Minutes:
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Sean Fielding, delivered his third Annual Statement. The Leader reminded members that the previous year he had reflected on the turbulent political period and a budget decimated by austerity, questions over the Brexit withdrawal agreement and the December general election, but that was now an understatement.
The Leader highlighted the launch of the Town Centre Vision which was a plan to invest in the borough, to boost the local economy and make it a greener, cleaner and better place to live. The pandemic had prompted for these plans to be revisited. The Leader reflected on the loss of loved ones, young people who had missed months of schooling, residents who had lost jobs, spent time furloughed or worried about the future of their employers or businesses. There had been a cycle of confusing and changing restrictions which had impacted on people’s mental and physical health.
The Leader also noted that the outcome of Brexit was still awaited.
The Leader noted the challenge to the Council’s revenue budget which after another year of being told by Government to do more with less, the Council were instructed to spend whatever it took to tackle Covid. It was seen across the country that local authorities were on the brink of bankruptcy but the local government finance settlement for 2021/22 had not yet to be seen to help plan with confidence.
The Leader made reference to the lockdown, Government initiatives and re-imposition of restrictions at a local level when case numbers rose without support deemed necessary the first-time round. The Leader also referred to another national lockdown which was due to be start at midnight and to the impact on lives and the economy and the places that would be worst affected was where poverty was the highest. People in areas with a lot of poverty were more likely to live in cramped and overcrowded housing, do frontline key worker jobs that involved interaction with the public and more likely to have other health conditions that increased the risk from Covid. The Leader made reference to the scapegoating of communities and how it had encouraged a rise in racism, and the ignorance as the virus was in all towns and villages.
The Leader referred to the work being done by mutual aid groups, Council officers and the voluntary sector in providing information, support and tests and partners and businesses across the borough who had stepped in to feed young people when the Government had decided not to. The Leader referred to the impact Government intervention could have and highlighted train and bus services as well as the furlough and business support scheme.
The Leader highlighted the need for better social care, the value of a good home and the importance of green space.
The Leader highlighted what could be done locally despite the huge budget challenge and announced the purchase of Spindles which was an investment in a central, strategically important site. The Leader added that permission had been given to confirm that, while Spindles had been bought by the previous owners for £40m, the Council got the whole of the centre for £9.5m. The Leader highlighted the plans which included moving the Tommyfield Market Traders which would bring the retail offer into one space, open a new linear park in the town and build more homes on brownfield sites to protect the greenbelt.
The Leader reflected on the long fight ahead before the brighter future and success which had been seen when the Borough pulled together, people looked out for one another and spoke with one voice. The Leader added that it was important to follow the guidance, particularly around social distancing and personal hygiene
The Leader referred to the Save Oldham’s Services Campaign which highlighted the impact of Covid on the series provided. The letter would be sent to the Prime Minister that evening.
The Leader was proud to lead the Council and was proud of the borough.
RESOLVED that the content of the Leader’s Annual Statement be noted.