Agenda item

(time limit 20 minutes):-

a) 21^st March 2016

b) 18^th April 2016

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

Members raised the following questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members made the following observations:

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

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

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

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

RESOLVED that:

1.       The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 21^st March 2016 and 18^th April 2016 be noted.

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

3.       The observations and response on the Cabinet minutes be noted.