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 Joe Fitzpatrick via email:

“The planning approval for the new Saddleworth School was overturned because of incompetence by the planning department. Will you be seeking external consultants for the next attempt, and when will you submit the planning application for this much needed new school in Saddleworth.”

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives responded that the Saddleworth School application had not been turned down because of incompetence.  The Judicial Review judgement noted clearly that “it is not correct to characterise the main (planning) report as defective in the general sense asserted by the claimant.  The report is lengthy but it is not unclear, nor factually misleading”.  The Judicial Review was upheld relative to site selection issues, this would clearly need to be addressed when the application was returned to the Planning Committee. Professional legal advice from a QC will be in place.

2.       Question asked by Valerie Lees:

          “Having been in correspondence with St James Councillors since 22/06/2014 regarding my concerns about the dilapidated condition of London Road and Acre Lane Derker.  I have been informed that Keepmoat were responsible for resurfacing the lower section of London Rd. once the building and the heavy traffic involved with the developments.  Building was completed over 2 years ago, to date no works have commenced on the roads despite my repeated enquiries to what timescales to expect.  We seem no nearer to a resolution or clarification of timescales or responsibilities. Would the relevant cabinet member explain the reason these works haven't been carried out and also when we can expect the promised works to be completed.”

          Councillor F. Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services responded that talks between Unity Partnership and Keepmoat regarding the surfacing of London Road were close to completion.  It was anticipated that work would begin on site over the next few months.

3.       Question received from Ian Bond via email:

          “How much Oldham Council spent on the ‘Your Oldham’ festival, and if they have figures for how many people attended the events, especially the concert on the 9th September 2017.  Additionally, if the attendance figures for the concert were not collected, how many people the Council estimated attended.”

          Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Enterprise responded that the cost of the Your Festival totalled £17,500.  During the festival week over 1,000 people attended the various events.  Many more had attended the Market Street but these were not able to be quantified.  The Oldham LIVE music event was the first of its type and offered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

Apologies were received from Councillors Ames, M. Bashforth, S. Bashforth, Briggs, Dearden, Hudson, Shuttleworth and Williamson.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 13^th September 2017 be approved as a correct record.

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

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

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

Councillor Ur-Rehman declared a personal interest in Item 15a by virtue of his appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

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

Councillor Stretton declared a personal interest in Item 15a by virtue of her appointment to the Unity Partnership Board.

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

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

Councillor Harrison declared a personal interest in Item 15a by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.  Councillor Harrison also declared a pecuniary interest at Item 12, Cabinet Minutes, 18 September 2017, Counthill Moorside: Selection of Preferred Developer for Residential Development by virtue of owning a property adjacent to the development.

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

Councillor Brownridge declared a personal interest in Item 15b by virtue of her appointment to the Police and Crime Commission.

Councillor Gloster declared a pecuniary interest at Item 13, Motion 3 and Item 15b by virtue of his employment with Greater Manchester Police.

Councillor Garry declared a pecuniary interest at Item 13, Motion 3 and Item 15 by virtue of her spouse’s employment with Greater Manchester Police.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no communications.

The Mayor advised two petitions had been received for noting by Council:

Economy, Skills and Neighbourhoods

Petition related to Saddleworth School: Stop the Delay, Find a Way (Saddleworth North Ward) received on 25^th September 2017 with 2,153 signatures (Ref: 2017-13)

Petition asking why Planning Permission was Granted at Keb Lane (Medlock Vale Ward) received on 11^th October 2017 with 457 signatures (Ref: 2017-14)

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

(time limit 15 minutes).

Councillor Roberts to MOVE and Councillor S. Bashforth to SECOND:

This council notes that:

1. DEFRA published the policy paper ’Air Quality Plan for nitrogen dioxide’ in July 2017 which sets out the Government’s strategy to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution and promises to make the UK a global leader in air quality
2. Evidence from the World Health Organisation, Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians outlines the damaging impact of poor air quality on our health, disproportionally affecting children, older people, people with pre-existing heart conditions and people on lower incomes
3. Oldham has been designated as “urban with major conurbation”, which puts us in the top 23% most urban Local Authority Districts. DEFRA has also placed Oldham within the “above the legal limit but no feasibility study needs to be done” category for air pollution, showing that Oldham’s urban nature affects the levels of pollution within the area.
4. Oldham’s nitrogen dioxide level is above the legal limit
5. Oldham is making progress towards reaching the legal limit and is expected to achieve this by 2021, however more can be done

This council welcomes the Air Quality Plan as far as it goes, but believes that action needs to be taken at a local, Greater Manchester and national level to increase the rate of progress and keep levels to the legal limit in the future.

This council resolves

1. To ask the Health and Well Being Board’s Air Quality Sub Group to move as quickly as possible to produce an Air Quality Improvement Scheme for Oldham which should include what we as individuals can do, as well as action by Oldham Council and by Greater Manchester bodies
2. To press Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop a more inclusive approach to improving air quality including
   1. Improving orbital public transport links
   2. Improving connectivity between city centres e.g. by revising the Low Carbon Strategy to include measures which will help Oldham
   3. Investing in cycling lanes and facilities in the outer boroughs
3. To inform and support the Greater Manchester bid for the maximum possible funding from the Clean Air Fund to support local action
4. To support the wider use of low emission vehicles e.g. by encouraging the installation of charging points for electric cars

The Mayor informed the meeting that there was one item of outstanding business from the previous meeting.  The Chief Executive had been notified that Councillor S. Bashforth was unable to attend the meeting to second the Motion and notice had been given that Councillor Larkin would second the Motion in his absence which was AGREED.

Motion 1

Councillor Roberts MOVED and Councillor S. Bashforth SECONDED the following motion:

“This council notes that:

1.       DEFRA published the policy paper ‘Air Quality Plan for nitrogen dioxide’ in July 2017 which sets out the Government’s strategy to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution and promises to make the UK a global leader in air quality.

2.       Evidence from the World Health Organisation, Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians outlines the damaging impact of poor air quality on our health, disproportionally affecting children, older people, people with pre-exisiting heart conditions and people on lower incomes.

3.       Oldham has been designated as ‘urban with major conurbation’, which puts us in the top 23% most urban Local Authority Districts.  DEFRA has also placed Oldham within the ‘above the legal limit but no feasibility study needs to be done’ category for air pollution, showing that Oldham’s urban nature affects the levels of pollution in the area.

4.       Oldham’s nitrogen dioxide level is above the legal limit.

5.       Oldham is making progress towards reaching the legal limit and is expected to achieve this by 2021, however more can be done.

This Council welcomes the Air Quality Plan as far as it goes, but believes that action needs to be taken at a local, Greater Manchester and national level to increase the rate of progress and keep levels to the legal limit in the future.

This Council resolves:

1.               To ask the Health and Wellbeing Board’s Air Quality Sub Group to move as quickly as possible to produce an Air Quality Improvement Scheme for Oldham which should include what we as individuals can do, as well as action by Oldham Council and by Greater Manchester bodies.

2.               To press Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to develop a more inclusive approach to improving air quality including:

a.     Improving orbital public transport links

b.     Improving connectivity between city centres e.g. by revising the Low Carbon Strategy to include measures which will help Oldham

c.     Investing in cycle lanes and facilities in outer boroughs

3.               To inform and support the Greater Manchester bid for the maximum possible funding from the Clean Air Fund to support local action

4.               To support the wider use of low emission vehicles e.g. by encouraging the installation of charging points for electric cars.”

Councillor McCann spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Blyth spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Roberts exercised her right of reply.

On being put to the VOTE, the MOTION was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The Health and Well-Being Board’s Air Quality Sub-Group be asked to move as quickly as possible to produce and Air Quality  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Stretton, delivered her Second Annual Statement.  The Leader reflected on shocks and surprises, as well as highlights, achievements and progress for Oldham.  There had been unexpected challenges and events beyond the Council’s control.  The Council had been tested on many levels and had shown great resilience as a place, a council, a partnership and as communities.

The Leader reflected on the Maple Mill fire which tested the Council’s response to a major incident and the support provided to people who were displaced when police dealt with a siege in Shaw.  There had also been localised flooding, allegations of a local Trojan Horse plot, the sudden closure of the Oldham Evening Chronicle and the closure of the University Technical College.  The Leader also reflected on sad losses and the Manchester Arena Attack.

The Leader commented on the financial challenge to local government and the more than £200 million which had been taken since 2009 and the impact on public services which was unavoidable.  The Leader reflected on Brexit and what it meant for the Council and the borough.  The Leader highlighted the fantastic assets in the Borough and thanked those residents, partners and local businesses who made a significant contribution to the progress and successes. 

The Leader highlighted the Inclusive Economy where opportunities could be accessed, the success of Get Oldham Working and the opening of new businesses in the borough which included Jardine Motors, the new B&M store and the DPD parcel delivery depot that was on track.  Work was also underway at Hollinwood Junction.  The Leader also highlighted on the commitment and support to businesses.

The authority had stepped up to the challenge of working with the Government as one of six Opportunity Areas in the country to ensure that Oldham’s children and young people get the best chance to do well at school.  The programme focussed on improving social mobility and meant extra funding from early years to lifelong learning.  The Leader also commented that 89.5 percent of students were attending a school that was rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.  Investments were being made in new facilities and expansions to cope with growing pupil numbers. 

The Leader highlighted Co-operative Services and the vision for the integration and innovation to improve outcomes for people.  This included recycling which had jumped by 8% to 46 percent and the public response to other behaviour change initiatives.  Oldham was a recognised leader in collaborative service innovation.  The work that Oldham Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group and other partners to integrate health and social care work into one system was recently showcased.  One example was Warm Homes Oldham which had lifted four and a half thousand local homes out of fuel poverty.  Another example was Get Oldham Growing which had expanded to five growing hubs and great partnerships that was helping hundreds of residents get healthy new life skills.  Fantastic feedback had been provided by the Chief Executive of Public Health England on Oldham’s focus on prevention  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 20 minutes)

The Youth Council believes that work experience is an essential component of young people’s transition into responsible and confident citizens, and is an excellent introduction into the world of work. These short term placements inside an organisation help young people become acquainted with the work place, which will improve their employability skills to create well-rounded individuals.  It may also provide an insight into a particular industry which can help decide their future career paths.

The Youth Council is aware of a survey by the City & Guilds vocational training organisation, about 80 per cent of employers think work experience is essential and two-thirds of employers would be more likely to hire a young person with work experience over someone with none.   There are also multiple benefits for the local community when businesses offer work experience to young people not least due to the links forged which may help get a foot in the door of the world of employment, and the firm may find that they have an enthusiastic and experienced new recruit on their hands in the future.  The Youth Council believes that if a young person has a worthwhile work experience in Oldham, it can only incentivise them to remain in the area after completing their education or training as they have become more aware of the career possibilities on their doorstep. They have a goal to aim for, and as a result have a purpose to work hard to gain the relevant qualifications after completing work experience, thus raising both aspirations and academic achievements in the town.  Indeed, people who had four or more interactions with employers during their schooling years were five times less likely to be unemployed at the end of them, according to recent research.

Throughout Oldham, however, provision is inconsistent as work experience is not a statutory obligation in schools.  It can often be challenging for young people to find suitable placements themselves, and as a consequence many miss out on this vital experience. 

As a Youth Council which strives to represent the views of young people and champion their issues, we feel that it would be imperative to urge the Council to take this issue seriously. In this year’s UK Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark campaign we balloted over 17,000 young people which represents approximately 70% of Oldham’s 11 – 18 year olds (the 2^nd highest turnout in the UK #JustSaying).  Work Experience hubs for 11-18 year olds, was the number one issue that our young people were concerned about, with over 2600 voting for this topic.

The Youth Council’s long term commitment to campaigning for a Curriculum for Life, an educational experience which adequately prepares students for responsible adulthood, also extends to a genuine demand for work experience which is beneficial to both parties involved and leaves young people feeling optimistic for their future. The Youth Council believes that it is an invaluable opportunity and it should not be decided on by the connections  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

The Youth Council PROPOSED the following MOTION:

“The Youth Council believes that work experience is an essential component of young people’s transition into responsible and confident citizens, and is an excellent introduction into the world of work. These short term placements inside an organisation help young people become acquainted with the work place, which will improve their employability skills to create well-rounded individuals.  It may also provide an insight into a particular industry which can help decide their future career paths.

The Youth Council is aware of a survey by the City & Guilds vocational training organisation, about 80 per cent of employers think work experience is essential and two-thirds of employers would be more likely to hire a young person with work experience over someone with none.   There are also multiple benefits for the local community when businesses offer work experience to young people not least due to the links forged which may help get a foot in the door of the world of employment, and the firm may find that they have an enthusiastic and experienced new recruit on their hands in the future.  The Youth Council believes that if a young person has a worthwhile work experience in Oldham, it can only incentivise them to remain in the area after completing their education or training as they have become more aware of the career possibilities on their doorstep. They have a goal to aim for, and as a result have a purpose to work hard to gain the relevant qualifications after completing work experience, thus raising both aspirations and academic achievements in the town.  Indeed, people who had four or more interactions with employers during their schooling years were five times less likely to be unemployed at the end of them, according to recent research.

Throughout Oldham, however, provision is inconsistent as work experience is not a statutory obligation in schools.  It can often be challenging for young people to find suitable placements themselves, and as a consequence many miss out on this vital experience. 

As a Youth Council which strives to represent the views of young people and champion their issues, we feel that it would be imperative to urge the Council to take this issue seriously. In this year’s UK Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark campaign we balloted over 17,000 young people which represents approximately 70% of Oldham’s 11 – 18 year olds (the 2^nd highest turnout in the UK #JustSaying).  Work Experience hubs for 11-18 year olds, was the number one issue that our young people were concerned about, with over 2600 voting for this topic.

The Youth Council’s long term commitment to campaigning for a Curriculum for Life, an educational experience which adequately prepares students for responsible adulthood, also extends to a genuine demand for work experience which is beneficial to both parties involved and leaves young people feeling optimistic for their future. The Youth Council believes that it is an invaluable opportunity and it should not be decided on by the connections  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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

Question 1:

“My first question tonight concerns the latest developments or lack of them at Princes Gate.  When plans for this site at Oldham Mumps were first unveiled in November 2014, former Council Leader Jim McMahon described them as a ‘game-changer for the new Oldham’.

Now we are three years on and we have yet to hear the details of who will replace Marks and Spencer as the flagship retailer on this gateway site.  Embarrassingly there are still many graphics in the town centre and elsewhere on display showing Marks and Spencer at the heart of this development.

This saga seems to be lasting as long as Game of Thrones – but it is not so captivating, bloody or exciting.  Businesses in the area, local residents and many others want and need to know what is happening – the silence is deafening.

Earlier this year we were promised an announcement in the near future and that was five months ago.  Has a commercial deal been struck? Did Cabinet approve a deal for Princes Gate in June? So why such a long delay in making an announcement?  Now five months on from the Cabinet meeting earlier this year and still now news.  I am sure lots of people in our Borough will be keen to hear what is going on and what the plan is?  It is long overdue some ‘game-changing’ on this site started to happen would the Leader of the Council agree.”

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council, agreed that it needed to happen soon.  It needed to be understood that whilst deals may have been struck, there were formal commercial arrangements which had to be put in to place before formal announcements could be made.  As soon as formal announcements were able to be made, they would be.

Question 2:

“For my second question tonight I would like to turn to another issue that is currently of great public interest and concern.  I am sure that colleagues in this chamber will have been as unsettled as I was to hear news of seemingly widespread instances of sexual harassment in Parliament.

Such reprehensible behaviour will bring Parliament further into disrepute; something we as Councillors should very much regret as this will also further undermine the electorate’s overall faith in the functioning of any aspect of British democracy – including that of local government.

Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated that she will be instituting a new code of conduct in Parliament and we must hope that this will help address the issue.  Tonight I would like to ask the Leader for reassurance that here at Oldham Council we are one step ahead of the crowd in having robust and exemplar policies regarding sexual harassment in place.  Policies that enable and encourage those amongst our staff, or indeed our elected officials, who suffer this indignity to report such incidents.  That we have a support network in place  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 21^st August 2017

b) 18^th September 2017

c) Urgent Key decisions - 21^st November 2016 - 27^th October 2017

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 21^st August 2017, 18^th September 2017 and the urgent key decisions taken between 21^st November 2016 and 27^th October 2017 were submitted.

Members raised the following questions:

Councillor McCann, Cabinet Minutes, 18^th September 2017, Items 8 and 17 – NSL Parking Enforcement/Service Contract – Councillor McCann fully supported the bus lane enforcement.  Councillor McCann asked for reassurance that the appropriate signage was in place and the running space was adequate to merge into the other lane.

Councillor F. Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, responded that he would look into the signage and the lanes issues.  There had been 50 prosecutions in one week.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 21^st August 2017, 18^th September 2017 and the Urgent Key Decisions taken between 21^st November 2017 and 27^th October 2017 be noted.

2.       The question and response provided on the Cabinet minutes be noted.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Jabbar to MOVE and Councillor Harrison to SECOND:

This Council considers its duty towards Children’s Social Care and Early Help to be one of its most important statutory duties. It is vitally important that the Council provides as comprehensive a service as possible to ensure that children have the best start in life. Therefore, the Council notes with grave concern that across England:

·       Approximately 350 Sure Start centres have closed since 2010.

·       Child poverty is now at its highest level since 2010, with 100,000 children nationally in relative poverty and 4 million children considered to be in poor households.

·       The analysis by the Local Government Association that suggests that: 75% of councils exceed their children’s social care budget to a total of £605 million, that councils are dealing with an increase in demand with child protection inquiries up by 140% in the last 10 years and that Children’s services face a £2bn shortfall by 2020.

·       A survey conducted by Action for Children outlines that 53% of Conservative Councillors are concerned that recent funding cuts make it more difficult for local councils to deliver legally required responsibilities for children and young people, with three quarters saying that in the long term children services is a major cause for concern.

Council further notes that:

·       The Council has invested an additional £4m into Children’s Services in this financial year.  This is to cover the cost of the vast increase in demand.  As this trend is expected to continue, the budget reduction requirement for 2018/19, has been increased by £4m to reflect this

·       Despite this in year investment, our Month 3 Financial Monitoring report considered by Cabinet on 23 September showed a projected overspend of £1.066m on Children’s Social Care. This is clearly challenging in the context of cuts to the Council’s budget totalling £202m over the period 2009/10 to 2017/18 and the use of £6.5m of reserves to balance the 2017/18 revenue budget.  As a result of the increased funding requirement in addition to Government funding cuts, the Council currently faces a budget reduction target of £24.8m for 2018/19 with further cuts required in future years.

Therefore, Council resolves to:

·       Make urgent representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer outlining the Council’s continuing struggle to meet its statutory requirements with the funding available, and request the release of adequate funds so that the Council can properly safeguard its children’s services.

·       Make representations to Robert Goodwill MP, the Minister of State for Children and Families, outlining the Council’s continuing struggle to meet its statutory requirements with the funding available, requesting that the Minister lobbies the Chancellor of the Exchequer for adequate funds so that the Council can properly safeguard its children’s services.

·       To write to the Local Government Association expressing the Council’s support for the organisation’s lobbying for adequate funding for Children’s Services.

·       To write to the borough’s three MPs asking that they continue to lobby government for adequate funding for the Council’s children’s services.

Motion  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Motion 1

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Harrison SECONDED the following motion:

“The Council considers its duty towards Children’s Social Care and Early Help to be one of its most important statutory duties.  It is vitally important that the Council provides as comprehensive a service as possible to ensure that children have the best start in life.  Therefore, the Council notes with grave concern that across England:

·       Approximately 350 Sure Start centres have closed since 2010.

·       Child poverty is now at its highest level since 2010, with 100,000 children nationally in relative poverty and 4 million children considered to be in poor households.

·       The analysis by the Local Government Association that suggests that: 75% of councils exceed their children’s social care budget to a total of £605 million, that councils are dealing with an increase in demand with child protection inquiries up by 140% in the last 10 years and that Children’s services face a £2bn shortfall by 2020.

·       A survey conducted by Action for Children outlines that 53% of Conservative Councillors are concerned that recent funding cuts make it more difficult for local councils to deliver legally required responsibilities for children and young people, with three quarters saying that in the longer term children services is a major cause of concern.

Council further notes that:

·       The Council has invested an additional £4m into Children’s Services in this financial year.  This is to cover the cost of the vast increase in demand.  As this trend is expected to continue, the budget reduction requirement for 2018/19 has been increased by £4m to reflect this.

·       Despite this in year investment, our Month 3 Financial Monitoring report considered by Cabinet on 23 September showed a projected overspend of £1.066m on Children’s Social Care.  This is clearly challenging in the context of cuts to the Council’s budget totally £202m over the period 2009/10 to 2017/18 and the use of £6.5m of reserves to balance the 2017/18 revenue budget.  As a result of the increased funding requirement in addition to Government funding cuts, the Council currently faces a budget reduction target of £24.8m for 2018/19 with further cuts required in future years.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

·       Make urgent representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer outlining the Council’s continuing struggle to meet its statutory requirements with the funding available, and request the release of adequate funds so that the Council can properly safeguard its children’s services.

·       Make representations to Robert Goodwill MP, the Minister of State for Children and Families, outlining the Council’s continuing struggle to meet its statutory requirements with the funding available, requesting that the Minister lobbies the Chancellor of the Exchequer for adequate funds so that the Council can properly safeguard its children’s services.

·       To write to the Local Government Association expressing the Council’s support for the organisation’s lobbying for adequate funding for Children’s Services.

·       To write to the Local Government Association expressing the Council’s support for the organisation’s lobbying for adequate funding for Children’s Services.

·       To write to the borough’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Councillor Murphy to MOVE and Councillor Harkness to SECOND:

This Council notes, with great sadness, that:

·       There is growing evidence that the use of acid and other corrosive substances as a weapon in violent attacks is increasing.

·       Victims of these crimes are often left with life changing injuries as well as long-term psychological and emotional damage,

·       Data collected by the National Police Chiefs’ Council covering a six month period between November 2016 and April 2017 identified 408 attacks involving corrosive substances across 39 police forces. 21% of offenders were found to be 18 years or under.  

Council welcomes:

·       The recognition by the British Government that the law is currently unsatisfactory as the products are legal for anyone to purchase, but shops are required to report suspicious sales.

·       The recent Home Office consultation on proposals to enact new legislation in which retailers will be committing a criminal offence if they sell products containing harmful corrosive substances in shops or on-line to persons under 18 and where a new offence will be created of possessing a corrosive substance in a public place.

·       Proposals by other Councils to roll out voluntary schemes urging shopkeepers not   to support sales of corrosive products which contain acid or ammonia to under 21     year olds in advance of future legislation.

This Council resolves to:

·       Ask the Overview and Scrutiny Board, with the Trading Standards team and retailers’ associations, to examine the merits and practicalities of introducing such a voluntary scheme in this borough in advance of new legislation, and to report back their findings to full Council. 

·       Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Greater Manchester to request they make representations to           Government ministers supporting the urgent introduction of new legislation to regulate the sale of these substances and to outlaw under-age sales.

Motion 2

Councillor McCann to MOVE and Councillor Sykes to SECOND:

This Council notes that:

·       The Government have recently announced that the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme (or SMI), administered by the Department of Work and Pensions, will come to an end on 5 April 2018.

·       Homeowners who are on a qualifying benefit for long enough can currently receive help towards the interest charges on a mortgage or eligible home improvement loan.

·       From 6 April 2018, new and existing claimants will instead be offered SMI loans; there will be no transitional protection.

·       If a loan is not accepted, SMI will end and claimants will start to accrue mortgage arrears, putting their home at risk.

·       If the loan is accepted, homeowners will have to repay the loan, including accrued interest if there is sufficient equity, once the property is sold or ownership is transferred.

·       The Department for Work and Pensions has estimated that of the 140,000 households currently receiving SMI around 50% are of pension age.

Council is concerned that:

·       Such claimants will end up being in further debt should they choose to participate in the new scheme.  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Motion 1:

Councillor Murphy MOVED and Councillor Harkness SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes, with great sadness that:

·       There is growing evidence that the use of acid and other corrosive substances as a weapon in violent attacks is increasing.

·       Victims of these crimes are often left with life changing injuries as well as long-term psychological and emotional damage.

·       Data collected by the National Police Chiefs’ Council covering a six month period between November 2016 and April 2017 identified 408 attacks involving corrosive substances across 39 police forces.  21% of offenders were found to be 18 years or under.

Council welcomes:

·       The recognition by the British Government that the law is currently unsatisfactory as the products are legal for anyone to purchase, but shops are required to report suspicious sales.

·       The recent Home Office consultation on proposals to enact new legislation in which retailers will be committing a criminal offence if they sell products containing harmful corrosive substances in shops or on-line to persons under 18 and where a new offence will be created of possessing a corrosive substance in a public place.

·       Proposals by other Councils to roll out voluntary schemes urging shopkeepers not to support sales of corrosive products which contain acid or ammonia to under 21 year olds in advance of future legislation.

This Council resolves to:

·       Ask the Overview and Scrutiny Board, with the Trading Standards team and retailers’ associations, to examine the merits and practicalities of introducing such a voluntary scheme in this borough in advance of new legislation, and to report back their findings to full Council.

·       Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Greater Manchester to request they make representations to Government ministers supporting the urgent introduction of new legislation to regulate the sale of these substances and to outlaw under-age sales.

Councillor Blyth spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Ur-Rehman spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Murphy exercised his right of reply.

On being put to the VOTE, the MOTION was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

RESOLVED that:

1.       The Overview and Scrutiny Board be asked, with the Trading Standards Team and retailers’ associations, to examine the merits and practicalities of introducing such a voluntary scheme in this borough in advance of new legislation, and to report back their findings to full Council.

2.       The Chief Executive be asked to write to the Borough’s three Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Greater Manchester to request they make representations to Government ministers supporting the urgent introduction of new legislation to regulate the sale of these substances and to outlaw under-age sales.

Motion 2:

Councillor McCann MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED the following motion:

“This Council notes that:

·       The Government have recently announced that the Support for Mortgage Interest Scheme (or SMI), administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, will come to an end on 5 April 2018.

·       Homeowners who are on a qualifying benefit for long enough can currently receive help towards  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

(time limit 7 minutes)

The minutes of the Partnership meetings were submitted as follows:

Unity Partnership Board                                   27^th June 2017

MioCare Group                                               31^st July 2017

Health and Wellbeing Board                             27^th June 2017

Councillor Murphy, Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes, 27^th June 2017, Item 11: Dementia Buddy Guardian Angels – Councillor Murphy was pleased to see the scheme on the agenda and would soon make a difference.

RESOLVED that:

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

2.      The observations be noted.

(time limit 8 minutes):-

The minutes of the Joint Authorities were submitted as follows:

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal                          31^st August 2017

Authority                                                                   8^th September 2017

                                                                                21^st September 2017

Police and Crime Panel                                              5^th June 2017

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                              29^th September 2017

Transport for Greater Manchester                                        15^th September 2017

National Peak Park Authority                                      7^th July 2017 (AGM)

Members asked the following questions:

Councillor Bates: GMCA, 29^th September 2017 – Councillor Bates raised a question regarding the retirement of the Chief Fire Officer.  The issue was not reflected in the minutes and could therefore not be discussed.

Councillor Rehman:  GMCA, 29^th September 2017 Item 65/17 Brexit Monitor – Monthly Report – Councillor Rehman noted that a Brexit report would be brought to the next Council meeting and asked about representations to Whitehall and specifically about Oldham.

Councillor Stretton provided assurances that as the representative on GMCA she provided an input on all agendas as appropriate.

Members made the following observations:

Councillor Sykes:  GMWDA Minutes, 8^th September 2017, Item 40 – Waste Management Strategy and Policy Update – Councillor Sykes asked what was meant by a need to get to a 70% recycling rate?  This was a challenging target, an increased in recycling was to be celebrated and needed to be as others in Europe and asked how the target would be tackled.

Councillor Hewitt, GMWDA Spokesperson, responded that the target related to the recycling at the plants and new contracts.

Councillor Sykes: GMCA Minutes, 29^th September 2017, Item 159/17 Metrolink Fares  - Councillor Sykes asked about the fares increase which would be retail price index plus 1% for an organisation which already generated income and had a greater footfall than anticipated.  There had been a fare freeze and now this increase would do two things – make metrolink more expensive and drive residents back onto the bus network or worse back into cars.  Why were the fares increased above and beyond inflation?  This would have a detrimental impact on the people of Oldham.

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council responded that there had been a fare freeze during the disruption.  Metrolink needed future investment and the provision to give a 50% rate to 16 – 18 years olds.  It was regrettable that fare hand to increase but this was the only to ensure future investment.

Councillor Bates made an observation that there were no Fire Committee minutes on the agenda.

Councillor Harkness:  GMCA Minutes, 29^th September 2017, Item 157/17 – School Readiness – Councillor Harkness commented on the number of reception age students who were not school-ready.  This was a priority for Greater Manchester and hoped that this was a priority for Oldham as well but was not sure what the plan was.

Councillor Stretton, Leader of the Council responded that this is a priority and already a number of meetings had been held with officers and members across Early Years and would be carried forward.

Councillor Williams, GMCA Minutes, 29^{th  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15b}

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

Councillor Sheldon sought further clarification on the flooding issue he raised at the meeting on 13^th September 2017.

RESOLVED that:

1.       the Update on Actions from Council be noted.

2.       Clarification be sought from United Utilities on flooding at Dovestone Reservoir.

Consideration was given to the Youth Justice Plan 2017/18.  It was a statutory duty on the Local Authority to produce an annual plan.  The plan set out the strategy for Oldham’s Youth Justice Service and demonstrated how the Youth Justice Service would achieve its primary functions and key objectives.  The primary functions of the service were:

·       Reduction in First Time Entrants (FTE) to the criminal justice system;

·       Reduction in Re-Offending following both pre and post court disposals

·       Reduction in the use of custody for offenders

·       Effectively safeguard children and young people

·       Effectively protect the public.

Oldham was the only statutory Youth Justice Service which is sub-contracted by the Local Authority and directly delivered by an independent charitable trust – Positive Steps.  Positive Steps also provide an integrated range of targeted services.  The Service is overseen by the Youth Justice Management Board which included representatives from the Local Authority and other statutory partners.  The Board held the service to account for the achievement of performance targets.

RESOLVED that the Youth Justice Strategic Plan for 2017/18 be noted.

Due to the size of appendix 2 to this report, hard copies will be made available for inspection at the Civic Centre. Copies can be obtained at Access Oldham, Rochdale Road Reception and the Member Group Rooms

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council which outlined a response to the Boundary Committee Consultation on the Review of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries.

In 2016, the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) announced the review and was required to report back to Parliament in September 2018.  Initial proposals were proposed in 2016 and the Council agreed a response at its meeting on 9 November 2016.  The response was to submit an alternative proposal which allowed for two parliamentary constituencies wholly contained within Oldham Metropolitan Borough, allowed for the retention of the existing constituency names and kept the electoral size limit and involved minimum disruption.  The proposal also brought the Failsworth East and Failsworth West Wards into the Oldham West and Royton Constituency.

The Council had recently received the “Revised Proposals for the new constituency boundaries in the North West”.  The new proposals were for the Oldham Wards to be placed into the proposed new constituencies of Oldham, Littleborough & Saddleworth and Failsworth and Droylsden as outlined in the report. 

It was proposed that the response from Council reiterated the preferred position as agreed in November 2016.

RESOLVED that the alternative option proposal as outlined in the 9 November 2016 report be approved.

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director Health and Wellbeing which set out the District Plans for the municipal year 2017/18.  The action plans were based on thorough consultation, analysis of data and deliberation by elected members in each district.  The action plans had also been approved by their respective District Executives.  Priorities had been set on a two year basis in 2016 but action plans on the delivery of the priorities were for one year.  The report also outlined the approach on how ward and member budgets would be spent in the delivery of the plans as agreed on 13^th July 2016.

RESOLVED that the District Plans as agreed by each District Executive be approved.