Minutes:
In delivering her first Annual Statement, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stretton, reflected upon the clear continuity in values, purpose and actions regardless of the changes to the Leadership team. Cooperative work would go on. She reflected on changes in circumstances and budget. She reflected on key priorities achieved in the last year and what would be coming next.
Reference was made to the first five years of the Cooperative Journey and the Leader reflected success came when everyone pulled together in the same direction and shared the same aspirations and goals. A better borough could only be built together.
The Leader highlighted the building of the family friendly town centre with the Odeon Cinema, businesses being attracted to the Town Centre and others were in negotiations. Other regeneration projects would be commencing which included the Heritage Centre, the Prince’s Gate Scheme and the Independent Quarter. She also highlighted improvement works to highways and pedestrian areas, clearance of the old Leisure Centre and Hobson Street car park and the work started on Maggie Care Centre at the hospital.
Further schemes highlighted by the Leader included the Warm Homes Oldham scheme and the Early Help scheme. The Leader reflected on the Greater Manchester Role and the need to include more people in the benefits and prosperity of the City Region. More Greater Manchester investment was needed and spread wider.
The Leader highlighted the delivery of high education and the publication of the Oldham Skills and Education Commission report. GCSE and A Levels had improved and the gap was closing on the national average. Ofsted inspections were improving. Key Stage 2 results with the new curriculum were disappointing and these would be examined.
Get Oldham Working had proved to be a success and Phage 2 would be launched to assist more residents. A new Work and Skills Strategy had been developed to raise aspirations.
The Leader stated the Council would tackle low pay and zero hours contracts. The Enterprise and Skills team would launch a career advancement service and provide support for in-work promotion. Other priorities included new transport links making it easier to access jobs and training opportunities.
It was further stated that homes were being built which were needed, sites included Limehurst, High Barn, Fitton Hill and the Lancaster Club site and several other sites were moving towards development. Another priority was the quality of neighbourhoods and enforcement work. The Council would prosecute those whose practices blighted their communities through the Selective Licensing Scheme and cracking down on flytippers.
The Leader noted funding pressures were increasing and stated that this would impact on residents. The Leader also highlighted support for healthy lifestyles which included healthy school meals, parks, leisure centres, investing in activities with partners and growing hubs.
The Leader concluded by referring to the stronger economy, transport, homes, good education, care for all who needed it and supporting healthy lifestyles. Despite the cuts, a difference could be made. The Council had the plans, people, assets and confidence. As Local Leaders there was a responsibility to work with residents to continue to give leadership, help and inspiration they needed. Oldham would only succeed when everyone pulled together in the same direction and build a better borough together.
RESOLVED that the content of the Leader’s Annual Statement be noted.