Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Akhtar.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutesof the meeting of the Council, held on 11^th September 2024, be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record

There were no declarations of interests.

The Mayor advised Council that Motion 4, at agenda item 11 (Honouring Veterans) has been withdrawn from the agenda, at the request of Councillor Wilkinson, the Mover of the Motion.

With respect to agenda items 10 and 11, the Mayor advised members that further to paragraphs 12.4.1 and 12.4.3 of the Council’s Procedure Rules, there would be:

a.    A change of Mover and Seconder to the second administration motion, at item 10 (Supporting Kinship Carers).The motion will now be moved by Cllr Shaid Mushtaq and seconded by Cllr Lisa Navesey. 

b.    A change of Seconder to item 11 Motion 3 (immediate Ceasefire in Gaza); the Motion will now be Seconded by Cllr Wahid.

(time limit 20 minutes)

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

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

(time limit 20 minutes)

There is no Youth Council business for this Council meeting to consider.

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

(time limit 15 Minutes)

1.    Question from Imran Ghaffar:

Like many residents in Oldham, I am excited to learn more about the 480-space sixth form college, a collaboration between Eton College and Star Academies, being built on the site of the outdoor market and car park. 

As both of us are practicing Muslims, will the leader of the Council confirm that the school will have an Islamic ethos and educate our young children according to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)? Will it be for just boys and those of Islamic faith only as some have suggested?

Councillor Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills replied, that following various announcements from the Government, we understand the financial challenges they are facing and we support the need to review projects and their costs, particularly in light of the improvements that are needed to existing school buildings.  

Every Oldham child, no matter where they live or whatever their background, is entitled to the opportunities which can help them fulfil their potential. The Eton Star Oldham proposal supports us in achieving this ambition. We're confident in the difference this project will make to the lives of children and young people in Oldham and we’ll continue to make this case to the government.  

Eton Star Oldham would focus on admitting bright young students who aspire to attend top universities, regardless of their background. My goal is for the school to welcome many students on free school meals, looked-after children, those from disadvantaged areas, and those who would be the first in their families to attend university. This will give more children in Oldham the chance to achieve great outcomes, and I’m incredibly proud we’ve been able to secure this for our community.

The college would offer a focused curriculum with academically demanding subjects. Students will start with four A-levels, with some choosing to focus on three A-levels later to fit their personal progression paths. Alongside A-levels, all students will study for a ‘diploma.’ They will also have access to Eton College’s extensive network of teachers, alumni, scholars, partners, and educational experts.

Eton Star Oldham would be open to both girls and boys from all faiths, as well as those with no faith.

Whilst we await the outcome of the free school review we will continue to do all we can to ensure all children and young people in Oldham have the best start in life.

2.    Question from Peter Webb:

We live in a Christian country with an established Church and the Sovereign as the head of that Church. 

We are a tolerant nation with many faiths. Sadly, the personal is becoming the political. 

Whilst the Council promotes the lighting up of the Civic Centre for those of the Islamic faith, like was done on the 15^th September 2024, it does feel like others are conspicuous by their absence, due in part perhaps to the Leader of the Council conflating personal religious beliefs with those Civic duties that treat all equally. 

 So will the Jewish  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(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 19^th August 2024 and 16^th September 2024, the meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 12^th July 2024 and 27^th September 2024 and the meeting of the AGMA Executive Board held 27^th September 2024

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

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 19^th August 2024 and 16^th September 2024; the Minutes of the meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority held 12^th July 2024 and 27^th September 2024 and the Minutes of the meeting of the AGMA Executive Board held on 27^th September 2024.

Councillor Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group

Question 1: IX Wireless

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

People across Oldham Borough have been left feeling ignored and angry with regards to the situation with IX masts – not least in Shaw, Crompton and Royton.

The communication with residents has been woeful by this company.  None-existent in many cases.  The first people know is if a notice pasted on a lamp post. 

You can then respond to the sham consultation – I am not aware of one proposal being amended following constructive suggestions from residents, businesses or councillors.

When you don’t communicate, you make the disruption worse for people.  And it leads to the resentment we’ve seen.  This is all completely or nearly avoidable with proper communication. 

So will the Leader please fully explain to the Council, what the current situation with IX Wireless’s highways licenses is?

On what basis was the permit revoked?

Will she commit to proactively informing councillors and members of the public - ahead of time – as to when the permit will be reinstated?

And will she write to the Technology Minister, Chris Bryant MP, to ask that companies are required to share broadband infrastructure where possible in order to minimise disruption for residents?  Something the law says but I see no evidence of this happening anywhere in our Borough.

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council, replied that she understood Councillor Sykes’ concerns regarding this matter and she undertook to write to the Technology Minister, Chris Bryan MP, as suggested by Councillor Sykes.

Question 2: Eton Star College
Councillor Sykes asked his second question regarding the Eton Star College. At the last question time I asked the Leader why she thought the Eton Star 6^th Form Oldham project was necessary. 

It’s not a surprise that I and many others fail to be convinced…

But it seems that the new Secretary of State for Education was even less impressed, because since we last met, Bridget Phillipson has paused plans for the opening of 44 new state schools – including those backed by Eton. 

So, we can now add the Labour Secretary of State to the list of people who disagree with the Leader that Eton Star is the right thing for Oldham Borough.  That list includes:

·         The National Education Union.

·         Teaching professionals, parents and pupils in Oldham who have never been consulted.

·         And even the Council’s own officers, who told Children’s Scrutiny Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Increasing Pension Credit Takeup
To be moved by Councillor Jabbar
Seconded by Councillor Dean

This council recognises the importance of financial security for our pensioners, particularly those with low incomes. Pension Credit is a vital benefit that can significantly enhance the quality of life for eligible individuals and open the door to a range of other benefits and services, yet many are unaware of its availability or how to apply.

It’s estimated there are 3,288 pensioners in the Borough currently missing out on pension credit, this amounts to £7.9m going unclaimed.

This Council resolves to:

1.            Launch an Awareness Campaign – to develop a targeted campaign to educate residents about Pension Credit, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits.

2.            Collaborate with Local Organisations  to partner with community groups and local charities to disseminate information and assist residents with applications.

3.            Increase capacity to support residents – to identify and temporarily re-prioritise staffing capacity to support residents with applications where they may struggle to apply themselves and do not have anyone who can help them.

4.            Monitor and Report – to establish a system to monitor the impact of the awareness campaign and report back to the council within six months, providing data on the increase in Pension Credit applications and any feedback from residents.

Motion 2: Supporting Kinship Carers
To be moved by Councillor Shah
Seconded by Councillor Mushtaq

Council believes that children and young people who are unable to live with their parents should receive the support that they and their carers need to safeguard and promote their welfare, whether or not they are looked after by the state.

This Council notes:

1.    that here are 141,000 children in Kinship Care in England and Wales – carers who are friends or family who step up to care for a child where their parents can’t. Many children and young people in the care of Oldham Council are looked after by Kinship Carers and the numbers are increasing.

2.    that in October 2024 the Government has published ‘Kinship Care: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities’ which pulls together the responsibilities of Councils in supporting all forms of kinship care (informal arrangements, private fostering, Kinship Foster Care, Child Arrangement Orders, Special Guardianship Orders and adoption).

3.    Research by the charity Kinship has highlighted the need for practical support for Kinship Carers - one third said their income had dropped by 50% after taking on caring responsibilities and one in five often or always feel lonely.

4.    There are Council employees who have taken on the responsibility of providing kinship care or who are approved Foster Carers

Council recognises the increasing demands being made of the Fostering Service and the valuable work done by Kinship and Mainstream Foster Carers in caring for children looked after by the Council and the investment made into the service to support carers and those taking Special Guardianship Orders.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Instruct the Director of Children’s  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Motion 1: Increasing Pension Credit Take-up
Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Dean SECONDED the following Motion:

This council recognises the importance of financial security for our pensioners, particularly those with low incomes. Pension Credit is a vital benefit that can significantly enhance the quality of life for eligible individuals and open the door to a range of other benefits and services, yet many are unaware of its availability or how to apply.

It’s estimated there are 3,288 pensioners in the Borough currently missing out on pension credit, this amounts to £7.9m going unclaimed.

This Council resolves to:

a.    Launch an Awareness Campaign – to develop a targeted campaign to educate residents about Pension Credit, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits.

b.    Collaborate with Local Organisations to partner with community groups and local charities to disseminate information and assist residents with applications.

c.    Increase capacity to support residents – to identify and temporarily re-prioritise staffing capacity to support residents with applications where they may struggle to apply themselves and do not have anyone who can help them.

d.    Monitor and Report – to establish a system to monitor the impact of the awareness campaign and report back to the council within six months, providing data on the increase in Pension Credit applications and any feedback from residents.

On being put to the vote the MOTION was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

1     That the Council launches an Awareness Campaign – to develop a targeted campaign to educate residents about Pension Credit, including its eligibility criteria, application process, and potential benefits.

2     That the Council collaborates with Local Organisations to partner with community groups and local charities to disseminate information and assist residents with applications.

3     That the Council increases capacity to support residents – to identify and temporarily re-prioritise staffing capacity to support residents with applications where they may struggle to apply themselves and do not have anyone who can help them.

4     That the Council monitor and report – to establish a system to monitor the impact of the awareness campaign and report back to the council within six months, providing data on the increase in Pension Credit applications and any feedback from residents.

Motion 2: Supporting Kinship Carers
Councillor Mushtaq MOVED and Councillor Navesey SECONDED the following Motion:

Council believes that children and young people who are unable to live with their parents should receive the support that they and their carers need to safeguard and promote their welfare, whether or not they are looked after by the state.

This Council notes:

That here are 141,000 children in Kinship Care in England and Wales – carers who are friends or family who step up to care for a child where their parents can’t. Many children and young people in the care of Oldham Council are looked after by Kinship Carers and the numbers are increasing.

That in October 2024 the Government has published ‘Kinship Care: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities’ which pulls together the responsibilities of Councils in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Stop the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

To be moved by Councillor Bishop

Seconded by Councillor Marland

This Council notes that:

The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments has restricted eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit, excluding too many vulnerable pensioners.

Many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will no longer receive the payments. Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). According to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the Department of Work and Pensions, 85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough will lose out. There are an estimated 7,800 pensioners in Oldham over the age of 80 set to lose their winter fuel payment who do not receive pension credit.

This Council believes that:

The criteria for Winter Fuel Payments that the Labour Government is using will exclude too many pensioners who need help. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for Pension Credit.

This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Take up of Pension Credit has been worryingly low, more than one in three eligible pensioners are not signed up. We have a role to play to increase awareness of welfare support such as Pension Credit to ensure people get the help that they need.

This Council further notes that:

The Energy Price Cap has risen by 10% in October, which combined with the

removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Instruct the Council’s Communications Team to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credit. This should include a dedicated advice line, promotion in the local press as well as targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

2.    Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Leader of the Council write to Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to halting these changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

Motion 2: The Budget Challenge

To be moved by Councillor Lancaster

Seconded by Councillor Woodvine

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has delivered a budget which will impact the people who live in the Oldham Metropolitan Borough.

This Council resolves to:

1. To write to Oldham’s three MP’s, the relevant government departments and agencies to reinstate Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners, without any means testing. All pensioners, regardless of income or other financial factors, should receive this payment automatically in recognition of their lifelong contributions to society through taxes.
2. That the Council will do all it can to help alleviate those struggling paying for winter  ...  view the full agenda text for item 11.

Motion 1: Stop the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

Councillor Bishop MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED the following Motion:

This Council notes that:

The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments has restricted eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit, excluding too many vulnerable pensioners.

Many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will no longer receive the payments. Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). According to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the Department of Work and Pensions, 85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough will lose out. There are an estimated 7,800 pensioners in Oldham over the age of 80 set to lose their winter fuel payment who do not receive pension credit.

This Council believes that:

The criteria for Winter Fuel Payments that the Labour Government is using will exclude too many pensioners who need help. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for Pension Credit.

This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Take up of Pension Credit has been worryingly low, more than one in three eligible pensioners are not signed up. We have a role to play to increase awareness of welfare support such as Pension Credit to ensure people get the help that they need.

This Council further notes that:

The Energy Price Cap has risen by 10% in October, which combined with the

removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Instruct the Council’s Communications Team to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credit. This should include a dedicated advice line, promotion in the local press as well as targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

2.    Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Leader of the Council write to Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to halting these changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Dean MOVED and Councillor Aftab Hussain SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

This Council notes that:

The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments has restricted eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit. In addition, Labour is keeping the triple lock which increased a full state pension by £902.20 PA in April 2024 and will rise again by £470.60 PA in April 2025.

Many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will no longer receive the payments. Across England and Wales, the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Council is asked to consider a report of the Deputy Chief Execuitve (Place) in response to the Motion that Council approved on 10^th July 2024, regarding the Places for Everyone Joint Development Plan.

Councillor Taylor MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which reminded Members that a motion had been submitted to the Council for consideration on 10^th July 2024, for the removal of Oldham Borough from the Places for Everyone (PfE) Joint Development Plan. The motion was amended to include a requirement for member workshops to inform members about the opportunities and risks associated with this decision, ahead of a report being brought back to the November Council meeting for consideration and decision.

Five workshops were held to provide all elected members with the opportunity to ask questions, understand all the issues, opportunities and legal risks associated with the decision they need to make given PfE was formally adopted earlier in 2024 and is now part of the statutory development plan for Oldham.

The report advised that there were no powers for a Council to ‘undo’ an adopted Local Plan once it had taken effect; and it was understood that the Secretary of State (SoS) had never been asked to revoke a newly adopted Plan or Joint Plan such as PfE. As such, for both Oldham and the other eight Greater Manchester authorities within the Plan, the legal ramifications of revocation needed to be fully explored with the support of specialist legal advice and careful consideration given to the financial, planning, environmental and reputational implications.

The report before Council set out two sets of information for members to consider:

1.    The concerns listed within the motion as justification for writing to the SoS; and

2.    The implications and consequences of deciding to make a request to the SoS for the revocation of PfE for Oldham.

All members were invited to a series of workshops through which officers were able to answer questions and fully explain the ramifications of the motion, on Oldham and the remaining eight PfE authorities. 37 of 60 elected members attended the workshops - details of the key issues discussed were appended to the report.

A recorded vote, in line with the Regulations was then taken on the RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE SUBMITTED REPORT as follows:

Council is asked to consider the Corporate Plan 2024 – 2027: Ready for the Future

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the Council’s Corporate Plan covering 2024 – 2027, entitled: ‘Ready for the Future’. Oldham Council’s last Corporate Plan was adopted in 2022. However, since that time the environment in which Oldham Council operates has changed significantly. As the Council now looks to the future, a new Corporate Plan is required, ensuring alignment to the new Oldham Plan missions, while supporting the policy and operational priorities of the administration. The new Corporate Plan 2024-27 ‘Ready for the Future’ sets out these missions for the next three years, putting the needs of our communities at the heart of everything the Council does.

The Corporate Plan ‘Ready for the Future’ also provides the core of the Council’s contribution to delivering the new Oldham Plan: Pride, Progress, Partnership.

Oldham Council’s Corporate Plan 2024-27 describes how the Council will maximise the impact of its efforts and resource to improve the lives of residents in the borough over the three-year period up to 2027. The plan, which aligns with the Oldham Partnership’s vision document (Pride, Progress, Partnership), focuses specifically on responding to the needs and aspirations of the Borough’s communities. The plan outlines how the Council will contribute to the Oldham Plan missions, its organisational values and behaviours, and how the authority will create the right conditions for success. The plan sets out three key missions: Happier, Healthier Lives; Great Place to Live; and Green and Growing.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council notes the contents of the Corporate Plan 2024-27 and the outcomes it commits the Council to delivering over the next three years.

2.    That Council approves the Corporate Plan 2024-27 for adoption.

A report of the Director of Finance detailing a Council Tax reduction scheme for 2025/26.

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Director of Finance that presented to Council the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2025/26.

There was a legal requirement to have a local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme to support residents of working age on a low income who qualify for assistance in paying Council Tax. The Local Government Finance Act 2012 required that each year a billing authority must consider whether to revise its Council Tax Reduction scheme or to replace it with another scheme. Any change to the 2025/26 scheme must be agreed by full Council in line with budget setting arrangements and by no later than 10^th March 2025. Any proposed change must be subject to prior consultation with major preceptors (for Oldham this is the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner) and with the public. The scheme for those of pensionable age is set by the Government and cannot be changed.

A major consultation exercise had not been undertaken regarding changes to the CTR scheme and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority had been provisionally advised that no change to the scheme was proposed.  In this regard, the proposal is that the CTR scheme for 2025/26 remains the same as that operating in 2024/25 and, therefore, no consultation exercise would be required.  The current CTR scheme provides a maximum reduction equivalent to 85% of the Council Tax charge for a Band A property and this has been unchanged since 2014/15.

There remained uncertainty around the extent that the transition of residents from legacy welfare benefits onto Universal Credit would have on a claimants’ household income and how this would then impact on the cost of an income banded scheme if it were to be introduced in 2025/26. The Council cannot currently accurately determine the level of income those transitioning residents will ultimately receive, which will be critical for an appropriate scheme design.

In view of the continued uncertainty concerning Universal Credit and the marginal impact of any practical change to the CTR scheme at this stage, it is recommended that the Council maintains the current CTR scheme during 2025/26.

RESOLVED:

That the Council approves the proposal, detailed in the submitted report, to keep the Council Tax Reduction Scheme unchanged in 2025/26.

A report covering the activities of the Council’s four Scrutiny Boards in 2023/24.

Councillor McLaren MOVED and Councillor Moores SECONDED a report that provided Council with the Overview and Scrutiny Annual report for the 2023/24 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 2023/24; and a summary of the considerations and work undertaken by the four bodies during 2023/24.

RESOLVED:

That the Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24 be noted.

To note actions taken arising from previous Council meetings

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 11^th September 2024 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 11^th September 2024, be noted and confirmed.

Council is asked to consider the Oldham Plan 2024 – 2030: Pride, Progress, Partnership.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the Oldham Plan 2024 – 2030; Pride, Progress, Partnership.

Council was advised that the previous iteration of the Oldham Plan had been adopted by the Oldham Partnership in 2022. However, since this time, the environment in which partners and the council were operating had changed significantly. To reflect these changes, and to coordinate Oldham’s Partnerships response with the missions of the new government, a new version of the Oldham Plan (Pride, Progress, Partnership), had been developed and approved by the Oldham Partnership – Leading Oldham.

Council was informed that the Oldham Partnership was a collaboration of leaders from across Oldham, working together to address the borough's challenges. The Oldham Plan was to serve as the blueprint which was going to guide the next six years of the Oldham Partnership. Extensive consultation and resident feedback had shaped the new Plan, with three missions – Healthier, Happier Lives; Great Place to Live; and Green and Growing – each of which were supported by specific deliverables to drive progress and positive change for Oldham’s communities.

RESOLVED:

That Council notes the content of the Oldham Plan 2024 – 2030: Pride, Progress, Partnership and in doing so acknowledges the continued work of Oldham Partnership to improve the Borough.