Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chauhan, Iqbal, Islam, Sheldon and Shuttleworth.

Council considered the Minutes of the meetings held 27^th June and 13^th July 2022.

Further to Minute 9 (Public Questions) of the meeting held 13^th July 2022, a Member referred to Question 8, submitted by Warren Bates and questioned the accuracy, stating that the printed minutes had excluded a debate thereon that had ensued involving the Deputy Mayor.

Further to Minute 13 (Notice of Opposition Business), a Member referred to Motion 2 (Independent Public Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation), stating that the printed minutes of that meeting had omitted a challenge and comments that the Leader of the Council had made regarding another Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation that had been conducted into widespread abuse that had occurred in Telford.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Council meetings held on 27^th June and 13^th July 2022 be approved as correct records.

Members of the Council declared interest as follows:

a.    The Mayor informed the meeting that a dispensation was in place to allow all Members to vote on agenda item 14: ‘Members Allowance Scheme’. All members present declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item, but the dispensation was applicable which allowed members to participate and vote on agenda item 14.

b.    Councillor Chris Gloster declared a non-registerable interest by virtue of his receipt of an occupational pension from Greater Manchester Police.

c.    Councillor Wilkinson declared a non-registerable interest by virtue of his receipt of an occupational pension from Greater Manchester Police.

d.    Councillor Garry declared a disclosable interest by virtue of her husband’s employment with Greater Manchester Police.

e.    Councillor Williamson declared a disclosable interest by virtue of her partner’s employment with Greater Manchester Police.

f.     Councillor Murphy declared a disclosable interest by virtue of his employment with Greater Manchester Police.

g.    Councillor Hazel Gloster declared a disclosable pecuniary interest by virtue of her husband’s occupational pension from Greater Manchester Police

Although the individual Members declared their interests above (b – g), following advice previously given by the Director of Legal Services their interests were not non-registerable interests or pecuniary and therefore did not need to have been declared.

There were no items of urgent business.

The Mayor permitted the Leader of the Council, Councillor Chadderton to address Council regarding the removal of recordings of public meetings from the Council’s website.

The Leader stated that recordings of public meetings were removed from the website on a temporary basis whilst a review of conduct at those meetings was undertaken by Officers of the Council. The Leader of the Council confirmed that all recordings were now back online for residents and the media to access.

The Leader added that the Council was reaffirming its commitment to live stream full council meetings, and that past meetings were to remain online for people to catch-up on.

The Leader of the Council added that she wanted to lead a Council that was responsive to Oldham’s residents, and which operated in an open and transparent way. In this regard the Council Leader reminded members that under her leadership public question time at Council meetings had been extended to allow those who live and work in the Borough to ask a question.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There are no petitons to note.

There were no petitions received to be noted.

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is no Youth Council business to consider.

There were no items of Youth Council business for this meeting of the Council to consider.

(time limit 30 Minutes)

1.    Question submitted by Matthew Smith

‘In the last local election, I didn't vote for anyone, as I've been extremely disappointed in the way parties have behaved in council meetings and also lost all trust in local councillors for a number of reasons. I decided to watch the last council meeting (July) in the hope that, with a new leader, things may have changed. How wrong could I be?

I would like to say how disappointing it was to see the mayor lose complete control of the meeting and councillors behaving worse than school children. We had Councillor Steve Bashford using the lords' name in vain and then shouting out in reply 'I use any one I want' when challenged. There would be uproar if other religious figures had been mentioned in the same way, yet this was totally ignored by the mayor, who seemed more upset over Councillor Barnes' not sitting down. I do not condone Councillor Barnes' behaviour in refusing to sit down either. I was also shocked to hear Councillor Phythian describe the suggestion of a government-appointed enquiry as a waste of money, despite the comments of victims; total disregard for the victims. The chamber should be ashamed of themselves. Labour's stubbornness around a government-appointed enquiry is clearly an issue which won’t go away, as there appears to be a growing demand for one. Therefore, is there no way the Oldham public could be consulted on this to determine whether it is something we want? The reason around cost shouldn’t never be used, like Councillor Phythian tried. This council has and continues to waste hundreds of thousands of pounds on vanity projects or just clear wastage, so maybe if cost is such an issue then may be look into this?  In addition, what do you intend to do regarding the behaviour of your colleagues in the Labour party in how they conducted themselves in the chamber, like Councillor Bashford's comments? By saying nothing, you're condoning this behaviour. And finally, as leader do you intend to have any meetings with other party leaders to tone down this bad behaviour from your own party and that of other parties?’

Councillor Chadderton, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration replied as follows: ‘I’m glad you raised this issue. Behaviour at the last two Council meetings, from a small number of those in the public gallery and – disappointingly – a number of elected members, has been reprehensible.

The taxpayers of Oldham have a right to expect Council business to be carried out safely, fairly, and in accordance with the law. The Council has taken swift action following the last full Council meeting, setting out clearly what we expect from all those attending our meetings, and telling a small number of those who caused the worst disruption – including throwing missiles, unplugging equipment and tampering with fire alarms – that they are banned from our public meetings for a period of time.

You also mention a public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Question 1: Cost of Living Crisis

The cost-of-living crisis is leaving may families across the borough of Oldham facing real hardship and in terms of free school meals the government has effectively reduced the Council’s budget by £212,000, in real terms. No child, in this Borough should go hungry – if a child is hungry how can they be expected to study? What is Oldham Council going to do to plug this funding gap in its free school meals budget, which has been brought about because of cuts that have been imposed by the Conservative Government. Wil the Leader of the Council write to the new Secretary of State for Education calling on him to reverse the cuts.

Councillor Chadderton replied that she shared agreed with everything that Councillor Sykes had said and that it was disgusting that residents of the Borough were faced with the choice of heating and eating.

Question 2: Transport

Councillor Sykes stated that he welcomed the revised plans for a non-charging Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester, though this was subject to government approval. A key aim of a Clean Air Zone should be the encouragement of the use of electric vehicles although the current infrastructure to support this was not adequate, as there was not enough charging points in the Borough or across the wider Greater Manchester Region. Also more needed to be done to encourage the use of public transport and to remove the uncertainty that currently existed some bus routes in the Borough that were facing either a reduced service or removal.

The Leader of the Council replied that the Mayor and the other Council Leaders across Greater Manchester had made it clear that they were opposed to any sort of charges for a Clean Air Zone. Oldham Council was presently making bids to external funding sources that would assist in the roll-out of electric vehicle usage and that the Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, had committed to the roll-out and greater use of electric powered buses.

Councillor Lancaster Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group

Question 1: Whit Friday Events in Saddleworth

Whilst it was encouraging to see the Leader of the Council enjoying the traditional Whit Friday event in Saddleworth earlier in the year, the long-term future of this occasion is in some doubt. Whit Friday brings in much needed tourism revenue to the Saddleworth area and is greatly enjoyable by local residents and by those attending from beyond the borough’s boundaries. There is presently a funding shortfall of the Whit Friday event of £11,000 that has to be found by the nine Saddleworth and Lees Ward Councillors. A previous Leader of the Council had committed to finding the £11,000 funding shortfall.

Councillor Chadderton replied that she did indeed enjoy the Whit Friday event but was unaware of the funding commitment made by a previous Leader of the Council. Councillor Chadderton did however undertake to investigate this matter further and encouraged Councillor Lancaster  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(time limit 15 minutes)

17^th June 2022

25^th July 2022

The Council was requested to note the minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on the undermentioned dates, to receive questions on any items within the minutes from members of the Council that are not members of the Cabinet and to receive appropriate responses from Cabinet members. The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 17^th June 2022 and 25^th July 2022 were submitted.

Members asked the following questions: -

a.    Question from Councillor Woodvine:

Further to the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held 25^th July 2022, Councillor Woodvine asked: where the civic offices will be in the Spindles Development and whether Oldham’s ‘Coat of Arms’ can be displayed rather than the Borough Council’s logo.

Councillor Chadderton, Leader of the Council, replied that the civic functions, meaning office space for Councillors and meeting’s venues, would be based in the old Library Building on Union Street, Oldham rather than in the Spindles shopping centre area. The Leader added that designs for the development at the Old Library were still under development so there should be space for the coat of arms.

b.    Question from Councillor C. Gloster:

Further to the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held 17^th June 2022, Councillor C. Gloster asked: ‘A decision was taken to award a contract for provision of water and wastewater services. It was noted that the council was paying 'out of contract' rates, and that the decision to award the contract would save £51,000 a year. How long had the council been paying out of contract rates for, and why was a proposal not put forward before the Council went out of contract, and started paying those additional fees?’

Councillor Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods replied that the water services industry in England was deregulated on 01/04/2017. Oldham Council has been paying deemed rates since 01/04/2017 when the supplier changed to Water Plus. Consequently, all of Oldham Council’s commercial supplies were placed with Water Plus on deemed out of contract rates and conditions.

At the point of deregulation in England, United Utilities were instructed to transfer all non-domestic water accounts to a new supply company (Water Plus). The water industry was in some disarray at the start of deregulation with multiple new supply companies being created to take advantage of the new market.

At this time consensus in the industry and advice given by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) was not to enter a contract and to wait until the water industry had settled down and reliable suppliers had been established. Part of the reason for this advice was that any potential cost savings would be minimal in view of the potential risks associated with entering a bad contract. Most costs for water (circa 93%) are set by United Utilities, only circa 7% are subject to competition because of the selected supplier (de-regulation).

In 2020 the water market had stabilised. At this time Manchester City Council carried out a procurement exercise. On completion they offered to extend access (framework)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Cost-of-Living Emergency Motion:

Councillor Chadderton to MOVE and Councillor Jabbar to SECOND:

Oldhamers are facing an unprecedented Cost-of-Living crisis, according to the Office for National Statistics, 88% of adults in the Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living in May 2022, due to a range of factors including rising inflation, increases in energy and fuel prices, government tax rises and rising food prices – all the while the Government sit by and refuse to act.

Oldham Council recently hosted a Cost-of-Living summit, commissioned by the Labour leadership, to look at how best to support our residents as inflation, energy, food and fuel prices continue to rise. The Council is now developing a comprehensive plan to tackle the crisis and delivering real tangible help for those who need it, no one should be making the choice between heating or eating this winter.

With energy bills set to rise to more than £3000 next month, and possibly rising to above £4000 in January; inflation predicted to hit 18.6% by investment bank Citi; average petrol prices up 30% at their peak compared to the beginning of the year many families in Oldham are struggling, we are seeing too many people now being pushed into poverty. The time for action is now, we are declaring a cost-of-living emergency and calling on the new Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to step up to the crease and help those who need it. 

This Council notes:

·         That the Cost-of-Living emergency is a key issue for us as a local authority, against a backdrop of financial factors at national and international level.

·         In these increasingly difficult times, there is a need for us as a local authority to ensure advice and appropriate support is available to all residents.

·         The disproportionate impact of the crisis on low-income households, which will spend a larger proportion of their income than average on energy and food and will therefore be more affected by price increases and tax rises that result in reduced disposable income.

·         That over 15% of households in Oldham are currently experiencing fuel poverty, with this number likely to rise over the coming winter; that the number of food parcels given out by the Oldham foodbank has more than doubled compared to previous years; that in 2021 36% of children in Oldham were in relative poverty – the highest of Greater Manchester’s 10 Local Authorities; that the unemployment rate in Oldham remains above the national average; that 23% of Oldhamers are paid below the Real Living Wage (as of 2021)

·         The work the Council are currently undertaking across all departments to support the most vulnerable residents, including offering help with benefits and money advice, signposting residents in the direction of further support, the programme of support provided by the Household Support Fund, our ambitious Holiday Activities and Food programme and the recent cost-of-living summit which brought council services, partners and community representatives to develop ideas.

·         That, while many  ...  view the full agenda text for item 12.

Motion 1 – Cost of Living Crisis

Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the following Motion: Cost of Living Crisis.

Oldhamers are facing an unprecedented Cost-of-Living crisis, according to the Office for National Statistics, 88% of adults in the Great Britain reported an increase in their cost of living in May 2022, due to a range of factors including rising inflation, increases in energy and fuel prices, government tax rises and rising food prices – all the while the Government sit by and refuse to act.

Oldham Council recently hosted a Cost-of-Living summit, commissioned by the Labour leadership, to look at how best to support our residents as inflation, energy, food and fuel prices continue to rise. The Council is now developing a comprehensive plan to tackle the crisis and delivering real tangible help for those who need it, no one should be making the choice between heating or eating this winter.

With energy bills set to rise to more than £3000 next month, and possibly rising to above £4000 in January; inflation predicted to hit 18.6% by investment bank Citi; average petrol prices up 30% at their peak compared to the beginning of the year many families in Oldham are struggling, we are seeing too many people now being pushed into poverty. The time for action is now, we are declaring a cost-of-living emergency and calling on the new Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer to step up to the crease and help those who need it. 

This Council notes:

·         That the Cost-of-Living emergency is a key issue for us as a local authority, against a backdrop of financial factors at national and international level.

·         In these increasingly difficult times, there is a need for us as a local authority to ensure advice and appropriate support is available to all residents.

·         The disproportionate impact of the crisis on low-income households, which will spend a larger proportion of their income than average on energy and food and will therefore be more affected by price increases and tax rises that result in reduced disposable income.

·         That over 15% of households in Oldham are currently experiencing fuel poverty, with this number likely to rise over the coming winter; that the number of food parcels given out by the Oldham foodbank has more than doubled compared to previous years; that in 2021 36% of children in Oldham were in relative poverty – the highest of Greater Manchester’s 10 Local Authorities; that the unemployment rate in Oldham remains above the national average; that 23% of Oldhamers are paid below the Real Living Wage (as of 2021)

·         The work the Council are currently undertaking across all departments to support the most vulnerable residents, including offering help with benefits and money advice, signposting residents in the direction of further support, the programme of support provided by the Household Support Fund, our ambitious Holiday Activities and Food programme and the recent cost-of-living summit which brought council services, partners and community representatives to develop ideas.

·         That,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1

Can this Council Dare to be Brave

Councillor Byrne to MOVE and Councillor Woodvine to SECOND:

Council notes that it has the Power to act on the Reduction of Speed on Country Roads from the national Speed limit of 50/60mph which has remained in place from 1977.

Council notes The Dangers of Rural Driving are that 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.

It is twice as likely for Motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.

It is Three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.

Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.

The Council recognises that Local Authorities have the power to change the speed limit but until now they have done this piecemeal in response to traffic accidents.

That the 60mph default limit is inappropriate for most minor rural roads and those attempting to speed on narrow and winding lanes at this speed is reckless.

British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.

Council recognise as more houses are built in Oldham for families many in semi rural areas on Brown Field sites the Safety for children who need to navigate these roads to school and buses.

A petition was recently presented to Democratic Services for just this in my Saddleworth North Ward

Council resolves to exercise its power to change these particular speed limits to more realistic speeds for the time we now live in.

Motion 2

Meeting the human needs for food and warmth

Councillor Hamblett to MOVE and Councillor Marland to SECOND:

This Council notes that:

The pandemic has highlighted the significant health, well-being, and economic inequalities in our society.

More than one in three children in Oldham borough live in poverty – far higher than the national average of one in five.

The Government has no current plans to address the massive increases in energy costs that have already occurred and are planned, but that the Liberal Democrats’ policy on energy costs have now been adopted wholesale by the Labour party which is welcomed.

This year, schools in Oldham will face a real terms reduction in funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals of £212,797 because of decisions made by this Conservative government.

Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit as incomes are squeezed by double digit inflation and increased taxation.

The Government ended the uplift in Universal Credit, removing means for families to offset rising food and fuel costs.

A poll in April this year found that 5.3 million households were already having to choose between heating and food.

If you cannot afford food or heating, you have no disposable income which exponentially reduces the amount of money spent, creating a vicious economic cycle.

That this Council also notes that:

Increasingly, Greater Manchester Local  ...  view the full agenda text for item 13.

Motion1 – Can this Council Dare to be Brave

Councillor Byrne MOVED and Councillor WOODVINE seconded the following Motion:

This Council notes that it has the Power to act on the Reduction of Speed on Country Roads from the national Speed limit of 50/60mph which has remained in place from 1977.

Council notes The Dangers of Rural Driving are that 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.

It is twice as likely for Motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.

It is Three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.

Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.

The Council recognises that Local Authorities have the power to change the speed limit but until now they have done this piecemeal in response to traffic accidents.

That the 60mph default limit is inappropriate for most minor rural roads and those attempting to speed on narrow and winding lanes at this speed is reckless.

British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.

Council recognise as more houses are built in Oldham for families many in semi-rural areas on Brown Field sites the Safety for children who need to navigate these roads to school and buses.

A petition was recently presented to Democratic Services for just this in my Saddleworth North Ward.

Council resolves to exercise its power to change these particular speed limits to more realistic speeds for the time we now live in.

AMENDMENT

Councillor S. Bashforth MOVED and Councillor C. Phythian SECONDED the following amendment:

More and more Oldham residents are frustrated with the lack of due care some motorists have for their fellow Oldhamers, across the Borough the number of residents voicing their frustrations over speeding and reckless driving is growing.

This Council Notes:

·         That 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.

·         It is twice as likely for motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.

·         It is three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one - British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.

·         Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.

• That Council has in the past changed speed limits on roads in the borough in recognition of public safety concerns.

i.              In recent months there have been a concerning number of high-profile incidents related to speeding on roads in the Borough.

ii.            Speed limits are not set in isolation but as part of a package with other measures to manage vehicle speeds across the local roads and improve road safety.

iii.           Where residents have immediate concerns around a speed limit being regularly breached, they should contact  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Lancaster SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services, which informed members of actions taken following the meeting of the Council on 13^th July 2022.

RESOLVED - That the actions regarding motions and issues from the meeting of the Council on 13^th July 2022 be noted.

Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that sought approval of the Corporate Plan 2022-2027 and ‘Our Future Oldham: A Shared Vision for 2030’.

Oldham Council’s Corporate Plan 2022-27 described how the Council intended to maximise the impact of efforts and resources to improve the lives of residents in the borough over the next five years. The plan, which aligned with the Oldham Partnership’s vision document (Our Future Oldham), focused specifically on the impact of the authority’s work on children and young people. It acknowledges the present and future challenges created by the cost of living crisis and described how services across the Council would be improved for residents.

The plan sets out five policy priorities: Healthy, safe and well supported residents; A great start and skills for life; Better jobs and dynamic businesses; Quality homes for everyone; A clean and green future. The Council’s four operational priorities were to be: Residents first; Place-based working; Digital; Working with communities to reduce need.

Our Future Oldham outlined the vision for the future of the borough shared by the Oldham Partnership and was informed by the views and priorities of residents. The document established a set of aims – the core elements of a good life in Oldham, that it was believed every resident should expect. These ranged from basics like a good education and a home that meets needs to things that contribute to creating a richer life and place, like opportunities to get together with neighbours and community pride.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council notes the contents of the Corporate Plan 2022-27 and the outcomes it commits the Council to delivering over the next three years.

2.    That Council approves the Corporate Plan 2022-27 for adoption.

3.    That Council notes the contents of the draft Our Future Oldham document, the vision it sets for the borough in 2030 and the governance arrangements it commits the Council to participating in as part of the Oldham Partnership.

4.    That Council approves ‘Our Future Oldham’ for consideration and adoption by the Oldham Partnership.

Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED a report of the Executive Director for Place and Economic Growth, which sought to amend the Council’s Local Development Framework Scheme of Delegation (which was last approved on 14^th September 2011), to bring the Council’s decision making processes up to date and to reflect recent legislative changes.

The report set out the levels of decision-making required for documents prepared as part of, and in support of, the Local Plan to: reflect legislative changes and operational experience since it was last amended in 2011; and to set out the processes for dealing appropriately with the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan, should one be proposed and the Brownfield Land Register.

RESOLVED:

That Council approves and adopts the revised Local Planning Scheme of Delegation.

Report to follow

Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED a report of the Director of Legal Services that sought Council’s consideration and approval for the Members Allowance Scheme 2023/24, that had been proposed by the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Council was advised that there were a number of matters that were arising from Members Allowances Scheme 2022/23

The Members Allowance scheme for 2022/23 provided an annual increase in accordance with the local government pay award. This has historically been a percentage figure, but this year it is proposed to be a specified amount to all officers. It was proposed that the amount be the percentage applicable to Spinal Column Point 49 for Officers which was line with a number of other Greater Manchester authorities and which had been recommended by the Independent Remuneration Panel. Also, for the 2022/23 scheme, an Additional Special Responsibility Allowance was available to cover significant additional responsibilities, that arose ‘in-year’ and which required equal or greater time and effort as would be required of any other Special Responsibility Allowance activities. A request had been received that a Council Member be granted an allowance for activity undertaken relating to Greater Manchester, regional, national wide issues, including health and cost of living issues and that a further member be granted an allowance as an opposition lead on equality, inclusion and diversity. Council was asked to consider these requests.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the basic allowance, for Members of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, for 2023/24, shall remain unchanged (pay award not included as linked to officer pay which has not been determined yet).

2.    Special Responsibility Allowances, for 2023/24:

a.    That the Assistant to Cabinet Member allowance be discontinued

b.    That the Shadow Executive members/shadow deputy allowance be discontinued

c.    That the Unity Chair allowance be discontinued

d.    That the Additional SRA allowance be discontinued

e.    That the other SRAs continue at the level in the current scheme (as outlined at Page 1 of the report to Agenda Item 14)

f.     That no Member should be entitled to more than one SRA where it relates to internal Council business

3.    That no changes be made to the Travel and Subsistence allowance, Dependent Carers Allowance and co-opted allowances

4.    That for 2023/24, the annual increase should be the percentage increase for Local Government Officers at SCP 49.

5.    Agree the matters referred to in the report for the 2022/23 scheme. 

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Chadderton SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance concerning the Treasury Management review 2021/22. Council was required by regulations issued under the Local Government Act 2003 to produce an annual treasury management review of activities and the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2021/22. The submitted report of the Director of Finance met the requirements of both the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

During 2021/22 the minimum reporting requirements were that the full Council should receive the following reports: An annual treasury strategy in advance of the year (approved by Council on 4 March 2021); a mid-year treasury update report (which was approved by the Council on 15^th December 2021); and an annual review following the end of the year describing the activity compared to the strategy (this report) The regulatory environment places responsibility on Members for the review and scrutiny of treasury management policy and activities. This report was therefore important in that respect, as it provided details of the outturn position for treasury activities and highlighted compliance with the Council’s policies previously approved by Members.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council approves the actual 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators presented in the Director of Finance’s report.

2.    That Council approves the annual treasury management review report for 2021/22.

Councillor Moores MOVED and Councillor Chadderton SECONDED a report of the Statutory Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the terms of reference for an Elected Member Steering Group on Child Sexual Exploitation.

At the previous Council meeting, held 13^th July 2022, Members considered a Motion in response to the Independent Review into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practice in Oldham. The Director of Children’s Services’ report provided Council with an update on an Elected Member Workshop held in August 2022 by way of an action plan responding to the Independent Assurance Review into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation and sets out draft Terms of Reference for the Elected Member Steering Group for approval.

An AMENDMENT to the report was moved, as circulated, by Councillor Sykes and seconded by Councillor Al-Hamdani.

A vote was taken on the AMENDMENT, which was LOST.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council notes the report.

2.    That, by way of receiving the action plan responding to the Independent Assurance Review into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation, Council notes the priority areas of action and progress against the resolution agreed by Full Council on 13^th July 2022; including the dedicated additional support to the work of Operation Sherwood led by Greater Manchester Police, the Council’s response to ongoing support to survivors of CSE including access to independent support, the establishment of a Child Sexual Exploitation survivors steering/advisory group and the establishment of an Elected Member Steering Group, as set out in full at Appendix 1of the Statutory Director of Children’s Services report.

3.    That Council agrees the Terms of Reference for the Elected Member Steering Group on Child Sexual Exploitation, as set out in appendix 2 of the Statutory Director of Children’s Services report.

4.    That Council notes the authority’s response is to support victims, seek justice and provide assurance about current practice as set out within the Council’s action plan.