Decision details

Complaints Policies Refresh

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Growth

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The Council is required to maintain clear, accessible, and compliant policies for handling complaints in line with statutory frameworks.

Approving the refreshed Complaints Policy, Unreasonable Behaviour Policy, Housing Complaints Policy, and Children’s Residential Homes Complaints Policy will ensure:
• Consistency with current legislation, Ombudsman Codes, and Council governance standards.
• Clear guidance for residents, staff, and elected members on how complaints are managed across all directorates.
• Strengthened transparency, accountability, and learning from feedback in line with the Council’s resident focus priority.
• A single, up-to-date policy suite published to meet statutory and regulatory expectations.

Without this approval, there is a risk that existing policies may fall out of alignment with statutory guidance and best practice, potentially impacting compliance, resident confidence, and audit assurance.

Decision:

RESOLVED - That:
To approve the refreshed policies, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, Ombudsman
Codes, and the Council’s resident focus priority.

Reasons for the decision:

Option 1: Agree the updated policies (preferred).

Option 2: Do nothing and continue with the previous policies.

Alternative options considered:


Option 2: Do nothing and continue with the previous policies.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

None.

Contact: Fran Lautman, Assistant Director of Customer Experience Email: fran.lautman@oldham.gov.uk Email: fran.lautman@oldham.gov.uk.

Publication date: 10/12/2025

Date of decision: 04/12/2025

Date comes into force if not called in: 18/12/2025

Call-in deadline date: 17/12/2025

Current call-in Count: 0

Accompanying Documents: