Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Oldham, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL. View directions

Contact: Liz Drogan 

Items
No. Item

1.

Questions to Cabinet Members from the public and Councillors on ward or district issues

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

Minutes:

The Mayor advised the meeting that the first item on the agenda in 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 Syed Maruf Ali via Facebook:

 

           Please raise this question at the next full council meeting and ask the Mayor to read the questions. The Ritchie report into rioting in 2001 concluded that Oldham authority had done little to challenge racial segregation in education and housing. It claimed many of the town’s problems were not cause by race but as a result of poverty and social exclusion. The Ritchie report criticised Oldham council for failing to address segregation, education and housing etc. The report called for more investment, partnership working, capitalising on the mood of togetherness, and placing more focus on young people and education among the factors to help ensure the delivery of its vision. We the residents of Town Centre base especially from Primrose Bank and Coppice would like the local authorities and regional School commissioner to carry out independent investigation into if residents of Town Centre Case are being socially excluded from Good/Outstanding primary and secondary School due to each individual School admission criteria. Oldham Council are backing plans for a new school that discriminates against children who are not religious and children whose religion is not a member of the inter-faith forum. A proposed Church of England faith school in Oldham will select 50% of its pupils based on their parents’ religion. The Cranmer Education Trust – affiliated with the C of E – is proposing a new Christian faith school in west Oldham. As yet unnamed will select 50% of its pupils based on their parents’ religion. How is this School going to address the shortage of Secondary School places for residents of Town Centre Base especially from Coppice/Primrose Bank? What is the current position of Oldham council supporting / promoting faith School?”

 

            Councillor Jacques, Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, responded that it was now more than 17 years since the disturbances in 2001.  Significant progress had been made since then in addressing the problems identified in the report.  It was important to move on and focus on Oldham today.  There was an ambitious Oldham Plan which set out proposals for:

·     Creating an inclusive economy which offered opportunities for all;

·     Working with residents to deliver co-operative services which met their needs; and

·     Developing thriving communities in ways which built the capacity for people to support themselves and others.

            A key part of the plan was to ensure there were enough good and outstanding schools for all of our children and young people.  Support for the free school proposed by the Cranmer Trust was to help the objective be achieved.  The existing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

To receive apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors G. Alexander, Hudson, A. Hussain, Larkin, Moores, Toor, Turner and Ur-Rehman

 

3.

To order that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 12 th September 2018 be signed as a correct record pdf icon PDF 427 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 12th September 2018 be agreed as a correct record.

4.

To receive declarations of interest in any matter to be determined at the meeting

Minutes:

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

 

Councillor M. Bashforth declared a personal interest at Item 15b, by virtue of her appointment to the MioCare Board.

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

Councillor F. Hussain declared a personal interest at Item 15b, by virtue of his appointment to the MioCare Board.

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

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

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

Councillor H. Gloster declared a pecuniary interest at Item 15a, by virtue of her husband’s employment by Greater Manchester Police.

 

5.

To deal with matters which the Mayor considers to be urgent business

Minutes:

There were no items of Urgent Business.

 

6.

To receive communications relating to the business of the Council

Minutes:

The Mayor made reference to the resignation of former Councillor Cherryl Brock and to the recent death of former Councillor and Executive Member Eleanor Ritchie. 

 

Councillors Fielding, C. Gloster and Sheldon paid tribute to the work of former Councillor Cherryl Brock.

 

Councillor Sykes paid tribute to the work of former Councillor Eleanor Ritchie.

 

Council held a minute’s silence.

 

7.

To receive and note petitions received relating to the business of the Council

(time limit 20 minutes)

Minutes:

There were no petitions to be noted.

8.

Outstanding Business from the previous meeting

(time limit 15 minutes).

 

Councillor Chauhan to MOVE and Councillor M Bashforth to SECOND:

Creating a healthy and thriving Oldham

Oldham Council notes:
• That good health is more than the lack of disease or illness.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 13 million deaths annually are attributable to preventable environmental causes. WHO estimates that 24% of the global disease burden (healthy life years lost) and 23% of all deaths (premature mortality) are attributable to environmental quality.
• For Oldham residents to thrive good mental, physical and social wellbeing is essential.
• Health and wellbeing has an important relationship to income, quality employment, decent housing, access to basic services including education, physical activity, a good quality built environment, the natural environment and cultural and social fulfilment.
• That access to affordable, quality healthy food is essential to good health.
• The number of environmental factors locally, such as the sale of harmful products and unhealthy food, impacts directly on health in our communities.
• Environmental factors within Oldham have resulted in a higher than the national average number of deaths from heart disease and smoking related illness, and vast health inequalities and gaps in life expectancy between different parts of our borough
• Of particular concern is the health of young people and Oldham has unacceptably high levels of childhood obesity, young people smoking and children with poor dental hygiene. Furthermore, low quality environments impact upon the quality of mental health

This Council believes:
1. That immediate action is required to eradicate environmental factors contributing to poor health and wellbeing of residents
2. The council and its partners has an important role to play to protect health and wellbeing of residents


This council resolves:
1. To create a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) process  as a means of evidence-based policy in order to make improvements in health and wellbeing. Any policy, project or programme that does not necessarily have health as its primary objective will be subject to a robust Health Impact Assessment

2. To use this process to develop Health Improvement Zones in areas where environmental factors have a significant detrimental impact on the health and well being of local communities, developing additional policies where needed e.g. Supplementary Planning Documents aimed at managing the availability of unhealthy take away food.

 

Minutes:

Creating a Healthy and Thriving Oldham

Councillor Chauhan MOVED and Councillor M. Bashforth SECONDED the following MOTION:

“Oldham Council notes:

·         That good health is more than the lack of disease or illness.

·         The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 13 million deaths annually are attributable to preventable environmental causes.  WHO estimates that 24% of the global disease burden (healthy life years lost) and 23% of all deaths (premature mortality) are attributable to environmental quality. 

·         For Oldham residents to thrive good mental, physical and social wellbeing is essential.

·         Health and wellbeing has an important relationship to income, quality employment, decent housing, access to basic services including education, physical activity, a good quality built environment, the natural environment and cultural and social fulfilment. 

·         That access to affordable, quality healthy food is essential to good health.

·         The number of environmental factors locally, such as the sale of harmful products and unhealthy food, impacts directly on health in our communities.

·         Environmental factors within Oldham have resulted in a higher than the national average number of deaths from heart disease and smoking related illness, and vast health inequalities and gaps in life expectancy between different parts of our borough.

·         Of particular concern is the health of young people and Oldham has unacceptably high levels of childhood obesity, young people smoking and children with poor dental hygiene.  Furthermore, low quality environments impact upon the quality of mental health

This Council believes:

1.         That immediate action is required to eradicate environmental factors contributing to poor health and wellbeing of residents.

2.         The Council and its partners has an important role to play to protect health and wellbeing of residents.

This Council resolves:

1.         To create a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) process as a means of evidence-based policy in order to make improvements in health and wellbeing.  Any policy, project or programme that does not necessarily have health as its primary objective will be subject to a robust Health Impact Assessment.

2.         To use this process to develop Health Improvement Zones in areas where environmental factors have a significant detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities, developing additional policies where needed, e.g. Supplementary Planning Documents aimed at managing the availability of unhealthy take away food.

 

Councillor Harkness spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Judd spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor S. Bashforth spoke in support of the Motion.

 

Councillor Chauhan exercised his right of reply.

 

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

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.         A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) process as a means of evidence-based policy in order to make improvements in health and wellbeing be created.  Any policy, project or programme that did not necessarily have health as its primary objective would be subject to a robust Health Impact Assessment.

2.         This process to be used to develop Health Improvement Zones in areas where environmental factors had a significant detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of local communities, developing additional policies where needed, e.g. Supplementary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Leader's Annual Statement

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Fielding, delivered his First Annual Statement.  The Leader reflected on being out in the communities and visiting staff in the last six months from across the organisation hearing and seeing what they did and listened to their challenges.  The Leader highlighted the outstanding Lifelong Learning Service and meeting service users who were learning to speak English which opened up opportunities such as seeking work and assisting their children with schoolwork which underpinned the objective of school readiness and for Oldham to be a prosperous place.  The Leader also highlighted the Holts Estate Hub where staff from a number of organisations including the Council worked together to deliver a better service for residents, created community groups where there had been none before, helped residents into work and supported people in the community rather than when a crisis point was reached. 

 

The Leader reflected on making the Borough a place it could be, there was a lot to be proud of and a lot to do.  The Leader reflected on the Administration’s priorities.  Colleagues had had conversations on doorsteps on what was important which were basic services which included better and safer roads.  There was an investment programme in primary and secondary routes.  If a road was in need of investment, the Leader asked that residents report it to their local councillors.  The Leader highlighted cleaner streets and the investment in extra staff and changed rotas.  The Leader also reflected on communities loving where they lived and keeping communities tidy and the launch of the Big Clean Up.

 

The Leader reflected on community safety , the appointment of a dedicated Cabinet Member for Policing and Community Safety, the success of Operation Infinity.  Violent behaviour would not be tolerated. 

 

The Leader highlighted regeneration including the review of the Town Centre Master plan which included being sympathetic to heritage and aspiration of people, not exclusively shopping as town centres evolved.  Regeneration was not just about Oldham Town Centre and the Leader reflected progress in other areas which included Hollinwood Junction, Broadway Green and an application had been submitted for the demolition of Hartford Mill to complete development in the Freehold area.

 

The Leader also reflected that regeneration was not just about physical but also social regeneration for healthy and happy communities which included Get Oldham Working and the success of getting residents into work.  The Leader highlighted education and the challenge to support schools and academies.  Eighty percent of schools were rated good or outstanding.  The Leader highlighted the shortage of places, working with providers to build new schools and the investments being made across the borough.  The Leader highlighted that the Environment Agency had withdrawn their objections to the new Saddleworth School and hoped to soon provide facilities to those students which they deserved.

 

The Leader reflected on making devolution work which include the delivery of health and social care integration and highlighted the variations in life expectancy.  The Leader also highlighted the Town Centre Challenge and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Youth Council

(time limit 20 minutes)

 

This Council notes that from the 1st April 2018 the law changed and Local Authority Children's Services must provide care leavers with support up to the age of 25 (even if they are not in education as used to be the case). This is in recognition that young people still need help and support in these early adulthood years. For most young adults that support comes from their own parents or family members, for many care leavers this support simply isn’t there.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Children in Care Council have made health a priority issue and have undertaken much work in this area to improve the health experiences of looked after children and care leavers.  This includes:

  • Creating the passport to independence that provides a comprehensive guide and information resource for care leavers including information and advice around health
  • Working with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and GP practices to raise awareness of the issues facing children and young people accessing primary care.
  • Addressing the CCG AGM and the Devolution Difference Conference sharing the perspective of care leavers and their health experiences.

Council notes:

  • The health inequality that is facing some of the Borough’s care leavers.
  • Currently the cost of an NHS prescription £8.80 per item.
  • For care leavers aged 19 – 25 who are in receipt of DWP benefits they are able to have free prescriptions as a national exemption criteria.
  • Care leavers who are in work or in higher education are not entitled to free prescriptions.
  • The Borough has 86 care leavers currently that are having to pay for prescriptions.
  • Many of these young people are on low income employment via apprenticeships, or are in higher education. They do not earn a lot of money.
  • With the money from their employment they are having to sustain a totally independent way of living, paying the rent, the bills, transport cost and food for example.
  • Many are managing on a very tight budget, where having to make a decision about paying for the medication needed or paying for food or fuel is a real choice.

Council recognises:

The Government’s corporate parenting principles, Principle 1 is ‘To act in the best interest and promote the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.’

  • Oldham Council takes its role as a corporate parent seriously and that health and improving the health and wellbeing of Oldham citizens is a high priority for Oldham.
  • Being ill isn’t something that anyone can plan for and the unforeseen cost of prescriptions is a concern and financial worry the Children in Care Council would like to see eradicated for care leavers now and in the future.
  • The cost of prescriptions is nothing compared to the health risks faced when the appropriate medication isn’t obtainable at the right time.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Health asking that care leavers until the age of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

The Youth Council PROPOSED the following MOTION:

 

“This Council notes that from the 1st April 2018 the law changed and Local Authority Children’s Services must provide care leavers with support up to the age of 25 (even if they are not in education as used to be the case).  This is in recognition that young people still need help and support in these early adulthood years.  For most young adults that support comes from their own parents or family members, for many care leavers this support simply isn’t there.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Children in Care Council have made health a priority issues and have undertaken work in this area to improve the health experiences of looked after children and care leavers.  This includes:

·       Creating the passport to independence that provides a comprehensive guide and information resource for care leavers including information and advice around health

·       Work with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and GP practices to raise awareness of the issues facing children and young people accessing primary care.

·       Addressing the CCG AGM and the Devolution Difference Conference sharing the perspective of care leavers and their health experiences.

Council notes:

·       The health inequality that is facing some of the Borough’s care leavers.

·       Currently the cost of an NHS prescription £8.80 per item.

·       For care leavers aged 19 – 25 who are in receipt of DWP benefits they are able to have free prescriptions as a national exemption criteria.

·       Care leavers who are in work or in higher education are not entitled to free prescriptions.

·       The Borough has 86 care leavers currently that are having to pay for prescriptions.

·       Many of these young people are on low income employment via apprenticeships, or are in higher education.  They do not earn a lot of money.

·       With the money from their employment they are having to sustain a totally independent way of living, paying the rent, bills, transport cost and food for example.

·       Many are managing on a very tight budget, where having to make a decision about paying for the medication needed or paying for food or fuel is a real choice.

Council recognises:

The Government’s corporate parenting principles, Principle 1 is ‘To act in the best interest and promote the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.’

·       Oldham Council takes its role as a corporate parent seriously and that health and improving the health and wellbeing of Oldham citizens is a high priority for Oldham.

·       Being ill isn’t something that anyone can plan for and the unforeseen cost of prescriptions is a concern and financial worry the Children in Care Council would like to see eradicated for care leavers now and in the future.

·       The cost of prescriptions is nothing compared to the health risks faced when the appropriate medication isn’t obtainable at the right time.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Health asking the care leavers until the age  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Leader and Cabinet Question Time

(time limit 30 minutes – maximum of 2 minutes per question and 2 minutes per response)

Minutes:

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

 

1.       Question 1:  Giving Certainty to Tommyfield Traders

 

          “My first question tonight concerns people living with great uncertainty; they are nervous about their future; or indeed if they have a future; and a Leader who is promising a plan that will deliver a ‘New Jerusalem’…  But in this case I am not talking about the people of the United Kingdom, Theresa May and Brexit, but rather the traders of Tommyfield Market, our new Council Leader, and the revised (yet again) Oldham Town Centre Masterplan.  We all know that the Leader tore up the old £350 million masterplan – not good enough said he; it ‘falls short of what is required to give a compelling vision for Oldham’.  I am sure the traders at Tommyfield were at that time grateful that he described the market as ‘much loved’ and ‘a significant feature of Oldham town centre… in need of investment’.  It must have filled them with hope for the future.  But since that time the same traders have been living with more uncertainty, made worse by the fact that the new revised, better-than-the-old-one masterplan is now not scheduled to be unveiled until at least March 2020.  Yes not March 2019, but March 2020 – in at least 18 months-time.  Most citizens of this Borough will wonder why it will take so long and why urgency is not put into the process.  With our recent experience of town centre regeneration projects falling behind schedule or just failing to happen; think Hotel Futures and Princes Gate.  Traders are right to ask questions and they deserve some answers.  At present traders report that when their leases are up for renewal they are being offered new agreements in which they could be given as little as three months’ notice to quit.  Many of these traders have been in the market for decades, with a loyal customer base to match, and one – Levers – has its own blue plaque celebrating Oldham as being the historic home of fish and chips.  So how can it be right that they can be out on their ear in only 12 weeks?  I ask you is this any way to treat traders who were recently described as ‘much loved’.  Giving them so little notice means they have no incentive to invest in their business or premises.  Some say that in any case a three month notice period makes their business now practically worthless.  It causes difficulties with recruiting and keeping staff and impacts on the wellbeing of the owners and their families let alone their pockets.  So I would ask the Leader tonight if he will rethink the Council’s offer to traders.  Will he do the right thing and agree to requests that they be at least granted five-year automatically renewable leases as a way to guarantee them some future for their businesses and staff?  Will he promise traders that they will be consulted regularly as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

To note the Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on the undermentioned dates, including the attached list of urgent key decisions taken since the last meeting of the Council, and to receive any questions or observations on any items within the Minutes from Members of the Council who are not Members of the Cabinet, and receive responses from Cabinet Members pdf icon PDF 153 KB

(time limit 20 minutes):-

 

a) 20th August 2018

b) 17th September 2018

c) Urgent Key decisions between 28th October 2017 and 26th October 2018

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 20th August 2018, 17th September 2018 and the urgent key decisions taken between 28th October 2017 and 26th October 2018.

 

There were no questions or observations raised.

 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 20th August 2018, 17th September 2018 and the urgent key decisions taken between 28th October 2017 and 26th October 2018 be noted.

 

13.

Notice of Administration Business

(time limit 30 minutes)

 

Motion 1 – Tackling Child Hunger

Councillor Jacques to MOVE and Councillor Ball to SECOND:

This Council notes

  1. that the numbers of children living in poverty continues to rise. In Oldham in 2017, 40.66% of our children lived in poverty (the 7th highest across the UK) including 62.11% of Coldhurst Ward’s children, the highest  rate in the UK. Government policy, including welfare reform and the impact of full service Universal Credit, underpins this increase.
  2. That Oldham Council, working with many local partners, has taken steps to tackle food poverty and to ensure that children receive award winning nutritious school meals.  However, during school holidays many children, especially those entitled to Free School Meals,  go hungry
  3. The pilot work done by Oldham Council, If Oldham, the Food Bank and local community and church groups this summer to provide free lunches for children.

This Council believes that every child has the right to a balanced and adequate diet and resolves to support efforts to provide free lunches for those who need them during school holidays including

  1. To investigate and apply for additional sources of funding , including using District budgets where possible and appropriate
  2. To research different models of tackling holiday hunger including ‘Feed and Read’ and ‘Feeding Britain’ and to put together an strategy  that best meets Oldham’s needs using Council and community resources such as libraries, community and leisure centres and faith buildings
  3. To introduce an Oldham programme to alleviate child holiday hunger as soon as practically possible

 

Motion 2 – Oldham Crown Post Office Closure

Councillor Taylor to MOVE and Councillor McLaren to SECOND:

This Council is extremely concerned by Post Office Ltd plans to close 74 Crown Post Offices across the UK, including Oldham’s Crown post office, which will be replaced by a franchised service in WH Smiths.

The Council recognises the essential nature of the services provided by this busy branch, including specialist facilities offered, such as, Home Office Biometric Enrolment and Care Quality Commission ID Checks, and the inconvenience its closure will cause for many residents and businesses; especially older and disabled residents, due its current close proximity to vital bus services and disabled parking bays.

Reports by Consumer Focus (2012) and Citizens Advice (2016) have identified a number of problems with franchising of post offices to WH Smiths, including poor accessibility for people with mobility impairments, longer queuing times, and inferior service and advice on products.

Franchising also means the loss of secure, quality jobs, and good terms and conditions, in favour of replacing experienced post office staff with new employees in typically minimum wage part-time roles. This is clearly bad for jobs in the local area and the post office workers.

This privatisation will be financed using millions of pounds of public money that could be put to better use by investing in the post office network. The CWU trade union estimates that staff compensation costs of the latest round of closures will cost at least £30 million  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Minutes:

Motion 1 – Tackling Child Hunger

 

Councillor Jacques MOVED and Councillor Ball SECONDED the following motion:

 

“This Council notes

1.      that the numbers of children living in poverty continues to rise.  In Oldham in 2017, 40.66% of our children lived in poverty (the 7th highest across the UK) including 62.11% of Coldhurst Ward’s children, the highest rate in the UK.  Government policy, including welfare reform and the impact of full service Universal Credit, underpins this increase.

2.      that Oldham Council, working with many local partners, has taken steps to tackle food poverty and to ensure that children receive award winning nutritious school meals.  However, during school holidays many children, especially those entitled to Free School Meals, go hungry.

3.      The pilot work done by Oldham Council, If Oldham, the Food Bank and local community and church groups this summer to provide free lunches for children.

This Council believes that every child has the right to a balanced and adequate diet and resolves to support efforts to provide free lunches for those who need them during school holidays including:

1.       To investigate and apply for additional sources of funding, including using District budgets where possible and appropriate

2.       To research different models of tackling holiday hunger including ‘Feed and Read’ and ‘Feeding Britain’ and to put together a strategy that best meets Oldham’s needs using Council and community resources such as libraries, community and leisure centres and faith buildings.

3.       To introduce an Oldham programme to alleviate child holiday hunger as soon as practically possible.”

 

Councillor Mushtaq spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Harkness spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Jabbar spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor H. Gloster spoke in support of the Motion.

 

Councillor Roberts MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED that the motion be put to the VOTE.  The MOVE to the VOTE was AGREED.

 

Councillor Jacques exercised his right of reply.

 

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

 

RESOLVED that efforts to provide free lunches for those who need them during school holidays be supported which included:

1.       Additional sources of funding be investigated and applied for, including using District budgets, where possible and appropriate

2.       Different models of tackling holiday hunger including ‘Feed and Read’ and ‘Feeding Britain’ be researched and put together in a strategy that best meets Oldham’s needs using Council and community resources such as libraries, community and leisure centres and faith buildings.

3.       An Oldham Programme to alleviate child holiday hunger be introduced as soon as practically possible.

 

Motion 2 – Oldham Crown Post Office Closure

 

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor McLaren SECONDED the following motion:

 

“This Council is extremely concerned by Post Office Ltd plans to close 74 Crown Post Offices across the UK, including Oldham’s Crown post office, which will be replaced by a franchised service in WH Smiths.

The Council recognises the essential nature of the services provided by this busy branch, including specialist facilities offered, such as, Home Office  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

14.

Notice of Opposition Business

(time limit 30 minutes)

 

Motion 1 – Conductors on Trams

Councillor Sykes to MOVE and Councillor H Gloster to SECOND:

This Council notes that the Rochdale - Oldham Metrolink tram line has the highest number of acts of crime and anti-social behaviour and the highest level of fare evasion across the network. Most worryingly, several of these criminal acts have in recent months been of an extremely violent nature. As a result, passengers have become fearful of travelling on the line and resentful of fare evaders.

Council welcomes the recent crackdown on such activities during Operation Infinity when Metrolink staff, Police officers and the Council’s Youth Engagement Team worked together to apprehend offenders and deter undesirable behaviour. However  the resources devoted to this operation were finite and the operation was time-limited, and there is public and elected member concern that, without ongoing enforcement, the progress made on making tram travel safer will be reversed.

Council recognises that other tram networks in the UK, such as those in Nottingham and in Wolverhampton-Birmingham, operate with on-board conductors, and that the merits of having these staff include:

·         Increased Revenue Collection as conductors are able to check tickets and passes, and collect outstanding fares from passengers on-board the tram

·         Improved Passenger Safety as the conductor represents a visible on-board presence to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and can ensure that passengers are able to board or alight safely

·         Better Customer Service as the conductor can respond in person to passenger queries and to requests for assistance, such as aiding passengers with disabilities or push-chairs

Council notes that these are the same reasons that the RMT trades union cites in seeking the retention of guards on trains in its ongoing dispute with Northern Rail.

Given the reasons outlined above, and in light of the estimate that £9 million in revenue is lost across the Metrolink network in fare evasion, Council believes that there is merit in introducing conductors on the Rochdale - Oldham Metrolink tram line as a pilot project, and for an evaluation to be conducted after a trial period of 12 months of its impact, with a view to making conductors permanent should the results prove favourable.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Executives of Transport for Greater Manchester and Metrolink outlining its position and requesting the introduction of conductors on the Rochdale - Oldham line as a pilot.

 

Motion 2 – Tackling Dangerous Potholes

Councillor C Gloster to MOVE and Councillor Harkness to SECOND:

This Council notes that:

·         Residents are greatly concerned by the unsatisfactory state of highways and the prevalence of dangerous potholes in our Borough

·         Elected members are aware of these are high-level public concerns because of the many complaints they receive from their constituents on these matters.

·         Poor road surfaces and footpaths also harm the reputation of Oldham Council and the Borough, and can lessen the appeal of coming into the borough by these routes.

·         The guidance issued to all local  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

Minutes:

Motion 1 – Conductors on Trams

 

Councillor Sykes MOVED and Councillor H. Gloster SECONDED the following motion:

 

“This Council notes that the Rochdale – Oldham Metrolink tram line has the highest number of acts of crime and anti-social behaviour and the highest level of fare evasion across the network.  Most worryingly, several of these criminal acts have in recent months been of an extremely violent nature.  As a result, passengers have become fearful of travelling on the line and resentful of fare evaders.

Council welcomes the recent crackdown on such activities during Operation Infinity when Metrolink staff, Police officers and the Council’s Youth Engagement Team worked together to apprehend offenders and deter undesirable behaviour.  However, the resources devoted to this operation were finite and the operation was time-limited and there is public and elected member concern that, without ongoing enforcement, the progress made on making tram travel safer will be reversed.

Council recognises that other tram networks in the UK, such as those in Nottingham and in Wolverhampton – Birmingham, operate with on-board conductors, and that the merits of having these staff include:

·       Increased Revenue Collection as conductors are able to check tickets and passes, and collect outstanding fares from passengers on-board the tram

·       Improved Passenger Safety as the conductor represents a visible on-board presence to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and can ensure that passengers are able to board or alight safely

·       Better Customer Service as the conductor can respond in person to passenger queries and to requests for assistance, such as aiding passengers with disabilities or push-chairs.

Council notes that these are the same reasons that the RMT trade union cites in seeking the retention of guards on trains in its ongoing dispute with Northern Rail.  Given the reasons outlined above, and in light of the estimate that £9 million in revenue is lost across the Metrolink network in fare evasion, Council believes that there is merit in introducing conductors on the Rochdale – Oldham Metrolink tram line as a pilot project, and for an evaluation to be conducted after a trial period of 12 months of its impact, with a view to making conductors permanent should the results prove favourable.

Council therefore resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Executives of Transport for Greater Manchester and Metrolink outlining its position and requesting the introduction of conductors on the Rochdale – Oldham line as a pilot.”

 

Councillor Murphy spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Fielding spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Williamson spoke in support of the Motion.

 

Councillor C. Gloster MOVED and Councillor Murphy SECONDED the motion be put to the VOTE.  The MOVE to the VOTE was AGREED.

 

Councillor Sykes exercised his right of reply.

 

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

 

RESOLVED that the Chief Executive be asked to write to the Chief Executives of Transport for Greater Manchester and Metrolink outlining the Council’s position and request the introduction of conductors on the Rochdale  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15a

To note the Minutes of the following Joint Authority meetings and the relevant spokespersons to respond to questions from Members pdf icon PDF 60 KB

(time limit 8 minutes):-

 

Greater Manchester Health and Care Board

  13th July 2018

Police and Crime Panel

 2nd July 2018

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

  27th July 2018

  28th September 2018

 

National Park Authority

6th July 2018

Transport for Greater Manchester

13th July 2018

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The minutes of the Joint Authorities were submitted as follows:

 

Greater Manchester Health and Care Board               13th July 2018

Police and Crime Panel                                             2nd July 2018

Greater Manchester Combined Authority                    27th July 2018        

                                                                                28th September 2018

National Park Authority                                              6th July 2018

Transport for Greater Manchester                              13th July 2018

 

There were no questions raised on the Joint Authorities minutes.

 

Members raised the following observations:

 

Councillor Sykes: Greater Manchester Combined Authority, 27th July 2018, GMCA 170/18: Introduction of a Zonal Fares Structure on the Metrolink Network.  Councillor Sykes raised the short consultation undertaken on the boundary of Shaw and Crompton under the fare structure and the poor deal from Metrolink.  As a result it was cheaper for Shaw and Crompton residents to go to Rochdale than to Oldham.  The boundary should have been moved.

 

Councillor Fielding, Leader of the Council, responded that he did not disagree with Councillor Sykes.  It would have been ideal for every tram stop in Oldham to be in the same zone.  Despite lobbying from members, they were not able to get the result wanted.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

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

2.       The observation and response provided be noted.

 

15b

To note the Minutes of the following Partnership meetings and the relevant spokespersons to respond to questions from Members pdf icon PDF 395 KB

(time limit 7 minutes)

 

Health and Wellbeing Board

26th June 2018

Oldham Leadership Board

 13th September 2018

MioCare Board

9th July 2018

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The minutes of the Partnership meetings were submitted as follows:

 

Health and Wellbeing Board                                             26th June 2018

Oldham Leadership Board                                                 13th September 2018

MioCare Board                                                                     9th July 2018

 

There were no questions or observations raised.

 

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

 

16.

Update on Actions from Council pdf icon PDF 83 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

RESOLVED that the update on Actions from Council be noted.

17.

Brexit Update pdf icon PDF 156 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the European Referendum following the publication of the latest GMCA Brexit Monitor report. 

 

The report referenced the latest analysis from the GMCA Brexit Monitor and reviewing the timeline as the Brexit negotiations moved in to the final six months.  It was reported that the Gross Domestic Product had grown 0.7% (although this was below the pre-Brexit predicted 2.1%).  It was noted that the Prime Minister continued to iterate that trade models such as the European Economic Area or the Canadian Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement were not an option for any deal and called instead for a creative solution that was unique to the UK.  However, the issue of the Irish border had become a key focal point, which if not resolved, was likely to lead to a ‘no-deal’ exit.

 

The EU accounted for 58 percent of goods exported from Greater Manchester firms in 2015, which represented a greater reliance on the EU as an export market than the average for England as a whole (42 percent).  Analysis cross-referencing national data with local intelligence suggested that in general, low-skilled jobs were likely to be most vulnerable to potential changes in migration as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

 

The GM Industrial Strategy and devolution would be key to unlocking the lack of productivity and increasing wages benefits.  The Council would need to ensure that businesses were able to continue to access the workforce needed and residents able to find jobs which were well paid and secure.  In Greater Manchester this meant better integration of post-16 skills through approaches to planning, accountability and delivery which were jointly developed between Greater Manchester and the Government.

 

Councillor Fielding spoke on the report.

Councillor Sykes spoke on the report.

 

RESOLVED that the update on the European Union Referendum be noted.

 

18.

District Plans pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report which set out the District Plans for the Municipal Year 2018/19.  The actions plans were based on thorough consultation, analysis of data and deliberation by elected members in each district.  The intention was for priorities to be set on a rolling two year basis, but for action plans to provide detail as to how the priorities would be delivered for one year.

 

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

 

19.

Constitutional Amendments - Procedural and Land and Property Protocols pdf icon PDF 324 KB

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Legal Services which sought approval to Constitutional Amendments.

 

Public question time for Committees and District Executives was not consistent.  It was proposed to have standard timings for public questions time and deadline for submission of questions (amendments to Part 3, p. 32, Public Question Time to read ‘Public questions can be submitted to Constitutional Services by noon up to two working days before the day of the meeting’ and to Part 8, Appendix 1 – Public Access to Information). 

 

It was also proposed that as motions were now delivered by email, that a physical signature was no longer required and the sending of the email by the relevant mover and seconder was proof of intention (Amendment to Part 4 – Council Procedure Rules, 8 Notice of Motion remove ‘… signed by at least one Member.’).

 

An amendment was proposed to the Land and Property Protocol.  There had been a number of legal challenges related to the sale of land by public authorities which had resulted in seminal case law.  The amendment proposed sought to clarify the position for officers so that the sales of Council property, which were exempt from the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules, remained disposal of land and did not stray into the field of procurement law. 

 

Options/Alternatives

Option 1 – Approve the proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Option 2 – Do not approve the proposed amendments.  This would not provide consistency in the procedural rules and the Land and Property Protocols would not be in line with seminal case law.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.         The time limit of public question time for all Committees and District Executives be 30 minutes be approved.

2.         Each public question asked be no longer than 2 minutes be approved.

3.         Submission of motions without a signature be approved.

4.         Submission of public questions by noon two working days before the day of the meeting be approved.

5.         The proposed amendments to the Land and Property Protocol in Part of the Council’s Constitution (Codes and Protocols) be approved.

 

20.

Municipal Calendar 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 73 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council gave consideration to a report of the Director of Legal Services which sought approval of the draft Calendar of Meetings for the 2019/2020 Municipal Year.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.         The Council’s Calendar of Meetings for the Municipal Year 2019/2020 as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved.

2.         Approval of any outstanding dates be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with Group Leaders.