(time limit 30 minutes)
Motion 1
Councillor C Gloster to MOVE and Councillor Williamson to SECOND:
Tracking Stalkers and Domestic Abusers
Council notes that:
· Stalking and domestic abuse are crimes which are insidious and terrifying, the majority committed by men against women. Offenders go from victim to victim, yet many remain undetected and unconvicted.
· The evidence shows that domestic abuse has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Some stalkers and domestic abusers go on to commit murder, and tragically the domestic homicide rate, mostly of women, continues to increase.
· Despite clear warning signs that such crimes are often repeated and follow a pattern, much offending behaviour remains undetected by the Police, probation and other agencies, and offenders are left at large.
· Although the provisions of the Domestic Abuse Bill now before Parliament are welcome, the Bill is manifestly deficient in not addressing the importance of robustly tracking and apprehending these offenders.
Council further notes that:
· Whilst the Domestic Abuse Bill would place Clare’s Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) on a statutory footing, this will place the onus upon victims to come forward to seek information about their partner or a family member and this can sometimes place the victim in danger.
· There is no duty on police services to identify, track and manage stalkers and domestic abusers.
Council believes that:
· It is imperative that serial stalkers and domestic abusers are prioritised and proactively identified, assessed and managed by Police, probation and other relevant agencies, so that intelligence can be shared about their offending behaviour to hold them to account and close down their behaviour.
· The details of stalkers and domestic abusers should be included on the Violent and Sexual Offender’s Register and managed via the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary asking her to make these changes to more effectively track and apprehend stalkers and domestic abusers, and to copy in our three local Members of Parliament and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester asking them to make representations to the Home Secretary in support of the Council’s position.
Motion 2
Councillor H Gloster to MOVE and Councillor Hamblett to SECOND:
Young Carers Action Day
Council commends the young people in this borough who selflessly provide care for others.
Council notes that:
· Recent research shows that one in five secondary school children may be a young carer. For many, their caring journey begins at a much younger age.
· Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying and stressful. For young carers, this can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect on their life chances.
· Each year, The Carers Trust has organised a Young Carers’ Action Awareness Day. In 2021 this will be renamed Young Carers’ Action Day and marked on March 16.
· The purpose of the day is to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by young people and young adults because of their caring role, and to campaign for greater support for young carers to meet their needs.
Council resolves to:
· Promote Young Carers Action Day as widely as possible on an annual basis, particularly to young carers and their families.
· Ask the Health and Wellbeing Board to work with the Carers’ Trust, the Connexions Young Carers’ Project and the Youth Council to establish an annual event in Oldham to mark this date to which young carers and their families can be invited in person or online, and at which appropriate information and services can be accessed.
Motion 3
Councillor Al-Hamdani to MOVE and Councillor Harkness to SECOND:
Turning over a new leaf
Council notes:
– That the revised National Planning Policy Framework [NPPF] (2018) put planning protection for ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees on a par with that offered to the best of our built heritage.
– The NPPF states that: “When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles: …… c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons”.
– That over 1200 Ancient Woodland sites across the UK are under threat from development.
Council recognises
– That the forthcoming Local Plan provides an opportunity for us to ensure that Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees are protected across our Borough;
– That protection is required before the Local Plan is delivered to ensure that Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees remain protected in the interim period;
– That not all Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees have been properly identified, and it is important that a clear route is available to identify and protect Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees across the borough
Council resolves
– To include the protection of Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees into its forthcoming Local Plan, and maintain such protections in future Local Plans, adopting the following wording:
o Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons.
o As ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees are irreplaceable, discussions over possible compensation should not form part of the assessment to determine whether the exceptional benefits of the development proposal outweigh the loss.
o Ancient wood pasture and historic parkland should receive the same consideration as other forms of ancient woodland. The protection of the whole habitat is necessary even though tree cover may be comparatively sparse. Development on open space between trees in an area of ancient wood pasture or historic parkland should not be permitted.
– To write to the Secretary of State to ensure that any changes to the planning system do not remove the rights of Local Councils to protect Ancient Woodland and ancient and veteran trees as part of their planning policies.
– As part of the consultation process for the new Local Plan, include consultation on any Ancient Woodland sites and any ancient and veteran trees throughout the borough, which should be covered by protection.
Motion 4
GMSF
Councillor Sheldon to MOVE and Councillor Curley to SECOND:
Following the withdrawal of the vote on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) report on the 25th November 2020 Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) meeting, and following the vote to reject the GMSF at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, that OMBC believes that the GMSF is ultimately no longer fit for purpose.
Oldham Borough Council Conservatives reject the need to build on our Greenbelt. We believe that the GMSF has damaged public trust due to the top down nature of the plans. That is why we are asking that OMBC listen to local communities and that OMBC explore the use of neighbourhood plans for each ward/s, area or parish enabling communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work. We note that a neighbourhood plan attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory development plan) once it has been approved at a referendum as stated under the neighbourhood planning act 2017.
We believe that the people must have the final say on any future plan/s or proposal/s for their area.
We also note that should the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority continue in pursuing plans for a Greater Manchester wide plan whether GMSF or something else, that OMBC look at mechanisms to first ratify the matter with the people of the OMBC area impacted by any plan first. We suggest that this is held through a referendum.
Given these factors, and until a satisfactory resolution is found, that this
Council resolves:
· That the OMBC Leader write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester:
· Asking him to clarify if the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority intend to pursue the GMSF or a new Greater Manchester wide plan that excludes Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council.
· That OMBC commits to do the following:
· Take full advantage of HM Government and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s £400 million fund aimed at creating more homes on brownfield land, as part of a package of Budget measures intended to boost housing delivery.
· Complete a full and accurate online register detailing and listing all the Brownfield sites available in the OMBC area and any estimated costs associated with repurposing the land.
· Always look to build on brownfield or derelict sites first or on sites with existing planning permission.
· That OMBC look to build beautifully, by building homes that have garden space and take consideration of local aesthetics and existing building styles.
· By converting long-term empty mills, shops, and offices into homes; and that existing long-term empty homes should also be brought back into use.
· Look at adopting a neighbourhood plan for each ward/s, area or parish as it attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory de-velopment plan) once it has been approved at a referendum as stated under the neigh-bourhood planning act 2017.
· That should a new, modified or existing Greater Manchester wide plan emerge that OMBC look at mechanisms to first ratify the matter with the wards or areas in the OMBC area through a referendum.
· Adopt and where appropriate strengthen the declaration of interests procedure and regis-ter of interests and or all other policies where there could be a perceived or actual conflict of interest/s either for Councillors or Council employees so as to make sure that members do not leave themselves open to (or perceived to be open to) improper influence through the acceptance of gifts and hospitality, or otherwise.
Minutes:
Motion 1 – Tracking Stalkers and Domestic Abusers
Councillor C. Gloster MOVED and Councillor Williamson SECONDED the following MOTION:
“Council notes that:
· Stalking and domestic abuse are crimes which are insidious and terrifying, the majority committed by men against women. Offenders go from victim to victim, yet many remain undetected and unconvicted.
· The evidence shows that domestic abuse has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Some stalkers and domestic abusers go on to commit murder, and tragically the domestic homicide rate, mostly of women, continues to increase.
· Despite clear warning signs that such crimes are often repeated and follow a pattern, much offending behaviour remains undetected by the Police, probation and other agencies, and offenders are left at large.
· Although the provisions of the Domestic Abuse Bill now before Parliament are welcome, the Bill is manifestly deficient in not addressing the importance of robustly tracking and apprehending these offenders.
Council further notes that:
· Whilst the Domestic Abuse Bill would place Clare’s Law (the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) on a statutory footing, this will place the onus upon victims to come forward to seek information about their partner or a family member and this can sometimes place the victim in danger.
· There is no duty on police services to identify, track and manage stalkers and domestic abusers.
Council believes that:
· It is imperative that serial stalkers and domestic abusers are prioritised and proactively identified, assessed and managed by Police, probation and other relevant agencies, so that intelligence can be shared about their offending behaviour to hold them to account and close down their behaviour.
· The details of stalkers and domestic abusers should be included on the Violent and Sexual Offender’s Register and managed via the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Councillor Chadderton spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor Shah spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor Al-Hamdani spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor Ball spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor S Bashforth spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor Shuttleworth spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor Surjan spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor C Gloster exercised his right of reply.
On being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in FAVOUR of the MOTION. The MOTION was therefore CARRIED.
RESOLVED that the Chief Executive be asked to write to the Home Secretary asking her to make these changes to more effectively track and apprehend stalkers and domestic abusers, and to copy in our three Members of Parliament and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester asking them to make representations to the Home Secretary in support of the Council’s position.
Motion 2 – Young Carers Action Day
Councillor H. Gloster MOVED and Councillor Hamblett SECONDED the following MOTION:
“Council commends the young people in this borough who selflessly provide care for others.
Council notes that:
· Recent research shows that one in five secondary school children may be a young carer. For many, their caring journey begins at a much younger age.
· Caring for someone can be very isolating, worrying and stressful. For young carers, this can negatively impact on their experiences and outcomes in education, having a lasting effect on their life chances.
· Each year, The Carers Trust has organised a Young Carers’ Action Awareness Day. In 2021, this will be renamed Young Carers’ Action Day and marked on March 16.
· The purpose of this day is to raise public awareness of the challenges faced by young people and young adults because of their caring role, and to campaign for greater support for young carers to meet their needs.
Council resolves to:
· Ask the Health and Wellbeing Board to work with the Carers’ Trust, the Connexions Young Carers’ Project and the Youth Council to establish an annual event in Oldham to mark this date to which young carers and their families can be invited in person or online, and at which appropriate information and services can be accessed.”
Councillor Stretton spoke in support of the Motion.
Councillor H Gloster did not exercise her right of reply.
On being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in FAVOUR of the MOTION. The MOTION was therefore CARRIED.
RESOLVED that:
1. The Council would promote Young Carers Action Day as widely as possible on an annual basis, particularly to young carers and their families.
2. The Health and Wellbeing Board be asked to work with the Carers’ Trust, the Connexions Young Carers’ Project and the Youth Council to establish an annual event in Oldham to mark this date to which young carers and their families can be invited in person or online, and at which appropriate information and services can be accessed
Motion 3 – Turning over an old leaf
Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Harkness SECONDED the following ALTERED MOTON:
“Council notes:
- That the revised NPPF (2018) put protection for ancient woodland and ancient and veteran trees on a par with the best of our built heritage.
- The NPPF states that: ‘When determining planning applications, local planning authorities should apply the following principles:…. c) development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and an ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons.’
- That over 1200 Ancient Woodland sites across the UK are under threat from development.
- That other local plans have included protections on Ancient Woodlands in their local plans, with recommended wording provided in the Woodland Trust’s document ‘Planning for Ancient Woodland’.
Council recognises:
- That the forthcoming Local Plan provides an opportunity for us to ensure that Ancient Woodland is protected across our Borough;
- That protection is required before the Local Plan is delivered to ensure that Ancient Woodland remains protected in the interim period;
- That not all Ancient Woodland has been properly identified, and it is important that a clear route is available to identify and protect Ancient Woodland across the borough.
Council resolves:
- To consider inclusion of the protection of Ancient Woodland into its forthcoming Local Plan, and include that as a theme within the forthcoming Issues and Options consultations on the emerging Local Plan.
- To write to the Secretary of State to ensure that any changes to the planning system do not remove the rights of Local Councils to protect Ancient Woodland as part of their planning policies
- Subject to any adoption of a policy on Ancient Woodland as part of the Local Plan, to include in later consultation an opportunity for residents to identify Ancient Woodland sites throughout the borough which should be covered by protection.”
On being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in FAVOUR of the MOTION. The MOTION was therefore CARRIED.
RESOLVED that:
1. The Council would consider inclusion of the protection of Ancient Woodland into its forthcoming Local Plan, and include that as a theme within the forthcoming Issues and Options consultations on the emerging Local Plan.
2. The Secretary of State be written to, to ensure that any changes to the planning system do not remove the rights of Local Councils to protect Ancient Woodland as part of their planning policies
3. Subject to any adoption of a policy on Ancient Woodland as part of the Local Plan, an opportunity for residents to identify Ancient Woodland sites throughout the borough which should be covered by protection, be included in later consultation.
Motion 4 – GMSF
Councillor Sheldon MOVED and Councillor Curley SECONDED the following MOTION:
“Following the withdrawal of the vote on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) report on the 25th November 2020 Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) meeting, and following the vote to reject the GMSF at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, that OMBC believes that the GMSF is ultimately no longer fit for purpose.
Oldham Borough Council Conservatives reject the need to build on our Greenbelt. We believe that the GMSF has damaged the public trust due to the top down nature of the plans. That is why we are asking that OMBC listen to local communities and that OMBC explore the use of neighbourhood plans for each ward/s, area or parish enabling communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work. We note that a neighbourhood plan attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory development plan) once it has been approved at a referendum as stated under the neighbourhood planning act 2017.
We believe that the people must have the final say on any future plan/s or proposal/s for their area.
We also note that should the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority continue in pursuing plans for a Greater Manchester wide plan whether GMSF or something else, that OMBC look at mechanisms to first ratify the matter with the people of the OMBC area impacted by any plan first. We suggest that this is held through a referendum.
Given these factors, and until a satisfactory resolution is found, that this Council resolves:
· That the OMBC Leader write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester:
· Asking him to clarify if the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority intend to pursue the GMSF or a new Greater Manchester wide plan that excludes Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
· That OMBC commits to do the following:
· Take full advantage of HM Government and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s £400 million fund aimed at creating more homes on brownfield land, as part of a package of Budget measures intended to boost housing delivery.
· Complete a full and accurate online register detailing and listing all the Brownfield sites available in the OMBC area and any estimated costs associated with repurposing the land.
· Always look to build on brownfield or derelict sites first or on sites with existing planning permission.
· That OMBC look to build beautifully, by building homes that have garden space and take consideration of local aesthetics and existing building styles.
· By converting long-term empty mills, shops, and offices into homes; and that existing long-term empty homes should also be brought back into use.
· Look at adopting a neighbourhood plan for each ward/s, area or parish as it attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory development plan) once it has been approved at a referendum as stated in the neighbourhood planning act 2017.
· That should a new, modified or existing Greater Manchester wide plan emerge that OMBC look at mechanisms to first ratify the matter with the wards or areas in the OMBC area through a referendum.
· Adopt and where appropriate strengthen the declaration of interests procedure and register of interests and or all other policies where there could be a perceived or actual conflict of interest/s either for Councillors or Council employees so as to make sure that members do not leave themselves open to (or perceived to be open to) improper influence through the acceptance of gifts and hospitality, or otherwise.”
AMENDMENT
Councillor Harkness MOVED and Councillor Al-Hamdani SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:
“Paragraph 1
After ‘report’, insert ‘at the Full Meeting of Oldham Council’, delete after 25th November 2020, ‘Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) meeting’
Delete ‘OMBC’, insert ‘this Council’. Delete ‘ultimately’.
Paragraph 2
Delete first sentence: ‘Oldham Borough Council Conservatives reject the need to build on our Greenbelt.’
Delete in the original second sentence: ‘We believe that t’, start sentence ‘The GMSF’.
Delete in original third sentence: ‘That is why we are asking that OMBC’, start sentence ‘Oldham Council should’. Delete ‘OMBC that’ between ‘and’ and ‘explore’.
Delete in the original fourth sentence: ‘We note’, start sentence with ‘Council notes’. Capitalise Neighbourhood Planning Act.
Paragraph 3
Reword paragraph as follows incorporating some of the original wording:
‘Despite the vote approved by the AGMA Executive Board on 11 December 2020 to proceed with a ‘Joint Development Plan Document of the nine authorities’, Council believes that the people must have the final say on any future plan/s or proposal/s for their area through a referendum.’
Paragraph 4
Delete in its entirety.
In the resolution, delete the original bullet point in its entirety.
Insert as a new first bullet point:
· That the Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking him to reconsider the following issues:
o Reform of the current system of deciding requirements for new housing. This is imposed upon local government by central government, and requires much greater development in Northern towns such as Oldham than in many Southern towns and cities;
o Current housing needs figures across Greater Manchester are based on outdated data, and should arguably be much lower;
o The Government’s analysis of how well local authorities are meeting housing targets ignores the fact that developers control how many applications are brought forward and delivered, and local authorities are not assessed on their delivery of approved applications.
o There needs to be a significant increase in the amount of funding made available to local government to support the remediation of Brownfield sites for housing development.
The original third bullet point becomes the second bullet point etc.
In this second bullet point
Delete ‘That OMBC commits to do the following’, replace with ‘To commit to’.
In the first second-level bullet point, replace ‘Take’ with ‘Taking’
In the second second-level bullet point, replace ‘Complete’ with ‘Completing’
Delete the third second-level bullet point in its entirety.
Replace the fourth second-level bullet point with ‘Encouraging the building of beautiful, environmentally-sound, and spacious homes, that meet the highest green standards, that are accessible and suitably equipped to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and have sufficient space and light for residents and – where possible – have garden space; and that complement local aesthetics and existing building styles.
Delete the fifth second-level bullet point in its entirety.
Insert a new fifth second-level bullet point which reads:
‘Reaffirming the policy first outlined in the motion approved by Council at the meeting held on 22 March 2017 that: ‘Council firmly believes that new housing development should first take place on brownfield or derelict sites, on sites with existing planning permission; and by converting long-term empty mills, shops and offices into homes; and that existing long-term empty homes should also be brought back into use, before any consideration is given to allocating green-belt or other protected open land for housing’.
In the sixth second-level bullet point, replace ‘adopting’ with ‘Promoting the adoption of’.
In the eighth second-level bullet point, replace ‘adopt’ with ‘adopting’ and ‘strengthen’ with ‘strengthening’.”
Amended motion to read:
“Following the withdrawal of the vote on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) report at the Full Meeting of Oldham Council on 25th November 2020 and following the vote to reject the GMSF at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, this Council believes that the GMSF is no longer fit for purpose.
The GMSF has damaged public trust due to the top-down nature of the plans. Oldham Council should listen to local communities and explore the use of neighbourhood plans for each ward/s, area or parish enabling communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work. Council notes that a neighbourhood plan attains the same legal status as a local plan (and other documents that form part of the statutory development plan) once it has been approved at a referendum as stated under the Neighbourhood Planning Act 2017.
Despite the vote approved by the AGMA Executive Board on 11 December 2020 to proceed with a ‘Joint Development Plan Document of the nine authorities’, Council believes that the people must have the final say on any future plan/s or proposal/s for their area through a referendum.
Given these factors, and until a satisfactory resolution is found, that this Council resolves:
· That the Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, asking him to reconsider the following issues:
o Reform of the current system of deciding requirements for new housing. This is imposed upon local government by central government, and requires much greater development in Northern towns such as Oldham than in many Southern towns and cities;
o Current housing needs figures across Greater Manchester are based on outdated data, and should arguably be much lower;
o The Government’s analysis of how well local authorities are meeting housing targets ignores the fact that developers control how many applications are brought forward and delivered, and local authorities are not assessed on their delivery of approved applications.
o There needs to be a significant increase in the amount of funding made available to local government to support the remediation of Brownfield sites for housing development.
To commit to:
· Taking full advantage of HM Government and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak’s £400 million fund aimed at creating more homes on brownfield land, as part of a package of Budget measures intended to boost housing delivery.
· Completing a full and accurate online register detailing and listing all the Brownfield sites available in the OMBC area and any estimated costs associated with repurposing the land.
· Encouraging the building of beautiful, environmentally-sound, and spacious homes that meet the highest green standards, that are accessible and suitably equipped to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and have sufficient space and light fore residents and – and where possible – have garden space; and that complement local aesthetics and existing building styles.
· Reaffirming the policy first outlined in the motion approved by Council at the meeting held on 22 March 2017 that: ‘Council firmly believes that new housing development should first take place on brownfield or derelict sites, on sites with existing planning permission; and by converting long-term empty mills, shops and offices into homes; and that existing long-term empty homes should also be brought back into use, before any consideration is given to allocating green-belt or other protected open land for housing’.
· Promoting the adoption of neighbourhood plan for each ward/s, area or parish.
· That should a new, modified or existing Greater Manchester wide plan emerge that OMBC look at mechanisms to first ratify the matter with the wards or areas in the OMBC area through a referendum.
· Adopting, and where appropriate, strengthening the declaration of interests procedure and register of interests and all other policies where there could be a perceived or actual conflict of interest/s either for Councillors or Council employees so as to make sure that members do not leave themselves open to (or perceived to be open to) improper influence through the acceptance of gifts and hospitality, or otherwise.”
Councillor Fielding spoke against the amendment.
Councillor Sheldon did not exercise his right of reply.
Councillor Harkness did not exercise his right of reply.
A vote was then taken on the AMENDMENT.
On being put to the vote, 8 votes were cast in FAVOUR of the AMENDMENT and 45 votes were cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS. The AMENDMENT was therefore LOST.
Councillor Roberts spoke against the Motion.
Councillor Sheldon exercised his right of reply.
On being put to the vote, 5 votes were cast in FAVOUR of the MOTION and 48 votes were cast AGAINST with 0 ABSTENTIONS. The MOTION was therefore LOST.