Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Azad, Charters, Fida Hussain, Jackson and Kenyon.

There were no public questions submitted for the Scrutiny Board to consider.

The Minutes of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, held on 28^th September 2026, are attached for approval.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, held on 28^th September 2026, be approved as a correct record.

Chair to report

A briefing paper was circulated, which summarised the executive and principal decisions taken by the Chief Executive, following their consideration by the previous meeting of this Scrutiny Board, on 28^th September 2026 and by the Group Leader’s meeting on 5^th October 2026.

Resolved:

That the actions of the Chief Executive be noted.

A report seeking approval for a capital project that will offer additional places and enhance specialist provision for pupils with additional needs and EHCPs who are based St Agnes Church of England Primary School.

Members considered a report of the Director of Education and Early Years which was seeking approval for a capital project that will offer additional places and enhance specialist provision for pupils with additional needs and EHCPs, who are based St Agnes C of E Primary School. The project was intended to increase local specialist capacity for children and young people with SEND, helping to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on independent and out-of-borough placements.

The project was intended to create a total of 8 new places in a mainstream primary school for children with an EHCP, increasing local specialist capacity and supporting children to access education within their local community. (The Scrutiny Board were advised of an error in the published report and the Assistant Director of Education and Early Years clarified that there were a total of 8 new places and not 12 as stated in the report).

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option): To approve the capital investment required to establish the specialist provision at St Agnes C of E Primary School, supporting the ambitions of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027 and the Local SEND Reform Plan.

Option 2: To not approve the project, resulting in a missed opportunity to increase local specialist capacity and support the delivery of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027 and the Local SEND Reform Plan.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Education and Early Years to approve the allocation of capital funding from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) and Basic Need Grant to support delivery of the scheme.

A report that seeks approval for the extension of the current Mental Health Supported Living Services contract, for a further 2 years up to 30^th September 2028.

Members considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care which was seeking approval for the extension of the current Mental Health Supported Living Services contract in place with Creative Support Ltd for a further two years up to 30^th September 2028.

The report presented two Options:

Option A – To approve the extension to the current contract from 1^st October 2026; which would enable continuity of services with a provider that provides good quality care whilst meeting their contractual obligations.

Option B – Not to approve the extension and let the current contract expire on 30^th September 2026; which would mean that a tender exercise would be required for the Mental Health Supported Living contract which could not be successfully completed within the time frame before the contract expired.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Adult Social Care to:

1.    Utilise the powers granted as part of the decision to award the contract to deliver Mental Health Supported Living Services delegated to the Director of Adult Social Services (see Appendices 1-3 which confirm the delegation to the Director of Adult Social Care), following completion of the open procurement exercise from 1^st October 2023 until 30^th September 2026, with the option to extend for a further 24 months, as outlined in Option A of the report.

2.    Note that Option A supports the continuity of the service currently being provided with Creative Support who we are assured are providing the expected levels of support and quality of care outlined within the contract. Ongoing monitoring of the service will be maintained, in addition to enabling further discussions around developing the provision requirements with Commissioning colleagues.

A report that seeks approval for the extension of the current Oldham Advocacy Services contract in place with VoiceAbility for a further one year until 30^th October 2027.

Members considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care, which was seeking approval for the extension of the current Oldham Advocacy Services contract in place with VoiceAbility for a further one year up to 30^th October 2027.

The report presented two Options:

Option A (preferred Option) – To approve the extension to the current contract from 1^st November 2026. This would enable continuity of services with a provider that provides good quality services whilst meeting their contractual obligations.

Option B – To not approve the extension and to let the current contract expire on 30^th October 2026. This would mean that a tender exercise would be required for the Oldham Advocacy Services contract, which could not be successfully completed within the timeframe before the contract expired.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Adult Social Care to:

1.    Authorise the Director of Adult Social Services exercises the delegated authority previously approved by the Council to extend the existing contract with VoiceAbility for the delivery of Oldham Advocacy Services until 31 October 2027.

2.    Note that this extension will ensure continuity of statutory advocacy provision, maintain service stability for residents, and retain a provider that is currently delivering the required quality and performance standards. The extension will also allow sufficient time for the development and procurement of a new contract arrangement from 1^st November 2027, while ensuring robust contract monitoring and performance oversight continue throughout the extension period.

A report that seeks approval for a capital project, to establish additional specialist provision operated by Oldham College.

Members considered a report by the Director of Education and Early Years regarding a proposal by Oldham College to develop additional specialist provision. The proposal was developed sufficiently to enable members to consider the allocation of capital funding.

The project was intended to create 12 additional specialist places for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), increasing local specialist capacity and supporting children to access education within their local community.

Currently the Local Authority has High Needs Capital Allocation Funding, which was released to schools and colleges upon application and consideration by panel. It was proposed that where projects will generate additional places these projects are funded from the HNPCA Grant provision.

The report presented two Options:

Option One (preferred Option) – To approve the capital investment required to establish additional specialist provision at Oldham College, supporting the ambitions of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027 and the Local SEND Reform Plan 2026.

Option 2: To not approve the project, resulting in a missed opportunity to increase local specialist capacity and support the delivery of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2023–2027 and the Local SEND Reform Plan 2026.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Education and Early Years:

1.    To approve a capital project to establish additional specialist provision operated by Oldham College. The project will increase local specialist capacity for children and young people with SEND, helping to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on independent and out-of-borough placements.

2.    To grant approval for the allocation of capital funding from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) and Basic Need Grant to support delivery of the scheme.

A report that seeks agreement for Oldham Council to agree the Staying Close Delivery Plan and receive the grant from the Department for Education.

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director for Children and Young People which was seeking agreement for the Council to approve the Staying Close Delivery Plan and to receive the associated grant from the Department for Education (DfE).

The Department for Education (DfE) had invited Local Authorities to participate in the national Staying Close programme, which sought to improve outcomes for care leavers through enhanced accommodation options, relationship-based support and improved emotional wellbeing provision. Oldham Council has submitted a delivery plan setting out proposals to create a Staying Close offer incorporating Supported Lodgings accommodation, dedicated coordination and mental wellbeing support for care leavers aged 18 – 25 years.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To approve the grant and implement the Staying Close Delivery Plan, which would secureup to £411,701 of DfE funding to improve outcomes for care leavers, create new Supported Lodgings accommodation capacity and expands accommodation choice, improve support for care leavers through dedicated Staying Close coordination and mental wellbeing provision, support statutory responsibilities towards care leavers and contributes to prevention of homelessness and strengthen the Council's corporate parenting offer and supports improved long-term outcomes.

Option 2 – to decline participation in the Staying Close programme, which would result in a loss of access to DfE grant funding, reduced opportunities to improve accommodation options and support available to care leavers and an increased risk that care leavers do not benefit from enhanced support designed to reduce homelessness and improve independence outcomes.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director for Children and Young People to approve the proposed grant from the Department for Education, to deliver the Staying Close project, as per the Delivery Plan at Appendix 1 of the report.

To seek approval to actively procure a highways construction Strategic Partner and a Reserve Supplier to deliver Transport Capital Investment Programmes from 2027 until 2031, for the delivery of key capital civil engineering projects across the borough of Oldham.

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which sought approval to actively procure a highways construction Strategic Partner and a Reserve Supplier to deliver Transport Capital Investment Programmes from 2027 - 2031 for the delivery of key capital civil engineering projects across the Borough of Oldham for an accumulative total of up to £20m over a four-year term beginning in April 2027.

The report also sought approval for the delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Lead Members, to award the Active Oldham Strategic Partnership Agreement (AOSPA) to the successful Bidder and award a Reserve Supplier Agreement to the second placed Bidder. To delegate authority to the Directors of Economy, Environment and Growth, in consultation with the relevant Lead Members, to award the individual Call Off Orders for individual projects and to delegate low value Call Off Orders (under a value of £50,000) under a direct award via the Assistant Director for Highways in consultation with Budget Holders and Finance Officers.

The report presented two Options for consideration:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – to approve and delegated authority to officers, as specified in the submitted report.

Option 2 – to not delegate to officers and instead initiate a time and cost consuming competitive tendering process for individual projects.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive to:

1.    That the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader Members be delegated authority to procure and award the Active Oldham Strategic Partnership Agreement (AOSPA) and Reserve Supplier Agreement, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Legal. 

2.    The Directors of Economy, Environment and Growth, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Director of Legal, be delegated authority to award the individual Call-Off Orders under the Strategic Partnership Agreement and Reserve Supplier Agreement.

3.    That the Director of Legal, or his nominated representative, be authorised to affix the Council’s seal to the Active Oldham Strategic Partnership Agreements and Reserve Supplier Agreements and to the Call Off Contracts under the Strategic Partnership Agreements and Reserve Supplier Agreements.

4.    That the Assistant Director of Highways and Engineering be authorized to award low value Call-Off Orders (under a value of £50,000), in line with financial approval limits and in consultation with the Budget Holder and Finance Officers.

To consider the allocation of funding in connection with the young futures hubs and local youth transformation programme.

Members considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive which advised that the Council had been awarded funding of up to £2.05m over two years, through the Government's Young Futures Hubs and Local Youth Transformation Programme. The funding would provide a significant opportunity to strengthen youth provision, improve outcomes for young people and develop a sustainable, place-based model of youth support across Oldham.

To ensure the timely implementation of the programme and compliance with the conditions of grant funding, approval was sought to formally accept the funding and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Director of Children's Services, to undertake all actions necessary to deliver the programme.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) - to accept the funding. The benefits were the security of significant external investment, establishing two Young Futures Hubs within the borough, enabling the transformation of the local youth system, improving outcomes for young people, strengthening youth voice and participation and creating a longer-term sustainable model for youth provision.

Option 2 – To decline the Funding. This would likely lead to a loss of external investment, missed opportunities to improve local youth services, a reduced ability to address identified needs and a reduced capacity to strengthen local youth infrastructure.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, support the recommendations in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, to:

1.    Approve the acceptance of grant funding of up to £2,050,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and associated Government delivery partners for the delivery of the Young Futures Hubs and Local Youth Transformation Programme – noting that the grant funding for the Programme will be issues in Stages.

2.    Authorise that the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Communities enter into, execute and deliver all grant agreements, funding agreements, partnership agreements and associated documentation required for the implementation and delivery of the programme.

3.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Communities, in consultation with the Director of Children's Services and the Director of Finance, to approve and implement all operational and financial arrangements necessary for delivery of the programme.

4.    Approve the creation and recruitment of such fixed-term posts as are required to support programme management, delivery, participation, commissioning, monitoring and evaluation functions, provided that all associated costs are fully funded from the external grant allocation.

5.    Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive and the Director of Communities to approve expenditure, commission services, award grants, undertake procurement exercises and enter into contracts necessary for programme delivery, subject to compliance with the Council's Constitution, Contract Procedure Rules and Procurement Regulations.

To consider what action to take in response to the recommended modifications, detailed in the report and to determine if the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum.

The Scrutiny Board received a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which informed Members that following receipt of the Inspector’s Report on the Independent Examination of the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Development Plan, Oldham Council and the Peak District National Park Authority were required to decide what action to take in response to the recommended modifications; and if the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To approve the modifications recommended by the Independent Inspector, Oldham Council would then publish a decision statement and arrange the referendum for the Neighbourhood Plan. The Advantage of the implementation of this Option was that it would ensure that the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan met the Basic Conditions (as defined in the submitted report) and other requirements, so that it can move forward to a referendum. There are no reported disadvantages to this option.

Option 2: To not approve the recommended modifications made by the Independent Inspector and not to publish a decision statement. Therefore, the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan would not meet the Basic Conditions and would not move forward to a referendum.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive:

1.    That the recommended modifications to be made to the submission Saddleworth Neighbourhood Plan, as set out in the Inspector’s Report to Oldham Council and the Peak District National Park Authority of the Independent Examination of the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Development Plan, and publication of the Decision Statement.

2.    That the submission of the Saddleworth Neighbourhood Development Plan for the plan period up to 2045, subject to the recommended modifications (see recommendation 1), to a referendum based on the area that was designated as a Neighbourhood Area by the Peak District National Park Authority on 11 November 2016 and by Oldham Council on 21 November 2016.

A report looking to authorise the appointment of Ovo Energy to supply a Power Purchase Agreement for Wrigley Head Solar Farm for a period of 18months from start of operations.

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive that sought authority to appoint Ovo Energy to supply a Power Purchase Agreement for Wrigley Head Solar Farm, for a period of 18 months from start of operations, at an estimated value of £188,500. This appointment, if approved, would be made by direct award with an exemption from the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules due to the urgent need to energise the solar farm.

The report considered two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To approve an exemption from the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to appoint Ovo Energy via direct award to provide an 18-month Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity generated by Wrigley Head Solar Farm. Under this option, energisation of the solar farm would be likely achieved as soon as practicable and the Council would begin to benefit from revenue income from the sale of the electricity.

Option 2 – To not appoint Ovo Energy. Under this option the Council would run a competitive procurement process to identify the most economically advantageous supplier for a Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity generated by Wrigley Head Solar Farm. However, in the time taken to run this procurement process the solar farm would remain un-energised and would not be generating revenue for the Council.

In considering the report a Member raised concerns about the length of time that it was taking to progress this matter. The delays he noted were costing the Council revenue and he added that more could have been to progress this matter over the summer months. The Director of Growth undertook to write to members of the Scrutiny Board, outlining the progress relating to the implementation of the decision.

Resolved:

The Scrutiny Board requested that the recommendations in the report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive be approved, as follows:

1.  That an exemption from the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules be approved for the PPA contract award to Ovo Energy.
2. That Ovo Energy be awarded an 18-month Power Purchase Agreement for the electricity generated from Wrigley Head Solar Farm.
3. That the Director of Growth be requested to write to Memebrs of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board explaining the reasons for the perceived delay in presenting the report for approval.

A report seeking approval of the proposed model for a heat network Zoning Co-ordination Body in Greater Manchester to include Oldham Council.

Members considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive that was seeking approval for the proposed model for a heat network Zoning Co-ordination Body (ZCB) in Greater Manchester to include Oldham Council, and to accept up to £400,000 in revenue grant funding from DESNZ for activities associated with the design and implementation of the ZCB in Oldham in the 2026/27 Financial Year.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To approve the proposed GMCA ZCB model and accept the grant funding for 2026/27. Under this option, Oldham Council will progress as a participant in the ZCB programme and will receive grant funding to support the design and implementation process and the ongoing procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner for the borough.

Option 2 - To not approve the proposed GMCA ZCB model or accept the grant funding for 2026/27. Under this option Oldham Council will need to work directly with DESNZ on an individual Local Authority model which would involve increased costs, reduced co-ordination with GMCA and other GM councils and could potentially have to fund the local ZCB from Council funds.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Resources and Strategy Scrutiny Board requests that the recommendations in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive be approved as follows:

1. To accept up to £400,000 in revenue grant funding from DESNZ for the 2026/27 Financial Year, to support ongoing work on the design and implementation of the ZCB model in Oldham
2. To note the work to date on design of a ZCB model led by DESNZ with the GMCA and Oldham, Stockport and Trafford Councils, including the funding request to DESNZ for up to £5m to fund the initial 3-year implementation of the ZCB within these authorities
3. To note that approval of the ZCB model is required at GMCA level in order to comply with the forthcoming national Statutory Instrument on Heat Network Zoning. Approval at GMCA is being sought concurrently with this Cabinet report
4. To approve in principle Oldham Council’s participation in the proposed GMCA ZCB model once the ZCB has been stood up by GMCA
5. To delegate authority to accept Oldham’s initial 3-year ZCB funding settlement (which may be circa £565,000 (TBC), awarded on an annual basis), and authority to implement the ZCB in Oldham, to the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) in consultation with the Chief Executive, Director of Growth, Director of Finance and the Director of Legal.

A report seeking approval for a revised and integrated governance framework for Oldham Total Care Limited.

The Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Executive Director of Health and Care/Deputy Chief Executive that was seeking approval for a revised and integrated governance framework for Oldham Total Care Limited. The proposed framework combined the Oldham Total Care Limited Single Governance Suite, the Terms of Reference for the Oldham Total Care Steering Committee, and the Directors’ Service Agreement and Governance Protocol into a single, coherent governance structure. Together, these documents, it was hoped would provide greater clarity regarding roles, responsibilities, accountability and decision-making arrangements, strengthening the relationship between Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council as the sole shareholder and Oldham Total Care Limited as a separate legal entity and wholly owned Local Authority Trading Company. The revised framework would also support effective governance, enhance oversight and ensure that both organisations operate within a clear and robust governance structure.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) - To approve the recommendations in the submitted report.

Option 2 – To not approve the recommendations in the report.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board endorse the recommendations in the Executive Director of Health and Care/Deputy Chief Executive’s report, as follows:

1.    To approve the Oldham Total Care Limited Single Governance Suite at Appendix 1 as the overarching framework governing the relationship between the Council, as shareholder, and Oldham Total Care Limited.

2.    To approve the establishment and operation of the Oldham Total Care Steering Committee in accordance with the Terms of Reference at Appendix 2, to the report.

3.    To approve the Directors’ Service Agreement and Governance Protocol at Appendix 3, to the report, as the standard governance agreement applying to executive and non-executive directors of Oldham Total Care Limited.

4.    To confirm that the Oldham Total Care Steering Committee will operate as the principal strategic interface between the Council and the company, providing shareholder assurance, constructive challenge and a route for escalation, without assuming the responsibilities of the company’s Board or executive management.

5.    To confirm that the Steering Committee will meet monthly during the current recovery and stabilisation period, moving to a quarterly cycle when sustained stability has been demonstrated and formally agreed by the Council.

6.    To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Health and Care/Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Director of Finance, to make any final technical, legal, financial or drafting amendments required before implementation, provided these do not materially alter the governance principles approved by Cabinet.

7.    To authorise that the Monitoring Officer ensure that the arrangements are aligned with the Council’s Constitution, shareholder decision-making arrangements and the company’s Articles of Association.

8.    To request that the Oldham Total Care Board considers and formally adopts those elements of the governance framework requiring company approval.

9.    To require that the governance framework to be reviewed annually, and earlier where there is a material change in legislation, regulation, the company’s operating model, its Articles of Association or the Council’s shareholder arrangements.

To appoint Womble Bond Dickinson to a further commission, supporting the procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner for the Borough.

Members considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive that sought to appoint Womble Bond Dickinson to a further commission at a cost of £100,000+VAT supporting the procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner for the Borough. This commission, it was reported, would be funded by a £100,000 Advanced Zoning Programme (AZP) grant from DESNZ.

The Council is currently out to tender for a Strategic Energy Partner for the Borough. If successful, the procurement will establish a Joint Venture between the Council and a commercial energy infrastructure provider to bring in the large-scale investment needed to upgrade Oldham’s energy systems for the future and secure a wide range of economic co-benefits for the borough including jobs, skills, a Social Value Fund and stabilisation of energy bills for residents and businesses.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option) – To appoint Womble Bond Dickinson to a further commission at a cost of £100,000+VAT.

Option 2 – To not appoint Womble Bond Dickinson to a further commission. Under this option, the Council will not have sufficient support for the ongoing procurement

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendation in the report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, to appoint Womble Bond Dickinson to a further commission at a cost of £100,000+VAT, noting that under this option, the Council will have sufficient ongoing Legal support for the procurement of a Strategic Energy Partner for the Borough.

A report seeking approval for formal acceptance of Additional Highways Maintenance funding and approval of recommendations for delivery, utilising these funds in full, for 2026/27.

The meeting received a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive which informed members that with the strategic approach for the 5-year City Region sustainable transport settlement (CRSTS) programme approved in March 2022, the submitted report was seeking approval for formal acceptance of the Additional CRSTS Highways Maintenance funding and approval of the recommendations for delivery utilising these funds in full, for 2026/27.

The report presented to Options:
Option One (preferred Option) – To approve the recommendations in the report.

Option Two – To reject the recommendations in the report and to seek alternative funding sources for the projects.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations in the report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive to:

That the Chief Executive approves:

1.    The allocation of Additional CRSTS Highway Maintenance Funding.

2.    The proposed breakdown of funding, which will fully utilise the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) highway maintenance additional grant funding allocation available for 2026/27 as per the formal grant notification from GMCA.

3.    That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Director of Finance to take all necessary decisions in relation to the award of contracts arising from this procurement process to ensure procurement decisions can be made within the timescales required to support programme delivery.

4.    That the Director of Legal Services or his nominated representative be authorised to sign and/or affix the Common Seal of the Council to all contracts/agreements/documents and associated or ancillary paperwork to give effect to the recommendations of this report.

5.    That any underspend generated as the attached programme progresses (as per the Appendices) be used to deliver additional schemes in priority order (although lower priority schemes may be selected depending on the available budget, value for money, or type of treatment) until the budget is fully expended in year, noting that this approach to utilising underspend means there is no need to gain further approvals to deliver additional schemes, ensuring they can be delivered as soon as practically possible.

Approval is sought for Oldham Council to continue participation in the Greater Manchester collaborative Managed Service Provider contract for the provision of contingent labour.

The Scrutiny Board received a report of the Assistant Director of Workforce and Organisational Culture, which was requesting approval for Oldham Council to continue participation in the Greater Manchester (GM) collaborative Managed Service Provider (MSP) contract for the provision of contingent labour following completion of the GM-wide procurement exercise and award of the contract to Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.

Continued participation will enable the Council to access a compliant, established framework for sourcing agency workers where temporary staffing solutions are required to maintain service delivery.

Whilst participation does not require direct financial commitment, the decision is considered sufficiently significant due to the Council's ongoing utilisation of the contract for contingent labour and its strategic role in supporting service delivery across the organisation.

The report presented two Options:

Option 1 (preferred Option - To continue participation in the GM MSP contract. This Option provides: access to a compliant and competitively procured contract, consistent contractual arrangements across GM authorities, effective management and oversight of agency spend, access to a broad supply chain of agency providers through a single managed arrangement and a reduced procurement and contract management burden for the Council.

Option 2 – To withdraw from the GM arrangement and procure independently. This option was not recommended as it would: require the Council to undertake its own procurement exercise, increase administrative and procurement costs, delay access to temporary staffing resources and would reduce opportunities to benefit from collaborative purchasing arrangements and GM-wide supplier management.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations in the report of the Assistant Director of Workforce and Organisational Culture, to:  

1. Approve Oldham Council's continued participation in the Greater Manchester collaborative Managed Service Provider contract for contingent labour awarded to Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.
2. Authorise officers to utilise the contract for the engagement of agency workers in accordance with the Council's procurement, financial and workforce management procedures.

A report seeking approval to strengthen the Council’s Web Team’s staffing complement.

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Assistant Director of Customer Experience which was seeking approval to strengthen the Web Team with one additional Senior Content Officer and two Content Officers for a fixed term of 20 months.

The report presented three Options:

Option 1 – To maintain the current Web Team structure. The Council could retain the existing two-person Web Team.

Option 2 (preferred Option) – To provide additional web capacity within individual services. Individual services could employ or identify their own staff to manage web content. This would provide additional capacity but risks creating inconsistent approaches to content, accessibility, plain English and user experience.

Option 3 – To not undertake proactive content management and channel-shift work. The Council could continue to provide existing digital services without a coordinated programme of improvement.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board endorses the recommendations in the report of the Assistant Director for Customer Experience to approve the addition of one Senior Content Officer and two Content Officers to the Web Team for a fixed term of 20 months.

A report seeking approval to enter into a 36-month contract with IDOX LTD procured via Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework Agreement ID RM6259.

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which advised that the Council’s contract with IDOX LTD for the Uniform application was due for renewal. The submitted report was seeking approval to enter into a 36-month contract with IDOX LTD procured via Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework Agreement ID RM6259. Uniform was a business-critical application supporting a range of statutory regulatory services.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 31 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

The purpose of the report is to seek approval from the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), to award contracts under the Domestic Property Disability Adaptations Framework following completion of a compliant Open Tender procurement process.

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Health and Care/Deputy Chief Executive, the purpose of which was to seek approval from the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), under delegated authority approved by Cabinet on 23^rd March 2026, to award contracts under the Domestic Property Disability Adaptations (DPDA) Framework following completion of a compliant Open Tender procurement process undertaken in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 32 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A report seeking approval to procure and implement a modern, cloud hosted parking enforcement solution which enables digital service delivery and meets future service delivery requirements.

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which sought approval to procure and implement a modern, cloud hosted parking enforcement solution that enables digital service delivery, improves operational efficiency, and meets future service delivery requirements.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 33 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A report that summarises the current and ongoing defects and condition challenges faced by the Prudential building, with a series of options set out with outline budget costs.

Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, which informed Members that Oldham’s town centre benefited from a wealth of important heritage buildings thanks to the town’s rich economic and cultural history. A number of these buildings were now vacant, underutilised and required investment to protect the buildings and to seek to ensure their future sustainability whilst enhancing economic and social value these buildings could bring to the local economy.

The Prudential building had seen considerable deterioration over that last decade, with the Council stepping in to carry out urgent health and safety interventions, together with an asbestos and environmental clean-in mid-2025.The building remained a target for anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre.

The building’s condition remained poor and very bad in some places, with ongoing vulnerability to the elements. Further stabilisation works were required to prevent against further deterioration so that potential options for future use may be appraised.

The submitted report, therefore, summarised the current and ongoing defects and condition challenges faced by the Prudential building, with a series of options set out with outline budget costs, which were subject to a procurement process and receiving final contractor costings. This was presented to inform of the scope of the stabilisation works to be agreed and taken forward to technical design in order to tender suitable contractors.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 34 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A report seeking approval to proceed with the procurement of modern back-up tools through appropriate procurement routes.

The Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Director of Digital, which informed Members that Oldham Council intended to strengthen its overall cyber governance and risk management approach by procuring modern tools and processes that support cyber resilience and regulatory alignment.

The Council aimed to maintain and improve its data protection cyber security posture. Adoption of modern back up and assessment tools would support more efficient governance, improved risk resilience, and alignment with national guidance.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 35 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A decision is required to secure continuity of Extra Care Housing services beyond the expiry of the current contract on 31^st March 2027.

The Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Director of Adult Social Care, which informed Members that a decision was required to secure continuity of Extra Care Housing services beyond the expiry of the current contract on 31^st March 2027. While the industrial action and pay dispute remained matters for MioCare and Unison, they introduced uncertainty at a critical stage in the commissioning process. Given that procurement, contract award and mobilisation were expected to take up to six months, a decision was needed to enable timely procurement activity, minimise transition risks and ensure continuity of support for residents.

The submitted report, therefore, sets out the options for the future commissioning of Extra Care Housing services in Oldham when the current contract with MioCare Services Ltd expires on 31^st March 2027.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 36 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A report that seeks approval to purchase software, via a framework direct award to an existing software supplier to the council. 

The Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, that was seeking approval to purchase software, via a framework direct award to an existing software supplier to the council.  The purpose of this software would be to undertake regular route optimisation exercises for all waste, cleansing and litter bin operations across the borough, leading to more efficient operations and ultimately, delaying the need for further operational growth in the service to meet resident and business growth.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 37 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

A report seeking authority to proceed to tender for the Council’s insurance contracts that are due to commence on 1^st April 2027.

The Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board scrutinised a report of the Director of Finance, notifying members that Oldham Council and its current insurers had been subject to Long-Term agreements in respect of Liability, Property, Terrorism, Motor, Fine Art, and other ancillary insurance policies which conclude in 2026. 

The submitted report was seeking authority to proceed via the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) Framework and Procurement’s recommended route to market, to tender for the Council’s insurance contracts that were due to commence on 1^st April 2027.

Resolved:

That the Scrutiny Board would consider the commercially sensitive information contained in the report, at Item 38 on the agenda before making a recommendation.

To consider that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following eight 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 eight items of business, on the grounds that they contain exempt information 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, in relation to item 22.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 22: Contractual Arrangement – IDOX Uniform Case Management Software.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Digital, to approve a 3-year direct award contract with IDOX Ltd via Crown Commercial Framework RM6259, including two additional modules.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 23.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 23: Domestic Property Disability Adaptations Bathing Contract Award Report.

In considering the report, a member sought clarification on the location of companies that will be tendering for the works detailed in the submitted report.

Resolved:

1. That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Health and Care/Deputy Chief Executive, that the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), under the delegated authority granted by Cabinet on 23^rd March 2026, approves:

a.    The award of contracts under the Domestic Property Disability Adaptations (DPDA) Framework to Wrightbuild Ltd and M & R Heating Services for the provision of Level Access Showers (LAS), Shower Over Baths (SOB) and associated bathroom adaptations.

b.    The award of contracts for an initial period of two years, commencing on 1^st December 2026 and ending on 30^th November 2028, with the option to extend for a further two periods of twelve months until 30^th November 2030, subject to satisfactory performance, continued funding and the achievement of value for money.

c.     The exercise of any future extension options by the Director of Adult Social Services (DASS), in accordance with the terms set out in the procurement documentation and subject to satisfactory contract performance, continued funding and value for money.

2. That the Director of Adult Social Care be requested to write to Members of the Governance, Strategy and resources Scrutiny Board, detailing the location of companies that will be tendering for the works detailed in the submitted report.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 24.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 24: Cloud hosted Parking Enforcement Solution.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive:

1.    To approve the procurement and implementation of a fully (supplier) hosted Taranto Software solution.

2.    To approve the inclusion of online permit management and online case management as part of the system upgrade.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 25.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 25: Prudential Building Stabilisation Works.

In response to a question from a Member, the Director of Growth undertook to write to Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, clarifying the ownership of the Prudential Building and adjacent building on Union Street, Oldham.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive:

1.    To approve the initial funding budget estimate, subject to contractor procurement process for finalised cost, to undertake a schedule of stabilisation works to the Prudential Building.

2.    To note that the recommended stabilisation works package (option 4 in the confidential report) is intended to halt further decay, secure the building, and to preserve its heritage fabric while future reuse options are considered, thereby utilising the principles of permanent, external, “like for like” conservation principles;m potentially allowing limited “meanwhile” use or public access before a full redevelopment, thereby improving the building’s attractiveness for future investment.

3.    To accept a £1,000,000 Historic England Heritage at Risk Capital Fund (HARCF) grant offer towards funding the proposed works.

4.    To approve the offer of £75,000 valuation (plus a basic loss payment of 7.5%) to the former owner of the Prudential Building following receipt of Part 35 valuation reports as part of the Tribunal process.

5.    To delegate authority to the Director of Growth, in consultation with appropriate officers from the Finance, Procurement and Legal services to finalise scopes, confirm affordability, and procure/instruct the additional works within the approved funding envelope using a Procurement compliant framework.

6.    To delegate authority to the Director of Legal Services, or his appointed nominees, 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.

7.    That the Director of Growth be requested to write to Members of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, clarifying the ownership of the Prudential Building and adjacent building on Union Street, Oldham.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 26.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 26: Approval of Rubrik Back Up and Recovery Solution.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Digital:

1.    That the Chief Executive approves the procurement to maintain the Council’s backup, data protection and cyber-recovery service for the next contract term.

2.    That the procurement is based on the service scope described in this report, covering Azure/cloud, Microsoft 365, on-premises systems, cloud vault backup and identity protection.

3.    To approve the expenditure of £585,785.58. This figure includes cloud and Microsoft 365 protection, cloud vault backup, identity protection, professional services and on-premises licensing and hardware support. Due to the Council’s cloud first data center migration strategy, this is a reduced cost compared to the previous 3-year term.

The cost breakdown of the modules is as follows:

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 27.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 27: Extra Care Housing re-Tender 2026/27.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Adult Social Care:

1. To approve the recommended option to progress with pre-market engagement, commissioning and procurement activity for the future delivery of Extra Care Housing services.
2. To agree to a three-month extension of the current contract with MioCare Service Ltd to 30^th June 2027 to enable completion of market engagement, procurement, contract award and mobilisation activities.
3. To note that the outcome of pre-market engagement will be reviewed prior to finalisation of the procurement approach and contract documentation.
4. To note that the outcome of pre-market engagement may require further consideration of commissioning options and may be reported through the Council’s governance processes as necessary; should pre-market engagement identify insufficient market appetite, affordability concerns, market failure risks or other material factors that affect the viability of a competitive procurement process, officers will return with a further report setting out alternative commissioning options, including consideration of a Teckal-compliant arrangement with MioCare Services Ltd.
5. To note that any future contract award will be subject to completion of the procurement process, and approval through the Council’s governance arrangements.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 28.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 28: Cleansing and Waste Service Software (Route Optimisation).

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Executive Director of Place/Deputy Chief Executive, to implement Route Optimisation and a VoomAI route ‘time and motion study’ for Waste and Cleansing and the Business Waste Portal for Digital Waste Tracking and direct award the contract to the current provider (Bartec) for 18 months of software subscriptions and the one-off costs from the transformation funds.

To consider confidential recommendations, in relation to item 29.

Consideration was given to the commercially sensitive information in relation to Item 29: Approval for Insurance Tender Process and Award of Contracts.

Resolved:

That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board, endorses the recommendations detailed in the submitted report of the Director of Finance:

1. To approve the tender process and award of contracts to the most advantageous tenderer based on the tender criteria.
2. To delegate authority to the Director of Finance to award the contracts following the tender, subject to compliance with the Contract Procedure Rules.
3. Delegate authority to the Director of Legal Services, or his appointed nominee, to carry out all the necessary legal formalities.