(Time limit 30 minutes)
Motion 1
Oldham Assurance Review Final Stage
MOVED by Councillor Shah and SECONDED by Councillor Mushtaq
This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.
This Council notes that the findings in the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham found a clear political commitment and a sustained attempt to develop best practice in addressing the threat of child sexual exploitation.
This Council believes that this commitment was shared by many dedicated frontline workers working hard to protect vulnerable young people. It was clear however that there were unacceptable systemic failures to provide support and justice to victims and survivors, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out.
This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood.
This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.
This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.
This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:
1. that they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
2. that following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.
This Council further resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request:
1. That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
This Council further resolves to:
1. Develop and adopt a Victims and Survivors Charter in consultation with victim and survivor groups outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements placed on officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and to secure its adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
2. Support further work to raise public awareness among young people in all relevant settings, and with the general public to support prevention, early identification of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote the greater reporting of safeguarding concerns.
3. To develop and adopt a mandatory duty to report safeguarding concerns, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, enshrined in the Code of Conduct for elected members, and consult on the duty for officials employed by Oldham Council.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Mayor of Greater Manchester in his capacity as Police and Crime Commissioner overseeing Greater Manchester Police to request;
1. Support in the development of a Victims and Survivors Charter, outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements of officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and it’s adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
2. That an update on Operation Sherwood is provided to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board.
Motion 2
Block Lane GP Surgery
MOVED by Councillor Brownridge and SECONDED by Councillor Fida Hussain
In late May 2023 Councillors in Chadderton and Werneth became aware that the GP partners at Block Lane Surgery had informed the Integrated Care Partnership that they intended to terminate their contract to run General Practice out of the Block Lane surgery.
For patients in Chadderton and Werneth this has led to an understandable amount of concern and confusion, as local Councillors we are equally frustrated by this process and feel powerless to help our residents when they turn to us at this time.
Despite a close and very productive working relationship between Oldham Council and partners at the old CCG and new Integrated Care Partnership, as local Councillors we have no formal decision-making powers over GPs and NHS functions more broadly.
Therefore:
· The Council regrets the decision taken by partners at Block Lane practice to relinquish their contract by mid-July.
· This Council notes that this is the second surgery the partners at Block Lane have closed in Oldham within the last twelve months and regrets that this decision has had a detrimental impact on our residents.
· This Council thanks the local NHS for its hard work to try and keep Block Lane practice open, operating and serving residents in Werneth and Chadderton.
· This Council pledges to support the local NHS in anyway it can, to ensure patients smoothly transition to nearby practices.
Minutes:
Motion 1 – Oldham Assurance Review – Final Stage
Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Mushtaq SECONDED the following Motion:
This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.
This Council notes that the findings in the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham found a clear political commitment and a sustained attempt to develop best practice in addressing the threat of child sexual exploitation.
This Council believes that this commitment was shared by many dedicated frontline workers working hard to protect vulnerable young people. It was clear however that there were unacceptable systemic failures to provide support and justice to victims and survivors, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out.
This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood.
This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.
This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.
This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:
1. that they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
2. that following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.
This Council further resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request:
1. That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
This Council further resolves to:
1. Develop and adopt a Victims and Survivors Charter in consultation with victim and survivor groups outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements placed on officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and to secure its adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
2. Support further work to raise public awareness among young people in all relevant settings, and with the general public to support prevention, early identification of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote the greater reporting of safeguarding concerns.
3. To develop and adopt a mandatory duty to report safeguarding concerns, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, enshrined in the Code of Conduct for elected members, and consult on the duty for officials employed by Oldham Council.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Mayor of Greater Manchester in his capacity as Police and Crime Commissioner overseeing Greater Manchester Police to request;
1. Support in the development of a Victims and Survivors Charter, outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements of officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and it’s adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
2. That an update on Operation Sherwood is provided to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board.
1st AMENDMENT
Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Arnott SECONDED the following AMENDMENT
This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.
This Council notes and apologises to the survivors of the horrific crime of Child Sexual Exploitation in Oldham. It notes with disappointment that the Assurance Review did not go far enough to make conclusions beyond the narrow terms of reference that it was set, and which can only really be met by a full public inquiry.
For many the failures only scratched the surface. Given the scale of criminality in areas such as Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford. The Assurance Review only assured the Council and Greater Manchester Police that whilst there were failings in the past, that they are now attempting to right that wrong today. This is not good enough and it only adds to the belief that there is a cover up and an attempt to not address the large-scale negligence and criminality of those involved.
As the Home Secretary Suella Braverman identified political correctness was to often to blame for child sexual abuse signs being overlooked. This saw institutions and state agencies, whether social workers, teachers, the police turn a blind eye, to those signs of abuse out of political correctness, out of fear, of being called racists, out of fear, of being called bigoted. As a result, they failed to bring justice to those victims and survivors.
Justice delayed is justice denied. To this day those who worked and held positions of authority within Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and at Greater Manchester Police who were in a duty of care have not been held to account for their failures. No one no matter how high or low in an important public role or organisation should be exempt from the law.
We cannot ignore the negligence of public officials. Their failure to do the right thing ultimately failed survivors and allowed criminals to get away with this horrific crime. Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police cannot be allowed to continue to effectively mark their own homework.
This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood. However, Operation Sherwood does not go far enough, nor meet the expectations of the public and survivors as was set out to the full Council back on the 27/06/2022. Greater Manchester Police must deliver justice and they must follow the evidence beyond the 11 cases identified without fear or favour. Political Correctness, political stakeholders and cultural sensitivities must not get in the way of a full and proper pursuit of justice. Victims and survivors must not be failed by public officials again.
This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.
This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.
This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.
It is however important to remember that we must seek justice for all the victims of this crime in Oldham and that Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police cannot blame their failures on prevailing cultural attitudes, prejudices, or bureaucracies elsewhere in the Country or the passage of time. It only adds to the belief that there is a cover up and an attempt to deflect from the failures here in Oldham. It is a fact that abusing Children has been a crime since at least the introduction of the Prevention of Cruelty to, and Protection of, Children Act 1889, and all subsequent acts of Parliament since. No matter how long ago, abusing Children is an evil crime. Oldham should be leading the way in prosecuting all those who failed our Children, not following the failures and lack of action elsewhere.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request;
1. that they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
2. that following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will look to go further and beyond the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies, by granting a full public inquiry into the historic allegations of Child Sexual Exploitation within the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council area.
3. formally request a full public inquiry into the historic allegations of Child Sexual Exploitation within the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council area.
This Council further resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request;
1. That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
2. A full public inquiry into the historic allegations of Child Sexual Exploitation within the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council area.
3. That they use the opportunity to table a private members bill, an opposition day debate and lobby HM Government to change the law to make it easier to prosecute public officials for failing to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
A vote was taken on the 1st AMENDMENT which was LOST
2nd AMENDMENT
Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED the following AMENDMENT
This Council notes a year on from the publication of the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, and the subsequent publication of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, both finding institutional failings and that much more is needed to instil confidence in victims and survivors that adequate support and justice will be secured when complaints are made to officials.
This Council notes that the findings in the Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham found a clear political commitment and a sustained attempt to develop best practice in addressing the threat of child sexual exploitation.
This Council believes that this commitment was shared by many dedicated frontline workers working hard to protect vulnerable young people. It was clear however that there were unacceptable systemic failures to provide support and justice to victims and survivors, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out.
This Council notes the response from the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police and the promise to review cases as part of Operation Sherwood.
This Council believes that the findings of the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse further demonstrated a failure to provide support and justice to victims and survivors across the country, and to hold offenders to account for the abuse they carried out. Moreover, the inquiry identified that significant reform was needed and made 20 recommendations for change.
This Council has, in response to a request from the Liberal Democrat group, committed to implementing all recommendations from the IICSA report which were applicable to local councils.
This Council notes the response from government to the findings of the report, and to the recommendations for reform proposed by the investigation panel.
This Council believes that public confidence is essential in combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, and that public awareness and transparency on the characteristics of abuse and how it presents in various forms, are important to the public identifying indicators and patterns of potential abuse when it takes place, and in reporting it for investigation.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:
1. That they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
2. That following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.
1. That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
This Council further resolves to:
2. Support further work to raise public awareness among young people in all relevant settings, and with the general public to support prevention, early identification of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote the greater reporting of safeguarding concerns.
3. To develop and adopt a mandatory duty to report safeguarding concerns, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, enshrined in the Code of Conduct for elected members, and consult on the duty for officials employed by Oldham Council.
4. Oldham Council will fully support any further investigations that are brought forward into pre-existing cases of child sexual exploitation.
This Council resolves that the Chief Executive writes to the Mayor of Greater Manchester in his capacity as Police and Crime Commissioner overseeing Greater Manchester Police to request:
1. Support in the development of a Victims and Survivors Charter, outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements of officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and it’s adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
2. That an update on Operation Sherwood is provided to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board.
On being put to the vote the AMENDMENT was CARRIED
On being out to the vote the MOTION as AMENDED was CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Chief Executive writes to the Home Office to request:
a. That they accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
b. That following the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (CSE) led by Professor Alexis Jay, and Oldham Assurance review into historic safeguarding practices in Oldham, the government will support the final stage assurance review announced by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the terms of reference of which will include current operational practice across key agencies.
2. That the Chief Executive writes to the borough Members of Parliament to request:
a. That they make representations to the Home Office supporting the Council’s request for the government to accept each of the 20 recommendations made by the national Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and that a plan for implementing each of the recommendations in the current parliament is secured.
4. That the Council develop and adopt a Victims and Survivors Charter in consultation with victim and survivor groups outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements placed on officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and to secure its adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
5. That the Council support further work to raise public awareness among young people in all relevant settings, and with the general public to support prevention, early identification of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote the greater reporting of safeguarding concerns.
6. That the Council develop and adopt a mandatory duty to report safeguarding concerns, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, to be enshrined in the Code of Conduct for elected members, and consult on the duty for officials employed by Oldham Council.
7. That Oldham Council will fully support any further investigations that are brought forward into pre-existing cases of child sexual exploitation.
8. That the Chief Executive be requested to write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester in his capacity as Police and Crime Commissioner overseeing Greater Manchester Police to request:
a. Support in the development of a Victims and Survivors Charter, outlining the rights and support which will be provided to those affected by child sexual abuse and exploitation, and the requirements of officials in administering and investigating reports of abuse, and it’s adoption by all relevant statutory authorities.
9. That an update on Operation Sherwood be provided to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board.
Motion 2 – Block Lane, GP Surgery
Councillor Brownridge MOVED and Councillor Fida Hussain SECONDED the following Motion
In late May 2023 Councillors in Chadderton and Werneth became aware that the GP partners at Block Lane Surgery had informed the Integrated Care Partnership that they intended to terminate their contract to run General Practice out of the Block Lane surgery.
For patients in Chadderton and Werneth this has led to an understandable amount of concern and confusion, as local Councillors we are equally frustrated by this process and feel powerless to help our residents when they turn to us at this time.
Despite a close and very productive working relationship between Oldham Council and partners at the old CCG and new Integrated Care Partnership, as local Councillors we have no formal decision-making powers over GPs and NHS functions more broadly.
Therefore:
· This Council notes that this is the second surgery the partners at Block Lane have closed in Oldham within the last twelve months and regrets that this decision has had a detrimental impact on our residents.
· This Council thanks the local NHS for its hard work to try and keep Block Lane practice open, operating and serving residents in Werneth and Chadderton.
· This Council pledges to support the local NHS in anyway it can, to ensure patients smoothly transition to nearby practices.
AMENDMENT
Councillor Bishop MOVED and Councillor Gloster SECONDED
the following AMENDMENT:
In late May 2023 Councillors in Chadderton and Werneth became aware that the GP partners at Block Lane Surgery had informed the Integrated Care Partnership that they intended to terminate their contract to run General Practice out of the Block Lane surgery.
For patients in Chadderton and Werneth this has led to an understandable amount of concern and confusion, as local Councillors we are equally frustrated by this process and feel powerless to help our residents when they turn to us at this time.
This Council notes the commitment to funding towards a new health centre in Chadderton and Saddleworth that was in the 2020/21 Council Budget, but which was removed in the 2021/22 budget.
Despite a close and very productive working relationship between Oldham Council and partners at the old CCG and new Integrated Care Partnership, as local Councillors we have no formal decision-making powers over GPs and NHS functions more broadly.
Therefore:
· The Council regrets the decision taken by partners at Block Lane practice to relinquish their contract by mid-July.
· This Council notes that this is the second surgery the partners at Block Lane have closed in Oldham within the last twelve months and regrets that this decision has had a detrimental impact on our residents.
· This Council thanks the local NHS for its hard work to try and keep Block Lane practice open, operating and serving residents in Werneth and Chadderton.
· This Council pledges to support the local NHS in anyway it can, to ensure patients smoothly transition to nearby practices.
· This Council commits to ensuring that scrutiny of the Northern Care Alliance is restored, and a new joint scrutiny panel is created to ensure that elected members can deliver direct messages on their residents’ concerns about the delivery of NHS services.
On being put to the vote the AMENDMENT was declared LOST.
On being put to the vote the MOTION was CARRIED.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Council regrets the decision taken by partners at Block Lane practice to relinquish their contract by mid-July.
2. That this Council notes that this is the second surgery the partners at Block Lane have closed in Oldham within the last twelve months and regrets that this decision has had a detrimental impact on our residents.
3. That this Council thanks the local NHS for its hard work to try and keep Block Lane practice open, operating and serving residents in Werneth and Chadderton.
4. That this Council pledges to support the local NHS in anyway it can, to ensure patients smoothly transition to nearby practices.