Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chauhan, Cosgrove (Councillor Iqbal substituting), Hughes, Ibrahim, Kenyon, Lancaster and Marland.

There were no public questions received for the Board to consider.

The Minutes of the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board meetings held on 28^th January 2026 and 5^th February 2026 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings of the Governance Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board held on 28^th January 2026 and 5^th February 2026 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the Governance, Strategy and Resources Performance Assurance Report 2025/26 for Q3.

The Report was presented by the Directors and officers of the relevant departments. Members queried the Customer Feedback report and it was highlighted that the report had been presented at a previous meeting of the Scrutiny Board. Members also sought clarity as to the difference between calls offered versus calls handled, and this was explained.

Members queried how Oldham performed on sickness absence in relation to other local authorities and it was highlighted that whilst there was not a local authority sickness absence rate to measure from, Oldham was not an outlier compared to available statistics. Seasonal trends between Q2 and Q3 were also discussed.

Members noted the drop in agency spending, highlighting that this was positive. Members also highlighted the differences between Freedom of Information requests, Subject Access requests and requests for disclosure.

Members queried around the setting of budgets, and it was highlighted that the multi-year settlement had been helpful. Members noted the changes in circumstances for those on universal credit and asked about the increase and whether there were any common themes that could be learned from. It was noted that these cases were mostly due to wage differences, highlighting that fluctuating wages need to be changed each time which creates a higher volume of work for the team. Members also asked about the impact of the Employment Rights Act, and it was noted that the legislation come into effect yet but that the work was ongoing.

Members noted the extra benefits that were being brought in for residents by the Revenue and Benefits team. Members also highlighted the average time taken to process claims and changes in circumstances, noting the difficulties that residents might face, and it was noted that these times included following up to ask for further information. Members also confirmed that changes in circumstances would be retrospective from the day of the change.

Members queried the percentage of council tax collected, and it was noted that this figure would be on target at the end of Q4 and that it was a cumulative figure. Members also queried member standards and asked whether there were any common themes. It was noted that the complaints were on a variety of issues and that the national framework for standards was weak. It was highlighted that the current date being given by the government for the new standards framework was near the end of 2026 or start of 2027, but noted that the Council is doing other work to be proactive in the meantime, such as the member/officer protocol.

Members welcomed the new cybersecurity programmes, and it was noted that this was security monitoring not only the council’s own systems but any global threats and trends. It was noted that the Council faces between 200 to 1500 attacks a day, which required a constant and dedicated cybersecurity system. It was highlighted that there were a variety of themes for attacks, from financial to general disruption, and that the Council was resilient and were prepared for worst-case scenarios.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability updating on the Revenue Monitor and Capital Investment Programme 2025/26, as at Month 10.

The Director of Finance and the Finance manager presented the Month 10 update, noting that there had been a significant reduction in the adverse variance of around £10.2m from Month 9, mainly due to the work having been done on the capitalisation of interest costs for assets under construction. It was noted that this would be a one-off payment. It was highlighted that reductions were mostly on track and that those that were not on track were being monitored.

Members thanked the Finance team for their work, particularly around protecting reserves. Members queried the reliance on mitigations and whether these were reviewed. It was noted that these were continuously reviewed with lots of work ongoing.

Members queried the mitigations around Children’s Services and what the issues were around foster care. It was noted that the main issues were around competition but that this was a national issue. Members also asked what the risk of inflation could be, and it was noted that a buffer for inflation was built into the forecasting.

RESOLVED: That members noted the contents of the report, the forecast revenue position at the end of Month 10 at £4.946m and the general revenue usable reserves position for 2025/26.

To consider and note the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme for 2025/26 and to consider items for inclusion when developing the Board’s Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year.

RESOLVED: That the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board’s Work Programme for 2025/26 be noted.

The Scrutiny Board considered the Key Decision Document, which records key decisions that the authority is due to take.

RESOLVED: That the Key Decision Document be noted.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions taken since the previous meeting.

There were no Rule 13 or 14 decisions to be considered.