Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence received.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 16^th September 2024 are attached for approval.

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

Purpose of the report:

The purpose of the submitted report was to present to Council the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2025/26, prior to consideration by Council on 6^th November 2024.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

Cabinet was advised that there is 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 requires 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 no later than 10 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.

Options/Alternatives:

The options that Cabinet considered in relation to the submitted report were:

Option 1: Maintaining the present level of support i.e., limiting the level of support at 85% of Council Tax for a Band A property as the maximum amount available.

Option 2: Introduce income banded scheme.

The recommended Option was Option 1.

Decisions:

1.    Cabinet recommends that the Council approves the report at its meeting on 6^th November 2024.

2.    Cabinet commends to Council the proposal to keep the Council Tax Reduction Scheme unchanged in 2025/26.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance the purpose of which was to present to Council the proposed Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2025/26, prior to consideration by Council on 6^th November 2024.

The Cabinet was advised that 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 requires 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 no later than 10 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.

Options/Alternatives:

The options that Cabinet considered in relation to the submitted report were:

Option 1: Maintaining the present level of support i.e., limiting the level of support at 85% of Council Tax for a Band A property as the maximum amount available.

Option 2: Introduce income banded scheme.

The recommended Option was Option 1.

Resolved:

1.    That the Cabinet recommends that the Council approves the report at its meeting on 6^th November 2024.

2.    That the Cabinet commends to Council the proposal to keep the Council Tax Reduction Scheme unchanged in 2025/26.

A report seeking approval to enter into Supply Contracts with suppliers for the supply of energy, electricity, natural gas and associated services with effect from 1 April 2024.

Purpose of the report:

The purpose of the report is to seek approval to enter into Supply Contracts with the suppliers appointed under the Crown Commercial Service Framework Agreement for Supply of Energy 2 (RM6251) for the supply of electricity and associated services (Lot 1) and the supply of natural gas and associated services (Lot 2) with effect from 1 April 2024.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

The recommendation in the report were presented as Oldham Council currently procures its energy through Crown Commercial Service (“CCS”) framework arrangements.

The CCS Framework for the Supply of Energy and Ancillary Services (RM6011) commenced on 14 August 2019 and expired on 1 October 2023. Electricity and ancillary services were supplied by EDF Energy Customers Limited under Lot 1 and natural gas and ancillary services were supplied by TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited under Lot 3. The Council was a party to a Supply Contract with each of the suppliers. Electricity and Gas were supplied to the Council under the RM6011 framework arrangements until 31 March 2024.

The CCS Framework Agreement for Supply of Energy 2 (RM6251) commenced on 21 February 2023 and will expire on 20 February 2027. There are two lots under the RM6251 Framework Agreement; Lot 1 - Supply of Energy - Electricity and Additional Services and Lot 2 - Supply of Energy – Natural Gas and Additional Services. The sole supplier under Lot 1 is EDF Energy Customers Limited (“EDF”) and the sole supplier under Lot 2 is TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited (TotalEnergies”).

The Council should have entered into a Supply Contract with each of the appointed suppliers under the replacement RM6251 Framework Agreement prior to 1 April 2024, but the transition from RM6011 to RM6251 did not run as planned.

Therefore, retrospective approval is needed to enter into a replacement Supply Contract with each of the appointed suppliers for a term commencing on 1 April 2024. The template Supply Agreement shared by EDF states that the term runs from the Earliest Supply Start Date, which will be 1 April 2024 for the Council until the expiry or earlier termination of the final associated delivery period.

The Council generally opts for Locked 6 (L6), which offers a 12-month fixed price. The trading begins 6 months (1 October to the 31 March) annually. The delivery period starts on the 1April for 12 months. The Council is automatically entered into the subsequent 12-month contract period without needing to provide confirmation. However, if the Council wishes to opt out of the next 12-month period, it must notify CCS accordingly prior to the 15^th September deadline before delivery period.

Options/Alternatives:

The options that Cabinet considered in relation to the submitted report were:

Cabinet Members were advised that there was not currently a viable alternative option for the 2024/25 financial year, particularly because the Council confirmed its requirements to CCS for the provision of electricity and natural gas over the 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 delivery period back in September 2023.  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that sought approval to enter into Supply Contracts with the suppliers appointed under the Crown Commercial Service Framework Agreement for Supply of Energy 2 (RM6251) for the supply of electricity and associated services (Lot 1) and the supply of natural gas and associated services (Lot 2) with effect from 1 April 2024.

The recommendation in the report were presented as Oldham Council currently procures its energy through Crown Commercial Service (“CCS”) framework arrangements.

The CCS Framework for the Supply of Energy and Ancillary Services (RM6011) commenced on 14 August 2019 and expired on 1 October 2023. Electricity and ancillary services were supplied by EDF Energy Customers Limited under Lot 1 and natural gas and ancillary services were supplied by TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited under Lot 3. The Council was a party to a Supply Contract with each of the suppliers. Electricity and Gas were supplied to the Council under the RM6011 framework arrangements until 31 March 2024.

The CCS Framework Agreement for Supply of Energy 2 (RM6251) commenced on 21 February 2023 and will expire on 20 February 2027. There are two lots under the RM6251 Framework Agreement; Lot 1 - Supply of Energy - Electricity and Additional Services and Lot 2 - Supply of Energy – Natural Gas and Additional Services. The sole supplier under Lot 1 is EDF Energy Customers Limited (“EDF”) and the sole supplier under Lot 2 is TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited (TotalEnergies”).

The Council should have entered into a Supply Contract with each of the appointed suppliers under the replacement RM6251 Framework Agreement prior to 1 April 2024, but the transition from RM6011 to RM6251 did not run as planned.

Therefore, retrospective approval is needed to enter into a replacement Supply Contract with each of the appointed suppliers for a term commencing on 1 April 2024. The template Supply Agreement shared by EDF states that the term runs from the Earliest Supply Start Date, which will be 1 April 2024 for the Council until the expiry or earlier termination of the final associated delivery period.

The Council generally opts for Locked 6 (L6), which offers a 12-month fixed price. The trading begins 6 months (1 October to the 31 March) annually. The delivery period starts on the 1April for 12 months. The Council is automatically entered into the subsequent 12-month contract period without needing to provide confirmation. However, if the Council wishes to opt out of the next 12-month period, it must notify CCS accordingly prior to the 15^th September deadline before delivery period.

Options/Alternatives considered:

The options that Cabinet considered in relation to the submitted report were:

Cabinet Members were advised that there was not currently a viable alternative option for the 2024/25 financial year, particularly because the Council confirmed its requirements to CCS for the provision of electricity and natural gas over the 1^st April 2024 – 31^st March 2025 delivery period back in September 2023. However,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

A report that seeks approval for the Get Oldham Working service to project manage and deliver parts of the model, which requires job creation and recruitment.

Purpose of the report:

The purpose of the report is to seek Cabinet’s approval that Oldham Council will lead the management of the WorkWell Partnership Vanguard programme and accept the grant with a value of £542,771 to deliver the outcomes in the Oldham locality. The report is seeking approval for the Get Oldham Working service to project manage and deliver parts of the model, which requires job creation, recruitment, and a staff honorarium.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and NHS Greater Manchester put Greater Manchester (GM) forward as 1 of 15 national WorkWell Partnership Vanguard sites.  This proposal had been accepted, and each Local Authority was now required to work with GMCA; NHS GM and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), who have been appointed as consultants, to develop a local plan for the delivery of this offer which must ‘go live’ from 1 October 2024 and is funded until 31 March 2026.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

a.    Option One: to approve acceptance of the grant and delivery within the boundaries of the proposed model with three key partners (Oldham Community Leisure, Action Together and Get Oldham Working) leading on the delivery. Oldham Council will provide the overarching governance with outcomes reported to the appropriate boards and portfolio briefings (Employment and Health leads).

b.    Option Two: to request another locality organisation to lead.  The alternative lead agency (as proposed by GMCA) is NHS Oldham to lead on financial management and delivery. The Cabinet could request that they formally take the lead, but this is not deemed a viable option due to a lack of capacity of other locality lead at this moment in time. There is a need to mobilise by the start of October 2024.

c.    Option three: Withdraw from the project. This is not a preferred option. The proposal has worked with key stakeholders to develop the model at a fast pace and this has created a number of risks but it is believed that these can be managed. The primary risks are the timescales to recruit to the programme and the short-term nature of the project. If the Cabinet decides to withdraw f would reduce investment into Oldham reducing the chance to improve outcomes for our residents. It would also have a reputational issue as each area has had to work at pace and this demonstrates that devolution can be affective and quick in decision making.

Preferred Option: Option one is the preferred option. The Get Oldham Working service and partners are confident that they can deliver this programme within the limited timeframe but recognise that there are risks that will need to be managed.

Decision:

Cabinet resolved:

1.    To accept Oldham’s delivery model and Oldham Council to lead on management of the resources for delivery, up to a monetary value of £542,774, providing appropriate governance and oversight.

2.    To accept the decision for the Get Oldham Working service to create and recruit a new post to deliver parts of the model.

3.    To accept the decision  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.

The Cabinet considered a rpeort of the Director of Education, Skills and Early Years that sought the Cabinet’s approval for Oldham Council to lead the management of the WorkWell Partnership Vanguard programme and accept a grant with a value of £542,771 to deliver the outcomes in the Oldham locality. The report is seeking approval for the Get Oldham Working service to project manage and deliver parts of the model, which requires job creation, recruitment, and a staff honorarium.

The recommendations were presented as Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and NHS Greater Manchester put Greater Manchester (GM) forward as 1 of 15 national WorkWell Partnership Vanguard sites.  This proposal had been accepted, and each Local Authority was now required to work with GMCA; NHS GM and Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), who have been appointed as consultants, to develop a local plan for the delivery of this offer which must ‘go live’ from 1 October 2024 and is funded until 31 March 2026.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

a.    Option One: to approve acceptance of the grant and delivery within the boundaries of the proposed model with three key partners (Oldham Community Leisure, Action Together and Get Oldham Working) leading on the delivery. Oldham Council will provide the overarching governance with outcomes reported to the appropriate boards and portfolio briefings (Employment and Health leads).

b.    Option Two: to request another locality organisation to lead.  The alternative lead agency (as proposed by GMCA) is NHS Oldham to lead on financial management and delivery. The Cabinet could request that they formally take the lead, but this is not deemed a viable option due to a lack of capacity of other locality lead at this moment in time. There is a need to mobilise by the start of October 2024.

c.    Option three: Withdraw from the project. This is not a preferred option. The proposal has worked with key stakeholders to develop the model at a fast pace and this has created a number of risks but it is believed that these can be managed. The primary risks are the timescales to recruit to the programme and the short-term nature of the project. If the Cabinet decides to withdraw f would reduce investment into Oldham reducing the chance to improve outcomes for our residents. It would also have a reputational issue as each area has had to work at pace and this demonstrates that devolution can be affective and quick in decision making.

Preferred Option: Option one is the preferred option. The Get Oldham Working service and partners are confident that they can deliver this programme within the limited timeframe but recognise that there are risks that will need to be managed.

Resolved:

1.    To accept Oldham’s delivery model and Oldham Council to lead on management of the resources for delivery, up to a monetary value of £542,774, providing appropriate governance and oversight.

2.    To accept the decision for the Get Oldham Working service to create and recruit a new post to deliver parts of the model.

3.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

A report recommending that additional funding provided by GMCA, as part of the UKSPF skills funding allocation for NEET support, be accepted and any variations to original contract agreement be agreed.

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report is to request for various additional funding provided by GMCA as part of the UKSPF skills funding allocation for NEET support, be accepted and that any variations to the original contract’s agreement be agreed.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

In August 2023, the Cabinet approved a report to accept funding from the UKSPF Skills funding via GMCA to support NEET young people to re-engage and return to the EET pathway.  This funding was a total of £720,000.

The report outlined the intention for the funding to be attached to the existing TIIAG contract as this would provide the most effective use of the additional resource.  This became the “Empower Oldham” project currently being delivered by Positive Steps.  This grant agreement, contract and funding was made available until 31 March 2025.

In December 2023, Oldham applied to receive some additional funding from the UKSPF fund.  This request originated from GMCA and was known as “Growth Fund”.  Oldham was awarded an additional £19K (which increased our monitoring outputs by 10 young people reached).  The agreed use of this additional funding was to support the rental costs for the new study programme provision Oldham College are developing at Positive Steps.  The provision opened in September 2024.

In March 2024, a DDR was submitted and signed off for £49,158 for the delivery of Care Leaver Multiply (attached, Appendix 2).  We have now received notification from GMCA that Oldham has been awarded an additional 10% (£4,915.80) to support staffing costs for input into GMIT.

In June 2024, GMCA requested confirmation LA’s were able to receive and use an additional £100K for the purposes of NEET prevention.  This fund must be spent by 31 March 2025.  This funding is not linked to any outcomes identified in the wider UKSPF NEET grant allocations.  Oldham has worked with Oldham College to develop a programme that supports young people to sustain their placement at the College, with a view to reducing the drop out rate, which will support young people with the resilience to stay in College and therefore not drop out and become NEET.  This should support the reduction of Oldham’s NEET rate and should work towards reducing the number of Y13’s who are NEET which is a significant issue for Oldham, GM and nationally.  This is a departure from how the other 9 LA’s are using this fund and could become a good practice evidence base for the future. 

In July 2024, Oldham was notified of GMCA’s intention to extend UKSPF funding and outcomes to September 2025.  The extension will provide an additional £240K to cover the costs of the programme.

The total amount of the additional funding requested to be accepted is £363,915.80.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1: To accept the additional funding to deliver the extension to schemes provided for our NEET young people.  This option provides additional support to our young people in Oldham, including Care Leavers that would not normally be available.

Option 2: To  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Education, Skills and Early Years, the purpose of which was to request for various additional funding provided by GMCA as part of the UKSPF skills funding allocation for NEET support, be accepted and that any variations to the original contract’s agreement be agreed.

In August 2023, the Cabinet had approved a report to accept funding from the UKSPF Skills funding via GMCA to support NEET young people to re-engage and return to the EET pathway.  This funding was a total of £720,000.

The report outlined the intention for the funding to be attached to the existing TIIAG contract as this would provide the most effective use of the additional resource.  This became the “Empower Oldham” project currently being delivered by Positive Steps.  This grant agreement, contract and funding was made available until 31 March 2025.

In December 2023, Oldham applied to receive some additional funding from the UKSPF fund.  This request originated from GMCA and was known as “Growth Fund”.  Oldham was awarded an additional £19K (which increased our monitoring outputs by 10 young people reached).  The agreed use of this additional funding was to support the rental costs for the new study programme provision Oldham College are developing at Positive Steps.  The provision opened in September 2024.

In March 2024, a DDR was submitted and signed off for £49,158 for the delivery of Care Leaver Multiply (attached, Appendix 2).  We have now received notification from GMCA that Oldham has been awarded an additional 10% (£4,915.80) to support staffing costs for input into GMIT.

In June 2024, GMCA requested confirmation LA’s were able to receive and use an additional £100K for the purposes of NEET prevention.  This fund must be spent by 31 March 2025.  This funding is not linked to any outcomes identified in the wider UKSPF NEET grant allocations.  Oldham has worked with Oldham College to develop a programme that supports young people to sustain their placement at the College, with a view to reducing the drop out rate, which will support young people with the resilience to stay in College and therefore not drop out and become NEET.  This should support the reduction of Oldham’s NEET rate and should work towards reducing the number of Y13’s who are NEET which is a significant issue for Oldham, GM and nationally.  This is a departure from how the other 9 LA’s are using this fund and could become a good practice evidence base for the future. 

In July 2024, Oldham was notified of GMCA’s intention to extend UKSPF funding and outcomes to September 2025.  The extension will provide an additional £240K to cover the costs of the programme.

The total amount of the additional funding requested to be accepted is £363,915.80.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1: To accept the additional funding to deliver the extension to schemes provided for our NEET young people.  This option provides additional support to our young people in Oldham, including Care Leavers that would not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Approval is sought for Oldham Council Music Service to enter into a new agreement with other GM LAs to receive funding.

Purpose of the report:

The purpose of the report is to seek approval from Cabinet, for Oldham Council Music Service to enter into a new agreement with other Greater Manchester (GM) Local Authorities (LA’s) to receive funding to continue to operate as the Local Area Delivery Partner for the GM Music Hub.

Reason for the Recommendations:

The GM Music Hub (GMMH) partnership began in 2012 following the publication of the first National Plan for Music education (NPME) (DfE, 2011). There were existing good relationships between the music services serving the LAs in GM (AGMA template at the time). Except for City of Manchester, the other nine Directors of Education (taking advice from Heads of Music Service) voted to move forward with the partnership agreement and for Bolton Music Service to be the Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) for the alliance. The partnership was in no way enforced. It was the will of the nine LA’s and their Music Services to join forces in this way.

The partnership agreement between the nine LAs as established in 2012 is a legal document. Each LA legal dept. adds its ‘seal’ to the document. There have been numerous interim extensions to the agreement since it was proposed in 2011.

The GMMH is the largest Music Hub in the country. It has been a flagship for Arts Council England (ACE)/DfE and has proven the benefits of cross LA working.  This situation was further enhanced when Bolton Music Service was approached by Blackburn with Darwen Council in 2015 and asked to take over the management of their local music service.  Since that time, BwD Music Service has become an additional partner within GMMH and contributes financially in the same way as the other nine organisations. The existence of the GMMH has played a part in the development to establish far more multi-LA hubs across England, a process which commenced in 2023 and which led to organisations bidding to become the new HLOs for geographic locations assigned by ACE, operation of which will commence from Sept 2024.

The relationships between the LAs and the wider partnership (Halle, BBC, RNCM, University of Salford and many more) has grown and remains extremely collegiate. There are very many economies of scale, enhanced opportunities for children and teachers because of the Hub. The principle benefits experienced during the initial phase of the NPME have include, much closer working between the Music Services in each of the partner LAs, enhanced educational pathways for students, increased funding, both regionally and locally, economies of scale, increased efficiency in respect of the grant admin process, peer support. These benefits continue to evolve and we are continually adding value through the addition of new industry partners.

It was the unanimous recommendation of the nine Heads of Music Services that Bolton should continue to be the HLO for GM and that they would lead the application in the 2023 funding relating to the period from Sept 2024.

A significant advantage of the GMMH structure is that the  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Education, Skills and Early Years that was seeking approval from the Cabinet, for Oldham Council Music Service to enter into a new agreement with other Greater Manchester (GM) Local Authorities (LA’s) to receive funding to continue to operate as the Local Area Delivery Partner for the GM Music Hub.

The Recommendations were presented as the GM Music Hub (GMMH) partnership began in 2012 following the publication of the first National Plan for Music education (NPME) (DfE, 2011). There were existing good relationships between the music services serving the LAs in GM (AGMA template at the time). Except for City of Manchester, the other nine Directors of Education (taking advice from Heads of Music Service) voted to move forward with the partnership agreement and for Bolton Music Service to be the Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) for the alliance. The partnership was in no way enforced. It was the will of the nine LA’s and their Music Services to join forces in this way.

The partnership agreement between the nine LAs as established in 2012 is a legal document. Each LA legal dept. adds its ‘seal’ to the document. There have been numerous interim extensions to the agreement since it was proposed in 2011.

The GMMH is the largest Music Hub in the country. It has been a flagship for Arts Council England (ACE)/DfE and has proven the benefits of cross LA working.  This situation was further enhanced when Bolton Music Service was approached by Blackburn with Darwen Council in 2015 and asked to take over the management of their local music service.  Since that time, BwD Music Service has become an additional partner within GMMH and contributes financially in the same way as the other nine organisations. The existence of the GMMH has played a part in the development to establish far more multi-LA hubs across England, a process which commenced in 2023 and which led to organisations bidding to become the new HLOs for geographic locations assigned by ACE, operation of which will commence from Sept 2024.

The relationships between the LAs and the wider partnership (Halle, BBC, RNCM, University of Salford and many more) has grown and remains extremely collegiate. There are very many economies of scale, enhanced opportunities for children and teachers because of the Hub. The principle benefits experienced during the initial phase of the NPME have include, much closer working between the Music Services in each of the partner LAs, enhanced educational pathways for students, increased funding, both regionally and locally, economies of scale, increased efficiency in respect of the grant admin process, peer support. These benefits continue to evolve and we are continually adding value through the addition of new industry partners.

It was the unanimous recommendation of the nine Heads of Music Services that Bolton should continue to be the HLO for GM and that they would lead the application in the 2023 funding relating to the period from Sept 2024.

A significant advantage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

A report seeking approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report is to confirm that Oldham Council provides its approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Reasons for the Recommendations:

Under the Environment Act 2021, the Mayor of Greater Manchester is required to prepare and adopt a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the City Region and seek agreement from each of the ten districts.

The submitted report therefore is seeking the Cabinet’s approval for the Mayor to consult publicly on the Draft Strategy in the autumn. This will mean that Oldham Council has given its support as a supporting authority, which will allow consultation on the draft LNRS once all ten Greater Manchester districts have confirmed support or no objections. There are no disadvantages associated with this option.

The Final Strategy will return to Members for agreement prior to adoption by the Mayor.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1: to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This will mean that Oldham Council has given its support as a supporting authority, which will allow consultation on the draft LNRS once all ten GM districts have confirmed support or no objections. There are no disadvantages to this option.

Option 2 – Not to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This will mean that Oldham Council will need to give reasons in writing to GMCA for the objection. The advantage of this option is that Oldham Council will have any formal objections reviewed. The disadvantage of this option is potentially delaying consultation on LNRS for GM to either allow for amendments to be made or for the Secretary of State to intervene and approve consultation.

Option 1 is the preferred Option.

Decision:

The Cabinet resolved to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy which was presented to confirm that Oldham Council provides its approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The report’s recommendations were presented as under the Environment Act 2021, the Mayor of Greater Manchester is required to prepare and adopt a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the City Region and seek agreement from each of the ten districts.

The submitted report therefore is seeking the Cabinet’s approval for the Mayor to consult publicly on the Draft Strategy in the autumn. This will mean that Oldham Council has given its support as a supporting authority, which will allow consultation on the draft LNRS once all ten Greater Manchester districts have confirmed support or no objections. There are no disadvantages associated with this option.

The Final Strategy will return to Members for agreement prior to adoption by the Mayor.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1: to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This will mean that Oldham Council has given its support as a supporting authority, which will allow consultation on the draft LNRS once all ten GM districts have confirmed support or no objections. There are no disadvantages to this option.

Option 2 – Not to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This will mean that Oldham Council will need to give reasons in writing to GMCA for the objection. The advantage of this option is that Oldham Council will have any formal objections reviewed. The disadvantage of this option is potentially delaying consultation on LNRS for GM to either allow for amendments to be made or for the Secretary of State to intervene and approve consultation.

Option 1 is the preferred Option.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet agrees to provide approval for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (on behalf of the Mayor of Greater Manchester) to publicly consult on the Draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

A report seeking approval of the draft South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation/Special Protection Areas Supplementary Planning Document and supporting documents as the basis for a six-week public consultation.

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report was to seek approval from the Cabinet of the draft South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (detailed at Appendix 1 to the report), and supporting documents (detailed at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report) as the basis for a six-week public consultation; and to delegate approval to Assistant Director for Planning, Transport and Housing Delivery to make minor, non-material modifications to the draft South Pennine Moors SPD before consultation commences, subject to consultation and agreement with the two other Places for Everyone authorities (Rochdale Council and Tameside Council). This will enable stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide comments on the South Pennine Moors SAC / SPA SPD before it is formally adopted.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

Places for Everyone Plan (PfE Plan) is a joint development plan document of nine Greater Manchester authorities which was adopted on 21st March 2024. The PfE Plan sets out a clear spatial strategy for delivering new homes and businesses along with infrastructure to support development and to protect and enhance our towns, cities and landscapes. It covers a timeframe up to 2039.

The South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (hereafter referred to as the ‘South Pennine Moors SPD’) is applicable to three of the PfE Plan authorities - Oldham (not including the area covered by the Peak District National Park), Rochdale and Tameside and is being prepared jointly by these three authorities.

The importance of the South Pennine Moors is reflected in a range of international, national and local habitat designations. It supports important breeding bird populations and is classified as a SAC and two SPAs. The SPD relates to the:

a.    South Pennine Moors SAC.

b.    Peak District Moors SPA.

c.    South Pennine Moors Phase 2 SPA.

Through the Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) process in support of the PfE Plan new development within parts of these authorities was identified as having the potential to cause an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species on the South Pennine Moors areas listed above. To mitigate against this potential harm, PfE Plan Policy JP-G5: Uplands provides policy which will ensure that new development in these areas will not result in an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Option 1 – To approve the draft South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC)/Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning (SPD), and supporting documents (detailed at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report) as the basis for a six-week public consultation commencing no earlier than 1st November 2024; and to delegate approval for Assistant Director Planning, Transport and Housing Delivery to make minor, non-material modifications to the draft South Pennine Moors SAC/SPA SPD and supporting documents before consultation commences, subject to consultation and agreement with the two other Places for Everyone authorities who are jointly preparing the SPD (Rochdale Council  ...  view the full decision text for item 12.

The Cabinet consdered a rpeort of the Director of Economy that was seeking approval from the Cabinet of the draft South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC)/Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (detailed at Appendix 1 to the report), and supporting documents (detailed at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report) as the basis for a six-week public consultation; and to delegate approval to Assistant Director for Planning, Transport and Housing Delivery to make minor, non-material modifications to the draft South Pennine Moors SPD before consultation commences, subject to consultation and agreement with the two other Places for Everyone authorities (Rochdale Council and Tameside Council). This will enable stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide comments on the South Pennine Moors SAC / SPA SPD before it is formally adopted.

The recommendations were presented as the Places for Everyone Plan (PfE Plan) is a joint development plan document of nine Greater Manchester authorities which was adopted on 21st March 2024. The PfE Plan sets out a clear spatial strategy for delivering new homes and businesses along with infrastructure to support development and to protect and enhance our towns, cities and landscapes. It covers a timeframe up to 2039.

The South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (hereafter referred to as the ‘South Pennine Moors SPD’) is applicable to three of the PfE Plan authorities - Oldham (not including the area covered by the Peak District National Park), Rochdale and Tameside and is being prepared jointly by these three authorities.

The importance of the South Pennine Moors is reflected in a range of international, national and local habitat designations. It supports important breeding bird populations and is classified as a SAC and two SPAs. The SPD relates to the:

a.    South Pennine Moors SAC.

b.    Peak District Moors SPA.

c.    South Pennine Moors Phase 2 SPA.

Through the Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) process in support of the PfE Plan new development within parts of these authorities was identified as having the potential to cause an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species on the South Pennine Moors areas listed above. To mitigate against this potential harm, PfE Plan Policy JP-G5: Uplands provides policy which will ensure that new development in these areas will not result in an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Option 1 – To approve the draft South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC)/Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Supplementary Planning (SPD), and supporting documents (detailed at Appendices 2 and 3 to the report) as the basis for a six-week public consultation commencing no earlier than 1st November 2024; and to delegate approval for Assistant Director Planning, Transport and Housing Delivery to make minor, non-material modifications to the draft South Pennine Moors SAC/SPA SPD and supporting documents before consultation commences, subject to consultation and agreement with the two other Places for Everyone authorities who are jointly preparing the SPD (Rochdale Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

A report seeking approval of the draft Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document and supporting documents for a six-week public consultation, commencing not earlier than 1^st November 2024.

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report was to seek approval of the draft Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) and supporting documents (as detailed at Appendices 2, 3 and 4 of the report) for a six-week public consultation commencing not earlier than 1 November 2024. This will enable stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide comments on the Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations SPD before it is formally adopted.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

The Places for Everyone Plan (PfE Plan) was a joint development plan document of nine Greater Manchester authorities which was adopted on 21st March 2024. The PfE Plan sets out a clear spatial strategy for delivering new homes and businesses along with infrastructure to support development and to protect and enhance our towns, cities and landscapes. It covers a timeframe up to 2039.

PfE Policy JP-C8 - Transport Requirements of New Development, seeks to ensure new development does not have an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species of Holcroft Moss, which is within the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Where appropriate, housing and/or employment developments make a financial contribution to the provision of mitigation.

The need for, and amount of financial contribution to be secured, will be identified at the planning application stage. As set out in Policy JP-C8 of the PfE Plan, where planning applications are required to be accompanied by a Transport Assessment, they will need to consider air quality impacts on Holcroft Moss, within the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Any proposals that would result in increased traffic flows on the M62 past Holcroft Moss of more than 100 vehicles per day or 20 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) per day must devise a scheme-specific range of measures to reduce reliance on cars, reduce trip generation, promote ultra-low emission vehicles, and provide a contribution towards restoration measures at Holcroft Moss.

Working with Natural England and Warrington Metropolitan Borough Council (WMBC), the nine PfE authorities have established the scope and estimated cost of the mitigation works. The cost of the mitigation works - including design and feasibility, land, capital costs, professional fees, monitoring, contingency and ongoing maintenance – has been estimated at approximately £880,000 (see statement of estimated project costs and required contributions, which is available alongside this SPD). Contributions will be sought on commencement of development to ensure the mitigation measures can be provided in a timely manner to offset the impacts. Individual legal agreements will specify timeframes for financial contribution(s) to be spent.

The exact scale of contributions for an individual site will depend upon the particular development proposed, and its impact upon Holcroft Moss, the proposed level of contributions is set out in the statement of estimated project costs and required contributions, which is available alongside the SPD. The nine PfE authorities and WMBC have agreed that the cost of the mitigation works will be apportioned between the two plans. The apportionment will be  ...  view the full decision text for item 13.

Purpose of the Report:

The Cabinet considered a rpeort of the Director of  Economy that was seeking approval of the draft Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (as detailed at Appendix 1 of the report) and supporting documents (as detailed at Appendices 2, 3 and 4 of the report) for a six-week public consultation commencing not earlier than 1 November 2024. This will enable stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide comments on the Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations SPD before it is formally adopted.

The report’s recommendations were presented as the Places for Everyone Plan (PfE Plan) was a joint development plan document of nine Greater Manchester authorities which was adopted on 21st March 2024. The PfE Plan sets out a clear spatial strategy for delivering new homes and businesses along with infrastructure to support development and to protect and enhance our towns, cities and landscapes. It covers a timeframe up to 2039.

PfE Policy JP-C8 - Transport Requirements of New Development, seeks to ensure new development does not have an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species of Holcroft Moss, which is within the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Where appropriate, housing and/or employment developments make a financial contribution to the provision of mitigation.

The need for, and amount of financial contribution to be secured, will be identified at the planning application stage. As set out in Policy JP-C8 of the PfE Plan, where planning applications are required to be accompanied by a Transport Assessment, they will need to consider air quality impacts on Holcroft Moss, within the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Any proposals that would result in increased traffic flows on the M62 past Holcroft Moss of more than 100 vehicles per day or 20 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) per day must devise a scheme-specific range of measures to reduce reliance on cars, reduce trip generation, promote ultra-low emission vehicles, and provide a contribution towards restoration measures at Holcroft Moss.

Working with Natural England and Warrington Metropolitan Borough Council (WMBC), the nine PfE authorities have established the scope and estimated cost of the mitigation works. The cost of the mitigation works - including design and feasibility, land, capital costs, professional fees, monitoring, contingency and ongoing maintenance – has been estimated at approximately £880,000 (see statement of estimated project costs and required contributions, which is available alongside this SPD). Contributions will be sought on commencement of development to ensure the mitigation measures can be provided in a timely manner to offset the impacts. Individual legal agreements will specify timeframes for financial contribution(s) to be spent.

The exact scale of contributions for an individual site will depend upon the particular development proposed, and its impact upon Holcroft Moss, the proposed level of contributions is set out in the statement of estimated project costs and required contributions, which is available alongside the SPD. The nine PfE authorities and WMBC have agreed that the cost of the mitigation works will be apportioned between the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

A report that examines the potential capital requirements for several buildings managed by Oldham Community Leisure.

The Cabinet considered a report that was requesting that steps be taken to ensure that the Borough’s leisure estate was kept in good condition. Oldham Council had invested capital in the buildings to ensure they can be managed daily by Oldham Community Leisure Ltd. (OCLL). The lifecycle and backlog of maintenance falls under the Council to fund as per the OCLL contract.

The recommendations in the report were presented as the work that was needed and the total spend building by building covering the next three years and flagged up some urgent spending needed this year due to health and safety issues.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

The options were detailed in the confidential report.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet will consider the confidential recommendations in the report at agenda item 18.

A report detailing proposals regarding the Local Authority Housing Fund

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Three options were presented in the confidential Cabinet report.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet will consider the confidential recommendations in the report at agenda item 19.

The Cabinet considered a report which advised that the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had launched a third round of the Local Authority Housing fund to run over the financial years of 2024/25 and 2025/26.

The recommendations in the report were presented as the Cabinet was being requested to fund various projects as detailed in the confidential report.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Three options were presented in the confidential Cabinet report.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet will consider the confidential recommendations in the report at agenda item 19.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy that sought the appointment of a company to develop land at Southlink following the completion of a competitive land sale process, as detailed in the confidential Cabinet report.

The report’s recommendations were presented as the land sale will secure significant conditional capital receipts that will be shared with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) based on percentage of land ownership of the site – 54.2% (OMBC) and 45.8% (TfGM).

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Three options were presented in the confidential Cabinet report.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet will consider the confidential recommendations in the report at agenda item 20.

To consider that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following three items of business, pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that discussions may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, under paragraph 3 as defined in the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting, for the following three items of business, on the grounds that they contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph 3 Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, and it would not, on balance, be in the public interest to disclose the reports.

To consider confidential recommendations

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report was to request that the Cabinet takes steps to ensure that the Borough’s leisure estate was kept in good condition. Oldham Council had invested capital in the buildings to ensure they can be managed daily by Oldham Community Leisure Ltd. (OCLL). The lifecycle and backlog of maintenance falls under the Council to fund as per the OCLL contract.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

The submitted report detailed the work that was needed and the total spend building by building covering the next three years and flagged up some urgent spending needed this year due to health and safety issues.

Options/Alternatives Considered:

The Cabinet was presented with three Options:

a.    Option 1 - Do nothing – note the report.

b.    Option 2 – To note the report and look to fund the works identified this budget year as urgent works.

c.    Option 3 – To note the report and ensure that a condition survey is carried out to provide full lifecycle costs and that a budget is allocated within the capital program for leisure estate buildings managed by OCLL, and this will include permission to fund urgent works identified this budget year.

Option 3 was the preferred Option.

Decision:

Cabinet resolved:

1.    To approve that the Council invest Capital funding into the Leisure Estate over the next three years to look at lifecycle events within the council buildings. This will ensure the buildings are kept in a good standard of repair as these buildings are public facing and represent standards within Oldham Council.

2.    To approve that the condition surveys for the facilities are scheduled in the capital programme and a that further report brought back to the Cabinet in due course, highlighting the findings of the surveys.  

Cabinet considered the confidential recommendations in relation to agenda item 14 (Leisure Buildings Capital Requirements).

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Approve that the Council invest Capital funding into the Leisure Estate over the next three years to look at lifecycle events within the council buildings. This will ensure the buildings are kept in a good standard of repair as these buildings are public facing and represent standards within Oldham Council.

2.    Approve that the condition surveys for the facilities are scheduled in the capital programme and a that further report brought back to the Cabinet in due course, highlighting the findings of the surveys.  

To consider confidential recommendations

Purpose of the Report

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have launched a third round of the Local Authority Housing fund to run over the financial years of 2024/25 and 2025/26.

Reasons for the Decisions

The Cabinet is requested to fund various projects as detailed in the confidential report.

Options/Alternatives Considered

Alterative options are detailed in the confidential Cabinet report.

Decision

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Confirm acceptance of the grant from MCHLG.

2.    Approves a capital investment of £934,000.

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Economy to agree and enter into a grant agreement with Cromwood Homes to deliver the homes, subject to the Subsidy Control regime.

4.    Delegate authority to the Borough Solicitor, or his nominated representative, to formalise any necessary legal requirements including signing and/or sealing any documentation required to give effect to the recommendations and/or delegations in this report.

5.    Delegate authority to the Director of Economy or his nominated representative to approve the appointment of external legal advisors required to protect the Council’s interests and give effect to the recommendations in the confidential Cabinet report.

Cabinet considered the confidential recommendations in relation to agenda item 15 (Local Authority Housing Fund).

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Confirm acceptance of the grant from MCHLG.

2.    Approve a capital investment of £934,000.

3.    Delegate authority to the Director of Economy to agree and enter into a grant agreement with Cromwood Homes to deliver the homes, subject to the Subsidy Control regime.

4.    Delegate authority to the Borough Solicitor, or his nominated representative, to formalise any necessary legal requirements including signing and/or sealing any documentation required to give effect to the recommendations and/or delegations in this report.

5.    Delegate authority to the Director of Economy or his nominated representative to approve the appointment of external legal advisors required to protect the Council’s interests and give effect to the recommendations in the confidential Cabinet report.

To consider confidential recommendations

Purpose of the Report:

The purpose of the report is to appoint a company to develop land at Southlink following the completion of a competitive land sale process, as detailed in the confidential Cabinet report.

Reasons for the Decisions:

The land sale will secure significant conditional capital receipts that will be shared with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) based on percentage of land ownership of the site – 54.2% (OMBC) and 45.8% (TfGM).

Options/Alternatives Considered:

Three options were presented in the confidential Cabinet report.

Decision:

The Cabinet resolved to select Vistry Partnership to develop land at Southlink following the completion of a competitive land sale process, as detailed in the confidential Cabinet report.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 16: Selection of Preferred Developer at Southlink.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet agrees to select Vistry Partnership to develop land at Southlink following the completion of a competitive land sale process, as detailed in the confidential Cabinet report.