Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bashforth, Chauhan, Chowhan, Ghafoor and Hindle.

To approve the Minutes of the meetings of Council held 17^th September 2025 (adjourned to 12^th November 2025) and on 12^th November 2025

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 17^th September 2025 and on 12^th November 2025.

In respect of Minute 10 (Electronic Voting), of the meeting held 12^th November 2025, it was reported that Council had agreed to include that the results of each electronic vote, irrespective of whether it is a recorded vote or not, would be published on the screens during the meeting.

In respect of Minute 17 (Review of Political Balance on Committees), resolution 1 of the meeting held on 12^th November 2025 it was reported that Council had agreed, rather than noted, the report.

RESOLVED

That subject to the two amendments noted above, the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 17^th September 2025 and 12^th November 2025, be approved as correct records.

There were no declarations of interests.

The Mayor indicated that he had been advised of urgent items of business to be considered at this meeting, The first item of urgent business related to correspondence received from the Home Secretary. The Right Hon. Shabana Mahmood MP, regarding the establishment of a national investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation. Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Taylor SECONDED that Council Procedure Rules (namely Council Procedure Rule 4.1 relating to the business to be transacted at the meeting) be suspended to allow this matter to be discussed by the Council. On being put to the Vote the Motion was CARRIED.

The Mayor advised that he was permitting a 15-minute debate on the proposed establishment of a national investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation. and the meeting was addressed by Councillors Hobin, Sykes, Hince, Woodvine and Quigg. Councillor Shah replied to the debate.

The second item of urgent business concerned agenda item 10 - Notice of Administration Business - Motion 2. In accordance with paragraphs 12.4.1 and 12.4.3 of the Council Procedure Rules - there was a change to the Mover and Seconder of Motion 2: Fairer Parking Charges at Manchester Airport. The Motion would now be moved by Councillor Jabbar and seconded by Councillor Charters. 

The third item of urgent business related to business considered at the agenda item 17 (Polling District Review) that was considered at the meeting held on 17^th September 2025 (adjourned until 12^th November 2025). Councillor Woodvine addressed Council providing a point of clarification about comments that he had made, when this item was considered by the Council. Councillor Woodvine apologised for erroneous comments that he had made at the meeting relating to the Council’s Elections Manager.

The Mayor referred to the recent death of former Councillor Ginny Alexander, who represented the St. James Ward between 2014 and 2022 and who was Mayor of the Borough between 2019 and 2021. Accordingly, Councillors Shah, Williamson, Charters and Byrne addressed Council paying their individual condolences and tributes.

Council held a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Ginny Alexander.

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 Group’s Motion – 10 minutes, the Conservative Group’s Motion – 8 minutes and the Reform UK Group’s Motion – 2 minutes.

(time limit 20 minutes)

Young Men’s Mental Health

This motion highlights the urgent need for strengthened support, awareness, and targeted interventions to address men’s mental health across our borough. National evidence shows that men continue to face significant barriers to seeking help. According to a study by Mind, 40% of men do not talk about their mental health due to stigma and fear of embarrassment. NHS data shows that 12.5% of all men in England are living with a mental health disorder, yet many remain undiagnosed or unsupported.

The consequences of this silence are profound. As reported by the BBC, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 and figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 75% of all suicides in England and Wales in 2024 were male; the highest proportion recorded in the last 25 years. Regionally, the Northwest faces some of the most concerning outcomes, with a suicide rate of 13.7 per 100,000, the second highest of any region in England.

We believe that it is vital that a focus on young men’s mental health needs to be addressed. Mental health can have a severe impact on various areas of life, ones that have detrimental consequence into adulthood. Given the statistics already mentioned, it is no wonder that mental health demonstrates negative impact on school attendance, sleep disruption and ultimately, stress related sickness for young people in employment.

As young men from Oldham Youth Service, we are attempting to address this issue through creation of the MAN (Masculinity and Normality) Project. We hope to reduce discriminatory attitudes, believing this starts with the promotion of good mental health amongst men. October saw our first schools conference, bringing together young men with the theme of ‘breaking the armour.’ This aimed to encourage conversations about supporting one another and being more open-minded about mental health discussion.

But this is just the start. It was evident that of the 80 plus young men in attendance, mental health is still a very prevalent topic affecting our young population. According to Oldham Council’s Suicide Prevention Plan, Oldham’s suicide rate stands at 10.0 per 100,000, emphasising the need for proactive and well-resourced action. Early intervention in young men’s mental health is critical in preventing the onset of long-term impacts.

This motion therefore asks Oldham Council to recognise the scale of the challenge, to prioritise men’s mental health within local strategies, and to work with partners to reduce stigma, improve access to support, and ultimately, save lives.

We also ask Oldham Council to leverage its influence by writing directly to the Government and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, advocating for urgent and targeted investment in young men's mental health services.

As local resources are stretched and the national crisis in young people's mental health, particularly for young men who are less likely to seek help, demands a scaled-up, dedicated funding stream. Targeting support for young men now will significantly reduce  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

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

This motion highlights the urgent need for strengthened support, awareness, and targeted interventions to address men’s mental health across our borough. National evidence shows that men continue to face significant barriers to seeking help. According to a study by Mind, 40% of men do not talk about their mental health due to stigma and fear of embarrassment. NHS data shows that 12.5% of all men in England are living with a mental health disorder, yet many remain undiagnosed or unsupported.

The consequences of this silence are profound. As reported by the BBC, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 and figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that 75% of all suicides in England and Wales in 2024 were male; the highest proportion recorded in the last 25 years. Regionally, the Northwest faces some of the most concerning outcomes, with a suicide rate of 13.7 per 100,000, the second highest of any region in England.

We believe that it is vital that a focus on young men’s mental health needs to be addressed. Mental health can have a severe impact on various areas of life, ones that have detrimental consequence into adulthood. Given the statistics already mentioned, it is no wonder that mental health demonstrates negative impact on school attendance, sleep disruption and ultimately, stress related sickness for young people in employment.

As young men from Oldham Youth Service, we are attempting to address this issue through creation of the MAN (Masculinity and Normality) Project. We hope to reduce discriminatory attitudes, believing this starts with the promotion of good mental health amongst men. October saw our first schools conference, bringing together young men with the theme of ‘breaking the armour.’ This aimed to encourage conversations about supporting one another and being more open-minded about mental health discussion.

But this is just the start. It was evident that of the 80 plus young men in attendance, mental health is still a very prevalent topic affecting our young population. According to Oldham Council’s Suicide Prevention Plan, Oldham’s suicide rate stands at 10.0 per 100,000, emphasising the need for proactive and well-resourced action. Early intervention in young men’s mental health is critical in preventing the onset of long-term impacts.

This motion therefore asks Oldham Council to recognise the scale of the challenge, to prioritise men’s mental health within local strategies, and to work with partners to reduce stigma, improve access to support, and ultimately, save lives.

We also ask Oldham Council to leverage its influence by writing directly to the Government and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, advocating for urgent and targeted investment in young men's mental health services.

As local resources are stretched and the national crisis in young people's mental health, particularly for young men who are less likely to seek help, demands a scaled-up, dedicated funding stream. Targeting support for young men now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

(time limit 15 Minutes)

1.    Question from Hannah Roberts

I welcome the Labour Government's proposals to implement sweeping reforms to strengthen standards and rebuild confidence in local government and share the widespread support expressed in the consultation for a mandatory code of conduct. Local authorities will get powers to suspend councillors and mayors for serious misconduct and to withhold allowances where behaviour falls short. The Coalition Government removed all effective sanctions which has helped to undermine confidence in local councils. Could the Leader comment further and does she have any information about how soon these overdue reforms will be in place?

Councillor Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability replied, thanking Hannah Roberts for her question and for raising this important issue. I agree that strong ethical standards and robust accountability are essential to maintaining public trust in local government. The current proposals to introduce a mandatory code of conduct and restore meaningful sanctions represent a significant and welcome step towards rebuilding that confidence, particularly following the

weakening of the standards framework under the previous Coalition Government.

The ability for local authorities to suspend councillors for serious misconduct, and to withhold allowances where behaviour falls short of expected standards, will provide much-needed tools to address unacceptable conduct and reinforce the principle that elected representatives must meet the highest standards of behaviour.

While the Government has made clear its commitment to these reforms and the consultation response demonstrates strong support, we are still awaiting detailed implementation guidance and a confirmed timetable. However, indications are that the necessary legislation will be brought forward as a priority, and we will ensure that we are prepared to implement the new framework effectively and consistently.

We will keep members updated as further information becomes available, and we will engage fully with the process to ensure these long-overdue reforms deliver the strengthened standards and accountability that our communities rightly expect.

2.    Question from Matthew Broadbent

In April, planning permission was refused for a Battery Energy Storage System in Failsworth’s Green Belt. In October, the decision was overturned by the Planning Inspectorate on the back of the Council not meeting the deadline to submit the necessary paperwork to defend the decision. In addition, the Inspectorate awarded substantial costs against the Council for “unreasonable behaviour”, which Oldham ratepayers will now have to foot the bill for. Does the Leader take responsibility for the Council dropping the ball, and what actions will the Council take to ensure that such negligence never happens again?

Councillor Taylor, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods replied, thanking Mr. Broadbent for his question and for bringing this matter to my attention – Mr Mayor, I am still investigating why the relevant paperwork was not submitted in time for the appeal case to the Planning Inspectorate. Whilst I’m sure delays in submitting the paperwork to the Inspectorate were one factor in the Inspector’s decision to award costs against the council, the reason for the costs awarded have been stated in the appeal decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(time limit 90 minutes)

1. Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Growth – including the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held 17^th November 2025 and the minutes of meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 26^th September 2025.
2. Statutory Deputy Leader and Neighbourhoods Portfolio Holder
3. Deputy Leader and Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability Portfolio Holder
4. Children and Young People’s Portfolio Holder
5. Adults, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder
6. Education and Skills Portfolio Holder
7. Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder
8. Enterprise Portfolio Holder
9. Transport and Highways Portfolio Holder

In respect of this agenda item Councillor Woodvine MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED that Council Procedure Rule 12.4.4 be suspended, to allow extra time for consideration thus permitting Councillor Woodvine and Leaders of other political groups, the opportunity to ask a question to the Leader of the Council. 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. Written questions and answers submitted to the Leader and Cabinet Members were attached at Appendix A (and have been published to the Council’s website):

a.    Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council and the Growth Portfolio holder, presented her report, including the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held 17^th November 2025 and the minutes of meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 26^th September 2025.

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Question 1: Management of Council Accounts

Councillor Sykes, reference the management of the Council’s finances under the current administration. He stated that the Council’s projected overspend, in terms of the 2026/27 budget had, according to reports, increased to £21 million. Therefore, Councillor Sykes asked the Leader of the Council what the actual projected overspend was and what mitigations were being put in place to address the projected deficit?

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Growth, replied, that the projected overspend had subsequently been reduced by £17 million and that it continued to reduce. This was due, she said, to the continued hard work and diligence of staff in the Council’s Financial Services.

Question 2: Free School Meals

Councillor Sykes noted that children who are eligible to claim free school meals, in the Borough, included children who come from households that received Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support but did not include children who came from families that were in receipt of Universal Credit? Councillor Sykes asked if the Council’s policy, in this regard, could be changed so that children who reside in households that receive Universal Credit can be enrolled for free school meals?

Councillor Shah replied that she agreed with Councillor Sykes and would look at reviewing the policy at the earliest opportunity.

Question from Councillor Wahid, Deputy Leader of the Oldham Group

Councillor Wahid referred to the portfolio holder report submitted by the Leader for the Council and Cabinet Member for Growth noting that the council received news that the Council’s bid to the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund for Prince’s Gate had been successful. The £35.1m secured would top up £9.9m of brownfield grant funding already secured and £5m of Community Regeneration Funding, that is already committed to the project, to ensure the delivery of 331 new homes, including 75 social homes. He sought clarification on the total project costs, the associated risks and if a contingency plan was in place in case of something going awry.

Due to time constraints the Councillor Shah  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Strengthening Standards and Restoring Confidence in Local Democracy

To be Moved by Councillor Harrison

To be Seconded by Councillor Shuttleworth

This Council notes:

• The Government’s recent response to its consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, following widespread concerns about inconsistent enforcement and inadequate sanctions under the current regime.
• The proposals include:
  • A mandatory minimum code of conduct for all local authorities.
  • A requirement for formal standards committees to oversee breaches and publish investigation outcomes.
  • New powers to suspend councillors or mayors for serious misconduct, including interim suspensions in complex cases.
  • A national appeals body to ensure consistency.
  • A new category of disqualification for gross misconduct or repeated breaches.
  • Measures to empower victims of councillor misconduct and improve transparency.

This Council believes:

• High standards of conduct are essential to maintaining public trust in local democracy.
• A clear, consistent, and enforceable framework will help councillors uphold the integrity of public office and protect the reputation of local government.
• These reforms will strengthen accountability and ensure that misconduct is dealt with swiftly and fairly across all tiers of local government.

This Council resolves to:

1. Welcome the Government’s proposals to strengthen the standards regime and restore confidence in local democracy.
2. Commit to adopting the mandatory minimum code of conduct once implemented in legislation.
3. Ensure our Standards Committee is fully prepared to meet the new requirements, including publishing investigation outcomes transparently and regularly reporting these outcomes to Council.
4. Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government expressing our support for these reforms and urging timely implementation.
5. Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association, urging them to consider the development of a training programme aligned with the new standards regime.
6. Ask our Standards Committee to work with the relevant Officers locally to review Oldham’s elected member behaviour standards training programme and ensure it is fit for purpose, with a view to making it a mandatory training unit.

Motion 2: Fairer Parking Charges at Manchester Airport

To be Moved by: Councillor Shah
to be Seconded by: Councillor Charters

This Council notes:

• Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK and a vital gateway for Greater Manchester residents and businesses.

·       Current drop-off and pick-up charges at Manchester Airport are £5 for five minutes, £6.40 for up to 10 minutes, and £25 for up to 30 minutes, with fines of £100 (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days) for late payment under the barrierless system. 

·       The RAC has ranked Manchester Airport among the most expensive UK airports on a cost-per-minute basis. 

·       Jim McMahon MP has called for a full review of signage, an end to the practice of stacking up charges, an extension of the time allowed to pay, and greater transparency on income from these charges.

This Council believes:

• Parking charges should be fair, transparent, and not penalise genuine mistakes.
• The current system risks disproportionately impacting local residents and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Motion 1: Strengthening Standards and Restoring Confidence in Local Democracy

Councillor Harrison MOVED and Councillor Shuttleworth SECONDED the following Motion:

This Council notes:

• The Government’s recent response to its consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, following widespread concerns about inconsistent enforcement and inadequate sanctions under the current regime.
• The proposals include:
  • A mandatory minimum code of conduct for all local authorities.
  • A requirement for formal standards committees to oversee breaches and publish investigation outcomes.
  • New powers to suspend councillors or mayors for serious misconduct, including interim suspensions in complex cases.
  • A national appeals body to ensure consistency.
  • A new category of disqualification for gross misconduct or repeated breaches.
  • Measures to empower victims of councillor misconduct and improve transparency.

This Council believes:

• High standards of conduct are essential to maintaining public trust in local democracy.
• A clear, consistent, and enforceable framework will help councillors uphold the integrity of public office and protect the reputation of local government.
• These reforms will strengthen accountability and ensure that misconduct is dealt with swiftly and fairly across all tiers of local government.

This Council resolves to:

1. Welcome the Government’s proposals to strengthen the standards regime and restore confidence in local democracy.
2. Commit to adopting the mandatory minimum code of conduct once implemented in legislation.
3. Ensure our Standards Committee is fully prepared to meet the new requirements, including publishing investigation outcomes transparently and regularly reporting these outcomes to Council.
4. Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government expressing our support for these reforms and urging timely implementation.
5. Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association, urging them to consider the development of a training programme aligned with the new standards regime.
6. Ask our Standards Committee to work with the relevant Officers locally to review Oldham’s elected member behaviour standards training programme and ensure it is fit for purpose, with a view to making it a mandatory training unit.

AMENDMENT 1

COUNCILLOR Quigg MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED AMENDMENT 1:

This Council further resolves and believes:

That this Council will write to HM Government and the relevant Minister to demand a change in the law that disqualifies anyone convicted of an offence and who received a custodial sentence including a suspended sentence, being prohibited from ever standing in any local government election in England and Wales.

This Council further resolves and believes:

That all Councillors should have enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 1, was LOST.

AMENDMENT 2

Councillor Sykes MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED AMENDMENT 2:

This Council notes:

•       The Government’s recent response to its consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, following widespread concerns about inconsistent enforcement and inadequate sanctions under the current regime.

•       That the proposals include:

o   A mandatory minimum code of conduct for all local authorities.

o   A requirement for formal standards committees to oversee breaches and publish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Werneth Park Music Rooms – Community-Led Regeneration and Asset Transfer

To be Moved by Councillor Ibrahim

To be Seconded by Councillor Akhtar

 This Council Notes:

 Historical Significance

The Grade II listed Werneth Park Music Rooms is one of Oldham’s most significant historic buildings.

Located in Werneth Park – Oldham’s second most eminent Victorian park – it has served local communities since the 1930s, when it was gifted to the Borough under covenants requiring continued community use.

Long-Term Closure and Decline

The Music Rooms were closed in 2001 due to budget cuts.

Since closure, the building has remained derelict, suffering extensive vandalism and deterioration, driving up potential refurbishment costs.

Responsibility for the building currently sits within Environmental Services, and the Council continues to incur annual costs of approximately £125,025 for a building that remains closed and unused. 

Evidence of Community Need and Previous Work

· A 2002 SRB6-funded study identified a shortage of community facilities in Werneth and Freehold and found strong resident support for restoring the Music Rooms.

· A feasibility study in 2007 estimated renovation costs in the region of £2.85m–£4.1m, and a steering group was subsequently formed to progress a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

· There has been no updated feasibility or options appraisal work for nearly a decade, despite continuing community interest.

Current Position and Financial Context

Continuing to pay to hold a derelict listed asset represents poor value for money for Oldham residents, especially in the context of severe financial pressures on the Council.

Funding Opportunities

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) currently offers grant routes from £100,000 to £5 million, which are well suited to the restoration and reuse of derelict historic buildings.

· The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) provides development funding and support for community-led heritage schemes, including business planning and governance development.

Taken together, these funds provide a realistic route to securing the capital required for restoration, provided there is strong community involvement and a clear, sustainable business model.

Vision for the Music Rooms

The music rooms could benefit the local community by offering:

· A permanent curated exhibition space for Oldham’s cultural heritage;

· A community tea room and social space; and

· A flexible events and performance venue for music, arts, learning and community activity.

· Regeneration would create employment and apprenticeship opportunities, support local suppliers, and enable partnerships with major cultural institutions.

This Council Believes:

Werneth Park Music Rooms is an iconic historic building and a symbol of Oldham’s cultural heritage; its continued dereliction sends a damaging message about Oldham’s commitment to its history and its parks.

This Council Resolves To:

1.Support in Principle any suitable Community-Led Regeneration of Werneth Park Music Rooms

2.Explore all options that could be applicable for this building to bring it back into use for the community, 

3.Work proactively with interested community organisations and Greater Manchester Building Preservation Trust to explore viable options for the future of Werneth Park Music Rooms and to support in any way possible.

4.Request that relevant officers prepare a progress report  back  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 1: Werneth Park Music Rooms – Community-Led Regeneration and Asset Transfer

Councillor Ibrahim MOVED and Councillor Akhtar SECONDED the following Motion:

 This Council Notes:

 Historical Significance

The Grade II listed Werneth Park Music Rooms is one of Oldham’s most significant historic buildings.

Located in Werneth Park – Oldham’s second most eminent Victorian park – it has served local communities since the 1930s, when it was gifted to the Borough under covenants requiring continued community use.

Long-Term Closure and Decline

The Music Rooms were closed in 2001 due to budget cuts.

Since closure, the building has remained derelict, suffering extensive vandalism and deterioration, driving up potential refurbishment costs.

Responsibility for the building currently sits within Environmental Services, and the Council continues to incur annual costs of approximately £125,025 for a building that remains closed and unused. 

Evidence of Community Need and Previous Work

· A 2002 SRB6-funded study identified a shortage of community facilities in Werneth and Freehold and found strong resident support for restoring the Music Rooms.

· A feasibility study in 2007 estimated renovation costs in the region of £2.85m–£4.1m, and a steering group was subsequently formed to progress a Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

· There has been no updated feasibility or options appraisal work for nearly a decade, despite continuing community interest.

Current Position and Financial Context

Continuing to pay to hold a derelict listed asset represents poor value for money for Oldham residents, especially in the context of severe financial pressures on the Council.

Funding Opportunities

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) currently offers grant routes from £100,000 to £5 million, which are well suited to the restoration and reuse of derelict historic buildings.

· The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) provides development funding and support for community-led heritage schemes, including business planning and governance development.

Taken together, these funds provide a realistic route to securing the capital required for restoration, provided there is strong community involvement and a clear, sustainable business model.

Vision for the Music Rooms

The music rooms could benefit the local community by offering:

· A permanent curated exhibition space for Oldham’s cultural heritage.

· A community tearoom and social space; and

· A flexible events and performance venue for music, arts, learning and community activity.

· Regeneration would create employment and apprenticeship opportunities, support local suppliers, and enable partnerships with major cultural institutions.

This Council Believes:

Werneth Park Music Rooms is an iconic historic building and a symbol of Oldham’s cultural heritage; its continued dereliction sends a damaging message about Oldham’s commitment to its history and its parks.

This Council Resolves To:

1. Support in Principle any suitable Community-Led Regeneration of Werneth Park Music Rooms

2.Explore all options that could be applicable for this building to bring it back into use for the community, 

3.Work proactively with interested community organisations and Greater Manchester Building Preservation Trust to explore viable options for the future of Werneth Park Music Rooms and to support in any way possible.

4.Request that relevant officers prepare a progress report back to Council Within 6- 12 months  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive, making recommendations arising from a consultation exercise.

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Executive Director of Resources/Deputy Chief Executive which, provided an update on the feedback received as part of a recent consultation on the introduction of an Article 4 Direction on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and outlined the next steps.

Following motions submitted to Council earlier in 2025, and more recently on 16^th July 2025, it was requested that the Council consider the introduction of an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the change of use from Use Class C3 (dwelling houses) to Use Class C4 (small houses in multiple occupation) on a borough-wide basis.

In response, a report thereon was presented to the Cabinet on 22^nd September 2025 recommending the introduction of a Non-Immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the change of use from Use Class C3 (dwelling houses) to Use Class C4 (small houses in multiple occupation) on a borough-wide basis. This report outlined that this would include a six-week consultation period.

It had also been agreed that a further report be brought back to Cabinet at the first available opportunity to consider the outcome of the consultation and thereafter to determine if the Article 4 Direction should be confirmed and come into effect on the 1^st January 2026 or such other later date as considered appropriate. The report’s recommendations were agreed at the Cabinet on 22^nd September.

In addition, a report was presented to the Council on 17^th September 2025 setting out the legislation regarding Article 4 Directions and the process for implementation; the current position and evidence regarding HMOs across the borough; and identified the options available for the introduction of an Article 4 Direction for HMOs. The Council report also noted that a report was to be taken to Cabinet on 22^nd September 2025 outlining recommendations for the introduction of an Article 4 Direction on Houses of Multiple Occupation.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council endorses the information provided in the submitted report.

2.    That the Council notes that a report is to be taken to Cabinet, on 15 December 2025, recommending confirmation of the Article 4 Direction for Houses of Multiple Occupation. 

To consider the appointment of Independent Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Executive Director of Resources sought appointment of Independent Members of the Independent Remuneration Panel. The report advised that establishing a pool of five independent members to serve on the Independent Remuneration Panel would ensure sustainability and continuity to cover any future vacancies or absences, so that the Panel would be responsive to any requests to meet.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council authorises the reappointment of Mr. Geoffrey Millard to the Independent Remuneration Panel until May 2029.

2.    That the Council approves the proposal to establish a pool of five independent members to serve on the Independent Remuneration Panel.

3.    That the Assistant Director of Governance be authorised to proceed with the advertisement for two additional independent members to serve on the Independent Remuneration Panel.

To receive the Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2024/25.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance advising Council of the work of the Audit Committee in the last financial year and to note the observations of the Committee on the standard of corporate governance, internal control, the production of the Statement of Accounts, risk management, information governance and internal audit in 2024/25.

The Council’s Audit Committee was a key component of the Council’s governance framework. Its function was to provide an independent review and assurance role to support good governance and sound public financial management. There was a requirement for the Audit Committee to report to Council each year to advise of the work it has undertaken and this report met that requirement. The Annual report had been prepared to advise members of the work undertaken by the Committee in the financial year 2024/25 and for Council to note the views of the Committee on internal control.

To discharge its role, the Audit Committee had met on five separate occasions during the 2024/25 municipal year, undertaking the work detailed in Appendix 1 of the submitted report. The Committee’s work programme was built around its responsibilities for corporate governance, internal audit, external audit, risk management, fraud and corruption, Treasury Management, Information Governance and the review of the annual Statement of Accounts. This report summarises the work undertaken by key programme area for the financial year 2024/25.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit Committee’s Annual Report 2024/25, be approved.

To receive the Annual Report of the Scrutiny Boards 2024/25.

Councillor McLaren MOVED and Councillor Junaid Hussain SECONDED a report that provided Council with the Overview and Scrutiny Annual report for the 2024/25 Municipal Year as require by the Council’s Constitution, at Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 4.1.

The report outlined the statutory role of overview and scrutiny; the roles and responsibilities of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board, Adults, Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board and the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board in 2024/25 and a summary of the considerations and work undertaken by the four bodies during 2024/25.

RESOLVED:

That the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024/25 be noted.

To consider the Council’s Treasury Management position – mid-year 2025/26.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance that advised Council ofthe performanceof theTreasury Managementfunction for the first half of 2025/26 and provided a comparison of performanceagainst the 2025/26 Treasury Management Strategy and the Treasury Management PrudentialIndicators.

Council was required to consider the performance of the Treasury Managementfunction to comply with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance andAccountancy’s (CIPFA) Code of Practice on Treasury Management (revised 2021). The submitted report provided an additional update and included the new requirement in the 2021 Code, which had been mandatory from 1^st April 2023, of quarterly reporting of the treasury management prudential indicators. The reporttherefore presented the keyTreasury Managementissues forMembers’ informationand reviewand outlines:

·                An economic update for the first half of 2025/26 (External Context).

·                Net Borrowing and Investments (Local Context).

·                A review and updates of the Council’s current treasury management position.

·                Council Borrowing.

·                Treasury Investment Activity.

·                Treasury Performance for the first half of the year.

·                Compliance.

·                Treasury Management Prudential Indicators.

RESOLVED:

That the Council approves the Treasury Management Half Year Review report, the Treasury Management activity and the projected outturn for 2025/26.

Report to follow.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Taylor SECONDED a report of the Executive Director of Resources which updated members on actions taken following the meeting of the Council held on 12^th November 2025 and also on any updated responses from meetings held in the previous 12 months.

RESOLVED:

That the actions regarding motions and issues from the meeting of the Council held on 12^th November 2025, be noted and confirmed.