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 asked by David McGealy:

“Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm has broadcast “all about Oldham” for the last 9 years and 9 months and if it can find the finance to pay the bills will continue for a minimum of another 5 years until March 2023.

To date we have broadcast every Council Meeting and Civic Event. These have included Freeman of the Borough Awards, Mayor Making Ceremonies, Civic Appreciation Awards, Council Annual Meetings, etc.

Our broadcasts are very popular with residents of neighbouring Boroughs and we bring some of these into Oldham by inviting them to join us in a series of “Summer Strolls” (around Oldham), Also to visit various locations in Oldham. For example, Gallery Oldham and The Mayor’s Parlour. Our latest initiative has been to invite them to join us for a series “Silver Screenings” at the new Odeon Cinema in the Old Town Hall. We have increased the number attending these screening “six fold” and I am informed that last time they had to turn customers away as the screen was full!

Our Annual Listener Survey indicates that around 40,000 individuals listen to the station each week and of these 40% live outside Oldham. Even taking this “out of area listeners” into account the number of listeners seems very large and we would rather be cautious and estimate the audience at twenty to twenty five thousand per week.

Over this time frame the number of guests on-air must have run into the many thousands. The guests during the last week have included The Houghton Weavers, Chris Hamilton, U3A, Oldham Symphony Orchestra, Christian Aid, the Inter Faith Forum, A local Vet and a number of telephone guests – and this was a very quiet week!

We were delighted to see “Warm Homes Oldham” receive a National Award for their campaign and feel delighted that we fully supported their campaign and were paid for our contribution.

While commenting on National Awards I am delighted that Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm were recently recipients of three National Community Radio Awards. Gold in Speech and Journalism, Bronze in Specialist Music and Highly Commended in “Station of the Year”. It is good to know that “Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm” is held in such high esteem within the Sector.

We have never had a negative comment on any of the contributions made by Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm to any of the campaigns we have been a part of over the years. Feedback has only ever been positive. Thus it was a tremendous shock and a huge financial blow that we discovered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

Apologies were received from Councillors Ames, Cosgrove, T. Larkin, McMahon and Shuttleworth.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 9^th November 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 Item 19b by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board and Unity Partnership Board and at Item 17 by virtue of family members affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Hewitt declared a prejudicial interest at Item 12 by virtue of his employment by a trade union.  Councillor Hewitt left the Chamber during this item and took no part in the discussion or vote thereon.

Councillor Brock declared a pecuniary interest at Item 12 by virtue of her partner being employed by the local authority.  Councillor Brock left the Chamber during this item and took no part in the discussion or vote thereon.

Councillor Harrison declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board at Item 17 by virtue of family members affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Jabbar declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board and at Item 17 by virtue of family members affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Chauhan declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board.

Councillor Dean declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board and at Item 17 by virtue of family members affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Stretton declared a personal interest at Item 17 by virtue of being affected by the pension changes and at item 19b by virtue of her appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

Councillor Wrigglesworth declared a personal interest at Item 12 by virtue of her appointment to the Positive Steps Board and the Domestic Violence Strategic Committee and at Item 17 by virtue of being affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Roberts declared a personal interest at Item 12 by virtue of her appointment to the Positive Steps and the Oldham Play Action Group and at Item 17 by virtue of being affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Ginny Alexander declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board and at Item 17 by virtue of being affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Fielding declared a personal interest at Item 12 by virtue of his appointment to the Positive Steps Board and at Item 17 by virtue of family members being affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Chadderton declared a personal interest at Item 12 by virtue of her appointment to the Positive Steps Board.

Councillor Sykes declared a personal interest at Item 19b by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

Councillor Harkness declared a personal interest at Item 12 by virtue of his appointment to the Positive Steps Board.

Councillor Willamson declared a personal interest at Item 17 by virtue of being affected by the pension changes.

Councillor Murphy declared a personal interest at Item 17 by virtue of family members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no communications related to the business of Council.

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

Health and Wellbeing

Proposal to Close the Link Centre received 28 November 2016 with 151 signatures (Ref: 2016-17).

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

(time limit 15 minutes).

Councillor Moores to MOVE and Councillor Harrison to SECOND:

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has launched a Charter to gain support as the Association works towards their vision of securing the right care, at the right time and in the right place for those who suffer with MND, and their carers.

Achieving quality of life, dignity and respect for people with MND and their carers must be something we strive for, and adopting the Charter will help us to understand and support these people.

We call on this council to adopt the MND Charter and to help positively influence the lives of people living with MND in Oldham.

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

Motion 1

Councillor Moores MOVED and Councillor Harrison SECONDED the following motion:

“The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has launched a Charter to gain support as the Association works towards their vision of securing the right care, at the right time and in the right place for those who suffer with MND, and their carers.  Achieving quality of life, dignity and respect for people with MND and their carers must be something we strive for, and adopting the Charter will help us to understand and support these people. 

Councillor Williamson MOVED and Councillor McCann SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“Insert before current text.

‘This Council notes that Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an incurable, fatal, and rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.  MND kills six people per day in the UK with a third of sufferers dying within one year of diagnosis.’ 

And at end after current text:

‘Council resolves to:

·       Adopt the Charter and publicise the fact that we have adopted it on our website

·       Issue the ‘Motor Neurone Disease: a guide for councillors’ booklet to all elected members

·       Distribute the resources made available by the MND Association to all staff supporting people with MND or their carers

·       Ask the Health and Well-being Board to identify how the Council can best support people with MND, and their carers, in this borough.

·       Ask the Board to bring a report with it recommendations back to Full Council.’

Amended motion to read:

‘This Council notes that Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is an incurable, fatal, and rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.  MND kills six people per day in the UK with a third of sufferers dying within one year of diagnosis.

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has launched a Charter to gain support as the Association works towards their vision of securing the right care, at the right time and in the right place for those who suffer with MND, and their carers.

Achieving quality of life, dignity and respect for people with MND and their carers must be something we strive for, and adopting the Charter will help us understand and support these people.

We call on this council to adopt the MND Charter and to help positively influence the lives of people living with MND in Oldham.”

Councillor Moores exercised his right of reply

Councillor Williamson exercised her right of reply.

A vote was then taken on the AMENDMENT.

On being put the vote, 9 were cast in FAVOUR of the AMENDMENT and 46 votes were cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS.  The AMENDMENT was therefore LOST.

Councillor Moores exercised his right of reply.

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

RESOLVED that the MND Charter be adopted to help positively influence the lives of people living with MND in Oldham.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is no business to consider.

There were no items submitted by the Youth Council.

The draft minutes of the Budget Cabinet meeting held on 5^th December 2016 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the draft minutes of the Budget Cabinet Meeting held on 5^th December 2016 be noted.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Stretton SECONDED the report of the Director of Finance which provided an update on the latest position with regard to the Council’s forecasted Budget Cap for 2017/18 to 2020/21.

In accordance with the recommendation from Cabinet, the report advised Council of the key financial challenges and issues which would be faced by the Council over the period 2017/18 to 2020/21 covered by the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and advised of updated budget reduction requirements.  The report also included an update on the national policy landscape within which the Council operated and included details of the proposed major changes to the Local Government Finance Regime with the future introduction of 100% Business Rates retention.  The Council had submitted an Efficiency Plan to Government in response to an initiative in order to secure certainty related to the Revenue Support Grant funding for 2016/17 to 2019/20.  Based on current information, trends and demand pressures, the Council would have to continue to make considerable budget reductions over the MTFS period which were currently forecasted to be £20.315m for 2017/18 rising to a cumulative sum of £53.823m for 2020/21.

The risks and uncertainties associated with the determination of the budget reduction requirement were outlined in the report.

The Options/Alternatives considered were:

Option 1 – To accept the assumptions and resulting financial forecasts presented at Section 4 of the report.

Option 2 – To propose amendments to the assumptions which would change the resulting budget gap and financial forecasts.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The financial forecasts and budget gap estimates for 2017/18 to 2020/21, and the key issues to be addressed in formulating a response to the financial challenges faced by the Council be endorsed.

2.       Council noted that the budget reduction target may be revised early in 2017 in accordance with local priorities and Government funding and policy announcements together with new developments related to the risks and uncertainties as set out in Section 5 of the report.

RESOLVED that Council Procedure 10.7 (Rules of Debate) be suspended to enable the Deputy Leader of the Council to exceed the time limit for his contribution in moving the Administration Budget to 15 minutes and the Deputy Leader of the Main Opposition to 10 minutes.  All other speakers would be limited to 4 minutes. 

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Stretton SECONDED the report of the Director of Finance which set out the Administration’s detailed Phase 1 budget reduction proposals for the financial year 2017/18.  The report presented the Administration’s first phase of detailed proposals towards bridging the 2017/18 gap of £20.315m.  As part of the development and consultation process for proposals, the Overview and Scrutiny Performance and Value for Money Select Committee met on 10^th November 2016 and reviewed 44 proposals with a total value of £7.012m.  Cabinet gave consideration to the proposals which resulted in:

·       A total of £6.147m of Phase 1 2017/18 budget reduction proposals being commended to Council for approval.

·       Two proposals being noted to allow time for completion of consultation.

·       Five proposals being deferred to allow for additional information to be presented to PVFM in January 2017. 

The proposals commended to Council totalled £6.147m which left a balance of £14.168m still to be addressed for 2017/18. 

There was further financial information yet to be received from Government in order for the final budget positon to be determined.  In addition, the next stage in closing the budget gap, a S188 notice was issued on 28 November 2016 and included proposals which totalled £5.466 and a FTE impact of 12.  These proposals would be presented to PVFM in January.  The final budget report would be presented to Council on 1^st March 2017.

Councillor Jabbar expressed thanks to Members and officers for their support in preparation of the proposals.

Options/Alternatives:

Option 1 – Council approve the budget reduction proposals as detailed at Appendix 1 to the value of £6.147m.

Option 2 – Council request that further work was undertaken on some or all of the budget reduction proposals and that a decision on proposals was deferred.

Councillor McCann spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Fielding spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Mushtaq spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Ahmad spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Williams spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Steven Bashforth spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Harrison spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Ur-Rehman spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Blyth spoke in support of the report.

Councillor Jabbar exercised his right of reply.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The £6.147m of detailed budget reduction proposals presented in summary at Appendix 1 and as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report be approved.

2.       the information contained within the Equality Impact Assessments also included at Appendix 2 which supported the Phase 1 proposals be taken into consideration.

3.       the consultation responses from Saddleworth and Shaw & Crompton Parish Councils included at Appendices 3b and 4B of the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Stretton SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance which advised of the performance of the Treasury Management function of the Council for the first half of 2016/17 and provided a comparison of performance against the 2016/17 Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators.

The Council was required to consider the performance of the Treasury Management function in order to comply with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Treasury Management Revised Code of Practice.  The report set out the key Treasury Management issues which were:

·       An economic update for the first six months of 2016/17;

·       A review of the Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Annual Investment Strategy;

·       The Council’s capital expenditure (prudential indicators);

·       A review of the Council’s investment portfolio for 2016/17;

·       A review of the Council’s borrowing strategy for 2016/17;

·       Whey there had been now debt rescheduling undertaken during 2016/17; and

·       A review of compliance with Treasury and Prudential Limits for 2016/17.

Options/Alternatives

In order that the Council complied with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management, the Council had no option other than to consider and approve the contents of the report.  Therefore no options/alternatives were presented.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The Treasury Management activity for the first half of the financial year 2016/17 and the projected outturn position be approved.

2.       The amendments to both the Authorised and Operational Boundary for external debt as set out in the table at Section 2.4.5 of the report be approved.

3.       The Amendments to the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) as set out in the table at Section 2.4.5 be approved.

4.       The inclusion of Green Energy Bonds as an alternative investment, detailed in Sections 2.5.21 and 2.5.22 of the report be approved.

5.       The purchase of LEP Loan Notes included within Section 2.5.23-24 of the report be noted.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Stretton SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance which sought approval of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017/18.

The legislation, as detailed in the Local Government Finance Act 2012, placed a requirement that each year a Billing Authority must formally give consideration to revising its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Scheme.  In order to do this with the timescale set out in legislation, it was necessary for full Council to agree the scheme before 31^st January 2017.  The Council introduced a CTR Scheme from 1 April 2013 and last revised the scheme from 1 April 2015. 

The report set out two options for consideration related to the 2017/18 CTR Scheme:

1.       Maintain the current scheme which may have financial, software and administrative implications.

2.       Revise the present Council Tax Reduction Scheme to align to the Housing Benefit Regulation 2006 as amended.  This would allow any future planned Welfare Reform changes to be updated within the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, without the need for further consideration.

Cabinet gave consideration to the report which set out the options on 5^th December 2016.  After consideration of all key facts and available information, Cabinet recommended that Council approve that no change be made to the current CTR Scheme and the scheme which operated in 2016/17 be continued for 2017/18.

Councillor McCann spoke in support of the report.

RESOLVED that the 2017/18 Council Tax Reduction Scheme not be changed from the scheme in operation during 2016/17.

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

Question 1:

“My first question of the Leader tonight again relates to the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

I make no apology for it, because in my part of the world this is undoubtedly the single most important local issue to our citizens.

I was surprised by the response of the Leader last time.

She talked of the need for more homes in our Borough and more aspirational homes in our Borough – something I do not disagree with – but there was no recognition that the growth and pain should be shared across the Borough, rather than concentrated in one corner of it!

I would like to reiterate that the land earmarked to build an awful lot of these new homes is in Shaw, in Crompton and in Royton.

It may be that only three percent of the Borough’s Green Belt is being lost, but the lion’s share of that amount is being lost is in the wards represented by myself and my colleagues for Shaw, Crompton and Royton.

Under the proposals outlined under the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, over 3000 new homes will be built on green field sites in Shaw and Crompton alone!

Vast swathes of Green Belt stretching from the rear of Dunwood Park to Burnage will be lost forever to bricks, concrete and tarmac.

3,000 new homes built in two wards in which, as a consequence of the withdrawal of local facilities or underinvestment, we have primary schools that are already overcrowded and full; a secondary school that is falling apart; a dilapidated health centre that is near cardiac arrest; no swimming facilities or dry leisure provision; precious few youth facilities and no municipal tip.  3,000 new homes that are built for growing families will need more primary and secondary school places; more GPs and dentists; and new highways and more buses and trams to get them about their daily business.  And doesn’t the decision not to replace Crompton Pool and Gym now look a little short-sighted given the number of new young residents that will need to learn to swim and the number of adults that will want to keep fit? 

More and more of my constituents are frankly getting more and more fearful and angry about these proposals.  This frustration was reflected in the fact that more than 200 residents turned up recently to a public consultation and we have had to organise a second event tomorrow, Thursday 15 December.

My question tonight is in three parts.

I would firstly like to ask the Leader whether she really is convinced that there is a need for such a large land grab of Green Belt to build so many homes and such an increase in industrial provision in our Borough?  And if the answer is yes, why is it that the lion’s share of that burden is placed upon Shaw, Crompton and Royton rather than apportioned out with other parts of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 17^th October 2016

b) 21^st November 2016

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 17^th October 2016 and 21^st November 2016 were submitted.

Members raised the following questions:

1.               Councillor Blyth – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 8:  Revenue Monitor and Capital Investment Programme 2016/17 Quarter 2 – September 2016.  Councillor Blyth asked that now Marks and Spencer had pulled out of Prince’s Gate after assurances that it was on track, how were negotiations on the development and were any other stores filling the void?  Were there any abortive costs regarding preparatory work and land deals for the Council should the development not go ahead and if there were any compensation clauses in place?

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise advised the meeting that the answer provided at the last Council meeting regarding Marks and Spencer was correct at that point in time.  There was still active consultation that week with the contractors.  It was regrettable that Marks and Spencer had not chosen to build an M&S Store in Oldham, however, the Council would meet with M&S again on the prospect of a ‘Simply Food’ store.  The Council would do its level best as there were sites that could serve that purpose.  Other parties were still interested.  The whole point of Prince’s Gate was as a new development and the Council would do its best to attract quality development to that site.  There were no compensation clauses in the agreement.

2.       Councillor McCann – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 6 – Proposal to Expand Greenfield CP – Pre-Publication Consultation Responses.  Councillor McCann thanked the administration for the new school to replace a 100 year old and cramped building.  The school had been rated excellent.  Not only would Greenfield have a new school worthy of the teachers and pupils of the 21^st century, but also have a new sports field which was usable.  The consultation was 58 in favour and 26 against.  Councillor McCann asked if the target date of 2018 was still there and if contracting was still on target and still final decisions to be made?

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR, advised the meeting that he was delighted in the support and was committed to investment in every part of the borough.  Councillor Jabbar confirmed that the Council was committed to the scheme and it was hoped to be delivered by September 2018, however, this would depend on the consultation and planning was concluded.  This Administration was keen on delivering the Greenfield Primary School by that area due to the pressure in that area and was confident that the school would be delivered in the timeframe.

3.       Councillor Harkness – Cabinet Meeting, 21^st November 2016, Item 9:  Shared Information Management and Governance Centre of Excellence.  Councillor Harkness asked if there was a rough estimate of savings with this item.

Councillor Jabbar, Cabinet Member for Finance and HR, responded by advising Councillor Harkness that he was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Jabbar to MOVE and Councillor McCann to SECOND:

Local Government has experienced a significant reduction in funding since 2009/10 and the introduction of the Government’s austerity regime.  According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, since 2009/10 there has been a real terms cut in local government spending across England of 22%. Here in Oldham we have fared much worse with a real terms cut of more than 42%.   At the same time there has been a huge increase in demand for services, particularly in adult social care.  The Council has responded to this massive challenge by competently and efficiently redesigning many of its services to minimise the impact on citizens of Oldham.

This Council notes with disappointment the Chancellor’s 2016 Autumn Statement in which he commented that higher spending by local authorities is one of the causes of a weaker economic outlook

This Council believes that the Chancellor should have used his Statement to address pressing concerns in:

• The funding of Adult Social Care – the cuts made by central government have pushed social care to crisis point with knock on effects in the NHS as people cannot be safely discharged home. While a further increase to the National Living Wage is welcome, unless this is fully funded, it just increases pressure on council budgets and the viability of the private care sector
• The benefits system. Cuts already agreed by government and not reversed will have a devastating impact on many Oldham residents
• Providing more affordable and social housing and addressing homelessness and poor housing conditions

The Autumn Statement provided new money for grammar schools, a stately home and reduced corporation tax.

Council resolves to:

• Write to the borough’s three MPs to urge them to take every opportunity to challenge the Government’s approach to public spending
• Work through the LGA to push the case for the urgent need to put social care on a sound financial footing
• Continue to provide support to Oldham’s residents, for example through the Welfare Rights Service, to do what we can to alleviate the difficulties faced by many of our residents.

Motion 2

Councillor Toor to MOVE and Councillor Garry to SECOND:

This Council notes that hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 but were not notified of the changes until relatively recently. Some women were not notified until two years ago of a six-year increase in pension age. Women born in the 1950s are bearing a disproportionate cost of Conservative plans to reduce state spending. Many women born in the1950s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences. Many of these women are caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment. Women born in this decade are suffering financially due to the Tories' ideological drive to reduce the cost of the state. These

women have worked hard, raised  ...  view the full agenda text for item 17.

Motion 1

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor McCann SECONDED the following motion:

“Local Government has experienced a significant reduction in funding since 2009/10 and the introduction of the Government’s austerity regime.  According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, since 2009/10 there has been a real terms cut in local government spending across England of 22%.  Here in Oldham we have fared much worse with a real terms cut of more than 42%.  At the same time there has been a huge increase in demand for services, particularly in social care.  The Council has responded to this massive challenge by competently and efficiently redesigning many of its services to minimise the impact on citizens of Oldham.

This Council notes with disappointment the Chancellor’s 2016 Autumn Statement in which he commented that higher spending by local authorities is one of the causes of a weaker economic outlook.

This Council believes that the Chancellor should have used his Statement to address pressing concerns in:

·       The funding of Adult Social Care – the cuts made by central government have pushed social care to crisis point with knock on effects in the NHS as people cannot be safely discharged home.  While a further increase to the National Living Wage is welcome, unless this is fully funded, it just increases pressure on council budgets and the viability of the private care sector.

·       The benefits system.  Cuts already agreed by government and not reversed will have a devastating impact on many Oldham residents.

·       Providing more affordable and social housing and addressing homelessness and poor housing conditions.

The Autumn Statement provided new money for grammar schools, a stately home and reduced corporation tax.

Councillor Hudson spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Jabbar exercised his right of reply.

A vote was then taken on the MOTION.

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

RESOLVED that:

1.       The borough’s three MP’s be written to, to urge them to take every opportunity to challenge the Government’s approach to public spending.

2.       Council would work through the LGA to push the case for the urgent need to put social care on a sound financial footing.

3.       Support provided to Oldham’s residents be continued, for example through the Welfare Rights Service, to do what could be to alleviate the difficulties faced by many of our residents.

Motion 2:

Councillor Toor MOVED and Councillor Garry SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes that hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 but were not notified of the changes until relatively recently.  Some women were not notified until two years ago of a six-year increase in pension age.  Women born in the 1950s are bearing a disproportionate cost of Conservative plans to reduce state spending.  Many women born in the 1950s are living in hardship.  Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences.  Many of these women are caring for elderly relatives, providing childcare for grandchildren, or suffer discrimination  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Gloster to MOVE and Councillor Blyth to SECOND:

This Council notes:

·         Pavement parking can pose a hazard to pedestrians, especially people with sight loss, parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and other disabled people.

·         People with sight loss are especially at risk as they can be forced into the road and faced with oncoming traffic that they cannot see.

·         Pavements are not designed to take the weight of vehicles and so surfaces can become damaged or subside, presenting a further hazard for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities.

Council notes that there are currently offences in law where vehicles are driven over the footpath or where vehicles cause an unreasonable obstruction on the footway; regrettably these offences are frequently left unenforced.

This Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police to request:

·         Greater Manchester Police enforce the legislation

·         That Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) be empowered to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders

Motion 2

Councillor Harkness to MOVE and Councillor Williamson to SECOND:

This Council is proud to be a member of the Sustainable Food Cities Network and as a member is committed to “Reducing waste and the ecological footprint of the food system”.

Council notes that with concern that this commitment will be more difficult to achieve when:

·         Most beverage cups dispensed by coffee outlets cannot be recycled

·         The production of bottled water necessitates wasteful processing, bottling and transportation, and when its consumption leads to the discarding of millions of plastic bottles

·         Much of the packaging used for food products cannot easily be recycled

Council aspires instead to reduce food packaging and promote recycling across the borough whenever possible.

Council further notes that these aspirations are compatible with the aims of the initiative, the Courthauld Commitment 2025, where signatories pledge to work to reduce  “the resource needed to provide our food and drink by one-fifth over ten years.”

Council therefore resolves to:

·         Ensure that drinking cups at water and coffee machines in Council buildings are all recyclable and are recycled

·         Work with local coffee outlets to encourage them to adopt recyclable cups, provide on-site recycling facilities, provide multi-use cups, and offer discounts to customers bringing their own cups

·         Promote the provision of public drinking fountains and free drinking water in all catering outlets and schools

·         Ask the relevant Cabinet Member and officers to investigate the merits of becoming a signatory to the Courthauld Commitment 2025, and report back on their findings no later than six months from now.

·         Ask the Chief Executive to write to the:

o    Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority requesting investment in the technology needed to recycle the food packaging that is not currently recycled

o    Relevant Government Minister asking the Government to create a market for the sale and reuse of materials (such as low-grade plastics) that are not currently recycled

Motion 3

Councillor McCann to MOVE and Councillor Sykes to SECOND:

This Council notes:

·         The Government’s stated commitment  ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Motion 1

Councillor Gloster MOVED and Councillor Blyth SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes:

·       Pavement parking can pose a hazard to pedestrians, especially people with sight loss, parents with pushchairs, wheelchair users and other disabled people.

·       People with sight loss are especially at risk as they can be forced into the road and faced with oncoming traffic that they cannot see.

·       Pavements are not designed to take the weight of vehicles and so surfaces can become damaged or subside, presenting a further hazard for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities.

Council notes that there are currently offences in law where vehicles are driven over the footpath or where vehicles cause an unreasonable obstruction on the footway; regrettably these offences are frequently left unenforced.“

Councillor Moores spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Steven Bashforth spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Briggs spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor McCann spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Gloster exercised his right of reply.

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

RESOLVED that the Chief Executive be requested to write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester to request:

·       Greater Manchester Police enforce the legislation; and

·       That Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) be empowered to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders.

Motion 2

Councillor Harkness MOVED and Councillor Williamson SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council is proud to be a member of the Sustainable Food Cities Network and as a member is committed ‘Reducing waste and the ecological footprint of the food system’.

Council notes with concern that this commitment will be more difficult to achieve when:

·       Most beverage cups dispensed by coffee outlets cannot be recycled

·       The production of bottled water necessitates wasteful processing, bottling and transportation, and when its consumption leads to the discarding of millions of plastic bottles

·       Much of the packaging used for food products cannot easily be recycled

Council aspires instead to reduce food packaging and promote recycling across the borough whenever possible.

Council further notes that these aspirations are compatible with the aims of the initiative, the Courthauld Commitment 2025, where signatories pledge to work to reduce ‘the resource needed to provide our food and drink by one-fifth over ten years.’

Councillor McCann spoke in support of the motion.

Councillor Roberts MOVED and Councillor Mushtaq SECONDED that under Council Procedure Rule 8.4(d) the motion be referred to Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Councillor Harkness exercised his right of reply.

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

RESOLVED that under Council Procedure 8.4(d) the motion be referred to Overview and Scrutiny Board.

Motion 3

The Mayor informed the meeting that the time limit for this item had expired and Councillor McCann as Mover of the Motion and Councillor Sykes as Seconder of the Motion requested the Council permit the following Motion be rolled over for discussion at the next Council meeting:

“This Council notes:

·       The Government’s stated commitment to encourage people with disabilities to return to paid employment

·       The important role  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

(time limit 8 minutes):-

The minutes of the Joint Authorities were submitted as follows:

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                              28^th October 2016

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority            9^th September 2016

National Park Authority                                              7^th October 2016

Transport for Greater Manchester                                        16^th September 2016

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service             13^th October 2016

Members raised the following questions:

1.       Councillor McCann- National Park Authority, 7^th October 2016, Item 40/16:  Review of Local Development Scheme.  Councillor McCann asked if Councillor McLaren could forward the outline of Peak Park Changes to the Planning Policy and the affect on affordable housing, design and numbers.  Councillor McLaren responded that he would forward the information to all councillors.

2.       Councillor Harkness – Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Item 188/16:  GM Connect Funding.  Councillor Harkness asked what it was, what it does and why it cost £1.4m?  Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council, responded that she would provide all councillors with a detailed answer.

3.       Councillor Bates – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, 13^th October 2016, Item 57:  Halloween Costumes Campaign Update and Item 58:  Cardiac Arrest Response.  Councillor Bates asked about the effect of cuts on response times.  Councillor Williams responded that GMFRS could get to an incident in 5.37 minutes, which few other authorities could do.  The service was able to get 10 appliances within 10 minutes, in Cumbria this could be 25 minutes.  Calls in Greater Manchester had been reduced due to assessments being provided by the Fire Service in communities.  The service had saved 63 lives in the response to cardiac arrests.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The minutes of the Joint Authority meetings as detailed in the report be noted.

2.       The questions and responses provided be noted.

(time limit 7 minutes)

The minutes of the Partnership meetings were submitted as follows:

Unity Partnership Board                         12^th September 2016

MioCare                                                12^th September 2016

Health and Wellbeing Board                   20^th September 2016

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 Actions from Council report be noted.

Report to Follow.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Legal Services related to the review of the political balance of Committees in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 which followed the notification to the Chief Executive of a change to political groups within Oldham Borough Council.  The Chief Executive had been notified of a change to a political group within Oldham Council.  Councillors Rehman and Kirkham had delivered a notice in writing to the Chief Executive signed by both Members and the Leader/Majority of the Group which stated they wished to join the Group.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The tables appended to the report which showed the proposed Constitution of Committees affected be applied from 14^th December 2016.

2.       The changes in the membership in accordance with the allocation of seats as shown in the table to the report be approved.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Legal Services which sought approval of the nomination to receive the Civic Appreciation Award, in recognition of significant voluntary contribution and dedication to local businesses, and to the community of Oldham. The Oldham Deputy Lieutenants Committee had nominated and the Group Leaders have recommended that Mr. Dave Benstead receive the award.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The nomination for Mr. Dave Benstead to receive the Civic Appreciation Award 2017 be agreed.

2.       The ceremony for the award would take place the Council meeting to be held on 22^nd March 2017.

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the impact of the European Union Referendum on Oldham and Greater Manchester.  The report provided an outline of the current economic outlook five months on from the vote as well as the wider challenges which included the exploration of voting patterns.

The latest information suggested that the economy continued to grow but was slowing down.  There was wide-spread business pessimism but largely stable consumer confidence.  The direction of convergence in attitudes between business and their customers would be a key determinant of how the economy performed in the medium-term. 

In terms of wider implications and the voting pattern of the borough, it was clear that many people in the borough felt left behind and disenfranchised.   This would need to inform policy going forward as a borough and for Greater Manchester particularly in moving Inclusive Growth higher up the agenda both for Oldham and the city region.

RESOLVED that the report on the European Union Referendum and the Impact on Oldham and Greater Manchester be noted.

Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Corporate Governance for the agreement to the appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP as External Auditor for the financial year 2017/18.  The external auditors would:

·       Undertake the external audit of the Statement of Accounts.

·       Audit the Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim.

·       Audit the Teachers’ Pension Agency Return.

The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 stated that a “relevant authority must appoint a local auditor to audit its accounts for a financial year not later than 31 December in the preceding financial year”.  The current external audit contract had been organised by the Audit Commission prior to its close and the option to agree for a further financial year (2017/18) had been agreed by the successor body, Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) following a determination by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.  The PSAA also acted as an Agent for the Department for Work and Pensions to appoint the external auditor to audit the Housing Benefit Subsidy grant.  The Council need to formally appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP to undertake this work for the 2017/18 claim.

The Teacher’s Pension Agency also required the certification of an external audit and it was proposed to appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP.

Options/Alternatives:

The only option was for the Authority to agree the appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP as directed by the Secretary of State.  There was discretion to appoint a separate auditor but this was low value work and the recommended option was to appoint Grant Thornton UK LLP.

RESOLVED that the appointment of Grant Thornton UK LLP, as the external auditor for the financial year 2017/18 for the Statement of Financial Accounts, Housing Benefit Subsidy grant claim and the Teachers’ Pension Agency return be approved.