(time limit 30 minutes)
Motion 1
Can this Council Dare to be Brave
Councillor Byrne to MOVE and Councillor Woodvine to SECOND:
Council notes that it has the Power to act on the Reduction of Speed on Country Roads from the national Speed limit of 50/60mph which has remained in place from 1977.
Council notes The Dangers of Rural Driving are that 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.
It is twice as likely for Motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.
It is Three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.
Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.
The Council recognises that Local Authorities have the power to change the speed limit but until now they have done this piecemeal in response to traffic accidents.
That the 60mph default limit is inappropriate for most minor rural roads and those attempting to speed on narrow and winding lanes at this speed is reckless.
British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.
Council recognise as more houses are built in Oldham for families many in semi rural areas on Brown Field sites the Safety for children who need to navigate these roads to school and buses.
A petition was recently presented to Democratic Services for just this in my Saddleworth North Ward
Council resolves to exercise its power to change these particular speed limits to more realistic speeds for the time we now live in.
Motion 2
Meeting the human needs for food and warmth
Councillor Hamblett to MOVE and Councillor Marland to SECOND:
This Council notes that:
The pandemic has highlighted the significant health, well-being, and economic inequalities in our society.
More than one in three children in Oldham borough live in poverty – far higher than the national average of one in five.
The Government has no current plans to address the massive increases in energy costs that have already occurred and are planned, but that the Liberal Democrats’ policy on energy costs have now been adopted wholesale by the Labour party which is welcomed.
This year, schools in Oldham will face a real terms reduction in funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals of £212,797 because of decisions made by this Conservative government.
Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit as incomes are squeezed by double digit inflation and increased taxation.
The Government ended the uplift in Universal Credit, removing means for families to offset rising food and fuel costs.
A poll in April this year found that 5.3 million households were already having to choose between heating and food.
If you cannot afford food or heating, you have no disposable income which exponentially reduces the amount of money spent, creating a vicious economic cycle.
That this Council also notes that:
Increasingly, Greater Manchester Local Authorities are developing ‘Library Plus’ or ‘Warm Bank’ schemes, to give residents a place to stay warm and keep the cost of bills at home down after school and during evenings and weekends.
Oldham Foodbank have issued 8,048 three-day emergency food supplies in the last year.
Whilst the need for food banks in the fifth richest economy in the world is a mark of great shame, local food banks do a brilliant job and are a lifeline for many residents of our borough.
This Council believes that:
No one should go cold or hungry in Oldham borough.
Fuel and food poverty in the United Kingdom are disgraceful and shaming indictments of the policies of the Conservative government.
It is time to enshrine the human right to food into law.
This Council resolves:
That Oldham Council will develop a plan for the use of ‘Warm Banks’ across the borough. This will include later opening for Libraries, Community Centres, and other suitable buildings where possible.
That Oldham Council will write to the three MPs for Oldham, asking them to confirm their commitment to action to cut the costs of energy for residents.
That Oldham Council will write to the Secretary of State for Energy to demand investment into the Oldham Mine Water Heat Network, which would provide an alternative way of delivering a secure heating source for hundreds of homes in the borough and commits to finding funding for this project at the soonest possible opportunity.
That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Secretary of State for Education to ask that damaging cuts to Free School Meals are reversed.
That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Chancellor, urging him to reinstate the uplift for Universal Credit and extend Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit.
To work closely with food banks and charitable organisations across Oldham Borough to identify initiatives to alleviate food and fuel poverty that can be supported by this council.
Motion 3
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 to MOVE and Councillor Wilkinson to SECOND:
Council notes that:
The Newsam 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.
We acknowledge that Operation Sherwood, which has been set up by GMP, will look into the criminal activity and hopefully bring convictions on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children and the vulnerable in our Borough.
This issue is above any party-political leanings. Together we need to eradicate this corruption which lies within our society.
Council resolves that;
Minutes:
Motion1 – Can this Council Dare to be Brave
Councillor Byrne MOVED and Councillor WOODVINE seconded the following Motion:
This Council notes that it has the Power to act on the Reduction of Speed on Country Roads from the national Speed limit of 50/60mph which has remained in place from 1977.
Council notes The Dangers of Rural Driving are that 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.
It is twice as likely for Motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.
It is Three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.
Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.
The Council recognises that Local Authorities have the power to change the speed limit but until now they have done this piecemeal in response to traffic accidents.
That the 60mph default limit is inappropriate for most minor rural roads and those attempting to speed on narrow and winding lanes at this speed is reckless.
British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.
Council recognise as more houses are built in Oldham for families many in semi-rural areas on Brown Field sites the Safety for children who need to navigate these roads to school and buses.
A petition was recently presented to Democratic Services for just this in my Saddleworth North Ward.
Council resolves to exercise its power to change these particular speed limits to more realistic speeds for the time we now live in.
AMENDMENT
Councillor S. Bashforth MOVED and Councillor C. Phythian SECONDED the following amendment:
More and more Oldham residents are frustrated with the lack of due care some motorists have for their fellow Oldhamers, across the Borough the number of residents voicing their frustrations over speeding and reckless driving is growing.
This Council Notes:
· That 10 times more people die on Rural Roads than on Motorways.
· It is twice as likely for motorcyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one.
· It is three times more likely for cyclists to be killed on a rural road than an urban one - British Cycling, the sport’s governing body urged the Government to cut the speed limit on thousands of miles of road without white centre markings.
· Last year 66 horses died and 129 were injured the British Horse Society said.
i. In recent months there have been a concerning number of high-profile incidents related to speeding on roads in the Borough.
ii. Speed limits are not set in isolation but as part of a package with other measures to manage vehicle speeds across the local roads and improve road safety.
iii. Where residents have immediate concerns around a speed limit being regularly breached, they should contact the police in the first instance.
iv. That the 60mph default limit is not always appropriate for minor rural roads and those attempting to speed on narrow and winding lanes at this speed are reckless.
v. That as part of Operation Avro in March 2022, Greater Manchester Police investigated a total of 240 traffic offences, with 99 of them related to speeding.
vi. That the Council follows the Government’s speed limit framework guidance for setting national speed limits for different road types
vii. And that speed limits are a maximum speed not a target speed.
This Council recognises:
· That as we continue to build homes for Oldham families following the Councils brownfield first approach to housing development that the concentration of road users in urban and semi-rural areas is likely to go up.
· That any new speed limit will be set with support from the local community and public consultation with those affected must take place.
· That we should encourage as many people as possible to use public transport for the sake of the environment
o But Council also recognises that for many people this hasn’t been a viable option because of the cost and inefficiency of certain modes
o That the Mayor of Greater Manchester and TfGM have brought in measures to cap the cost of bus travel in Greater Manchester this week.
Therefore, this council resolves:
To exercise its power to change speed limits on roads responsibly and ensure speed limits on roads across Oldham are appropriate and realistic for their surroundings and the times we now live in.
On being put to the Vote, the MOTION as amended was CARRIED.
RESOLVED that:
The Council agrees to exercise its power to change speed limits on roads responsibly and ensure speed limits on roads across Oldham are appropriate and realistic for their surroundings and the times we now live in.
MOTION 2 - Meeting the Human Needs for Food and Warmth
Councillor Hamblett MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED the following Motion:
This Council notes that the pandemic has highlighted the significant health, well-being, and economic inequalities in our society.
More than one in three children in Oldham borough live in poverty – far higher than the national average of one in five.
The Government has no current plans to address the massive increases in energy costs that have already occurred and are planned, but that the Liberal Democrats’ policy on energy costs have now been adopted wholesale by the Labour party which is welcomed.
This year, schools in Oldham will face a real terms reduction in funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals of £212,797 because of decisions made by this Conservative government.
Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit as incomes are squeezed by double digit inflation and increased taxation.
The Government ended the uplift in Universal Credit, removing means for families to offset rising food and fuel costs.
A poll in April this year found that 5.3 million households were already having to choose between heating and food.
If you cannot afford food or heating, you have no disposable income which exponentially reduces the amount of money spent, creating a vicious economic cycle.
That this Council also notes that increasingly, Greater Manchester Local Authorities are developing ‘Library Plus’ or ‘Warm Bank’ schemes, to give residents a place to stay warm and keep the cost of bills at home down after school and during evenings and weekends.
Oldham Foodbank have issued 8,048 three-day emergency food supplies in the last year.
Whilst the need for food banks in the fifth richest economy in the world is a mark of great shame, local food banks do a brilliant job and are a lifeline for many residents of our borough.
This Council believes that no one should go cold or hungry in Oldham borough. Fuel and food poverty in the United Kingdom are disgraceful and shaming indictments of the policies of the Conservative government.
It is time to enshrine the human right to food into law.
This Council resolves:
That Oldham Council will develop a plan for the use of ‘Warm Banks’ across the borough. This will include later opening for Libraries, Community Centres, and other suitable buildings where possible.
That Oldham Council will write to the three MPs for Oldham, asking them to confirm their commitment to action to cut the costs of energy for residents.
That Oldham Council will write to the Secretary of State for Energy to demand investment into the Oldham Mine Water Heat Network, which would provide an alternative way of delivering a secure heating source for hundreds of homes in the borough and commits to finding funding for this project at the soonest possible opportunity.
That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Secretary of State for Education to ask that damaging cuts to Free School Meals are reversed.
That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Chancellor, urging him to reinstate the uplift for Universal Credit and extend Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit.
To work closely with food banks and charitable organisations across Oldham Borough to identify initiatives to alleviate food and fuel poverty that can be supported by this council.
Councillor Alyas MOVED and Councillor Birch SECONDED the following Amendment:
This Council notes that:
The pandemic has highlighted the significant health, well-being, and economic inequalities in our society. More than one in three children in Oldham borough live in poverty – far higher than the national average of one in five.
The Government has no current plans to address the massive increases in energy costs that have already occurred and are planned, but that the Liberal Democrats’ policy on energy costs have now been adopted wholesale by the Labour party which is welcomed.
This year, schools in Oldham will face a real terms reduction in funding for Universal Infant Free School Meals of £212,797 because of decisions made by this Conservative government.
Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit as incomes are squeezed by double digit inflation and increased taxation. The Government ended the uplift in Universal Credit, removing means for families to offset rising food and fuel costs.
A poll in April this year found that 5.3 million households were already having to choose between heating and food. If you cannot afford food or heating, you have no disposable income which exponentially reduces the amount of money spent, creating a vicious economic cycle.
That this Council also notes that:
Increasingly, Greater Manchester Local Authorities, including Oldham, are developing ‘Library Plus’ or ‘Warm Bank’ schemes, to give residents a place to stay warm and keep the cost of bills at home down after school and during evenings and weekends.
Oldham Foodbank have issued 8,048 three-day emergency food supplies in the last year. Whilst the need for food banks in the fifth richest economy in the world is a mark of great shame, local food banks do a brilliant job and are a lifeline for many residents of our borough.
This Council believes that no one should go cold or hungry in Oldham borough. Fuel and food poverty in the United Kingdom are disgraceful and shaming indictments of the policies of the Conservative government. It is time to enshrine the human right to food into law.
This Council resolves:
1. That Oldham Council will write to the three MPs for Oldham, asking them to confirm their commitment to action to cut the costs of energy for residents.
2. That Oldham Council will write to the Secretary of State for Energy to demand investment into the Oldham Mine Water Heat Network, which would provide an alternative way of delivering a secure heating source for hundreds of homes in the borough and commits to finding funding for this project at the soonest possible opportunity.
3. That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Secretary of State for Education to ask that damaging cuts to Free School Meals are reversed.
4. That the Chief Executive of the Council will write to the Chancellor, urging them to reinstate the uplift for Universal Credit and extend Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit.
5. To work closely with food banks and charitable organisations across Oldham Borough to identify initiatives to alleviate food and fuel poverty that can be supported by this council.
On being put to the vote, the MOTION as amended was CARRIED.
RESOLVED that:
1. That Oldham Council will write to the three MPs for Oldham, asking them to confirm their commitment to action to cut the costs of energy for residents.
Motion 3 – 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:
The Newsam 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.
We acknowledge that Operation Sherwood, which has been set up by GMP, will look into the criminal activity and hopefully bring convictions on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children and the vulnerable in our Borough.
This issue is above any party-political leanings. Together we need to eradicate this corruption which lies within our society.
Council resolves that;
A recorded vote was requested and taken on the Motion, as follows:
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
COUNCILLOR |
|
|
Ahmad Riaz |
AGAINST |
Iqbal Javid |
APOLOGIES |
|
Akhtar Shoab |
AGAINST |
Islam Nazrul Mohammed |
APOLOGIES |
|
Al-Hamdani Sam |
FOR |
Jabbar Abdul |
AGAINST |
|
Ali Mohon |
AGAINST |
Kenyon Mark |
FOR |
|
Alyas Mohammed |
AGAINST |
Lancaster Luke |
FOR |
|
Arnott Dave |
FOR |
Marland Alicia |
FOR |
|
Azad Ali Montaz |
FOR |
McLaren Colin |
AGAINST |
|
Ball Sandra |
FOR |
McManus Chris |
FOR |
|
Barnes Robert |
FOR |
Moores Eddie |
AGAINST |
|
Bashforth Marie |
AGAINST |
Munroe Leanne |
AGAINST |
|
Bashforth Steven |
AGAINST |
Murphy Dave |
FOR |
|
Birch Ros |
AGAINST |
Mushtaq Shaid |
AGAINST |
|
Brownridge Barbara |
AGAINST |
Nasheen Umar |
AGAINST |
|
Byrne Pam |
FOR |
Phythian Clint |
AGAINST |
|
Chadderton Amanda |
AGAINST |
Phythian Kyle |
AGAINST |
|
Chauhan Zahid (DEPUTY MAYOR) |
APOLOGIES |
Quigg Lewis |
FOR |
|
Cosgrove Angela |
AGAINST |
Rea Lucia |
FOR |
|
Dean Peter |
AGAINST |
Salamat Aqeel Ali |
AGAINST |
|
Gloster Chris |
FOR |
Sharp Beth |
FOR |
|
Gloster Hazel |
FOR |
Sheldon Graham |
APOLOGIES |
|
Goodwin Chris |
AGAINST |
Shuttleworth Graham |
APOLOGIES |
|
Hamblett Louie |
FOR |
Stretton Jean |
AGAINST |
|
Harrison Jenny |
AGAINST |
Surjan Ruji |
AGAINST |
|
Hindle Neil |
FOR |
Sykes Howard |
FOR |
|
Hobin Brian |
FOR |
Taylor Elaine |
AGAINST |
|
Hulme George |
AGAINST |
Wilkinson Mark |
FOR |
|
Hussain Aftab |
FOR |
Williams Steve |
AGAINST |
|
Hussain Fida |
AGAINST |
Williamson Diane |
FOR |
|
Hussain Sajed |
AGAINST |
Woodvine Max |
FOR |
|
Ibrahim Nyla |
AGAINDT |
Garry Elaine (MAYOR) |
AGAINST |
On a recorded VOTE being taken 24 VOTES were cast in FAVOUR of the RESOLUTION with 31 VOTES cast AGAINST and there were 0 ABSTENTIONS. The RESOLUTION was therefore LOST.