  A second interim report promised in September 2015 failed to materialise.  Then, when we on this side of the Chamber called for immediate publication, the December 2015 by-election was cited as reason to hold it up still further.

Finally in early 2016, the report saw the light of day.  Given the delay, anyone would have thought we were trying to compete with the Chilcott Enquiry.  You would have thought that, armed with its nineteen recommendations, our political and educational establishment would have been chomping on the bit to get going and make our schools great?

Like the mobile phone ad which urges us to be more dog, you would have thought that everyone involved would be saying we want to see the back of that lethargic tortoise and bring on the energetic hare.  But no, the tortoise seemingly prevails.

Two years have passed.  Two years in which the children of our Borough have been failed.  Two years during which the Head of Ofsted reported that only a third of our children are able to study at ‘good’ or ‘oustanding’ schools, less than half the national average.  Two years in which too many of our primary pupils have been taught in classes over 30.  Two years in which one in five children have not got a place at their first choice of secondary school.  And two years in which our level of educational achievement has languished below the national average.

Even last month I was disappointed when a report about Oldham’s Education Provision Strategy 2016-2020 was withdrawn from the agenda of an Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting.  A report that constituted over half the business; and the meatier half at that running to more than 100 pages, but as I said withdrawn!

Like the Chair of the Commission, Baroness Estelle Morris, I share the view that ‘a good education is crucial to the future success of Oldham.’

My first question to the Leader tonight is therefore when is she going to set that hare running – when are things going to happen to make education in Oldham better and then hopefully great for all our children?  After all they deserve nothing less!”

Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of the Council, responded that the hare was running.  Implementation of the OESC was going well.  Schools had worked together and appointed the Educational Partnership Lead, Mr. Calvert, and he would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 21^st March 2016

b) 18^th April 2016

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 21^st March 2016 and 18^th April 2016 were submitted.

Members raised the following questions:

1.       Councillor Blyth – Cabinet Meeting, 18^th April 2016, pages 21 and 22, Agenda Item 6 – Outcome of Brokerage Services (Encompassing Payroll) Tender – his question related to those brokers who had not met the criteria and would service users be forced to use those providers on the list.  Residents were becoming distressed in having to use someone new whom they did not know.  Could consideration be given to work with their broker and get on the list over the next 12 months?

Councillor Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, responded that the reason for doing this was for good providers to give the best outcomes.  She would provide a full answer in the near future.

2.       Councillor Harkness, Cabinet Meeting, 21^st March 2016, page 15, Agenda Item 10 – Creation of Digital Enterprise Hub in Oldham Town Centre – he drew attention to recent comments at the LGA Conference where up to six additional jobs could be created on top of every digital job created and asked about the development of a specific e-commerce strategy resulting in high skilled jobs in the borough.

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise, responded that this was largely covered in the Strategic Investment Framework.

3.       Councillor Rehman, Cabinet Meeting 21^st March 2016, page 14 – Agenda Item 8, Oldham Council Policy for Monitoring, Challenge, Support and Intervention in Schools – he asked about the implementation of the 19 recommendations. 

Councillor Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education and Early Years, responded that the recommendations were in the process of being implemented and there had been an improvement in Ofsted ratings.  When the Commission was set up two years ago, there would not be changed overnight but in 2020 children would be in fundamentally better education.  This was not a quick process with a long term review of change.

Members made the following observations:

1.       Councillor Turner – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st March 2016, Page 18, Item 14 – Business Improvement Grant Schemes for Shaw, Lees and A62 Corridor – Variation to Grant Amounts.  She welcomed the enhancements in payments which had made necessary improvements to the shop fronts.

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise, responded that she was glad she was pleased.

2.       Councillor Williams – Cabinet minutes 21^st March 2016, page 16, Item 12 – Capital Investment Programme 2015/16. Councillor Williams commented on the work of the capital investment programme and the supported the work of the Cabinet in bringing plans to fruition.

Councillor Jabbar, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and HR responded that despite the cuts, the Council had a very healthy capital programme.  All projects had been delivered on time and on budget and the Council had not borrowed any money to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Shuttleworth to MOVE and Councillor A Alexander to SECOND:

This Council wishes to repeat that we are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in the metropolitan borough of Oldham or elsewhere.  We condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.  
Oldham MBC will continue to ensure local bodies and programmes have the support needed to fight and prevent all forms of racism and xenophobia.
We wish to reassure all people living within the borough that they are valued members of our community.

This Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Police & Crime Commissioner and Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball giving them our unequivocal support in tackling such behaviour.

Motion 2

Councillor S Bashforth to MOVE and Councillor Briggs to SECOND:

Council notes the potential for proliferation across the borough, of residential properties being used as houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Existing dwelling houses  (Planning Use Class C3) can be converted to a HMO (Planning Use Class C4), which provides shared accommodation for three to six unrelated individuals as their only or main residence without the need for planning permission leaving residents and local elected members with no powers to resist or influence them.

Concerns have also been expressed by residents and elected members about the steady rise in the number of planning applications for larger scale HMOs which do require planning permission. Concerns expressed include excess noise, parking problems, forests of “To Let” boards and refuse problems.

There are also serious and credible concerns regarding the effect on existing settled communities and the radical change to the character of an area together with the impact on local services and amenities HMOs can present. This Council notes these concerns, as it does the loss of family accommodation through houses and business premises being used in this way.

Council instructs officers to establish a robust evidence base outlining the impact of HMOs in order to:-

• Develop a planning policy using existing and possible new policies to deal with all types of HMOs.
• Explore the possibility of introducing a borough-wide Article 4 Direction removing permitted development rights for change of use from C3 dwelling houses to C4 HMOs.
• Develop and introduce additional licencing powers to deal with all types of HMOs.
• Review and strengthen as necessary existing standards of construction, maintenance and management of all types of HMOs.

Motion 3

Councillor Moores to MOVE and Councillor Price to SECOND:

In Oldham, more than a third of adults are physically inactive (36.28%) and Oldham was ranked 141^st out of 150 local authorities researched in terms of rates of physical activity in 2013. UKActives Turning The Tide of Inactivity report estimates that this lack of regular exercise by the Oldham population is estimated to cost the Oldham £53.5million a year.

Physical inactivity is known to be the fourth leading cause of global mortality,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Motion 1

Councillor Shuttleworth MOVED and Councillor A. Alexander SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council wishes to repeat that we are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in the metropolitan borough of Oldham or elsewhere.  We condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.  
Oldham MBC will continue to ensure local bodies and programmes have the support needed to fight and prevent all forms of racism and xenophobia.
We wish to reassure all people living within the borough that they are valued members of our community.

This Council therefore instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Police & Crime Commissioner and Chief Superintendent Caroline Ball giving them our unequivocal support in tackling such behaviour.”

AMENDMENT

Councillor Gloster MOVED and Councillor Harkness SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“At the end of the first sentence insert as a second sentence: “Council believes that everyone should be free to live their lives without fear of abuse or attack on the basis of who they are.” 

After this insert a new paragraph. The wording in this new paragraph is amended to read: “Racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia and disablism have no place in the metropolitan borough of Oldham or elsewhere. We condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.” 

After this insert a new paragraph. The wording in this new paragraph to read:  “Council believes that hate crimes are particularly corrosive as they strike at the heart of our communities – breaking them down by making people look at one another with suspicion and mistrust.”

Wording in the former second paragraph, now fourth paragraph, to be amended to read: “Oldham MBC will continue to ensure local bodies and programmes have the support needed to fight and prevent all forms of racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, and disablism.”

After this insert a new paragraph. The wording in this new paragraph to read:

“Council notes, with pride, that:

·       in December 2014 it resolved to condemn disability hate crimes and to support the work of the Disability Hate Crime Network and the MENCAP Stand by Me campaign and

·       in April 2015, Council resolved to support the We Stand Together campaign and to become the first UK local authority to sign the Pledge to Peace. “

After this insert a new paragraph. The wording in this new paragraph to read:

“Council recognises that its involvement with all of these initiatives helps to combat prejudice and discrimination and build a more cohesive and peaceful borough.”

The original third and fourth paragraphs (now the seventh and eighth) are then to follow; the wording remaining unchanged.

However after “behaviour” insert the following additional wording:

“and requesting that they work with the Council and its local partners to:

1. Challenge prejudice, hate and negative stereotyping.

2. Run activities to celebrate diversity and to highlight the positive contribution that everyone makes in our society.

3. Support a new campaign  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Murphy to MOVE and Councillor Blyth to SECOND:

Council notes that:

• Other local authorities across the world, from Leeds in West Yorkshire to Ipswich in Australia, are looking to, or have introduced, a free mobile phone bin app to enable local residents to receive reminders informing them which of their refuse bins should be put out for collection on which date and to notify them of service disruptions and emergency events.
• A survey by Ipswich City Council in Queensland found that the use of such technology reduces the frustration of residents, reduces the amount of rubbish put out in error and not collected, and reduces the costs to the local authority in eliminating the need for an annual recycling calendar print run and mail out
• With the introduction of three-weekly bin collections across the borough such technology has the potential to assist residents to more efficiently self-manage their waste

Council resolves to ask the relevant Cabinet Member to request that officers look at the merits and costs of introducing such a bin app for the Oldham borough, and to provide an update to elected members on this in due course.

Motion 2

This Council notes that:

• The British Pest Control Association (the BPCA) has said that rats are becoming immune to traditional pellets used by homeowners and that the poisons which can be purchased in supermarkets may actually be turning the rodents into ‘super rats’.
• The Chief Executive of BPCA has said, “The rodents have become resistant and, in some cases, immune to off- the-shelf poisons to the point where they’re actually feeding off the toxic pellets, which means their size and strength is increasing.”
• Genetic testing by Huddersfield University has revealed that the rodents have developed a mutation that allows them to survive conventional poisons.  In counties such as Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, a Suffolk, and Kent, all the rats tested were found to have immunity to poison.
• Rodents are difficult to kill with poisons because their feeding habits reflect their place as scavengers. Rats will eat a small amount of food and wait, and if they don't get sick, they then continue to eat.

Council further notes that.

• Stronger rodenticides can be more effective, but most are subject to strict legislation and must only be used by professional pest controllers.
• The BPCA is now predicting that rats are likely to seek to enter homes for warmth and food during the winter months
• Rats can squeeze themselves through gaps as small as three-quarters of an inch and are often found living under floorboards, in the walls or in the loft.
• In 2015, rats measuring 50-60 cm (2ft) have been captured in places as far apart as Cornwall, Kent and Liverpool.
• Rats can carry illnesses which can be passed to humans, including Weil’s disease, which has flu-like symptoms initially but can lead to jaundice and kidney failure.
• Rats chew on wood and electrical wires causing significant property damage  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Motion 1

Councillor Murphy MOVED and Councillor Blyth SECONDED the following motion:

“Council notes that:

• Other local authorities across the world, from Leeds in West Yorkshire to Ipswich in Australia, are looking to, or have introduced, a free mobile phone bin app to enable local residents to receive reminders informing them which of their refuse bins should be put out for collection on which date and to notify them of service disruptions and emergency events.
• A survey by Ipswich City Council in Queensland found that the use of such technology reduces the frustration of residents, reduces the amount of rubbish put out in error and not collected, and reduces the costs to the local authority in eliminating the need for an annual recycling calendar print run and mail out
• With the introduction of three-weekly bin collections across the borough such technology has the potential to assist residents to more efficiently self-manage their waste
• Council resolves to ask the relevant Cabinet Member to request that officers look at the merits and costs of introducing such a bin app for the Oldham borough, and to provide an update to elected members on this in due course.”

Councillor Brownridge spoke on the motion.

Councillor Murphy exercised his right of reply.

A vote was then taken on the MOTION.

On being put to the vote, FIFTY-TWO votes were cast in FAVOUR of the MOTION with ONE vote cast AGAINST and NO ABSTENTIONS.  The MOTION was therefore CARRIED.

RESOLVED that the relevant Cabinet Member be asked to request that officers look at the merits and costs of introducing such a bin app for the Oldham Borough, and an update be provided to elected members on this in due course.

Motion 2

Councillor Sykes MOVED and Councillor Gloster SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes that:

·       The British Pest Control Association (the BPCA) has said that rats are becoming immune to traditional pellets used by homeowners and that the poisons which can be purchased in supermarkets may actually be turning the rodents into ‘super rats’.

·       The Chief Executive of BPCA has said, “The rodents have become resistant and, in some cases, immune to off- the-shelf poisons to the point where they’re actually feeding off the toxic pellets, which means their size and strength is increasing.”

·       Genetic testing by Huddersfield University has revealed that the rodents have developed a mutation that allows them to survive conventional poisons.  In counties such as Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, a Suffolk, and Kent, all the rats tested were found to have immunity to poison.

·       Rodents are difficult to kill with poisons because their feeding habits reflect their place as scavengers. Rats will eat a small amount of food and wait, and if they don't get sick, they then continue to eat.

Council further notes that.

·       Stronger rodenticides can be more effective, but most are subject to strict legislation and must only be used by professional pest controllers.

·       The BPCA is now predicting that rats are likely to seek to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

(time limit 7 minutes)

To note the minutes of the Partnership meeting and the relevant spokespersons to respond to questions from Members.

Minutes of the Partnerships were submitted as follows:

Unity Partnership Board                         14^th January 2016                                                                                   22^nd March 2016

MioCare                                                14^th March 2016

Health and Wellbeing Board                   1^st March 2016

Oldham Leadership Board                     20^th April 2016

There were no questions or observations.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Partnerships as detailed in the report be noted.

(time limit 8 minutes):-

To note the minutes of the following Joint Authority meetings and the relevant spokespersons to respond to questions from Members.

The minutes of the Joint Authorities were submitted as follows:

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority            12^th February 2016

                                                                                18^th March 2016

Police and Crime Panel                                              29^th January 2016

                                                                                29^th April 2016

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                              26^th February 2016

                                                                                18^th March 2016

                                                                                29^th April 2016

                                                                                27^th May 2016

Joint GMCA/AGMA Executive                                    26^th February 2016

                                                                                29^th April 2016

                                                                                27^th May 2016

National Park Authority                                              5^th February 2016

                                                                                18^th March 2016

Transport for Greater Manchester                                        15^th January 2016

                                                                                11^th March 2016

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority           11^th February 2016

                                                                                21^st April 2016

There were no questions or observations.

RESOLVED that the minutes as detailed in the report be noted.

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director for Health and Wellbeing which recommended that Oldham continued as a Living Wage Employer, as defined by the Living Wage Foundation.  In order to achieve this, the Council’s pay and grading structure required consideration and approval by full Council. 

In 2014, the Council had committed to implement rises in the Living Wage annually starting in April 2015 subject to annual impact assessments which was provided in the report.  The Living Wage Foundation announced an increase for 2016.  Future assessments would be undertaken following announcements for the determination of impacts and potential costs for each 12 month period.  The report took account of the current temporary changes to terms and conditions and the 2016/17 pay award which had now been settled for National Joint Council (NJC) employees.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1:  Align Grade 1 to SCP 12 and begin Grade 2 at SCP 13.

Option 2:  Create a local SCP of £8.25 per hour.

RESOLVED that:

1.       the changes to the Council’s pay and grading structure as outlined in preferred Option 1 (paragraph 3.2 of the report) be approved and pay parity to Agency and Casual Workers engaged by the Council be applied.

2.       the report addressed a one year position only which applied from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 be noted.

3.       the backdating for those positively affected to 1 April 2017 be noted and this incorporated and not in addition to the 2016 national pay award settlements at this level.

4.       the work in progress of the multi-disciplinary task for the preparation of the submission required for phased accreditation by the Living Wage Foundation as outlined at Section 9 of the report be noted.

The Council gave consideration to the report of the Executive Director of Health and Wellbeing which set out the action plans for each of Oldham’s seven Districts for the coming 12 months.  The actions plans were based on consultation, analysis of data and deliberation by the elected Councillors in each district.  The actions plans had been approved by their respective District Executives.  It was intended for the priorities to be set on a rolling two year basis, but for action plans to detailed how these priorities would be delivered for one year.

RESOLVED that:

1.      the District Plans which had been agreed by each District Executive be formally approved.

2.      the associated approach or spending Ward and Member budgets, ensuring this was in line with District Plans be agreed.

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Legal Services which informed members of actions that had been taken following previous Council meetings and provided feedback on other issues raised at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the update on actions report be noted.