Agenda item

Notice of Opposition Business

Meeting of Council, Wednesday, 12th November, 2025 6.00 pm (Item 12.)

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion 1: Tackling the Anti-Social Use of Off-Road Motorbikes, E-Bikes and E-Scooters

To be Moved by Councillor Williamson

To be Seconded by Councillor Marland

There has been a national spike in the anti-social use of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters on UK roads and in public places.

And whilst there are trial schemes for e-bikes and e-scooters operating in Greater Manchester it is illegal for some vehicles and those not in trial schemes to be used on public highways and in public spaces.

There is a myth that the Police cannot do anything which is not true. The Police will act even when riders are not wearing helmets but only in a targeted approach made by trained officers. In fact, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has a dedicated team of Officers.

This Council Acknowledges:

That Greater Manchester Police’s resources are finely stretched, and that Oldham Council cannot just ask for GMP to put resources into Oldham without a strongly evidenced basis.
Oldham Council recognises that GMP officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern. Recent successes have been seen with Operation Vulcan and Operation AVRO - Oldham must do its bit to help the Police.

Most motorbike, e-bike, scooter riders, use their vehicles in a safe and considerate manner and abide by the law. Sadly, there are those that don’t, and this poses a serious risk to not only themselves, but other road users also.
People can easily purchase e-bikes or e-scooters blissfully unaware they are not intended for use on the public highway or in public spaces having a logic that ‘if they weren’t legal, they wouldn’t sell them.’
That Oldham Council must work more closely with communities and organisations to generate a campaign to advise our residents of how and when to report issues.
Oldham Council must continue working alongside GMP, housing providers, other partners and communities to get a message out that is clear about what constitutes an irresponsible user so that those who pose no threat to others carry on enjoying them sensibly and legally, and those that are not can be dealt with appropriately

This Council is aware that:

Criminals are also using these modes of transport to commit further crimes, including drug supply, burglary, and theft. The anti-social use of these vehicles causes misery within our communities, impacting on the quality of life and posing a danger to those using the region’s roads and open spaces.

· This Council believes that:
Working closely with residents and partners not just the Police is key to tackling this behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern to deter, detect and disrupt offences from taking place.

This Council resolves to:

1. Write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson QPM thanking him, the Officers and staff of GMP and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) for their continued hard work and dedication in tackling the anti-social use of these vehicles and ask him to ensure that this remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police.

2. To write to the Home Office and ask for further dedicated funding for GMP to use in tackling the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes and electric scooters.

3. To use Oldham Council’s Media team and ask them to carry out a campaign educating the public into the legalities of these vehicles and encouraging residents to help build up an intelligence-led picture so that GMP can carry out targeted operations by reporting instances and homes suspected of housing anti-social users which can been done anonymously.

4. Ask housing providers such as First Choice Homes, Great Places, Guinness Partnership to work with Oldham Council’s media team and develop and plan of education and intelligence to support GMP in operations to tackle the anti-social use of off-road motorbike, e-scooters, and e-bikes.

Motion 2: Fair Access and Funding for Non-Invasive (Digital) Post-Mortems

To be Moved by Councillor Akhtar

To be Seconded by Councillor Zaheer Ali

Background:

Council notes that when a death is sudden, unexplained, or occurs in circumstances requiring investigation, the Coroner is legally required to establish the cause of death through a post-mortem examination.

Traditionally, this has meant an invasive surgical autopsy an intrusive procedure that can be distressing for families, delay burials for several days, and conflict with religious requirements for immediate burial.

These examinations typically cost between £400 – £800 per case, rising to several thousand pounds in forensic cases, and are funded by local authorities via the coronial service budget.

Recent advances now allow the same investigative purpose to be achieved using Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) or MRI scanning, known as a non-invasive or digital post-mortem.

The scans are undertaken by radiographers, interpreted by radiologists, and can identify a cause of death in 85–90 % of cases. They are quicker, more dignified, and culturally sensitive.

However, funding arrangements remain inconsistent nationally.

In authorities such as Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Leicester, and Sandwell, costs are fully met from the coronial budget, and families pay nothing.
Where a local facility does not exist, or no inter-borough agreement is in place, bereaved families may currently be asked to pay £200–£650 privately to access a scan something the Chief Coroner’s 2022 guidance discourages.
Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury Councils have jointly agreed to procure a shared digital post-mortem service, due to be operational in 2026, with each authority meeting one-third of the cost.

Oldham currently contributes a proportion of the Greater Manchester North Coroner’s budget along with Rochdale and Bury.

Digital post-mortem costs (average £300–£500) are comparable to invasive autopsy costs.
This motion commits no additional expenditure beyond existing allocations but ensures that funding responsibility lies with the Council, not families.
Any variations or pressures will be reviewed by the Section 151 Officer through normal budget processes.

Council Believes

Every family should have access to a non-invasive post-mortem free at the point of need where the Coroner deems it appropriate.
Faith sensitivity and compassion should be reflected in how post-mortems are conducted.
Clarity is needed so that no family is ever charged privately when a non-invasive scan is ordered by the Coroner.
Oldham can adopt the Lancashire model, ensuring costs are contained within the coronial service budget and compliant with Financial Procedure Rules.

Council Resolves

Agreement with Rochdale and Bury

That Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) formally agrees to Rochdale Council's request to participate in the joint procurement and delivery of the Digital Post-Mortem Services, contributing a proportion of the total cost (based on population, and requests that Bury Metropolitan Borough Council likewise confirm its participation, ensuring consistent funding and governance across the Greater Manchester North Coroner's Service.

Free at Point of Need
That all non-invasive (digital) post-mortems authorised by the Greater Manchester North Coroner for Oldham residents be funded through Oldham’s share of the coronial service budget, and that no bereaved family be charged directly.

Inter-Authority Funding Agreements
That the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer enter discussions with partner councils and the Coroner’s Office to ensure clear agreements are in place for payment of scans carried out outside the borough until the joint facility becomes operational in 2026.

Financial Compliance
That any implementation of this policy be carried out within approved budget allocations for the coronial service allocations to the coronial service, and subject to the approval of the Section 151 Officer under the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

Public Awareness and Faith Engagement
That the Council work with local faith leaders, funeral directors, and NHS Bereavement Services to publicise the availability of non-invasive post-mortems and to support families requiring rapid burial.
Scrutiny and Reporting
That the relevant Scrutiny Board receive an annual report covering:

the number of non-invasive vs invasive post-mortems;
turnaround times;
cost implications; and

family satisfaction feedback.

Financial Implications (For noting)

Oldham currently contributes a proportion dependant on population towards the Greater Manchester North Coroner Service budget, hosted by Rochdale MBC.

Digital post-mortem costs (£300-£500 per case) are comparable to traditional autopsies.

The proposal is therefore cost-neutral, committing no new expenditure beyond Oldham's existing allocation.

Any variance will be reviewed by the Section 151 Officer during the annual budget process.

Motion 3: Protecting Community Cohesion and Public Services from Asylum Accommodation in Oldham

To be Moved by Councillor Woodvine

To be Seconded by Councillor Arnott

Conservative controlled Local Authorities – Epping Forest (Essex) and Great Yarmouth (Norfolk) – have challenged Serco and private sector providers of housing for illegal migrants and asylum seekers in their areas at the High Court. This Council should follow their lead in seeking legal advice and challenging Home Office contracts to provide migrant housing in Oldham Borough.

This Council notes:

· So far in 2025, 25,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats. Since July 2024, over 50,000 people have crossed the Channel, leaving immigration policy under this government in tatters.

· Since the Labour Party formed the UK Government there have been a record 111,000 asylum claims, claims for refugee status have hit a record high, and there has been an 8% rise in the use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers.

· It is Conservative led councils that are taking real action to protect their residents, while other parties issue press releases and politically posture.

· The increasing pressures faced by local communities where hotels are designated for use as migrant accommodation without proper consultation or local input.

· The risk of non-hotel accommodation also being considered to house migrants in Oldham Borough.

This Council believes:

· That local communities must be properly consulted before significant decisions are made that impact local services, housing, and community cohesion.

· That the use of local hotels as long-term accommodation for migrants is not a sustainable solution and places disproportionate pressures on local infrastructure and services.

· That local councils, as the democratic voice of their communities, should have a say in how accommodation needs are managed and delivered.

This Council resolves:

1. To request the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Council's Director of Legal and Legal Services, to urgently assess the merits of seeking an injunction to prevent the use of local hotels for migrant accommodation where it is deemed to be in the best interests of the community.

2. To further request the Chief Executive to instruct Officers to consider every option and seek legal advice on using injunctions, stop notices and other planning enforcement against change of use to close asylum hotels in the council area, and prevent them from being opened.

3. To write to the Secretary of State for the Home Office expressing this Council's concerns about the use of hotels, and non-hotel accommodation, in the Oldham Borough for migrant accommodation and to request full consultation with this Council on any future decisions.

4. To call on the UK Government to develop a sustainable, properly planned, and community consulted approach to housing migrants.

5. To write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, calling on the Government to adopt the Conservative proposals to clarify in law and policy beyond doubt that such asylum hotels should always require change of use.

To instruct the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport & Housing Delivery to introduce the strictest limitations possible on housing / hospitality stock being converted to asylum accommodation in the Oldham Local Plan.

Motion 4: Stop the Boats

To be Moved by Councillor Quigg

To be Seconded by Councillor Wilkinson

Britain’s borders are in chaos, and nearly everyday migrants from across the world are coming across the channel and then being housed in hotels and other accommodation, which is causing significant concern within local communities. These concerns range from safety to the pressures placed on local services. It is therefore only right that residents of our Borough and elsewhere can voice their concerns with elected representatives without being branded racist.

It is the position of Reform UK that those who come to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland illegally, should simply not be allowed to stay here. It is our position that if people are prepared to break the law to get into the country, then they are clearly willing to break the laws of the country.

It is simply not fair to allow those who come here illegally to jump the queue. It is simply unfair that taxpayers are having to fund accommodation and other costs for those who come here illegally, especially those who have passed through multiple safe countries to get to this country.

We know that the huge pressures on housing for residents in our Borough impacts all our residents, but none more so than our veterans. It is why the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to the people who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, and that they are treated fairly. But despite the firm commitments set out in the Covenant, there are still too many veterans living in inappropriate accommodation, in hostels or on the streets.

It is Reforms position that we should be looking after our own people first, and most importantly our veterans.

We have to say to Home Office that enough is enough. The people of this Borough are at breaking point; the people of Britain are at breaking point.

This Council notes:

2025 has been one of the worst years ever for small boat crossings in the English Channel with over 36,734 people crossing the English Channel this year alone. Since July 2024, over 50,271 people have crossed the English Channel.
Oldham Council has received grants for migrant support, including a £276,888 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for a two-year Refugee Support Project focused on language, digital inclusion, and employment. The council also received an Asylum Dispersal Grant of £898,800 from the Home Office for the 2025-2026 financial year to assist with costs related to supporting asylum seekers.
The safety of local communities has not been taken seriously by the Home Office especially where hotels are designated for use by migrants. There have been several high-profile cases in the national media where serious crimes have taken place as a result of poor security and a lack of screening or background checks on migrants in these hotels.
That residents who have genuine concerns have been sidelined and ignored by local and national authorities.
That up to 3% of people sleeping rough in England are veterans. This means that around 300 to 400 veterans end up on the streets every year, and up to 4,000 require urgent support to find accommodation. Just one is one too many.

This Council believes:

That local communities must be properly consulted before significant decisions are made that impact local services and housing.
That the use of local hotels as long-term accommodation for migrants must end as places like Oldham have had disproportionate pressures placed on local infrastructure and services.
That local councils, as the democratic voice of their communities, should have a say on who lives in our communities.

This Council resolves:

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 local hotels or HMO’s for migrant accommodation in the Borough of Oldham.
The Chief Executive will write to the Home Secretary and Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, expressing this Council's concerns about the use of hotels in our area for migrant accommodation and that those who come to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland illegally are held in properly managed facilities, and that they are not housed in hotels, houses of multiple occupation or within the community whilst they are being processed.
That the Chief Executive will write to Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government demanding that the government reverse the decision by the Labour government to scrap plans to limit social housing applications to long-term British residents – which would have introduced a ‘UK connection test’ to limit social housing to those resident for at least 10 years.
The Chief Executive will make sure that no veteran in Oldham is homeless and that they are housed swiftly and without delay, as one homeless veteran is one to many. If they served this country, then they should be looked after by this country.
That the Leader of the Council will immediately write to the Prime Minister (and will not send any other letter that counters the requests of this letter), to demand that they urgently implement the necessary legislation that:

a. If you enter the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland illegally, you are ineligible for asylum in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

b. Make it a criminal offence for those who have already been deported to seek re-entry.

c. Make it a criminal offence to deliberately destroy identity documents such as a passport etc

d. Implement a lifetime ban on re-entry for those who have been deported.

e. HM Government will seek to withdraw from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

Minutes:

Motion 1: Tackling the Anti-Social Use of Off-Road Motorbikes, E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Councillor Williamson MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED the following Motion:

There has been a national spike in the anti-social use of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters on UK roads and in public places.

This Council Acknowledges:

That Greater Manchester Police’s resources are finely stretched, and that Oldham Council cannot just ask for GMP to put resources into Oldham without a strongly evidenced basis.
Oldham Council recognises that GMP officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern. Recent successes have been seen with Operation Vulcan and Operation AVRO - Oldham must do its bit to help the Police.

Most motorbike, e-bike, scooter riders, use their vehicles in a safe and considerate manner and abide by the law. Sadly, there are those that don’t, and this poses a serious risk to not only themselves, but other road users also.
People can easily purchase e-bikes or e-scooters blissfully unaware they are not intended for use on the public highway or in public spaces having a logic that ‘if they weren’t legal, they wouldn’t sell them.’
That Oldham Council must work more closely with communities and organisations to generate a campaign to advise our residents of how and when to report issues.
Oldham Council must continue working alongside GMP, housing providers, other partners and communities to get a message out that is clear about what constitutes an irresponsible user so that those who pose no threat to others carry on enjoying them sensibly and legally, and those that are not can be dealt with appropriately

This Council is aware that:

Criminals are also using these modes of transport to commit further crimes, including drug supply, burglary, and theft. The anti-social use of these vehicles causes misery within our communities, impacting on the quality of life and posing a danger to those using the region’s roads and open spaces.

· This Council believes that:
Working closely with residents and partners not just the Police is key to tackling this behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern to deter, detect and disrupt offences from taking place.

This Council resolves to:

1. To write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson QPM thanking him, the Officers and staff of GMP and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) for their continued hard work and dedication in tackling the anti-social use of these vehicles and ask him to ensure that this remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police.

2. To write to the Home Office and ask for further dedicated funding for GMP to use in tackling the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes and electric scooters.

AMENDMENT

The following AMENDMENT was MOVED by Councillor Quigg and SECONDED by Councillor Wilkinson:

There has been a national spike in the anti-social use of off-road motorcycles, e-bikes, and scooters on UK roads and in public places.

This Council Acknowledges:

That Greater Manchester Police’s resources are finely stretched, and that Oldham Council cannot just ask for GMP to put resources into Oldham without a strongly evidenced basis.
Oldham Council recognises that GMP officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern. Recent successes have been seen with Operation Vulcan and Operation AVRO - Oldham must do its bit to help the Police.

Most motorbike, e-bike, scooter riders, use their vehicles in a safe and considerate manner and abide by the law. Sadly, there are those that don’t, and this poses a serious risk to not only themselves, but other road users also.
People can easily purchase e-bikes or e-scooters blissfully unaware they are not intended for use on the public highway or in public spaces having a logic that ‘if they weren’t legal, they wouldn’t sell them.’
That Oldham Council must work more closely with communities and organisations to generate a campaign to advise our residents of how and when to report issues.
Oldham Council must continue working alongside GMP, housing providers, other partners and communities to get a message out that is clear about what constitutes an irresponsible user so that those who pose no threat to others carry on enjoying them sensibly and legally, and those that are not can be dealt with appropriately

This Council is aware that:

Criminals are also using these modes of transport to commit further crimes, including drug supply, burglary, and theft. The anti-social use of these vehicles causes misery within our communities, impacting on the quality of life and posing a danger to those using the region’s roads and open spaces.
The tactic of using a police car to make controlled contact with a moped or motorcycle (often referred to as "tactical contact" or a "tactical stop") is governed by national standards set by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). This guidance applies to all police forces across England and Wales, not just the Metropolitan Police in London. The key requirement is that the officers involved must be appropriately trained as response and TPAC (Tactical Pursuit and Containment) drivers. The use of the tactic must be authorised by a commanding officer, who will conduct a dynamic risk assessment, weighing the seriousness of the crime against the risk to the public and the offender. The tactic was widely publicised by the Metropolitan Police as an effective measure against moped-enabled crime, which was a significant issue in London. However, the legal framework and training standards are national, enabling any appropriately trained UK police force to use it in suitable circumstances.

· This Council believes that:
Working closely with residents and partners not just the Police is key to tackling this behaviour.

Greater Manchester Police officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern to deter, detect and disrupt offences from taking place.

This Council resolves to:

2. To write to the Home Office and ask for further dedicated funding for GMP to use in tackling the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes and electric scooters.

5. Write to the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Sir Stephen Watson QPM asking him to make more use of the tactical contact/stopping and to ensure more officers are trained in its use, this method allows a police car to make controlled contact with a moped or motorcycle.

On being put to the VOTE the AMENDMENT carried.

On being put to the VOTE the MOTION AS AMENDED was CARRIED

RESOLVED:

Council resolves to:

2. Write to the Home Office and ask for further dedicated funding for GMP to use in tackling the anti-social use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes and electric scooters.

3. Use Oldham Council’s Media team and ask them to carry out a campaign educating the public into the legalities of these vehicles and encouraging residents to help build up an intelligence-led picture so that GMP can carry out targeted operations by reporting instances and homes suspected of housing anti-social users which can been done anonymously.

Motion 2: Fair Access and Funding for Non-Invasive (Digital) Post-Mortems

Councillor Akhtar MOVED and Councillor Zaheer Ali SECONDED the following Motion:

Background:

These examinations typically cost between £400 – £800 per case, rising to several thousand pounds in forensic cases, and are funded by local authorities via the coronial service budget.

Recent advances now allow the same investigative purpose to be achieved using Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) or MRI scanning, known as a non-invasive or digital post-mortem.

The scans are undertaken by radiographers, interpreted by radiologists, and can identify a cause of death in 85–90 % of cases. They are quicker, more dignified, and culturally sensitive.

However, funding arrangements remain inconsistent nationally.

· In authorities such as Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Leicester, and Sandwell, costs are fully met from the coronial budget, and families pay nothing.

· Where a local facility does not exist, or no inter-borough agreement is in place, bereaved families may currently be asked to pay £200–£650 privately to access a scan something the Chief Coroner’s 2022 guidance discourages.

· Oldham, Rochdale, and Bury Councils have jointly agreed to procure a shared digital post-mortem service, due to be operational in 2026, with each authority meeting one-third of the cost.

· Oldham currently contributes a proportion of the Greater Manchester North Coroner’s budget along with Rochdale and Bury.

· Digital post-mortem costs (average £300–£500) are comparable to invasive autopsy costs.

· This motion commits no additional expenditure beyond existing allocations but ensures that funding responsibility lies with the Council, not families.

· Any variations or pressures will be reviewed by the Section 151 Officer through normal budget processes.

Council Believes

· Every family should have access to a non-invasive post-mortem free at the point of need where the Coroner deems it appropriate.

· Faith sensitivity and compassion should be reflected in how post-mortems are conducted.

· Clarity is needed so that no family is ever charged privately when a non-invasive scan is ordered by the Coroner.

· Oldham can adopt the Lancashire model, ensuring costs are contained within the coronial service budget and compliant with Financial Procedure Rules.

Council Resolves

1. Agreement with Rochdale and Bury

2. That Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) formally agrees to Rochdale Council's request to participate in the joint procurement and delivery of the Digital Post-Mortem Services, contributing a proportion of the total cost (based on population, and requests that Bury Metropolitan Borough Council likewise confirm its participation, ensuring consistent funding and governance across the Greater Manchester North Coroner's Service.

3. Free at Point of Need
That all non-invasive (digital) post-mortems authorised by the Greater Manchester North Coroner for Oldham residents be funded through Oldham’s share of the coronial service budget, and that no bereaved family be charged directly.

4. Inter-Authority Funding Agreements
That the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer enter discussions with partner councils and the Coroner’s Office to ensure clear agreements are in place for payment of scans carried out outside the borough until the joint facility becomes operational in 2026.

5. Financial Compliance
That any implementation of this policy be carried out within approved budget allocations for the coronial service allocations to the coronial service, and subject to the approval of the Section 151 Officer under the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

6. Public Awareness and Faith Engagement
That the Council work with local faith leaders, funeral directors, and NHS Bereavement Services to publicise the availability of non-invasive post-mortems and to support families requiring rapid burial.

7. Scrutiny and Reporting
That the relevant Scrutiny Board receive an annual report covering:

o the number of non-invasive vs invasive post-mortems;

o turnaround times;

o cost implications; and

o family satisfaction feedback.

Financial Implications (For noting)

· Oldham currently contributes a proportion dependant on population towards the Greater Manchester North Coroner Service budget, hosted by Rochdale MBC.

· Digital post-mortem costs (£300-£500 per case) are comparable to traditional autopsies.

· The proposal is therefore cost-neutral, committing no new expenditure beyond Oldham's existing allocation.

· Any variance will be reviewed by the Section 151 Officer during the annual budget process.

AMENDMENT

COUNCILLOR Shuttleworth MOVED and Councillor Nasheen SECONDED the following AMENDMENT: