Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Hurley, Mushtaq and Williamson.

To order that the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held on the dates listed below, be approved and signed as correct records.

a.    18^th December 2024 (reconvened to 20^th January 2025)

b.    12^th February 2025 (Extraordinary Meeting – Request for an inquiry into CSE)

c.    12^th February 2025 (Extraordinary Meeting – Placces for Everyone)

d.    6^th March 2025 (appointment of Chief Executive and the designation of Section 151 Officer)

e.    6^th March 2025 (Budget Meeting)

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meetings of the Council held 18^th December 2024 (reconvened to 20^th January 2025), 12^th February 2025 (Extraordinary Meeting – Request for an inquiry into CSE), 12^th February 2025 (Extraordinary Meeting – Places for Everyone), 6^th March 2025 (appointment of Chief Executive and the designation of Section 151 Officer) and 6^th March 2025 (Budget Meeting), be approved as correct records.

Councillor Ghafoor declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Motion 1 – Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) and he left the room during the consideration of this Motion.

Councillor Chowhan declared a pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Motion 1 – Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO’s) and he left the room during the consideration of this Motion.

The Mayor thanked members of the Council for their patience and understanding during his two-year term as Mayor of the Borough of Oldham.

The Mayor advised Council that Motion 2, at agenda item 11 (Expressing disappointment at government failure to compensate WASPI Women) would be moved by Councillor Marland, rather than by Councillor Bishop, as previously indicated on the meeting’s agenda.

The Mayor indicated that he was minded to vary the order of the agenda, insofar as item 13 (Review of Political Balance on Committees) would be considered after agenda item 6 (Petitions). Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Ghafoor SECONDED this variation to the agenda and, on being put to the vote, it was CARRIED.

Further to recently received correspondence from Jess Phillips MP, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls (a copy of which was contained in the supplementary agenda), the Mayor allowed the Chief Executive to speak, updating members on issues relating to the CSE enquiry.

The Mayor allowed the Leader, Councillor Shah, to address members, further to the decision by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to refuse the request from the Council to withdraw from Places for Everyone. 

The Mayor reported that the timings for the Motions to be considered at item 11 (Notice of Opposition Business) be allocated as follows: Oldham Group’s Motion – 10 minutes, Liberal Democrat’s Motion - 10 minutes, Conservative’s Motion – 5 minutes and the Independent Councillor’s Motion – 5 minutes.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There are no petitions for this Council meeting to consider.

There were no petitions for this meeting of the Council to consider.

(time limit 20 minutes)

Young People’s Mental Health

Since 2012, young people have been telling the youth council that mental health is an issue that they face every day and that they need support now.  Since this time we have only seen the need for mental health services increase, especially since the COVID pandemic, and although spending on Mental Health services has increased, it has not dented the need for support seen across Oldham and in the UK.

At the last election, Labour had several manifesto points to improve mental health support for children and young people and we would like to see these implemented as soon as possible.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Oldham Youth Council have made ‘Mental Health’ a priority issue, with it coming in the top 5 issues for Make Your Mark. The council also recognises that we have undertaken much work in this area to improve the experiences of Oldham’s young people.  This includes:

·         Oldham Youth Council first commissioned Kooth.com, an online mental health counselling service, for Oldham’s young people.

·         2013 motion to Council asking for an overview and scrutiny of mental health services.

·         2017 motion asking to ensure that adequate funding is made available to schools and colleges to allow them to invest in the early intervention mental health services.

·         2021 motion asking to secure mental health funding for Oldham.

·         Our work with Oldham Theatre Workshop, highlighting mental health and how professionals can work with young people called Standard Day.

·         Our work with Oldham Theatre Workshop, highlighting self-harm, called Boy in the Black.

·         Our campaign called SNAP that promoted Kooth.com and the support they provide for depression, stress/anxiety and eating disorders.

·         Our campaign ‘I Love Me’, raising young people’s self-esteem and confidence.

Council notes:

·         That mental health issues have risen, with a 12% increase in cases since pre COVID.

·         That consultation undertaken by the Youth Council would suggest schools and teachers are still not able to fully support young people’s mental health.

·         That according to several official sources the average waiting time to get an appointment for Mental Health assessments in Oldham is 16-18 weeks.

·         That consultation undertaken by the Youth Council would suggest that while the average wait time is 16-18 weeks some young people could wait for up to 6 months for an initial assessment and that the wait for treatment could be over a year after that appointment.

·         In 2022/23, just under £1B was spent on Children and Young People’s mental health compared to the £12.8B on all mental health services.  This was despite the understanding that 50% of mental health illnesses in adults start showing symptoms by the age of 14, and 75% experience symptoms before they are 24.

·         Labour’s manifesto said that in the first term they would invest in front line services recruiting 8,500 new staff to reduce waiting times.

·         That the manifesto also said that labour’s new Young Futures Hubs would have open access to mental health support for children and young people  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

The Youth Council PROPOSED the following MOTION:
Young People’s Mental Health

Since 2012, young people have been telling the youth council that mental health is an issue that they face every day and that they need support now.  Since this time we have only seen the need for mental health services increase, especially since the COVID pandemic, and although spending on Mental Health services has increased, it has not dented the need for support seen across Oldham and in the UK.

At the last election, Labour had several manifesto points to improve mental health support for children and young people and we would like to see these implemented as soon as possible.

Council recognises that over the past few years the Oldham Youth Council have made ‘Mental Health’ a priority issue, with it coming in the top 5 issues for Make Your Mark. The council also recognises that we have undertaken much work in this area to improve the experiences of Oldham’s young people.  This includes:

·         Oldham Youth Council first commissioned Kooth.com, an online mental health counselling service, for Oldham’s young people.

·         2013 motion to Council asking for an overview and scrutiny of mental health services.

·         2017 motion asking to ensure that adequate funding is made available to schools and colleges to allow them to invest in the early intervention mental health services.

·         2021 motion asking to secure mental health funding for Oldham.

·         Our work with Oldham Theatre Workshop, highlighting mental health and how professionals can work with young people called Standard Day.

·         Our work with Oldham Theatre Workshop, highlighting self-harm, called Boy in the Black.

·         Our campaign called SNAP that promoted Kooth.com and the support they provide for depression, stress/anxiety and eating disorders.

·         Our campaign ‘I Love Me’, raising young people’s self-esteem and confidence.

Council notes:

·         That mental health issues have risen, with a 12% increase in cases since pre COVID.

·         That consultation undertaken by the Youth Council would suggest schools and teachers are still not able to fully support young people’s mental health.

·         That according to several official sources the average waiting time to get an appointment for Mental Health assessments in Oldham is 16-18 weeks.

·         That consultation undertaken by the Youth Council would suggest that while the average wait time is 16-18 weeks some young people could wait for up to 6 months for an initial assessment and that the wait for treatment could be over a year after that appointment.

·         In 2022/23, just under £1B was spent on Children and Young People’s mental health compared to the £12.8B on all mental health services.  This was despite the understanding that 50% of mental health illnesses in adults start showing symptoms by the age of 14, and 75% experience symptoms before they are 24.

·         Labour’s manifesto said that in the first term they would invest in front line services recruiting 8,500 new staff to reduce waiting times.

·         That the manifesto also said that labour’s new Young Futures Hubs would have open access to mental health support for children  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To update Council on changes to the composition of political groups.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED a report of the Assistant Director of Strategy and Performance that advised members that since the last ordinary meeting of the Council, on 18^th December (adjourned until 20^th January 2025), the Chief Executive had received notification that Councillors Adams, Arnott and Sheldon had resigned from the Conservative Group. Councillors Adams and Arnott were to henceforth sit as Independent Members, whilst Councillor Sheldon had joined the Oldham Group on 27^th March, having sat as an Independent Member since his resignation from the Conservative Group in January 2025. In this regard, Councillor Ghafoor addressed Council, welcoming Councillor Sheldon into the Oldham Group.

Considering this, the Council reviewed the political composition of committees and considered the composition of the political groups as previously notified under Regulation 8 (1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Section 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 for the remainder of the 2024/25 municipal year. The effect, in terms of committee places was that the Conservatives would cede seats on the Planning Committee, Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board, Employment Committee and the Highway Regulation Committee to the four Independent Members (Councillors Adams, Arnott, Ball and Wilkinson) and their seat on the Commons Registration Committee to the Oldham Group. The Independent Members would cede their seat on the Audit Committee to the Oldham Group.

RESOLVED

1.    That the revised composition of the political groups as shown in paragraph 1.1 be noted.

2.    The number of seats on the various Committees for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year be as detailed in paragraph 1.5.

3.    Any outstanding appointments to be delegated to the Chief Executive in accordance with the wishes of the relevant political group.

4.    That nominations for one seat on each of the Planning Committee, Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board, Employment Committee and the Highway Regulation Committee be sought from the four Independent Members who are not aligned to a political group and nominations for seats on the Commons Registration Committee and the Audit Committee be sought from the Oldham Group.

(time limit 15 Minutes)

1.    Question from Christine Turner

There are exceptions to Permitted Development legislation that allow elected and unelected officials to support residents with negotiating telecom infrastructure, such as, planning dropped kerbs, building driveways, and householders' deeds, which restrict overhead infrastructure. Are officials aware they can support their constituents in these circumstances?

IXW’s poor practices have recently endangered ENW engineers and the public by installing poles too close to electricity lines. Is Oldham Council willing to risk constituents' safety by allowing this company's reckless behaviour?

Can cabinet members confirm any changes to the Government's guidance for telecoms companies on best practices for installing new equipment?

Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Decent Homes replied thanking Ms. Turner for her question, noting that the Council was aware of concerns raised about IX Wireless’ infrastructure and how their contractors are installing it.

However, unfortunately, there are no exceptions to permitted development legislation that allow the council as local planning authority to intervene, as you suggest.

In relation to highways permits, council officers have liaised with IX Wireless recently on the installation of their infrastructure by contractors and, for a time, withdrew all permits to IX Wireless whilst they provided comfort to us that they and their contractors would improve their procedures for installations. They have now done so, and we are granting highways permits, where appropriate, to IX Wireless again.

In terms of guidance from the Government for telecoms companies on best practice for such installation of new equipment, ultimately, we as a local planning and highways authority are governed by legislation and regulations, and none of the relevant planning and highways related legislation and regulations for communications infrastructure have recently changed.

2.    Question from Mark Rowe

During the recent council meeting Councillor Shuttleworth raised an important point on housing development. The council lead did not have the information to hand but promised to supply councillors Shuttleworth with the information.  How will the answer to that question be conveyed to the residents and voters of Oldham? 

Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Decent Homes replied, thanking Mr Rowe for his question. The council recently published its Annual Monitoring Report, which includes data on planning applications and housing permissions, such as that asked about by Cllr Shuttleworth.

Ordinarily questions we receive advance notice of are published on the Council’s website after the Council meeting, however in this case there was an honest mistake made in the proceedings and even though Cllr Shuttleworth had given notice of his question. In relation to Cllr Shuttleworth’s specific questions, he asked:

1.    Within the last five years, how many housebuilding applications have been granted?

Over the past five years (2019-2024), a total of 420 applications (for 3,854 homes) have been granted.

2.    In which districts have such applications been submitted and for how many properties?

Applications have been approved in all districts (the most in North – 1,251 homes, and the least in West – 410 homes).

3.    How many approved developments have yet to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Time limit 90 minutes

Leader and Cabinet Members to present their reports.

Non-executive members may ask questions.

a.    Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Building a Better Oldham – including the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held 2^nd December 2024, 16^th December 2024, 20^th January 2025 and 3^rd March 2025; urgent decisions made during 2024/25; the minutes of meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 29^th November 2024, 13^th December 2024, 31^st January 2025 and 7^th February 2025; and the minutes of the meetings of the AGMA Executive Board held 7^th February 2025.

b.    Deputy Leader and Decent Home Portfolio Holder

c.    Deputy Leader and Value for Money and Sustainability Portfolio Holder

d.    Children and Young People’s Portfolio Holder

e.    Education and Skills Portfolio Holder

f.     Enterprise Portfolio Holder

g.    Adults, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder

h.    Don’t Trash Oldham Portfolio Holder

i.      Thriving Communities and Culture Portfolio Holder

In respect of this agenda item Councillor Woodvine MOVED and Councillor Lancaster SECONDED that Council Procedure Rule Part 4a, section 2.1.3 be suspended to permit Councillor Woodvine to ask a question to the Leader of the Council, if time runs out on this item. On being put to the vote, the Motion was LOST.

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members to present their reports and further invited non-executive members to ask questions thereon, as follows:

a.    Councillor Shah, Leader and Building a Better Oldham Portfolio – including the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held 2^nd December 2024, 16^th December 2024, 20^th January 2025 and 3^rd March 2025, Urgent Decisions taken during 2024/25, the Minutes of the meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 29^th November 2024, 13^th December 2024, 31^st January 2025 and 7^th February 2025 and the minutes of the meeting of the AGMA Executive Board held 7^th February 2025.

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Question 1: Labour’s Austerity Politics

Thank you, Mr Mayor. The new Labour Government has been in office for nearly a year now.  Let’s have a look at their record so far.
Labour started by refusing to lift the two-child cap on universal credit.  A measure that would have taken more than 11,000 children in our Borough out of poverty.

Next, they plunged 85% of pensioners in our Borough into uncertainty by announcing cuts to winter fuel payments, including nearly 8,000 pensioners who are over the age of 80.

Then came the hike in National Insurance tax for employers.  One of the side effects has caused the cost of social care services to rocket in our Borough.  And put a real squeeze on small businesses. We also have the scandalous cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – which is a lifeline for so many people across our Borough.  It’s there for a reason, to support people who can’t work because they have health conditions that aren’t going to get better, like Parkinson’s and MS!
Labour nationally have also abandoned their support for WASPI Women.

My question for the Leader is a simple one. Nearly a year into this Labour Government. Almost a year of Austerity with a red rosette… is this what she thinks people voted for?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied that the government had only been in office, so far, for nine months and had inherited a very bad situation from the outgoing Conservative government. The country’s economic outlook was much more serious than first anticipated. Councillor Shah added that the current administration was committed to providing proper levels of support for the residents of the Borough of Oldham.

Question 2: Getting the Basics Right

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

The most common issues that fill our inboxes are to do with potholes, overgrown footpaths, blocked drains or the state of our local parks and green spaces. 

These are the basics.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

To be Moved by: Councillor Taylor
to be Seconded by: Councillor Davis

This Council notes with concern the increasing number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Oldham and the impact this has on local communities, housing standards, and infrastructure. While HMOs can provide an important source of affordable accommodation, their proliferation in certain areas has led to issues including overcrowding, pressure on local services, and a decline in housing quality. In the past 5 years the number of licensed HMOs in Oldham has almost doubled.

This Council further notes that current national planning regulations allow certain HMOs (Class C4, up to six residents) to be established without the need for planning permission. This limits the ability of local authorities to manage their spread and ensure they are appropriately located and regulated.

This Council welcomes the recent announcement by the Chancellor of an additional £2 billion for social and affordable housing. This funding provides an opportunity to address the shortage of genuinely affordable homes and to ensure that people in Oldham have access to safe, secure, and high-quality housing.

This Council calls on the new Labour Government to reverse the changes introduced by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government in 2010 which removed the requirement for planning permission for small houses of multiple occupation.

This council further requests that the Chief Executive writes to the borough’s 3 MPs and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking for their support in reversing the aforementioned changes.

Motion 2: Special Education Needs and Disabaility (SEND)

To be Moved by: Councillor Mohon Ali
to be Seconded by: Councillor Nasheen

This Council notes that In Oldham, as of January 2024, there were 8,694 pupils identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This represents 18.8% of the school-age population in the area. Among these, 6.0% have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), while 12.9% receive SEN support.

The positive improvements to services for children and young people with SEND in Oldham continue at pace, led by the SEND Local Inclusion Partnership Executive Board chaired by Dame Christine Lenehan. This new governance structure has improved strategic planning and focused on: improved access to health services; better quality and more timely Education, Health and Care Plans and Annual Reviews; smooth transitions between early years, children’s and adult services. This has been achieved by focusing on co-production with parents, carers, and young people. Our aim is to ensure children with SEND are safe, healthy, happy, and able to achieve their potential

The Department for Education has confirmed Oldham has made good progress.

There is significant pressure on the services for children with SEND in Oldham and across England, and this Council welcomes the steps being taken by the Labour Government to reform the system put in place in the 2014 Children and Families Act.

This Council further notes the launch of ‘Inclusion in practice’ evidence-gathering project to help shape  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 1: Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO’s)

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor Davis SECONDED the following Motion:

This Council notes with concern the increasing number of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Oldham and the impact this has on local communities, housing standards, and infrastructure. While HMOs can provide an important source of affordable accommodation, their proliferation in certain areas has led to issues including overcrowding, pressure on local services, and a decline in housing quality. In the past 5 years the number of licensed HMOs in Oldham has almost doubled.

This Council further notes that current national planning regulations allow certain HMOs (Class C4, up to six residents) to be established without the need for planning permission. This limits the ability of local authorities to manage their spread and ensure they are appropriately located and regulated.

This Council welcomes the recent announcement by the Chancellor of an additional £2 billion for social and affordable housing. This funding provides an opportunity to address the shortage of genuinely affordable homes and to ensure that people in Oldham have access to safe, secure, and high-quality housing.

This Council calls on the new Labour Government to reverse the changes introduced by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Coalition Government in 2010 which removed the requirement for planning permission for small houses of multiple occupation.

This council further requests that the Chief Executive writes to the borough’s 3 MPs and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking for their support in reversing the aforementioned changes.

AMENDMENT 1

Councillor Sharp MOVED and Councillor Quigg SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

This Council will immediately implement a Borough wide Article 4 Direction which would require planning permission for a change of use.

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on AMENDMENT 1 as follows:

.

On a recorded VOTE being taken 17 VOTES  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Time limit 30 minutes

Motion 1: Tackling Fly-Tipping and Exploring Free Bulky Waste Collection to Reduce Costs

To be Moved by Councillor Ghafoor

To be Seconded by Councillor Wahid

Council Notes:

1.    Fly-tipping is a persistent and worsening issue in Oldham, causing environmental damage, attracting anti-social behaviour, and placing a significant financial burden on the Council.

2.    In the last year alone, Oldham Council responded to 5,672 fly-tipping incidents, costing over £600,000 in cleanup and enforcement efforts.

3.    Over 69% of fly-tipping in Oldham occurs in back alleyways (53%) and on highways (16%), with a significant proportion of this waste consisting of bulky household items such as sofas, mattresses, and white goods.

4.    Currently, residents must pay £23 to dispose of up to three bulky waste items, plus £7 per additional item and £10 per fridge/freezer. This financial barrier discourages responsible disposal and contributes to illegal dumping.

Council Believes:

1.    The cost of clearing fly-tipped waste often far exceeds the revenue generated from bulky waste collection charges.

2.    Reintroducing a free three-item bulky waste collection service could significantly reduce the number of items being illegally dumped in alleyways and on highways.

3.    If, for example, 10,000 households accessed the free service annually, the lost revenue would be £230,000 per year. However, if this measure led to a substantial reduction in fly-tipping, it could generate net savings by reducing cleanup and enforcement costs.

Council Resolves to:

1.    Commission an urgent cost-benefit analysis comparing the potential savings from reduced fly-tipping against the costs of reintroducing a free three-item bulky waste collection service for residents.

2.    Explore external funding opportunities or efficiency measures within waste management services to support this initiative.

3.    Request that the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services reports back to full Council within three months on the financial implications and potential impact of this policy change.

By taking a proactive approach, this Council can tackle the root causes of fly-tipping, keep our alleyways and highways clean, and ensure taxpayers' money is spent more effectively.

Motion 2: Expressing disappointment at government failure to compensate the WASPI Women

To be Moved by Councillor Bishop
To be Seconded by Councillor Sykes

The 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts saw the State Pension age for women rise from 60 to 66 but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consistently failed to adequately communicate these changes. As a result, tens of thousands of women were plunged into poverty.  One-in-four affected women struggled to buy food and one third fell into debt.  This was an avoidable scandal. 

A landmark Ombudsman report in March 2024 told the Government to pay compensation and apologise to 3.6 million, women born in the 1950’s who were affected by the lack of communication in relation to their State Pension age.  The report concluded ministers failed to properly notify those impacted by the changes. However, the DWP – under the new Labour Government - has indicated it does not accept the findings of the report.

Women Against  ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Motion 1: Tackling Fly-Tipping and Exploring Free Bulky Waste Collection to Reduce Costs

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Wahid SECONDED the following Motion:

Council Notes:

1.    Fly-tipping is a persistent and worsening issue in Oldham, causing environmental damage, attracting anti-social behaviour, and placing a significant financial burden on the Council.

2.    In the last year alone, Oldham Council responded to 5,672 fly-tipping incidents, costing over £600,000 in cleanup and enforcement efforts.

3.    Over 69% of fly-tipping in Oldham occurs in back alleyways (53%) and on highways (16%), with a significant proportion of this waste consisting of bulky household items such as sofas, mattresses, and white goods.

4.    Currently, residents must pay £23 to dispose of up to three bulky waste items, plus £7 per additional item and £10 per fridge/freezer. This financial barrier discourages responsible disposal and contributes to illegal dumping.

Council Believes:

1.    The cost of clearing fly-tipped waste often far exceeds the revenue generated from bulky waste collection charges.

2.    Reintroducing a free three-item bulky waste collection service could significantly reduce the number of items being illegally dumped in alleyways and on highways.

3.    If, for example, 10,000 households accessed the free service annually, the lost revenue would be £230,000 per year. However, if this measure led to a substantial reduction in fly-tipping, it could generate net savings by reducing cleanup and enforcement costs.

Council Resolves to:

1.    Commission an urgent cost-benefit analysis comparing the potential savings from reduced fly-tipping against the costs of reintroducing a free three-item bulky waste collection service for residents.

2.    Explore external funding opportunities or efficiency measures within waste management services to support this initiative.

3.    Request that the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services reports back to full Council within three months on the financial implications and potential impact of this policy change.

By taking a proactive approach, this Council can tackle the root causes of fly-tipping, keep our alleyways and highways clean, and ensure taxpayers' money is spent more effectively.

On being put to the Vote the Motion was LOST.

Motion 2: Expressing disappointment at government failure to compensate the WASPI Women

Councillor Marland MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED the following Motion:

The 1995 and 2011 Pension Acts saw the State Pension age for women rise from 60 to 66 but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consistently failed to adequately communicate these changes. As a result, tens of thousands of women were plunged into poverty.  One-in-four affected women struggled to buy food and one third fell into debt.  This was an avoidable scandal. 

A landmark Ombudsman report in March 2024 told the Government to pay compensation and apologise to 3.6 million, women born in the 1950’s who were affected by the lack of communication in relation to their State Pension age.  The report concluded ministers failed to properly notify those impacted by the changes. However, the DWP – under the new Labour Government - has indicated it does not accept the findings of the report.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

To update Council on actions from previous meetings.  Appendix 1 will be circulated ahead of the meeting

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Taylor SECONDED a report of the Interim Borough Solicitor which updated members on actions taken following the meeting of the Council held on 18^th December 2024 (adjourned to 20^th January 2025) and also on any updated responses from meetings held in the last 12 months.

RESOLVED:

That the actions regarding motions and issues from the meeting of the Council held on 18^th December 2024 (adjourned to 20^th January 2025), be noted and confirmed.