Agenda item

(time limit 15 Minutes)

1.    Question from Imran Ghaffar:

Like many residents in Oldham, I am excited to learn more about the 480-space sixth form college, a collaboration between Eton College and Star Academies, being built on the site of the outdoor market and car park. 

As both of us are practicing Muslims, will the leader of the Council confirm that the school will have an Islamic ethos and educate our young children according to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)? Will it be for just boys and those of Islamic faith only as some have suggested?

 

Councillor Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills replied, that following various announcements from the Government, we understand the financial challenges they are facing and we support the need to review projects and their costs, particularly in light of the improvements that are needed to existing school buildings.  

Every Oldham child, no matter where they live or whatever their background, is entitled to the opportunities which can help them fulfil their potential. The Eton Star Oldham proposal supports us in achieving this ambition. We're confident in the difference this project will make to the lives of children and young people in Oldham and we’ll continue to make this case to the government.  

Eton Star Oldham would focus on admitting bright young students who aspire to attend top universities, regardless of their background. My goal is for the school to welcome many students on free school meals, looked-after children, those from disadvantaged areas, and those who would be the first in their families to attend university. This will give more children in Oldham the chance to achieve great outcomes, and I’m incredibly proud we’ve been able to secure this for our community.

The college would offer a focused curriculum with academically demanding subjects. Students will start with four A-levels, with some choosing to focus on three A-levels later to fit their personal progression paths. Alongside A-levels, all students will study for a ‘diploma.’ They will also have access to Eton College’s extensive network of teachers, alumni, scholars, partners, and educational experts.

Eton Star Oldham would be open to both girls and boys from all faiths, as well as those with no faith.

Whilst we await the outcome of the free school review we will continue to do all we can to ensure all children and young people in Oldham have the best start in life.

 

2.    Question from Peter Webb:

We live in a Christian country with an established Church and the Sovereign as the head of that Church. 

We are a tolerant nation with many faiths. Sadly, the personal is becoming the political. 

Whilst the Council promotes the lighting up of the Civic Centre for those of the Islamic faith, like was done on the 15^th September 2024, it does feel like others are conspicuous by their absence, due in part perhaps to the Leader of the Council conflating personal religious beliefs with those Civic duties that treat all equally. 

 So will the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Christian celebration of Christmas & Easter, and Hindu festival of Divali be lit up in lights?

 

Councillor Dean, Cabinet Memebr for Thriving Communities and Culture replied that Oldham is proud to celebrate our diverse communities, and we recognise festivals, important dates in different faiths, and other significant events throughout the year.

For example, we raise the England flag for St George’s Day, hold a rainbow parade to celebrate our LGBTQ+ communities, and mark occasions like Bonfire Night with a fireworks display. This weekend, we’ll honour Remembrance Sunday with a Festival of Remembrance, including poppy projections on our civic tower. And of course, we’ll have festive lights around the town as we approach Christmas.

Our approach is to celebrate, remember, and reflect together on the things that make Oldham a wonderful place. We work to bring people together, ensuring that all our communities – of every faith and none – feel respected and valued.

 

3.    Question from Hannah Roberts:

Covid and flu vaccinations are now available for people over 65 & in target groups.  I have heard that take up is lower this year. Can the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health & Social Care give us any information about progress in Oldham? What can the Council do to promote these vaccinations that protect against what can be a serious disease & also save valuable NHS resources by keeping people out of hospital?

 

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, replied, thanking Hannah Roberts for her question noting that as we enter the flu season, Oldham Council staff are working with the NHS and other partners to provide clear messages about the importance of all vaccinations, including the flu and Covid-19 vaccines. Flu is highly contagious and can be very serious. Getting the flu vaccine doesn’t just protect you; it also helps prevent the flu from spreading to others who may be more vulnerable. By reducing the spread of illnesses like flu, we can help reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on health services.

To support this, we’re making every contact count in our work with care home staff and other adult social care providers to raise awareness of vaccinations. We’re also sharing information through newsletters, poster campaigns, and opportunities to talk directly with the community, such as wellbeing talks at leisure centres. Health practitioners delivering vaccines in Oldham have access to workshops on how to discuss vaccine hesitancy positively with residents.

In addition, we’re working closely with schools and our immunisation partners to ensure consistent messaging, so every parent in Oldham has the chance to consider flu vaccination for their children.

As of 17^th October, Greater Manchester figures show that around 20% of those eligible had received their winter booster.

 

4.    Question from Brian Kelly

The Saddleworth Community Hydro Project recently celebrated its 10^th Anniversary and generates enough sustainable electricity to power about 100 homes via the national grid, with an annual saving of 170 tonnes of  CO2. Oldham has a good track record of delivering and supporting green projects and pioneering action to move towards net zero carbon production. Could the Cabinet Member responsible summarise progress on implementing the Council’s Green New Deal Strategy?

 

Councillor Jabbar, Deputy Leader and the Cabinet member for Value for Money and Sustainability, replied thanking Mr Kelly for his question and for recognising Oldham’s strong track record in supporting green technologies and initiatives.

Oldham’s pioneering Green New Deal Strategy was adopted in March 2020. Since then, the Council has been working hard, despite challenges, to put in place a delivery programme that will guide the borough to Net Zero.

Although the Council has limited internal resources for this important work due to ongoing financial pressures, we’ve still managed to secure over £12 million in grant funding for various projects. This funding supports initiatives like decarbonising public buildings, installing LED lighting at Oldham Leisure Centre, creating Oldham’s Low Carbon Heat Network, and participating in the GMCA/DESNZ Local Net Zero Accelerator programme to form an Oldham Green New Deal Delivery Partnership.

This new partnership is expected to bring in the investment and resources needed to achieve Net Zero. Once we have our Strategic Energy Partner on board, there will be a focus on Community-Led Energy Planning, ensuring that residents have a say in how low-carbon initiatives benefit their neighbourhoods. The partnership should be fully operational by spring 2026, with key projects like the heat network following soon after.

Another exciting project is the Wrigley Head Solar Farm, which the Council is funding. This project will reduce carbon emissions, generate revenue for the Council, and bring ecological benefits to a former industrial landfill site. Construction is set to begin before Christmas 2024 and should be completed by spring/summer 2025.

 

5.    Question from Jenny Harrison:

Oldham Council has done a really good job renovating Royton Town Hall and Library which have just reopened. On a recent visit, I was very impressed with the sympathetic renovation.

Could the responsible Cabinet Member explain what services will be available from the town hall and how local people can make best use of the building. 

The library is free to join and borrow books from - what else is on offer.

 

Councillor Dean, Cabinet Memebr for Thriving Communities and Culture replied thanking Jenny for her question and confirming that the following services will be available from Royton Town Hall:

·         Mind – offering appointments for mental health support

·         Citizens Advice – offering drop-in sessions, as well as appointments for more in-depth support

·         Early Help – drop-in support for local families

·         Your Health Oldham – appointments for Stop Smoking

·         Guinness Housing drop-in surgeries

A number of other partners are currently confirming arrangements, and we will be announcing these elements of support in the near future.

In addition to book borrowing, residents can access IT services including online basics course to support with digital skills.

Other regular activities include Bounce and Rhyme sessions for families with children under 5, Baby Art Studio and the Royton Readers Groups.

Programme of events (author events, family activities and local history talks etc) will be scheduled throughout the year to tie in with local, regional and national campaigns.

 

6.    Question from Dominic Wall:

The work at the Old Library has been underway for a while. Could the Leader of the Council confirm what the building will be used for and when it will be open for use? Does Cllr Shah know what social value – for example Apprenticeships and local jobs – has been added because of the project?

 

Councillor Shah, Leader of the Council and the Portfolio Holder for Buiding a Better Oldham replied thanking Dominic for his question and stating that she was pleased to visit the building yesterday with Cabinet colleagues to see the progress and to hear directly about the benefits for Oldham’s residents and communities through our partnership with Tilbury Douglas.

We expect the Old Library building to open next summer. It will offer a great mix of creative, cultural, and community spaces along with civic and public services. This includes improved facilities for community groups to work together and for those needing more space for their activities. There will be extra gallery space on the top floor, connected by a bridge to the existing gallery, as well as a new Council Chamber, Mayoral chamber, rooms for elected members, and committee meeting rooms.

The Old Library project has provided £9.2m in opportunities for local suppliers and trades, and it has generated £7.7m in social value. This includes 67% of the contracted workforce being local, 612 weeks of apprenticeship training, and 19 new jobs created.

Tilbury Douglas has also contributed 263 hours of educational activities, attended career events at Oldham College, supported St Mary’s Primary School’s safety poster campaign, and helped at Oldham’s job fair with Job Centre Plus, as well as Positive Steps.

In addition, £9,926 has been donated to charities, including the Wall of Kindness, Oldham Working Wardrobe, and the Community Wardrobe. They’ve also supported Easter and Christmas donation drives for Oldham Council’s Christmas toy appeal for children in social care.

 

7.    Question from Paul Scoltock:

Can the cabinet member give an update on the work being done by the Council and TGFM to reduce antisocial parking on Union Street?

 

Councillor Goodwin, Cabinet member for Don’t Trash Oldham replied thanking Paul for his question and agreeing that this matter was a real issue.

We’re currently developing plans to introduce Oldham’s first Red Route Corridor (a “no stopping” zone), and Union Street has been chosen as one of the first areas to benefit. On Red Routes, stopping is only allowed for emergency services vehicles. Blue Badge holders and taxis (Hackney Carriages) can also stop briefly to let passengers get in or out but are not allowed to wait.

Unlike traditional yellow line restrictions, Red Routes can be monitored and enforced with camera technology, which serves as a stronger deterrent against illegal parking.

Over the next few months, we’ll consult on this plan and advertise the Traffic Regulation Orders, with the goal of implementing the scheme early in the next financial year, once funding from TfGM is secured.

 

8.    Question from Candida Garvey:

With regard to our council tax payments - is part of this money …. Residents of Oldham pay (apart from those who use their home as a place of worship?) Maintaining roads, pavements and street lighting, and cleaning your streets?

This is a simple yes or no answer?

The answer is quite clearly NO. Our villages. Side street have never ever looked so tired and scruffy.

Next question…. Where is our public money going? Why have we no weed contract? Sending out workers with a bit of weed spray once in several years is not cutting it.

We want answers and we want the pride putting back into our villages. Lees/Springhead/ Grotton totally neglected.

 

Councillor Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Value for Money and Sustainability replied Thank you for your question, Candida. First, I’d like to clarify that the idea that people who use their home as a place of worship don’t pay council tax is simply not true. There are exemptions that may reduce council tax – for example, for those on a low income – but religion is not a factor.

To address the substance of your question: council tax funds a vast range of services. According to the Local Government Association, councils provide over 800 services to residents, from maintaining roads, pavements, and street lighting to much more.

Council tax also supports critical services, such as social care for older adults, support for looked-after children, and emergency and temporary accommodation for those in need. While these services are under immense pressure, we remain committed to essential services like street cleaning, road maintenance, and preserving our wonderful green spaces.

We know a cleaner and greener borough is important to residents, that’s why this Labour administration launched our Don’t Trash Oldham campaign a number of years ago. Our staff are out across the borough every day, in all weathers, cleaning up and making environmental improvements.

But they are a small team and we can’t be everywhere at once.

Everyone can do their bit to help – from disposing of their waste properly to joining a local litter pick. But Don’t Trash Oldham is not just about fly-tipping and waste - it’s about improving the whole environment. Throughout the campaign we’ve continued to listen to residents and that’s why we’ve recently launched a new boroughwide operation to clean all of our 47,500 roadside gulleys. We’ve taken the feedback on board and getting on with the job.

All this work is part of our aim to get the basics right and ensure everyone lives in a cleaner, greener place. If there are specific areas you’d like us to look at, please feel free to reach out, and we’ll address them as soon as possible.

 

The Mayor advised that any unanswered questions would be published to the Council’s website, with written answers, in due course.