Agenda item

Notice of Administration Business

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Improving Parking Provision at Royal Oldham Hospital

To be Moved by Cllr Zahid Chauhan
to be Seconded by Cllr Barbara Brownridge

 

This Council notes:

  • That Royal Oldham Hospital provides essential health services for thousands of Oldham residents every week, including emergency, maternity, and specialist care.
  • That patients, visitors, and NHS staff frequently report serious difficulties finding parking spaces at and around the hospital site.
  • That parking shortages lead to missed or delayed appointments, added stress for patients and families, and unfair parking fines for staff and visitors.
  • That the hospital’s current car park layout cannot meet the increasing demand from both hospital users and staff.

This Council believes:

  • That access to healthcare should not be made more stressful by inadequate or unaffordable parking.
  • That a multi-storey car park or other expanded parking solution would significantly improve accessibility and patient experience without consuming additional land.
  • That NHS staff, particularly those working long or unsociable hours, should have access to safe and affordable parking.
  • That dedicated and accessible parking should be available for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users.

This Council therefore resolves to:

  1. Request that Oldham Council works collaboratively with the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) and relevant partners to explore options for:
    1. Developing a multi-storey or expanded car park at or near Royal Oldham Hospital;
    2. Introducing fair and affordable parking arrangements for patients attending A&E, those with regular appointments, and NHS staff;
    3. Creating dedicated parking directly opposite the A&E department for patients attending A&E only;
    4. Improving access and facilities for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.
  2. Write to the Chief Executive of the NCA and the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) expressing this Council’s support for urgent improvements to parking provision at Royal Oldham Hospital.
  3. Request that Oldham’s Members of Parliament lobby the national government and publicly support a campaign for better parking provision for Oldham residents attending Royal Oldham Hospital.

 

Motion 2:Strengthening Standards and Transparency for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

To be Moved by Councillor Hindle

To be Seconded by Councillor Hince

 

At its meeting of 16th July 2025, this Council resolved to implement an Article 4 Direction in relation to small HMOs, this Direction will come into effect on 1st January 2026, meaning planning applications must be made to convert a dwelling-house (C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

 

The Housing Act 2004 and The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2018 define an HMO and set out the framework of Licensing responsibilities that sit with local authorities.

 

This motion is the next step in raising standards for HMOs in the Borough of Oldham, sending a clear message to residents and landlords that we take our duties and responsibilities seriously, and that we want the highest standards permitted by legislation.

 

This Council notes:

The persistent concerns raised by residents regarding substandard living conditions, overcrowding, fire safety risks, and poor management practices in some HMOs. That while statutory standards exist under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), enforcement and transparency vary significantly across local authorities.

 

This Council resolves to:

1. To review and strengthen local HMO Standards by:

a.    Undertake a comprehensive review of current HMO licensing and amenity standards within the borough.

b.    Introduce enhanced minimum requirements for space, fire safety, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, drawing on best practices from other councils.

c.     Ensure that all licensed HMOs are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.

2. To Improve Transparency and Accessibility for Complaints by:

a.    Developing a clear, accessible online portal for residents to report concerns or complaints about HMOs.

b.    Publishing quarterly data on HMO complaints, enforcement actions, and outcomes to improve public accountability.

3. To Enhance Resident Engagement and Support, by launching a public awareness campaign informing residents of their rights and how to report unsafe or poorly managed HMOs.

Minutes:

Motion 1: Improving Parking Provision at Royal Oldham Hospital

Councillor Chauhan MOVED and Councillor Brownridge SECONDED the following Motion:

 

This Council notes:

  • That Royal Oldham Hospital provides essential health services for thousands of Oldham residents every week, including emergency, maternity, and specialist care.
  • That patients, visitors, and NHS staff frequently report serious difficulties finding parking spaces at and around the hospital site.
  • That parking shortages lead to missed or delayed appointments, added stress for patients and families, and unfair parking fines for staff and visitors.
  • That the hospital’s current car park layout cannot meet the increasing demand from both hospital users and staff.

This Council believes:

  • That access to healthcare should not be made more stressful by inadequate or unaffordable parking.
  • That a multi-storey car park or other expanded parking solution would significantly improve accessibility and patient experience without consuming additional land.
  • That NHS staff, particularly those working long or unsociable hours, should have access to safe and affordable parking.
  • That dedicated and accessible parking should be available for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users.

 

This Council therefore resolves to:

  1. Request that Oldham Council works collaboratively with the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) and relevant partners to explore options for:
    1. Developing a multi-storey or expanded car park at or near Royal Oldham Hospital.
    2. Introducing fair and affordable parking arrangements for patients attending A&E, those with regular appointments, and NHS staff.
    3. Creating dedicated parking directly opposite the A&E department for patients attending A&E only.
    4. Improving access and facilities for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.
  2. Write to the Chief Executive of the NCA and the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) expressing this Council’s support for urgent improvements to parking provision at Royal Oldham Hospital.
  3. Request that Oldham’s Members of Parliament lobby the national government and publicly support a campaign for better parking provision for Oldham residents attending Royal Oldham Hospital.

 

AMENDMENT:

Councillor Quigg addressed Council and announced that he was WITHDRAWING his AMENDMENT to the MOTION that was to be seconded by Councillor Ball. Council consented to this course of action.

 

On being put to the vote the MOTION was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED:

That this Council resolves to:

1.    Request that Oldham Council works collaboratively with the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) and relevant partners to explore options for:

  1. Developing a multi-storey or expanded car park at or near Royal Oldham Hospital.
  2. Introducing fair and affordable parking arrangements for patients attending A&E, those with regular appointments, and NHS staff.
  3. Creating dedicated parking directly opposite the A&E department for patients attending A&E only.
  4. Improving access and facilities for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.

2.    Write to the Chief Executive of the NCA and the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB) expressing this Council’s support for urgent improvements to parking provision at Royal Oldham Hospital.

  1. Request that Oldham’s Members of Parliament lobby the national government and publicly support a campaign for better parking provision for Oldham residents attending Royal Oldham Hospital.

 

 

Motion 2: Strengthening Standards and Transparency for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

Councillor Hindle MOVED and Councillor Hince SECONDED the following Motion:

 

At its meeting of 16th July 2025, this Council resolved to implement an Article 4 Direction in relation to small HMOs, this Direction will come into effect on 1st January 2026, meaning planning applications must be made to convert a dwelling-house (C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

 

The Housing Act 2004 and The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2018 define an HMO and set out the framework of Licensing responsibilities that sit with local authorities.

 

This motion is the next step in raising standards for HMOs in the Borough of Oldham, sending a clear message to residents and landlords that we take our duties and responsibilities seriously, and that we want the highest standards permitted by legislation.

 

This Council notes:

The persistent concerns raised by residents regarding substandard living conditions, overcrowding, fire safety risks, and poor management practices in some HMOs. That while statutory standards exist under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), enforcement and transparency vary significantly across local authorities.

 

This Council resolves to:

1. To review and strengthen local HMO Standards by:

a.    Undertake a comprehensive review of current HMO licensing and amenity standards within the borough.

b.    Introduce enhanced minimum requirements for space, fire safety, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, drawing on best practices from other councils.

c.     Ensure that all licensed HMOs are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.

2. To Improve Transparency and Accessibility for Complaints by:

a.    Developing a clear, accessible online portal for residents to report concerns or complaints about HMOs.

b.    Publishing quarterly data on HMO complaints, enforcement actions, and outcomes to improve public accountability.

3      To Enhance Resident Engagement and Support, by launching a public awareness campaign informing residents of their rights and how to report unsafe or poorly managed HMOs.

 

AMENDMENT 1

 

Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Sykes SECONDED AMENDMENT 1:

 

At its meeting of 16th July 2025 this Council resolved to implement an Article 4 Direction in relation to small HMOs, this Direction will come into effect on 1st January 2026, meaning planning applications must be made to convert a dwelling-house (C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

 

The Housing Act 2004 and The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2018 define a HMO and set out the framework of Licensing responsibilities that sit with local authorities.

 

This motion is the next step in raising standards for HMOs in the Borough of Oldham, sending a clear message to residents and landlords that we take our duties and responsibilities seriously, and that we want the highest standards permitted by legislation.

 

This Council notes:

The persistent concerns raised by residents regarding substandard living conditions,

overcrowding, fire safety risks, and poor management practices in some HMOs.

That while statutory standards exist under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), enforcement and transparency vary significantly across local authorities.

 

This Council resolves to:

1.    Review and Strengthen Local HMO Standards:

·       Undertake a comprehensive review of current HMO licensing and amenity standards within the borough.

·       Introduce enhanced minimum requirements for space, fire safety, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, drawing on best practices from other councils.

·       Ensure that all licensed HMOs are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.

2.    Improve Transparency and Accessibility for Complaints:

·       Develop a clear, accessible online portal for residents to report concerns or complaints about HMOs.

·       Publish quarterly data on HMO complaints, enforcement actions, and outcomes to improve public accountability.

3.    Enhance Resident Engagement and Support:

·       Launch a public awareness campaign informing residents of their rights and how to report unsafe or poorly managed HMOs.

4.    Require that councillors are informed of all new HMO applications and licensing applications that are received relating to their wards.

 

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 1, was LOST.

 

AMENDMENT 2

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED AMENDMENT 2:

 

At its meeting of 16th July 2025, this Council resolved to implement an Article 4 Direction in relation to small HMOs, this Direction will come into effect on 1st January 2026, meaning planning applications must be made to convert a dwelling-house (C3) to a House in Multiple Occupation (C4).

 

The Housing Act 2004 and The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2018 define an HMO and set out the framework of Licensing responsibilities that sit with local authorities.

 

This motion is the next step in raising standards for HMOs in the Borough of Oldham, sending a clear message to residents and landlords that we take our duties and responsibilities seriously, and that we want the highest standards permitted by legislation.

 

This Council notes:

The persistent concerns raised by residents regarding substandard living conditions, overcrowding, fire safety risks, and poor management practices in some HMOs. That while statutory standards exist under the Housing Act 2004 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), enforcement and transparency vary significantly across local authorities.

 

This Council resolves to:

1. To review and strengthen local HMO Standards by:

a.    Undertake a comprehensive review of current HMO licensing and amenity standards within the borough.

b.    Introduce enhanced minimum requirements for space, fire safety, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, drawing on best practices from other councils.

c.     Ensure that all licensed HMOs are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.

2. To Improve Transparency and Accessibility for Complaints by:

a.    Developing a clear, accessible online portal for residents to report concerns or complaints about HMOs.

b.    Publishing quarterly data on HMO complaints, enforcement actions, and outcomes to improve public accountability.

3. To Enhance Resident Engagement and Support, by launching a public awareness campaign informing residents of their rights and how to report unsafe or poorly managed HMOs.

4. That this Council and all relevant departments will take all necessary legal measures necessary against ‘rogue’ landlords who make residents lives a misery and aim to name and shame those who fail to comply with the highest possible standards.

5. That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Council's legal department, will seek all necessary legal instruments and/or injunction/s and or any legal measures as necessary to prevent the use of HMO’s for migrant accommodation in the Borough of Oldham.

 

 

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 2, was LOST.

 

On being put to the vote the MOTION was CARRIED.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Council resolves to:

1. To review and strengthen local HMO Standards by:

d.    Undertake a comprehensive review of current HMO licensing and amenity standards within the borough.

e.    Introduce enhanced minimum requirements for space, fire safety, sanitation, and kitchen facilities, drawing on best practices from other councils.

f.      Ensure that all licensed HMOs are subject to regular inspections and compliance checks.

     2    To Improve Transparency and Accessibility for Complaints by:

c.     Developing a clear, accessible online portal for residents to report concerns or complaints about HMOs.

d.    Publishing quarterly data on HMO complaints, enforcement actions, and outcomes to improve public accountability.

3      To Enhance Resident Engagement and Support, by launching a public awareness campaign informing residents of their rights and how to report unsafe or poorly managed HMOs.

Supporting documents: