Agenda and minutes

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

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 the order in which they had been received.  Council was advised that if the questioner was not present then the question would appear on the screens in the Council Chamber.

The following questions had been submitted:

1.               Question received from Neil Hardiker:

“Please can you share with me the current details of the following?  Acres/hectares of land within the OMBC boundary designated as green belt, OPOL and land reserved for future development and the percentage of the land within the council boundary which each of these 3 categories represents?”

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that the total land in the Oldham MBC boundary was 14234.6 hectares (ha); Green Belt:  6254 ha (43.9%); Land Reserved for Future Development (LRFD) – Bullcote Lane, Royton: 2 ha (0.01%); and OPOL:  314.92 ha (2.21%).

2.               Phil Howarth, Fitton Hill Bulldogs asked the following question:

“Please can the Councillors of Oldham confirm that our club should be allowed a long lease on the playing fields at Rosary Road to the rear of what was Fitton Hill Senior Schools and then the councils CPD offices?”

Councillor Jean Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that the Council acknowledged the wider social and environmental well-being benefits which would result from the club's proposals.  Progressing a disposal of land via a 25 year lease was paused to allow for consideration of wider strategic proposals.  This work had now concluded.  The Council would be contacting the Club shortly to discuss the way forward.

3.       Question received from Paul Turner:

          “The Cowlishaw development is put to planning this month.  As this is OPOL protected land.  I trust OMBC will be rejecting it.”

          Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that the application had been withdrawn by the applicant on Friday, 2^nd September 2016.

4.       Question received from John McGuill:

          “Morecambe has a statue of #EricMorecambe Timperley has #Frank Sidebottom why don’t we get one for Eric Sykes?”

          Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that Oldham was lucky by having a number of famous citizens.  The cost of statues was controversial. In the current financial climate new statues would not be a first priority.  The Council did celebrate famous citizens at Gallery Oldham and would continue to do so at the Heritage and Arts Centre when built.  The Gallery had a portrait of Eric Sykes which had been on permanent display in the Oldham Stories exhibition for the past three years.

5.       Joe Fitzpatrick asked the following question:

“Bearing in mind the millions of pounds of public money that has been spent on the scheme to refurbish the old Town Hall and the ongoing subsidies and financial inducements be offered to potential tenants of this building,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

Apologies were received from Councillors Ames, T. Larkin, McMahon, Price and Qumer.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 13^th July 2016 be approved as a correct record.

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

Councillor McCann declared a personal interest at Items 13 and 16b by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board and the Unity Partnership Board.

Councillor Harrison declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Jabbar declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board and Oldham Leadership Board.

Councillor Stretton declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of her appointment to the Unity Partnership Board and Oldham Leadership Board.

Councillor Dean declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

Councillor G. Alexander declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Brownridge declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of her appointment to the Oldham Leadership Board.

Councillor Chauhan declared a personal interest at Item 16b by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board.

The Mayor referred to the Council meeting held on 13^th July 2016 and reminded members not to go outside the remit of questions and answers and to adhere to Council Procedure Rules.

The Mayor informed members that it was Councillor Ur-Rehman’s birthday.  Council expressed best wishes.

There were no communications related to the business of the Council.

Councillor Stretton MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED the nomination for the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

The Council gave consideration to a report which sought approval in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 for the nomination of Nicola White to be considered for the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough.  Ms. White played a pivotal role in Team GB’s Hockey Team at the Olympic Games and helped the team secure a Gold Medal. 

In moving the nomination, Councillor Stretton requested that the title be changed from “Freeman” to “Freewoman” of the Borough.

RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council nominate Nicola White to receive the title of Honorary Freewoman of the Borough in recognition of her role as an ambassador for the borough at this year’s Olympic Games and has proved to be truly inspiring role model for the borough and its people.

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

Economy, Skills and Neighbourhoods

Petition to Secure River Irk Banking (received 9 August 2016) (53 signatures) (Ref 2016-11)

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

(time limit 15 minutes).

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 economy £53.5million a year.

Physical inactivity is known to be the fourth leading cause of global mortality, and many of the leading causes of ill health in today’s society, such as coronary heart disease, cancer and type 2 Diabetes, could be prevented if more inactive people were to become active.

The Greater Manchester Moving Strategy was published in June 2015 and provides the blueprint for physical activity and sport’s contribution to the overall Greater Manchester Strategy. The intended outcomes of the strategy are to:

-        Increase levels of participation in physical activity and sport to reduce levels of inactivity

-        Increase active travel leading to increased opportunities for walking, cycling and running

-        Increase economic output of the sport and physical activity sector

Being physically active should be something we build into our everyday lifestyle from going out for a walk through to playing sport.  

Council is therefore asked to;

-        Give its support to the Greater Manchester Moving Strategy

-        Instruct the relevant officers to develop an action plan to detail how the pledges will be developed and implemented in Oldham

Motion 1

The Mayor informed the meeting that the Chief Executive had had notice that Councillor Price would be unable to second this motion and had nominated Councillor Goodwin to take her place.

Councillor Moores MOVED and Councillor Goodwin SECONDED the following motion:

“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 economy £53.5 million a year.

Physical inactivity is known to be the fourth leading cause of mortality, and many of the leading causes of ill health in today’s society, such as coronary heart disease, cancer and type 2 Diabetes, could be prevented if more inactive people were to become active.

The Greater Manchester Moving Strategy was published in June 2015 and provides the blueprint for physical activity and sport’s contribution to the overall Greater Manchester Strategy.  The intended outcomes of the strategy are to:

-        Increase levels of participation in physical activity and sport to reduce levels inactivity

-        Increase active travel leading to increased opportunities for walking, cycling and running

-        Increase economic output of the sport and physical activity sector

Being physically active should be something we build into our everyday lifestyle from going out for a walk through to playing sport.

Council is therefore asked to:

-        Give its support to the Greater Manchester Moving Strategy

-        Instruct the relevant officers to develop an action plan to detail how the pledges will be developed and implemented in Oldham”

AMENDMENT

Councillor Murphy MOVED and Councillor Williamson SECONDED the following amendment:

“Add a new paragraph six:

‘Council also notes that the last Oldham Cycle Strategy, developed in consultation with cycling groups to promote cycling in the borough, was published in 2010 and is therefore overdue for renewal.’

Insert in the final paragraph, a new second bullet point:

‘ – Recognise the importance of developing a local response based on a commitment, as a co-operative council, to securing public buy-in through consultation’

And amend the original final bullet point by inserting after ‘relevant officers’ ‘,in consultation with local sports, cycling, running and walking groups,’”

Amended motion to read:

“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 economy £53.5m a year.

Physical inactivity is known to be the fourth leading cause of global mortality, and many of the leading causes of ill health in today’s society, such as coronary heart disease, cancer and type 2 Diabetes, could be prevented if more inactive people were to become active.

The Greater Manchester Moving  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

In delivering her first Annual Statement, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stretton, reflected upon the clear continuity in values, purpose and actions regardless of the changes to the Leadership team.  Cooperative work would go on.  She reflected on changes in circumstances and budget.  She reflected on key priorities achieved in the last year and what would be coming next.

Reference was made to the first five years of the Cooperative Journey and the Leader reflected success came when everyone pulled together in the same direction and shared the same aspirations and goals.  A better borough could only be built together.

The Leader highlighted the building of the family friendly town centre with the Odeon Cinema, businesses being attracted to the Town Centre and others were in negotiations.  Other regeneration projects would be commencing which included the Heritage Centre, the Prince’s Gate Scheme and the Independent Quarter.  She also highlighted improvement works to highways and pedestrian areas, clearance of the old Leisure Centre and Hobson Street car park and the work started on Maggie Care Centre at the hospital. 

Further schemes highlighted by the Leader included the Warm Homes Oldham scheme and the Early Help scheme.  The Leader reflected on the Greater Manchester Role and the need to include more people in the benefits and prosperity of the City Region.  More Greater Manchester investment was needed and spread wider.

The Leader highlighted the delivery of high education and the publication of the Oldham Skills and Education Commission report.  GCSE and A Levels had improved and the gap was closing on the national average.  Ofsted inspections were improving.   Key Stage 2 results with the new curriculum were disappointing and these would be examined.

Get Oldham Working had proved to be a success and Phage 2 would be launched to assist more residents.  A new Work and Skills Strategy had been developed to raise aspirations.

The Leader stated the Council would tackle low pay and zero hours contracts.  The Enterprise and Skills team would launch a career advancement service and provide support for in-work promotion.  Other priorities included new transport links making it easier to access jobs and training opportunities.

It was further stated that homes were being built which were needed, sites included Limehurst, High Barn, Fitton Hill and the Lancaster Club site and several other sites were moving towards development.  Another priority was the quality of neighbourhoods and enforcement work.  The Council would prosecute those whose practices blighted their communities through the Selective Licensing Scheme and cracking down on flytippers.

The Leader noted funding pressures were increasing and stated that this would impact on residents.  The Leader also highlighted support for healthy lifestyles which included healthy school meals, parks, leisure centres, investing in activities with partners and growing hubs. 

The Leader concluded by referring to the stronger economy, transport, homes, good education, care for all who needed it and supporting healthy lifestyles.  Despite the cuts, a difference could be made.  The Council had the plans, people, assets and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is no Youth Council business to consider.

There were no items submitted by the Youth Council.

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

Question 1:  Local Patients Failed by ‘Inadequate’ Trust Damned in Report

“My first question to the Leader tonight relates to the very disturbing findings of the report published last month by the Quality Care Commission (QCC) about our local Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust. 

The Commission found the Trust to be providing ‘inadequate’ services overall, with several departments requiring ‘improvement’. 

At the Royal Oldham Hospital, inspectors were concerned about ‘suitable and appropriate medical staffing’, especially in critical care, maternity, gynaecology and children and young people’s services.

In young people’s services it was found that there were no consultants in place after 5 pm.  As though our children only get sick nine to five!

And in the high dependency unit, many standards for critical care were ‘not being met’ and that it was only during the inspection that ‘adequate’ staffing levels were provided, when for three years management knew of the shortfall.

Whilst none of us want to have to receive high dependency care, if we do, we surely have the right to expect to be treated to the highest standard in a unit with sufficient staff?

All of these deficiencies should be of great concern to us as the patients being most let down are amongst the most vulnerable patients in our hospital.

And can we be clear ‘let down’ means pain and death that could be avoided! 

So where does the fault lie?  Not apparently with the staff described as ‘caring’ who continue to do their best with inadequate resources and numbers; instead it lies with the Trust Board and senior management whose conduct is described as ‘inadequate’.

I have been told that aside from health professionals, there are no Oldham residents directly involved in the Improvement Board and Plan put in place to attempt to address these serious concerns; can the Leader confirm if this is true?  If this is true, why is there no Oldham citizen directly involved in making sure our Hospital and Pennine Trust improves?

This cannot, and should not, just be left to the so called health professionals; a number of which have close working and contractual arrangements with Pennine Acute Trust!  Does she agree with me this is a highly unsatisfactory state of affairs and a scandal that there is no one from our Borough representing our citizens?  Can the Leader also tell me what we are doing as an authority to put pressure on the Trust Board to address these shocking deficiencies in performance before the Trust goes into terminal decline?  Anything I and my colleagues can do to support her and her colleagues in this matter we will.”

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council responded that she shared his concerns about the Care Quality Commission report and was appalled to only discover the details when the report was leaked to the press, and only as a result of the leak the Council became aware there would be an Improvement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 27^th June 2016

b) 25^th July 2016

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 27^th June 2016 and 25^th July 2016 were submitted.

Members raised the following questions:

1.               Councillor McCann – Cabinet Meeting, 25^th July 2016, page 51. Item 6 – 2015/16 Annual Statement of Accounts.  Councillor McCann offered his congratulations to the finance team for the quick and accurate set of accounts.  Councillor McCann referred to the external auditors saying the background to the accounts should be dropped.  He felt that this was useful information and helped to understand the accounts.  Would the Cabinet Member say that this was part of the accounts?  As part of the continuous improvement and reviewing how debt was being repaid, could the Cabinet Member arrange a briefing for councillors on what the financing means?

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR responded and thanked Councillor McCann for the recognition of the Finance Team.  Councillor Jabbar noted that the Council had closed its accounts in record time and the first public body’s accounts approved.  It would be difficult to maintain this momentum.  The background information was not just about doing the numbers, the quality of information was important.  He would like to continue current practice.  In terms of future funding and borrowing, he would be happy to provide a training session for all members.  Councillor Jabbar took the opportunity to thank the Chief Executive, Executive Director and managers who worked so hard and the Finance Team led by Anne Ryans on the management of the finances.

2.     Councillor Murphy  - Cabinet Meeting, 25^th July 2016, page 55, Item 10 – Local Development Scheme.  Councillor Murphy asked if more readable maps could be included.

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives response that she would look into that.

3.     Councillor Harkness – Cabinet Meeting, 27^th June 2016, page 45, Item 9 – Waste Management Options – Councillor Harkness referred to recycling in apartment blocks and flats.  There were no changes planned for collection but he asked what could be done to incentivise and increase recycling and would there be excessive demand on the new system at Christmas time.

Councillor Brownridge responded that these had been factored into the decision to go to managed collections.  In terms of collections from flats, these were not changing.  It was felt that implementation get underway everywhere else.  There were a lot of opportunities and collections from flats would be subject to future discussions.  Councillor Brownridge welcomed Councillor Harkness’s involvement as a Councillor and resident and to speak about this in detail.

There were no observations on the minutes.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 27^th June 2016 and 25^th July 2016 be noted.

2.       The questions and responses on the Cabinet minutes be noted.

3.       That a briefing session be arranged for members on the future financing and borrowing.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Ball to MOVE and Councillor Brock to SECOND:

Oldham is not on its own in facing an increase in families who are in both financial and food poverty. Oldham Council is doing a lot for this ever increasing number of people and, with the changes to benefits and even more zero hour contracts, this number is unlikely to diminish.

The End Hunger Campaign in Oldham is launching on the 15^th October.

The aim of this campaign is to:

• Improve the public awareness of the food justice movement at local level, showing how volunteers are working hard in food banks and on community food projects.
• Publicise the support available to help people who are struggling with their household budget, for example, the winter warmth campaign, the Welfare Rights Service and citizens’ advice.

We ask that all sides of the Council support this campaign and the volunteers, Council employees and councillors who themselves work hard to help fellow Oldhamers.

The overall aim of the campaign is to build a town in which everyone has access to good food and no one goes to bed hungry.

This Council resolves:

1. To  work to try to make sure that all children are able to live free from the damaging effects of hunger, including the adverse effect on their health.
2.  It will continue to work with all community groups and volunteers to support and advise networks in the community that are themselves supporting families affected by food poverty.
3. To  write to the Clinical Commissioning Group to ask that it ensures that GPs and other front line staff take into account food poverty when seeing people, especially children, who are not in the best of health.
4. To instruct the Chief Executive to write to the borough’s three MPs, and the Prime Minister, asking them to make every effort to ensure that families can afford good food on a regular basis through an appropriate combination of work and benefits.

Motion 2

Councillor Dearden to MOVE and Councillor Ur-Rehman to SECOND:

The U.K has the highest level of obesity in Western Europe, with one third of children overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school.

Local councils now have responsibility for health and wellbeing, health promotion and prevention of ill health, so it is incumbent upon us to debate this and make our views known.

We note with great disappointment this government's long-awaited Obesity  Strategy, published in August 2016 , during parliamentary recess and in the midst of the Rio Olympics, and the lost opportunity to improve our health and wellbeing.

Medical experts and campaigners have criticised the strategy as 'weak and embarrassing' and accused policy makers of throwing away the chance to tackle our culture of unhealthy eating that is crippling the NHS.

The government proposals, centred on the sugar tax announced by George Osborne in May 2016, rely on voluntary action by the food and drink industry and contain no restrictions on junk food  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Motion 1

Councillor Ball MOVED and Councillor Brock SECONDED the following motion:

“Oldham is not on its own facing an increase in families who are in both financial and food poverty.  Oldham Council is doing a lot for this ever increasing number of people and, with the changes to benefits and even more zero hour contacts, this number is unlikely to diminish.

The End Hunger Campaign in Oldham is launching on the 15^th October.

The aim of this campaign is to:

·       Improve the public awareness of the food justice movement at local level, showing how volunteers are working hard in food banks and on community food projects.

·       Publicise the support available to help people who are struggling with their household budget, for example, the winter warmth campaign, the Welfare Rights Service and citizen’s advice.

We ask that all sides of the Council support this campaign and the volunteers, Council employees and councillors who themselves work hard to help fellow Oldhamers. 

The overall aim of the campaign is to build a town in which everyone has access to good food and no one goes to bed hungry. 

This Council resolves:

1.     To work to try to make sure that all children are able to live free from the damaging effects of hunger, including the adverse effect on their health.

2.     It will continue to work with all community groups and volunteers to support and advise networks in the community that are themselves supporting families affected by food poverty.

3.     To write to the Clinical Commissioning Group to ask that it ensures GPs and other front line staff take into account food poverty when seeing people, especially children, who are not in the best of health.

4.     To instruct the Chief Executive to write to the borough’s three MPs, and the Prime Minister, asking them to make every effort to ensure that families can afford good food on a regular basis through an appropriate combination of work and benefits.

Councillor Harkness MOVED and Councillor Turner SECONDED the following AMENDMENT.

“Insert in line 2 after people ‘but we recognise we can do a lot more’.  Insert a full stop.  Remove the word ‘And’, start next sentence ‘With’.

After the end of the original fourth paragraph insert a new paragraph which reads as follows:

‘Council recognises that there are many organisations which can offer the Council and its partners financial, food and in-kind support to address food poverty in this borough, including Brake Brothers, Fareshare, Kelloggs, Magic Breakfast, Make Lunch, The Real Junk Food Project, and the Trussell Trust.’

After the end of the original fifth paragraph insert a new paragraph which reads as follows:

‘This Council supports the aims of this campaign and wishes to take further action to address food poverty in this borough.’

In the original sixth paragraph, amend original bullet point 1 to read as follows:

‘That this Council and its partners establish an action plan for the borough to work to ensure that all residents,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Sykes to MOVE and Councillor Williamson to SECOND:

This Council once more wishes to place on record its admiration for the courage, service and sacrifice of members of Her Majesty’s armed forces, past and present, during military conflicts, in countering terrorism and in carrying out peacekeeping and humanitarian duties.

This Council notes:

·       The obligations it owes to the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

·       The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham. This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.

·       That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·       Support and promote The Royal British Legion’s campaign ‘Count Them In’ to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community.

·       Urge elected members for this Borough to sign up as individual supporters to the ‘Count Them In’ campaign.

·       Ask the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Community Covenant to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt. Hon Michael Fallon MP, setting out the Council’s position that we wish to see the UK Parliament approve a final census questionnaire in 2019, which includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community, for use in the 2021 Census.

·       Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament asking them to also make representations on this matter to the Secretary of State for Defence.

Motion 2

Councillor Murphy to MOVE and Councillor Blyth to SECOND:

This Council notes that

·       Dementia is one of the biggest health issues facing the UK

·       In Oldham, over 2,500 people are estimated to be living with dementia

·       This condition will affect one in three people over the age of 65, with that figure is predicted to rise by two thirds by 2030

·       Dementia is an umbrella term for a set of symptoms that might be exhibited by people living with one of any number of diseases of the brain; it is not a natural part of aging

·       Dementia is not just about losing your memory; it can also affect thinking, communication, inhibitions, and everyday tasks

·       With the right care, support and understanding from those around them that it is possible for someone to live well with dementia and to continue to contribute to community life

Council commends the work that has been done so far in our borough specially:

·       The training of well over 5,000 Dementia Friends across the borough  ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Motion 1

Councillor Sykes MOVED and Councillor Williamson SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council once more wishes to place on record its admiration for the courage, service and sacrifice of members of Her Majesty’s armed forces, past and present, during military conflicts, in countering terrorism and in carrying out peacekeeping and humanitarian duties.

This Council notes:

·       The obligations it owes to the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham as enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant; that the Armed Forces community should not face disadvantage in the provision of services and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most.

·       The absence of definitive and comprehensive statistics on the size or demographics of the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham.  This includes serving Regular and Reserve personnel, veterans and their families.

·       That the availability of such data would greatly assist the council, local partner agencies, the voluntary sector, and national Government in the planning and provision of services to address the unique needs of the Armed Forces community within the Borough of Oldham.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·       Support and promote The Royal British Legion’s campaign ‘Count Them In’ to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces community.

·       Urge elected members for this Borough to sign up as individual supporters to the ‘Count Them In’ campaign.

·       Ask the Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Community Covenant to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt. Hon. Michael Fallon MP, setting out the Council’s position that we wish to see the UK Parliament approve a final census questionnaire in 2019, which includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community, for use in the 2021 census.

·       Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament asking them to also make representations on this matter to the Secretary of State for Defence.

Councillor Steven Bashforth spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Ball spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Sykes exercised his right of reply.

A vote was taken on the MOTION.

On being put the vote, the MOTION was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The Royal British Legion’s campaign ‘Count Them In’ be supported and promoted to include a new topic in the 2021 census that concerns military service and membership of the Armed Forces Community.

2.       Elected members for this Borough be urged to sign up as individual supporters to the ‘Count Them In’ campaign.

3.       The Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Community Covenant be asked to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt. Hon. Michael Fallon MP, setting out the Council’s position that we wish to see the UK Parliament approve a final census questionnaire in 2010, which includes questions concerning our Armed Forces community, for use in the 2021 census.

4.       The Chief Executive be asked to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament asking them to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

(time limit 8 minutes):-

The minutes of the Joint Authorities were submitted as follows:

National Park Authority                                              27^th May 2016

Transport for Greater Manchester                                        10^th June 2016 (AGM)

                                                                                10^th June 2016

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)       30^th June 2016 (AGM)

                                                                                30^th June 2016

                                                                                29^th July 2016

Association of Greater Manchester Authorities            30^th June 2016 (AGM)

(AGMA)                                                                    30^th June 2016

Joint GMCA/AGMA Executive                                    29^th July 2016

Councillor Sykes – Transport for Greater Manchester Committee minutes, Minute TfGMC 16/18, Metrolink Park and Ride:  Overnight Parking Trial – he was pleased to say that it worked.  A solution was needed to use Metrolink provision when using Intercity services. 

Councillor Sykes – Transport for Greater Manchester Committee minutes, Minute TfGMC 16/19 – Bus Services Bill – if the bill was passed it would give similar power to Transport for London and if chose to do so would be able to regulate some commercial services and, if seen fit, instruct operators to do things differently than what the operators wanted.  TfGM worked hard to ensure things connects but some changes were leaving places isolated.

Councillor Sykes – Transport for Greater Manchester Committee minutes, TfGMC Minute 16/22 -  Metrolink Service Changes: Summer 2016.   The original business case, due to the loss of the rail line, included a direct connection with Piccadilly.  With the change in routes, neither service goes to Piccadilly.  The authority needed to lobby within the next few weeks when the line was taken beyond Exchange Square.  The connection with Piccadilly was crucial to future employment and the regeneration of the Borough.  Councillor Sykes requested an urgent meeting, he was not sure if decisions had already been made.  The current route was contrary to what was originally campaigned for.

Councillor Stretton responded that she would write along those lines to TfGMC.

RESOLVED that:

1.      the minutes of the Joint Authorities as detailed in the report be noted.

2.     The observations made on the Joint Authority minutes be noted.

3.     TfGM be contacted regarding connection to Piccadilly.

(time limit 7 minutes)

The minutes of the Partnership meetings were submitted as follows:

Oldham Leadership Board                                         21^st July 2016

MioCare                                                                    9^th May 2016

There were no questions or observations on the Partnership minutes.

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

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 the actions report be noted.

Consideration was given a report regarding the response to the second GMCA consultation.  The response was submitted under delegation to the Leader, in consultation with the Chief Executive.  It had not been possible to discuss the submission at Council prior to submission due to the deadline which closed on Monday, 15^th August 2016.  The response was submitted on 12th August 2016.

GMCA had launched the consultation on 4^th July 2016 which invited people and local authorities to submit their thoughts and comments on the powers that Greater Manchester would request from Central Government.

The consultation included questions on:

·       Responsibility for the functions of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority;

·       Responsibility for the functions of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority;

·       Proposals for Further Education, Skills and Employment Support;

·       Proposals for Transport;

·       Proposal for Greater Manchester Spatial Framework;

·       Proposal regarding Overview and Scrutiny Committees; and

·       Equalities Proposals.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The report be noted.

2.       Oldham Council’s response to the consultation as outlined at Appendix 1 of the report be noted.

Please note a hard copy of the Annual Statement of accounts will be available in each Group Room, Access Oldham and the Civic Reception, West Street Oldham.

Consideration was given to the recently approved 2015/16 audited Statement of Accounts and the External Audit (Grant Thornton) Audit Findings report.  The Statement of Accounts had been considered by Cabinet on 25^th July 2016 where the accounts were noted and commended to Council.

The Statement of Accounts report highlighted the following:

·       Excellent Audit Findings report with an unqualified audit opinion and no material misstatements;

·       Audit judgements, all of which had a green rating and a very positive Value for Money (VFM) opinion;

·       Overall financial position for 2015/16 which showed a surplus of £0.425m when comparing the revenue budget to the outturn.  There was a slight increase in the forecast surplus reported in the last financial monitoring report approved by Cabinet on 21^st March 2016;

·       The speed of the preparation of the accounts to the high standard set by the Finance Service in previous years; and

·       The performance of the Finance Team in closing the Council’s accounts and the focus on the continuous improvement of its processes.

The report provided all members with the opportunity to review the Council’s year-end financial position.

RESOLVED that the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2015/16, the Audit Findings Report and the comments in that report be noted.

Consideration was given to a report on the Treasury Management Review for 2015/16.  The Council was required by regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury management review of activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2015/16.  The report met the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finnace in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).   

Minimum reporting requirements were that full Council were to receive the following reports:

·       An annual treasury strategy in advance of the year (approved 25 February 2015);

·       A mid-year (minimum) treasury update report (approved 24 February 2016); and

·       An annual review following the end of the year which described the activity compared to the strategy.

This report demonstrated fully compliance with the requirements as it provided details of the outturn position for treasury activities and highlighted compliance with the Council’s policies previously approved by Members.  The key actual prudential and treasury indicators were outlined in the report.  The Director of Finance confirmed in the report that the statutory borrowing limit (the authorised limit) had not been breached.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The Actual 2015/16 prudential and treasury indicators as outline in the report be approved.

2.     The Annual Treasury Management Report for 2015/16 be approved.

Consideration was given to a report which described the outcome of a review of the Council’s 2016/17 Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement.  A review of the MRP Policy Statement had been undertaken to ensure it was clear on all material matters associated with making prudent provision for the repayment of debt while continuing to reflect the requirements of DCLG Statutory Guidance.  The report described the outcome of the review and set out the case for changing the method of calculating provision for ‘previously supported borrowing’ to one which was more prudent (on a whole life basis) that the current approach. 

The approach set out in the revised MRP Policy Statement would generate revenue budget savings of £2.7m in 2016/17, reduce the budget gap in future years by £2.5m in 2017/18 and £2.3m in 2018/19.  Annual savings would continue beyond 2018/19 but would generally reduce and finally cease in 2032/33.

Options Considered:

Option 1:  to approve the revision to the MRP policy which would enable new capital financing figures to be included in budget estimates.

Option 2:  not to approve the revision to the MRP policy and continue to use the current methodology for the calculation of capital financing charges.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The revised 2016/17 Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement set out at Appendix One which replaces Section 2.3 of the 2016/17 Treasury Management Strategy Statement approved by Council on 24 February 2016 be approved.

2.       the new MRP Policy which would generate a saving which could be used to support the 2016/17 financial position and would revise the base budget requirement for future financial years be noted.

Consideration was given to the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2015/16.  The report outlined the purpose of Overview and Scrutiny, the roles and responsibilities of the Overview and Scrutiny Board, Performance and Value for Money Select Committee, a summary of the work undertaken by Overview and Scrutiny during 2015/16 and outlined how individuals could get involved in Overview and Scrutiny.  Councillor McLaren expressed his thanks to members and officers in the support to the Overview and Scrutiny Board over the last twelve months.

Councillor Williams spoke on the report.

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2015/16 be approved.

Consideration was given to report which provided information on Welfare Reform and a thematic analysis on the impact on the debt and finances of local people.  The report provided a brief overview of the previous and current legislation related to welfare reform, a brief description of the current financial landscape within Oldham with a focus on the levels and types of debt, what the Council and other services were doing within Oldham to help local people with the finances and debt advice and how the Council could use the findings to work through its own services and with partners for further mitigation on the impact of welfare reform.

RESOLVED that the report related to Welfare Reform Thematic Analysis on the Debt and Finance of Local People be noted.