(time limit 30 minutes)
Motion 1
Councillor Kenyon to MOVE and Councillor H Gloster to SECOND:
Making Fairer Decisions
The administration, councillors and council officers are collectively making thousands of decisions each year, some large, many small, but all collectively have an effect on the health, wealth and welfare of the people who live and work in Oldham, Shaw, Crompton, Saddleworth, Royton, Failsworth, Lees, Chadderton and the surrounding areas.
Making our borough safer for children and young people is a key aim shared by everyone in the council chamber.
Making our borough wealthier by directing more of this Authority’s spending to local jobs and businesses is also a key aim shared by all in this chamber.
When making a decision, officers and councillors are careful to consider the full implications of that decision. The different options and the implication of the decision are weighed against specific criteria; financial, legal, the co-operative agenda, human resources, risks, IT, property, procurement, environmental and health & safety, equality, community cohesion & crime, children & young people. An equality impact assessment is also completed.
This Council believes that:
Councillors and officers should be explicitly considering the implications of making a decision on the safety of children and on Authority spending into the local economy.
Council therefore resolves to:
Direct the Chief Executive to amend the standard assessment criteria within the decision-making reports and records to include a requirement to consider the implications of the decision on:
1) The potential to increase the risk of harm to children (a context assessment). This to be included on the section dealing with Implications for Children and Young People.
2) Authority spending into the local economy. This to be included in the section on Co-Operative Agenda.
3) Direct the Chief Executive to make and introduce these changes within three months of this Council meeting. A progress report and any financial implications be reported to future cabinet meetings as and when appropriate.
Motion 2
Councillor Hobin to MOVE and Councillor Wilkinson to SECOND:
Independent Public Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) (Historical & Present) within Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC), including the actions and knowledge of Council Members and Officers.
Council notes that:
The Newsome and Ridgway review into historic Child Sexual Exploitation in Oldham was published on Monday 20th June 2022. The review found that some children had been failed by agencies that were meant to protect them and that there were serious failings in the handling of some cases.
The review was discussed at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on Mon 27 June 2022. The public were invited to submit questions to a panel that included the Council Leader and Greater Manchester Mayor. Councillors from all political parties were also invited to ask questions or make statements.
While questions were asked, sadly many were left unanswered, and some wholly ignored. Unfortunately, questions remain. We as a council, and as such member herein, have a duty to protect children and vulnerable people of the borough and beyond. The reality is, until we get to the root of the issue, we cannot move forward as we are unable to ensure that failings highlighted in the review are not continuing.
It is very clear there is significant dissatisfaction from the public and opposition parties with the contents of the report and that this has been further evidenced in the press and on social media. There is a significant groundswell of opinion that a fully independent public inquiry is needed to address the issue of CSE in Oldham, both historically and in the present.
This issue is above any party-political leanings. Together we need to eradicate this corruption which lies within our society.
Council resolves that;
Minutes:
Motion 1 – Making Fairer Decisions
Councillor Kenyon MOVED and Councillor Murphy SECONDED the following Motion:
This Council notes that:
The administration, councillors and council officers are collectively making thousands of decisions each year, some large, many small, but all collectively have an effect on the health, wealth and welfare of the people who live and work in Oldham, Shaw, Crompton, Saddleworth, Royton, Failsworth, Lees, Chadderton and the surrounding areas.
Making our borough safer for children and young people is a key aim shared by everyone in the council chamber.
Making our borough wealthier by directing more of this Authority’s spending to local jobs and businesses is also a key aim shared by all in this chamber.
When making a decision, officers and councillors are careful to consider the full implications of that decision. The different options and the implication of the decision are weighed against specific criteria; financial, legal, the co-operative agenda, human resources, risks, IT, property, procurement, environmental and health & safety, equality, community cohesion & crime, children & young people. An equality impact assessment is also completed.
This Council believes that: Councillors and officers should be explicitly considering the implications of making a decision on the safety of children and on Authority spending into the local economy.
Council therefore resolves to:
Direct the Chief Executive to amend the standard assessment criteria within the decision-making reports and records to include a requirement to consider the implications of the decision on:
1. The potential to increase the risk of harm to children (a context assessment). This to be included on the section dealing with Implications for Children and Young People.
2. Authority spending into the local economy. This to be included in the section on Co-Operative Agenda.
3. Direct the Chief Executive to make and introduce these changes within three months of this Council meeting. A progress report and any financial implications be reported to future cabinet meetings as and when appropriate.
Councillor Mushtaq MOVED and Councillor Stretton SECONDED the following amendment:
Paragraph 4
Insert – currently
Paragraph 6
Insert – that in developing a new approach to impact assessments for council decisions the standard assessment criteria
Delete – amend the standard assessment criteria within the decision-making reports and records to and insert – should
Paragraph 7
Insert – impact of the decision on children and young people which should include any potential impact on
Delete – (a context assessment). This to be included on the section detailing with implications for Children and Young People
Paragraph 8
Delete – This to be included in the section on the Co-Operative Agenda.
Paragraph 9
Insert – in line with current plans for a fresh approach to impact assessments.
Amendment to Motion to read
This Council Notes that:
The administration, councillors and council officers are collectively making thousands of decisions each year, some large, many small, but all collectively have an effect on the health, wealth and welfare of the people who live and work in Oldham, Shaw, Crompton, Saddleworth, Royton, Failsworth, Lees, Chadderton and the surrounding areas.
Making our borough safer for children and young people is a key aim shared by everyone in the council chamber. Making our borough wealthier by directing more of this Authority’s spending to local jobs and businesses is also a key aim shared by all in this chamber.
When making a decision, officers and councillors are careful to consider the full implications of that decision.
The different options and the implication of the decision are currently weighed against specific criteria; financial, legal, the co-operative agenda, human resources, risks, IT, property, procurement, environmental and health & safety, equality, community cohesion & crime, children & young people. An equality impact assessment is also completed.
This Council believes that:
Councillors and officers should be explicitly considering the implications of making a decision on the safety of children and on Authority spending into the local economy.
Council therefore resolves to:
Direct the Chief Executive that in developing a new approach to impact assessments for council decisions the standard assessment criteria should include a requirement to consider the implications of the decision on:
1) The potential impact of the decision on children and young people which should include any potential impact on the risk of harm to children.
2) Authority spending into the local economy.
3) Direct the Chief Executive to make and introduce these changes, in line with current plans for a fresh approach to impact assessments, within three months of this Council meeting. A progress report and any financial implications be reported to future cabinet meetings as and when appropriate.
On being put to the vote, the MOTION as amended was CARRIED
RESOLVED that:
Council therefore resolves to direct the Chief Executive that in developing a new approach to impact assessments for council decisions the standard assessment criteria should include a requirement to consider the implications of the decision on:
1) The potential impact of the decision on children and young people which should include any potential impact on the risk of harm to children.
2) Authority spending into the local economy.
3) Direct the Chief Executive to make and introduce these changes, in line with current plans for a fresh approach to impact assessments, within three months of this Council meeting. A progress report and any financial implications be reported to future cabinet meetings as and when appropriate.
Motion 2 – Independent Public Enquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) (Historical & Present) within Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC), including the actions and knowledge of Council Members and Officers
Councillor Hobin MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED the following Motion:
This Council notes that:
The Newsome and Ridgway review into historic Child Sexual Exploitation in Oldham was published on Monday 20th June 2022. The review found that some children had been failed by agencies that were meant to protect them and that there were serious failings in the handling of some cases.
The review was discussed at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on Mon 27 June 2022. The public were invited to submit questions to a panel that included the Council Leader and Greater Manchester Mayor. Councillors from all political parties were also invited to ask questions or make statements.
While questions were asked, sadly many were left unanswered, and some wholly ignored. Unfortunately, questions remain. We as a council, and as such member herein, have a duty to protect children and vulnerable people of the borough and beyond. The reality is, until we get to the root of the issue, we cannot move forward as we are unable to ensure that failings highlighted in the review are not continuing.
It is very clear there is significant dissatisfaction from the public and opposition parties with the contents of the report and that this has been further evidenced in the press and on social media. There is a significant groundswell of opinion that a fully independent public inquiry is needed to address the issue of CSE in Oldham, both historically and in the present.
This issue is above any party-political leanings. Together we need to eradicate this corruption which lies within our society.
Council resolves that:
AMENDMENT
Councillor Chadderton MOVED and Councillor Moores SECONDED the following amendment:
Paragraph 1.
Insert – Response to the
Delete – Independent Public Enquiry
Insert – Independent Review into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practice
Delete – (OMBC) including the actions and knowledge of Council Members and Officers
Paragraph 4.
Delete – wholly ignored. Unfortunately questions
Delete – and as
Delete – The reality is, until we get to the root of the issue, we cannot move forward as we are unable to ensure the failings highlighted in the review are not continuing.
Insert – We must move forward ensuring we have acknowledged past failing, sought to make amends to those we have failed and ensuring current practice never repeats any of those mistakes. We must also seek justice for those still awaiting it.
Delete Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Insert
· Dedicated additional resource be recruited or redeployed to support the work of Operation Sherwood in fully investigating any historic CSE allegations across Oldham to seek convictions for those that perpetrated these terrible crimes and to ensure justice for victims.
· Ongoing support be given to victims of historic and current CSE including access to independent support from organisations like SARC and KOGs (Keeping Our Girls Safe). This support should include advice on how to secure independent advice on reparations and complaints.
· to advise on and oversee this vital support work a steering group of victim/ survivor charities and groups and survivors be established.
· That a cross-party steering group is established to work alongside the existing Department for Education chaired ‘Getting to Good Board’ which oversees our improvements to Children’s Social Care, our independently chaired Safeguarding Partnership which oversees all safeguarding activity in the borough and our newly established Victim Steering Group to oversee our work to support historic and current victims of CSE. The cross-party group would oversee each of their activity and report back to the Oldham public on progress.
Amended motion to read:
Response to the Independent Review into Historic Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practice within Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council.
Council notes that:
The Newsome and Ridgway review into historic Child Sexual Exploitation in Oldham was published on Monday 20th June 2022. The review found that some children had been failed by agencies that were meant to protect them and that there were serious failings in the handling of some cases.
The review was discussed at an Extraordinary Full Council Meeting on Monday 27th June 2022. The public were invited to submit questions to a panel that included the Council Leader and Greater Manchester Mayor. Councillors from all political parties were also invited to ask questions or make statements.
While questions were asked, sadly many were left unanswered, and some remain. We as a council, have a duty to protect children and vulnerable people of the borough and beyond. We must move forward ensuring we have acknowledged past failing, sought to make amends to those who we failed and ensuring current practice never repeats any of those mistakes. We must also seek justice for those still awaiting it.
· Dedicated additional resource be recruited or redeployed to support the work of Operation Sherwood in fully investigating any historic CSE allegations across Oldham to seek convictions for those that perpetrated these terrible crimes and to ensure justice for victims.
· Ongoing support be given to victims of historic and current CSE including access to independent support from organisations like SARC and KOGs (Keeping Our Girls Safe). This support should include advice on how to secure independent advice on reparations and complaints.
· to advise on and oversee this vital support work a steering group of victim/ survivor charities and groups and survivors be established.
· That a cross-party steering group is established to work alongside the existing Department for Education chaired ‘Getting to Good Board’ which oversees our improvements to Children’s Social Care, our independently chaired Safeguarding Partnership which oversees all safeguarding activity in the borough and our newly established Victim Steering Group to oversee our work to support historic and current victims of CSE. The cross-party group would oversee each of their activity and report back to the Oldham public on progress.
A recorded vote was requested and taken on the MOTION, as AMENDED, should be adopted as the formal MOTION, as follows:
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
|
Ahmad Riaz |
FOR |
Iqbal Javid |
FOR |
|
Akhtar Shoab |
FOR |
Islam Nazrul Mohammed |
FOR |
|
Al-Hamdani Sam |
AGAINST |
Jabbar Abdul |
FOR |
|
Ali Mohon |
FOR |
Kenyon Mark |
AGAINST |
|
Alyas Mohammed |
FOR |
Lancaster Luke |
AGAINST |
|
Arnott Dave |
AGAINST |
Marland Alicia |
AGAINST |
|
Azad Ali Montaz |
AGAINST |
McLaren Colin |
FOR |
|
Ball Sandra |
AGAINST |
McManus Chris |
APOLOGIES |
|
Barnes Robert |
AGAINST |
Moores Eddie |
FOR |
|
Bashforth Marie |
FOR |
Munroe Leanne |
FOR |
|
Bashforth Steven |
FOR |
Murphy Dave |
AGAINST |
|
Birch Ros |
FOR |
Mushtaq Shaid |
FOR |
|
Brownridge Barbara |
FOR |
Nasheen Umar |
FOR |
|
Byrne Pam |
AGAINST |
Phythian Clint |
FOR |
|
Chadderton Amanda |
FOR |
Phythian Kyle |
APOLOGIES |
|
Chauhan Zahid |
FOR |
Quigg Lewis |
AGAINST |
|
Cosgrove Angela |
FOR |
Rea Lucia |
AGAINST |
|
Dean Peter |
FOR |
Salamat Aqeel Ali |
APOLOGIES |
|
Gloster Chris |
AGAINST |
Sharp Beth |
APOLOGIES |
|
Gloster Hazel |
APOLOGIES |
Sheldon Graham |
AGAINST |
|
Goodwin Chris |
FOR |
Shuttleworth Graham |
FOR |
|
Hamblett Louie |
AGAINST |
Stretton Jean |
FOR |
|
Harrison Jenny |
FOR |
Surjan Ruji |
FOR |
|
Hindle Neil |
AGAINST |
Sykes Howard |
APOLOGIES |
|
Hobin Brian |
AGAINST |
Taylor Elaine |
FOR |
|
Hulme George |
FOR |
Wilkinson Mark |
AGAINST |
|
Hussain Aftab |
FOR |
Williams Steve |
FOR |
|
Hussain Fida |
FOR |
Williamson Diane |
AGAINST |
|
Hussain Sajed |
APOLOGIES |
Woodvine Max |
AGAINST |
|
Ibrahim Nyla |
APOLOGIES |
Garry Elaine (MAYOR) |
FOR |
On a recorded VOTE being taken 32 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the RESOLUTION with 20 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were 0 ABSTENTIONS. The RESOLUTION was therefore CARRIED.
On adoption as the substantive Motion a further recorded vote was requested and taken on the MOTION, AS AMENDED, as follows:
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
|
Ahmad Riaz |
FOR |
Iqbal Javid |
FOR |
|
Akhtar Shoab |
FOR |
Islam Nazrul Mohammed |
FOR |
|
Al-Hamdani Sam |
AGAINST |
Jabbar Abdul |
FOR |
|
Ali Mohon |
FOR |
Kenyon Mark |
AGAINST |
|
Alyas Mohammed |
FOR |
Lancaster Luke |
AGAINST |
|
Arnott Dave |
AGAINST |
Marland Alicia |
AGAINST |
|
Azad Ali Montaz |
AGAINST |
McLaren Colin |
FOR |
|
Ball Sandra |
AGAINST |
McManus Chris |
APOLOGIES |
|
Barnes Robert |
AGAINST |
Moores Eddie |
FOR |
|
Bashforth Marie |
FOR |
Munroe Leanne |
FOR |
|
Bashforth Steven |
FOR |
Murphy Dave |
AGAINST |
|
Birch Ros |
FOR |
Mushtaq Shaid |
FOR |
|
Brownridge Barbara |
FOR |
Nasheen Umar |
FOR |
|
Byrne Pam |
AGAINST |
Phythian Clint |
FOR |
|
Chadderton Amanda |
FOR |
Phythian Kyle |
APOLOGIES |
|
Chauhan Zahid |
FOR |
Quigg Lewis |
AGAINST |
|
Cosgrove Angela |
FOR |
Rea Lucia |
AGAINST |
|
Dean Peter |
FOR |
Salamat Aqeel Ali |
APOLOGIES |
|
Gloster Chris |
AGAINST |
Sharp Beth |
APOLOGIES |
|
Gloster Hazel |
APOLOGIES |
Sheldon Graham |
AGAINST |
|
Goodwin Chris |
FOR |
Shuttleworth Graham |
FOR |
|
Hamblett Louie |
AGAINST |
Stretton Jean |
FOR |
|
Harrison Jenny |
FOR |
Surjan Ruji |
FOR |
|
Hindle Neil |
AGAINST |
Sykes Howard |
APOLOGIES |
|
Hobin Brian |
AGAINST |
Taylor Elaine |
FOR |
|
Hulme George |
FOR |
Wilkinson Mark |
AGAINST |
|
Hussain Aftab |
FOR |
Williams Steve |
FOR |
|
Hussain Fida |
FOR |
Williamson Diane |
AGAINST |
|
Hussain Sajed |
APOLOGIES |
Woodvine Max |
AGAINST |
|
Ibrahim Nyla |
APOLOGIES |
Garry Elaine (MAYOR) |
FOR |
On a recorded VOTE being taken 32 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the RESOLUTION with 20 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were 0 ABSTENTIONS. The RESOLUTION AS AMENDED was therefore CARRIED.
RESOLVED that:
1. Dedicated additional resource be recruited or redeployed to support the work of Operation Sherwood in fully investigating any historic CSE allegations across Oldham to seek convictions for those that perpetrated these terrible crimes and to ensure justice for victims.
2. Ongoing support be given to victims of historic and current CSE including access to independent support from organisations like SARC and KOGs (Keeping Our Girls Safe). This support should include advice on how to secure independent advice on reparations and complaints.
3. to advise on and oversee this vital support work a steering group of victim/ survivor charities and groups and survivors be established.
4. That a cross-party steering group is established to work alongside the existing Department for Education chaired ‘Getting to Good Board’ which oversees our improvements to Children’s Social Care, our independently chaired Safeguarding Partnership which oversees all safeguarding activity in the borough and our newly established Victim Steering Group to oversee our work to support historic and current victims of CSE. The cross-party group would oversee each of their activity and report back to the Oldham public on progress.