Use this page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
To seek approval to dispose of part of the
roof space of 6 Council buildings on “contracted out”
leases for a period of 21 years to Oldham Community Power (OCP) for
the installation of solar panels.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 31/07/2019
Effective from: 10/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
It is recommended that approve of the lease terms be agreed, with
the Head of Strategic Assets
Lead officer: Rosalyn Smith
The purpose of this report is to consider the
introduction of Road Safety Measures in the form of a Traffic
Calming Scheme along Wellyhole Street and Constantine Street in
Waterhead, Lees. The measures in this report have been amended in
light of further detailed design considerations and comments
received from consultation
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Neighbourhoods
Decision published: 29/07/2019
Effective from: 06/08/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
a Traffic Calming Scheme is introduced along this route comprising
of a series of Road Humps (in the form of Speed Cushions and
Tables) and improvements for non-motorised users where it crosses
the Linear Path
Lead officer: Jeannette Whitney
The purpose of the report is to seek approval
for the Council to accept the offer made by the Department for
Education ('DfE') in respect to the former Breeze Hill School
site.
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 29/07/2019
Effective from: 24/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That following receipt of
independent advice, that the Council proceed to accept the cost of
abnormals submitted by the DfE in respect to the former Breeze Hill
School sote shown edged red on the attached plan (Appendix One). As
a result, the money received by the Council to date, would
represent the final purchase price received by the Authority in
respect to this asset.
Lead officer: Mark Prestwich
To terminate a property agreement, remarket to
achieve market value and progress an option to acquire adjacent
land to achieve a wider regeneration of the area.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 29/07/2019
Effective from: 24/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
1. The Council terminate a property agreement.
2. The Subject land is marketed and/or the Council enters into a
direct disposal subject to achieving market value.
3. The Council can progress an option to acquire adjacent land to
achieve a wider regeneration of the area.
Lead officer: James Tolan
To realign/rephase capital scheme budgets
across the life of the 2019-2024 capital programme
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Finance and Corporate Resources
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Resources approve the
rephasing and or adjustment of scheme bdugets as detailed in
Appendix A
Lead officer: Jit Kara
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 22/07/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Finance Manager. Members were informed that the Council was required by regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury management review of activities together with the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2018/19. This report met the requirements of both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).
During 2018/19 the minimum reporting requirements were that full Council should receive the following reports:
· an annual treasury strategy in advance of the year (approved 28 February 2018)
· a mid-year (minimum) treasury update report (approved 12 December 2018)
· an annual review following the end of the year describing the activity compared to the strategy (this report).
The regulatory environment placed responsibility on Members for the review and scrutiny of treasury management policy and activities. The report was therefore important, as it provided details of the outturn position for treasury activities and highlighted compliance with the Council’s policies previously approved by Members.
The Audit Committee was charged with the scrutiny of treasury management activities in Oldham and was therefore requested to review the content of the report prior to its consideration by Cabinet and Council. A programme of Treasury Management training had been developed and delivered to assist
Members of the Audit Committee with their scrutiny role. The Audit Committee had scrutinised the Treasury Management review at their meeting on 25
June 2019, and was content to commend the report to Cabinet.
The Cabinet noted that actual capital expenditure was less than the revised
budget estimate for 2018/19 presented within the 2018/19 Treasury Management Strategy report considered at the Council meeting of 27 February 2019. The outturn position was significantly less than the £89.658m original capital budget for 2018/19 as approved at Budget Council on 28 February 2018.
During the course of the year, the Capital Programme saw substantial rephasing. A number of major schemes including the Eastern Gateway Improvement Regeneration scheme and the Coliseum Theatre project were re-phased or re-aligned into future years to allow for either a review
of the scheme to be undertaken (as is the case with the theatre project) or to align with revised project timelines. The planned expenditure had therefore been re-profiled into 2019/20 and future years.
No borrowing was undertaken during the year. This was because of the policy of self-financing, utilised due to the uncertainty around interest rates and the availability of cash, which caused the Council to use cash reserves rather than incur additional borrowing costs.
The Director of Finance confirmed that the statutory borrowing limit (the Authorised Limit) was not breached.
The Cabinet noted that the financial year 2018/19 continued the challenging investment environment of previous years, namely low investment returns.
Options/Alternatives considered:-
In order that the Council complied with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management, the Council had no option other than to consider and approve the contents of the report. Therefore, no options/alternatives were presented.
RESOLVED that:-
1. The actual 2018/19 prudential and treasury indicators presented in the report be approved.
2. The annual treasury management review report for 2018/19 be approved.
3. The report be commended to Council.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 22/07/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Head of Heritage, Libraries and Arts which proposed the removal of library fines, to remove barriers to information, resources and opportunities for some of the most deprived
communities in Oldham.
The Cabinet were informed that there was a current debate within public libraries concerning the negative impact of charging fines for the late return of books. Evidence suggested that fines could become a barrier to accessing library services rather than an incentive to return books on time and that those
that could afford to pay the fines continued to use the service, whilst those that were arguably in most need of the service, from deprived communities, were then barred and discouraged from using it.
The Cabinet noted the arguments for and against the employment of library fines, as outlined.
Options/Alternatives considered:-
· Option 1a) To continue with current fines policy
· Option 1b) To continue with current fines policy and undertake an amnesty.
· Option 2a) To abolish library fines
· Option 3b) To trial the removal of fines for a year
RESOLVED that library fines be abolished.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 22/07/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Community Safety Manager which informed them that, following a significant amount of fires upon the moorlands in Saddleworth and Tameside over the last two years, both Councils had begun consultation exercises (commenced on 8th July 2019) as the first stage of the legal process to consider the making of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO), pursuant to s59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. Such Orders would enable the introduction of
behaviour controls on the moorlands (FIRE RELATED ACTIVITIES) and prevent the significant impact of wildfires upon the community and services.
The Cabinet noted that, under the legislation, each local authority must make its own PSPO however, should the Orders be made, it was intended that they would come into force on the same date and contain identical terms, to
avoid confusion along the contiguous geographical border.
In order to ensure that the commencement of the Order could be effected on the same date as the Tameside PSPO, the Cabinet was asked to consider delegating the authority to make the Order, subject to there being no significant objections at the end of the consultation period.
Options/Alternatives considered:-
· Option 1 - To give delegated approval to the Portfolio Lead and Deputy Chief Executive/Director to make a Public Spaces Protection Order pursuant to s59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, following completion of the consultation exercise, in the absence of any significant objection(s). Should significant objection(s) be received then the decision making will be retained by the Cabinet.
· Option 2 - To bring all decision making on the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order to control moorland fires to the Cabinet.
RESOLVED that, subject to there being no significant objections at the end of the consultation period, delegation be given to the Portfolio Lead for Social Justice and Communities and the Deputy Chief Executive, to make a Public Spaces Protection Order, pursuant to s59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 22/07/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Director of Education, Skills
and Early Years which detailed the recent Transport Service tender allocation process and outlined the current provision of Home to School Transport, provided by the SEN Transport Team.
The Cabinet noted that SEND had been undergoing an improvement journey since the Ofsted inspection in 2017 and Transport was identified as a priority area in the Written Statement of Action. The Education Health and Care Plan’s (EHCP’s) annual review process would now include a review of home to school transport arrangements annually in the context of the plan, to further assess need and review appropriate provision.
All pupils with SEN were provided with free travel assistance, in accordance with the Council’s current Home to School Transport Policy (March 2018),
IPSEA Legal guidance and the Education Act 1996. The SEN Transport Policy aimed to ensure that all pupils eligible to access transport, would receive the appropriate provision which met their needs.
In accordance with the Council’s Procurement regulations and European Legislation, routes for home to school transport for children and young people had been put out to tender, for contracts to start in September 2019. The Cabinet noted the process for seeking bids via the Chest and for the evaluation of bids.
It was proposed that contracts be awarded for 104 of the available 118 routes and that the other 14 be re-tendered via the Chest. This would ensure the Council was operating within the guidelines set out in the Dynamic Purchasing System, by ensuring a fair and moderated tendering process had ensued. This would also maximise the opportunity to ensure the service operated in the most financially efficient way.
The Cabinet noted that families, carers and young people across the Borough had been involved in the development of the new policy, along with POINT.
Options/Alternatives considered:-
· Option 1 - Open the Dynamic Purchasing System under The Chest and re-tender the remaining 14 routes to the successful bidders on the System.
· Option 2 - Approach the current supplier to continue undertaking the route previously tendered for the same price, over the contracted period. If this is not possible. re-tender the 14 routes outside of the Dynamic Purchasing System.
RESOLVED that:
1. The award of the contracts for 104 routes be approved.
2. The proposal to re-tender for the remaining 14 routes be noted.
3. The revised Travel Assistance Policy for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities accessing Education be noted.
This report details budget changes within the
agreed 2019/20 transport capital programme that are required so the
programme continues to reflect current priorities, budgets match
expenditure and that take-up of available grant funding is
maximised.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Finance and Corporate Resources
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
-Agree the required budget changes as outlined in Appendix A to
this report so that the programme continues to reflect current
priorities, budgets match expenditure and that take-up of available
grant funding is maximised.
Lead officer: Eleanor Sykes
A drainage scheme within the Transport Capital
Programme ‘Broomes Park, Chadderton’ is currently
on-site (since March 2019). The purpose of the scheme has been to
install new drainage infrastructure along Broomes Park and Hunt
Lane to alleviate historical flooding issues to properties on
Broomes Park. The scheme is well advanced but has hit several
difficulties. This has resulted in the scheme contingency being
used in full and the need for additional budget to be secured which
is the subject of this report.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Finance and Corporate Resources
Decision published: 23/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
-Note and agree the required budget changes outlined in this report
for the Broomes Park scheme.
Lead officer: Eleanor Sykes
The purpose of this report is to consider the
introduction of Road Safety Measures in the form of providing a
School Safety Zone in Oldham (Saddleworth South Ward)
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Neighbourhoods
Decision published: 22/07/2019
Effective from: 30/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
a School Safety Zone is introduced along Chew Valley Road and in
the immediate vicinity of Greenfield Primary School comprising of a
formalised crossing point, conspicuous School Safety Zone signing
and “SLOW” road markings. The following proposals have
been identified to satisfy planning conditions associated with the
demolition of the existing school and construction of the new
school
Lead officer: Jeannette Whitney
The purpose of this report is to seek approval
to award grant funding for the period 1st April 2019 to 31st March
2020 to voluntary, community and faith sector as identified at
Appendix 1.
Decision Maker: Director of Economy
Decision published: 22/07/2019
Effective from: 16/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That this proposal supercedes a
recommendation, approved on 15th April 2019, to award funding to a
number of third sector groups for a period of six months through
the Priority Programme Fund, community cohesion and community
festival budgets.
The Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has identified the
£44k required to bridge the shortfall in funding and this
report therefore seeks approval to award funding as per the revised
allocations listed at Appendix 1.
Lead officer: Natalie Downs
Obtain approval for the cost of the transport
for the School Swimming Service for a 2 year period
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Health and Social Care
Decision published: 22/07/2019
Effective from: 31/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
Award Swimming Transport Contract jointly to Yelloway Coaches Ltd
and Matthews Travel (KMATTCOACHES).
Lead officer: Neil Consterdine
The current digital radio network contract
used by Oldham Council with Telent expired on 31ST April 2019. The
Council has agreed in principle with Apex Radio Systems to provide
a 12 months radio network for Oldham Council to allow the Council
to look at the following options in more detail:
1. Explore new radio network options based on utilising different
or newer technologies.
2. Explore new digital telecom options based via the cloud as an
alternative to a radio solution.
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 22/07/2019
Effective from: 12/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
The preferred option/decision is to approve the temporary radio
solution with Apex Radio Systems Limited, which will allow the
service to review other viable options on the digital radio network
and service delivery moving forward.
Lead officer: Darren McGrattan
The purpose of this report is to consider the
introduction of prohibitive waiting restrictions (double yellow
lines) and peak time loading restrictions, to remove the
obstructive parking problems being experienced along Goldsworth
Road and Northgate Lane, Oldham
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 18/07/2019
Effective from:
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
prohibitive waiting restrictions and peak time loading restrictions
be introduced along part of Goldsworth Road and Northgate Lane,
Oldham, in accordance with the schedules at the end of this
report
Lead officer: Sarah Robinson
To approve the capital build allocation for
the Metropolitan Place project to move 228 Social Work staff from
Southlink Units 7-13 to all 5 floors of Metropolitan Place on
Hobson Street in Oldham.
The value of the contract is £248k and relates to the
physical build alterations that are required to make the building
fit for purpose for the proposed move in September and October
2019
.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Business, Employment and Enterprise
Decision published: 18/07/2019
Effective from: 27/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
Option C - Relocation of Services to Metropolitan Place
is approved and that the associated capital budget to enact the
option be placed to tender by Procurement.
Lead officer: Stuart Barratt
To obtain approval for the adoption of
highways as Highway Authority and to identify the likely associated
revenue costs to the Council
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 18/07/2019
Effective from:
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the highways listed in Schedule 1 of this report be adopted as
highways maintainable at public expense
Lead officer: Alison Dolan
To obtain approval for the adoption of
highways as Highway Authority and to identify the likely associated
revenue costs to the Council
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 18/07/2019
Effective from:
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the highways listed in Schedule 1 of this report be adopted as
highways maintainable at public expense
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Alison Dolan
To obtain approval for the adoption of
highways as Highway Authority and to identify the likely associated
revenue costs to the Council
Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive -
Decision published: 18/07/2019
Effective from:
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the highways listed in Schedule 1 of this report be adopted as
highways maintainable at public expense
Lead officer: Alison Dolan
In line with experiences across the country,
Children Services in Oldham are facing a significant demand
pressure and therefore workforce challenges. Over the last 2 years
demand has increased significantly across all key profiles. The
resulting issues were set out for Leadership on the 23rd July 2018
through the Children's Services Improvement Programme Update.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Children and Young People and Deputy Leader
Decision published: 17/07/2019
Effective from: 20/06/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the proposals contained within the consultation document be
implemented.
Lead officer: Merlin Joseph
To consider options for the Warm Homes Oldham
Assessment and Referral Service.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Communities and Culture
Decision published: 17/07/2019
Effective from: 26/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
1.The Warm Homes Oldham Assessment and Referral Service be brought
in-house on 17 August 2019 by TUPE transferring two members of
staff from Engie to the Council.
2.A further extension to the contract with Engie from 1 June 2019
to 16 August 2019 be agreed.
Lead officer: Anees Mank
The purpose of the report is to seek approval
for the Council to;
- Accept the decision made by the Charitable Trust Committee on 26
November 2018 and 13 June 2019 following an Order from the Charity
Commission to permit a land swap of land art Shaw Road End Park
held by the Council in its statutory capacity and as Charitable
Trustee and;
- Enter into a range of property transactions with the Salford
Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees ('the Diocese') in respect of
several areas of land at or adjoining the former Our Ladys School
as detailed in the report.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 16/07/2019
Effective from: 16/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That the Council proceed with
Option 2 and therefore look to;
- Enter into the charitable land swap utilising the land shaded
pink (which is held by the Council as charity trustee) and the land
hatched yellow (which is held by the Council in its statutory
capacity) and;
- Complete a range of property transactions with the Diocese. The
provisionally agreed heads of terms are set out in Appendix
Two.
Lead officer: Mark Prestwich
Obtain approval for the cost of Diggle
Retaining Wall Scheme and for the approval of the appointment of
the Contractor for the works. Costs for the scheme were obtained by
framework tender, the Council’s procurement process
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 12/07/2019
Effective from: 11/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the Contract for the works is awarded to Rowan Ashworth Ltd, who is
not on the framework contract
Lead officer: Jeannette Whitney
This report seeks delegated approval of:
•The cost of resurfacing Middleton Road, Royton
•The approval of the appointment of the contractor for the
works.
The work forms part of the Highway Investment Programme
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Neighbourhoods
Decision published: 12/07/2019
Effective from: 20/07/2019
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the delegated approval for these works is accepted and that the
contract for the works are awarded to Hanson Contracting Ltd
Lead officer: Matthew McGreal