Use this page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
The purpose of this report is to seek approval
to formally advertise the traffic calming notices and traffic
regulation orders associated with the proposals as detailed in the
drawings and schedules at the end of this report.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 16/12/2022
Effective from: 27/09/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
To approve the formal advertising of the proposals as detail at the
end of this report and approve the implementation of the
measures
Lead officer: Alister Storey
To seek approval for the allocation of Section
106 resources from DB 265 - Suthers Street/Alfred Street, Werneth
(PA/52229
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 17/10/2022
Effective from: 25/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
Allocate the Section 106 funding plus interest accrued to the costs
of installing and maintaining the equipment as set out in the
report. This is in accordance with the provisions of the legal
agreement which will enable creation of a new outdoor exercise
facility, encouraging residents to participate in more
activity.
Lead officer: Robin Durkan
To note for Council records the decision of
Oldham Community Power at their most recent Annual General Meeting
(AGM) to buy back some of the Council’s shareholding.
Decision Maker: Director of Economy
Decision published: 17/10/2022
Effective from: 25/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That the Council note the decision
of Oldham Community Power to buy back £8,353 the
Council’s shareholding and to pay £1,669.88 in interest
on the shareholding.
Lead officer: Andrew Hunt
The existing mini roundabout at the junction
of Butler Green and Coalshaw Green Road is in the process of being
upgraded to a 4 way signalised junction with pedestrian controlled
crossing facilities and advanced stop lines for cyclists. To enable
the junction to operate correctly, the existing waiting and loading
restrictions need to be extended to keep the junction clear of
obstructions from parked vehicles
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 14/10/2022
Effective from: 22/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
the prohibitive waiting and loading restrictions be
progressed
Lead officer: Jeannette Whitney
One of the planning conditions for the
residential development at this site required a prohibition of
driving (except cycles) Traffic Regulation order (TRO) to be
brought into effect to prevent traffic from entering Porter Street
from Featherstall Road South. The TRO has been sealed and the
civils works on site have been completed to the agreed layout and
the site is operational.
Regular complaints are being received from residents on Porter
Street that vehicles are driving through the restriction, across
the newly installed footway in both directions. This is a danger to
pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles on the A62 and also
those exiting the A62 to Featherstall Road South. It also means
that vehicles are contravening the TRO.
It is proposed to introduce several bollards around the junction,
to prohibit vehicular movements to and from A62 Manchester Road to
Porter Street and vice versa. A drawing off the proposals is shown
at the end of this report.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 14/10/2022
Effective from: 22/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
To approve draw down of S106 funding associated with this
development to a total of £5,097.78 to fund these highway
works
Lead officer: Alister Storey
The purpose of this report is to seek approval
to formally advertise the traffic calming notices and traffic
regulation orders associated with the proposals as detailed in the
drawings and schedules at the end of this report
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 14/10/2022
Effective from: 22/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
To approve the formal advertising of the proposals as detail at the
end of this report and approve the implementation of the
measures
Lead officer: Alister Storey
1. The purpose of this paper is to provide
information to Oldham Council around an Opportunity Area
project.
2. To provide reassurance that this is compliant with financial,
legal, and commercial practices.
3. This request is in line with the delegated authority detailed in
the OA Year 5 Cabinet Paper approved on the 26 July 2021
Reason for the decision: The Opportunity Area (OA) initiative
announced in October 2016 formed a strand of the government's
approach to increasing social mobility. To this end, the Department
for Education (DfE) targeted a five year, one hundred and eight
million pound (£108m) support programme at 12 local authority
districts (LADs) identified due to the social, economic and
cultural challenges that have been found and the barriers to local
residents’ life chances. The 12 OAs were selected from those
LADs that were in the weakest sextile for both the 2016 Social
Mobility Index (SMI) and the Achieving Excellence Areas Index. In
2016, Oldham was identified as an area that would benefit from
being part of the OA programme.
Since the commencement of the Oldham Opportunity Area (OOA), Oldham
Council has awarded contracts/grants to a variety of suppliers
and/or specialist providers e.g., teaching schools in and out of
the borough – due to lack of in-borough capacity; and
specialist providers where there are no other organisations who can
provide the particular service required.
Decision Maker: Managing Director Children and Young People (DCS)
Decision published: 07/10/2022
Effective from: 31/03/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That: Early Identification of Need
(EIN) / Early Identification of Autism (EIA) programme will be run
in 4 areas.
• Oldham
• Fenland
Lead officer: Elizabeth Taylor
The report seeks approval to appoint an
additional Senior Family Worker (Grade 6) on a fixed term contracts
to 31/12/25 to provide cover for a staff
member who is away from the service on 12 months maternity leave
followed by undertaking a social work apprenticeship when she
returns to work in August 2023.
Decision Maker: Managing Director Children and Young People (DCS)
Decision published: 07/10/2022
Effective from: 15/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That: additional temporary capacity
be created by
backfilling this post by appointing an additional Senior Family
Worker to 31/3/2025
Lead officer: Bruce Penhale
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/10/2022
Effective from: 06/10/2022
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Director of Adult Social Care which sought approval for the arrangements for the implementation of the Living Wage, following the commitment included in the 2022/23 Revenue Budget report (approved 2 March 2022) to implemented by October 2022.
It was reported that due to the timescales for the submission to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of the Fair Cost of Care proposals by the 14 October 2022, approval was sought to delegate authority to sign off the report submission to the Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care. An update report would then follow to Cabinet to note the decisions made.
This report provided an overview of the Fair Cost of Care (FCoC) exercise which the Council was required to submit to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), including the timeline and approval process required. Additionally, the paper confirmed the implementation plan for the Living Wage Foundation National Living Wage (FLW).
Option/alternatives considered
Option 1 – Delegate authority to the Director of Adult Social Care to sign off the report submissions.
Option 2 – Require a Cabinet Decision on the Fair Cost of Care Submissions. Due to the internal approval process if this option is chosen it would not be possible to achieve the submission deadline of the 14 October, which risks not only the reputation of the council but also may affect the funding received in year and expected in future years.
Options in relation to Foundation Living Wage.
Option 4– Implement the Foundation Living Wage at the September announced level by the end of October 2022.
Option 5 – Not to implement the Foundation Living Wage.
RESOLVED – That:
1. The proposed delegation of authority for the submissions required by 14 October 2022 to the Department of Health and Social Care.. A Cabinet report to follow to note the decision made and costs and models agreed.
2. The implementation the Foundation Living Wage by the end of October 2022 be approved at the current rate and from the first of April 2023 move to the rate announced in September 2022 (which was announced with six months to implement) at an estimated cost of £1M from October 2022 - March 2023.This would include an increase in the fees paid to providers and contract variations to ensure the increase is passed on to social care staff.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Director of Adult Social Care which sought approval for a proposed 12 month interim funding arrangement for day services and to re-engage Age UK Oldham to deliver a service during that period.
It was reported that it was important to support the continuation of day care delivery in the short term and to support the ongoing relationship that Age UK Oldham, as a respected strategic partner have developed with the community in Oldham.
Age UK Oldham were proactive in redefining their local offer throughout 2020 as the Covid Pandemic emerged and had continued to provide valued and relevant services to local residents.
Option/alternatives considered
The options were considered at Item 17 of the agenda.
RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information as detailed at Item 17 of the agenda.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Leader of the Council which confirmed the value of the grant available to Oldham Council from the Mayoral Challenge Fund and the intention to add this additional resource to the Council’s Transport Programme.
It was reported that the Council had secured additional funding for scheme delivery, on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), via the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF).
The Greater Manchester Mayor established a £160M Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund for cycling and walking infrastructure to kick-start delivery of the Greater Manchester Bee Network in June 2018.
The fund was being used to deliver the first phase of the walking and cycling elements of the wider Bee Network, which will transform Greater Manchester’s transport system. This network, once completed, would cover circa 1,800 miles and be the longest, integrated, planned network in the country connecting every neighbourhood of Greater Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester successfully bid to MCF Tranche 6 in November 2019 for the Greater Manchester Bee Network Crossings scheme.
The scheme represented a rolling programme of highway crossing interventions across all districts in Greater Manchester, designed to reduce severance for walkers and cyclists. Phase 1 is currently delivering a package of crossings in Bury and Manchester.
Phase 2 of the GM Bee Network Crossings scheme would deliver new and upgraded crossing facilities to overcome highway severance at 7 sites located throughout Bolton, Oldham, Stockport, and Wigan.
This Phase 2 package of works haD been developed in collaboration with Local Authority partners. The release of the funding for Phase 2 delivery was approved at GMCA on 29th July 2022.
Option 1 - Accept the grant offer, enter into the delivery agreement with TfGM for the proposed Oldham schemes and progress the delivery of all schemes in the appropriate timescales.
Option 2 - Do not accept the grant offer and do not enter into the delivery agreement with TfGM to deliver the schemes
RESOLVED – That:
1. The grant offer from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) for delivery of the Bee Network Crossings scheme in Oldham be accepted.
2. The Council enter into a Delivery Agreement with Transport for Greater Manchester for the proposed scheme.
3. The intention to bring the additional resource into the transport capital programme in 2022/23 and complete delivery of the schemes in the appropriate timescales be noted.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Leader of the Council which sought o review and approve a request made by Hackney Carriage trade representatives for an increase in Hackney Carriage (taxi) fares.
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 allows the Council to set the maximum costs and fares that drivers may charge the public for journeys taken in a taxi.
In setting taxi fares, the Council must balance any increase of taxi fares against the needs of the travelling public. A review of taxi fares last took place in 2012.
It was reported that Taxi fares have remained static since 2012, despite the increase in the cost of living.
The trade had seen an increase in costs associated with licensing, maintaining, and running a taxi over the previous 10 years, and were now requesting the Council review the fares they are permitted to charge in order to mitigate those costs.
The existing and proposed fares were detailed at Appendix 1 to the report.
Options/Alternatives considered
Option 1: Approve the request
Option 2: Do not approve the request
RESOLVED – That:
1. The request to increase Hackney Carriage Taxi fares as detailed at appendix 1 to the report be approved.
2. Any objections to the statutory notices issued following approval of this report are delegated to the Leader of the Council.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Leader of the Council which sought approval to roll out further activities over the next twelve months in support of the continuation of the Don’t Trash Oldham campaign, utilising funding commitments from earlier in the year
It was reported that clean streets and tackling issues of fly tipping and littering that blight Oldham’s communities remained a priority for Oldham residents and for the Council. The Don’t Trash Oldham (DTO) campaign commenced in September 2021, following Cabinet approval, which focused on community engagement, and confirmed the investment and resources required in order to strengthen current street cleaning and enforcement activity.
This report provided an end of year report and detailed the outcomes and achievements over the last twelve months; it examined the lessons learnt (what has worked and what could be improved) and proposed some new measures / targeted interventions for the next twelve months, following announcements earlier this year about a further financial commitment.
Members welcomed the report and the achievements of the campaign and asked that a vote of thanks be recorded for all the staff involved in the Campaign and the benefits it has achieved.
Option /alternatives considered
Option1 - Continue with the current approach and extend the campaign by revisiting the areas on rotation for one month in line with Appendix 1 of the report with enhanced visibility.
Option 2 -Target known hotspot locations with enforcement, engagement and dedicated clean up to induce behaviour change, and introduce a boroughwide ‘betterment’ plan to enhance all local communities / establish a DTO legacy.
Option 3 - Do nothing and bring the campaign to a close with the year end report, and convert the funds to support in-year funding pressures.
RESOLVED – That:
1. The achievements of the Don’t Trash Oldham Campaign across the borough over the last twelve months be noted.
2. The proposals to roll out further activities over the next twelve months in support of the continuation of the DTO campaign, utilising funding commitments from earlier in the year be noted.
3. Option 2 as outlined in the report be approved for a focused and targeted delivery campaign to significantly improve the living conditions for our local communities, and to ensure a sustainable legacy is created with the available funding.
4. A vote of thanks be given to all staff involved in the Don’t Trash Oldham Campaign.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Leader of the Council which sought approval of new lease agreements for and renewal of the lease model for traders existing and new of Tommyfield Market.
It was reported that Tommyfield Market was moving into the Shopping Centre and there were plans to redevelop the current market site when it was vacated. The proposals were for existing tenants to relocate into the heart of the Town Centre as requested at previous trader engagement meetings.
In readiness for this relocation, this report sought approval to review existing tenancy arrangements to provide consistency and to ensure vacant possession could be obtained in a timely manner as soon as the opportunity arose.
Engagement sessions were continuing with tenants to help clarify their relocation requirements and to help map out their business plans.
In addition, this report sought approvals to respond to market traders ask for financial assistance as they continued to report that the current trading situation was difficult.
This was due to a slow recovery from the Covid pandemic, and the challenges associated with the current market site: traders haD asked for assistance to aid their sustainability during these currently challenging times and, ensure market continuation ahead of moving across to the new market site.
Options/alternatives considered
The options considered were mapped out in the report at Item 15 of the agenda. The options considered aid the future vacation of the Market site for its redevelopment and would help tenants in their ability to plan for the future.
RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information at Item 15 of the agenda before making a decision.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 21/09/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which sought to outline proposals to be introduced by the Council in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
It was reported that in Oldham, some of parts of the Borough have the highest rates of deprivation in the country and that many residents would face hardships over the coming months with more people than ever facing some form of financial crisis.
As a result, Oldham Council was predicting a significant increase in demand for financial assistance, advice and support in the coming months with a need to increase investment in those services.
In response to the Council the Council were proposing a £3 million investment in services, support and funding to help reduce the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on all Oldham households but also to widen the safety net for those residents most vulnerable to financial crisis.
On the 27th of July 2022, Oldham Council held the Cost of Living Summit, bringing together residents, partners and voluntary organisations to discuss and plan for how to collectively respond to the crisis. The summit’s objective was to focus on the practical actions we could take locally to best support residents over the winter months.
The proposals outlined in the report reflected Oldham Council’s response to the Cost of Living Summit, providing a comprehensive package of support for our residents this winter.
Members welcomed the report and endorsed the support and interventions outlined.
Options/alternatives considered
Option 1 – To approve the interventions outlined in the report.
Option 2 – Not to approve the interventions outlined in the report.
RESOLVED – That the interventions outlined in the report, committing to providing a £3 million package of support to Oldham’s residents during the cost-of-living crisis be approved.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 21/09/2022 - Cabinet
Decision published: 04/10/2022
Effective from: 05/10/2022
Decision:
The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Executive Director, Place and Economic Growth which sought approval of the appropriate budget to proceed with identified prioritised work within the Property Management Programme.
This report provided a review of a 3-year plan of Backlog Maintenance agreed in 2021.as detailed at appendix A to the report
It was stressed that several schemes previously identified had already been delivered. All schemes had been reviewed and some reprioritised based upon site knowledge of technical officers and risk analysis. Several schemes were currently in progress therefore already committed as proposed delivery for 2022/2023.
A detailed review of known current maintenance and investment schemes had been completed and included a review of outstanding schemes previously captured in a report by the ‘Head of Strategic Assets & Facilities’ from April 2021 along with additional schemes that had been identified in recent months.
The review had included revision to previous budget cost of each scheme to reflect the current scope of works whilst also considering the current commercial procurement market.
It was considered that the current contractor market was volatile resulting in tender return increases. Consequently, budget cost had been reviewed to avoid future budget increases.
Where possible, schemes had been re-prioritised with a view to doing essential works only thus affording further time to realign with wider considerations such as Decarbonisation and Disposal programmes
Specific schemes had been identified as being beyond the realms of maintenance due to scale, complexity, and cost. It was considered that these such schemes are more appropriately addressed in alternative programmes.
Options/Alternatives
Option 1 - Do nothing, which was not considered viable as the schemes identified are considered as priority maintenance works that were required necessary either to maintain the full operational use of the buildings, to mitigate legal risks, are of a health and safety issue, or are considered needed to meet statutory legislation requirements.
RESOLVED – That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information as detailed at Item 16 of the agenda before making a decision.
A decision is sought to request approval for
an exemption from the Contract Procedure Rules to make a direct
award.
Under this exemption, this report is seeking agreement for a
contract to be awarded to Oasis Community Learning Limited through
Oasis Academy Limeside (Oasis Innovation) to deliver the Making it
REAL (Raising, Achievement in Early Literacy) Project from
September 2022 until August 2023.
Decision Maker: Director of Education, Skills & Early Years
Decision published: 03/10/2022
Effective from: 11/10/2022
Decision:
This report seeks approval to commission Oasis
Community Learning Limited through Oasis Academy Limeside (Oasis
Innovation) to deliver the Making it REAL Programme for a 1-year
contract with an option to extend for a further year
Lead officer: Paula Healey
The purpose of this report is to seek an
exemption from the contract procedure rules, as stated in 21.3(e),
in order to award a further contract to the provider of
Oldham’s Health Improvement and Weight Management Service to
ensure the continued provision of the supplementary Adult Tier 2
Weight Management Services and avoid service disruption following
the withdrawal of 2022/23 Adult Weight Management grant monies from
the Department of Health and Social Care.
Decision Maker: Chief Executive
Decision published: 29/09/2022
Effective from: 07/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
The Council will contract directly with ABL Health Ltd at an
additional cost of £140,000 to provide continued provision of
additional Adult Tier 2 Weight Management Services, to cover the
period 1 July 2022 until 31 March 2023, in lieu of the withdrawn
Adult Weight Management Service grant that was withdrawn by the
DHSC in order to avoid disruption to service delivery and meet the
growing demand for adult weight management support.
Lead officer: Andrea Entwistle
To seek approval for a temporary underspend
within the Startwell Commissioning team staffing budget to support
pilot developments in Short Breaks Play and Leisure to support the
transition to a more personalised model for families
Decision Maker: Managing Director Children and Young People (DCS)
Decision published: 28/09/2022
Effective from: 07/04/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That: To approve the allocation of
£30,000 of the commissioning team staffing budget underspend
to enhance the current Short Breaks Play and Leisure funding
envelope which will support the transition to greater
personalisation. As part of this option we will challenge providers
to diversify and offer more activities on a bespoke basis allowing
for more tailored support for families.
Lead officer: Elizabeth Taylor
The purpose of this report is seek approval to
commence consultation on structural changes to the Finance Service.
The Consultation is planned to commence on the 06 September
2022.
Decision Maker: Executive Director for Place & Economic Growth
Decision published: 28/09/2022
Effective from: 01/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That: To commence consultation for
a 30 day period in accordance with the Council's policy and as per
advice from HR.
Lead officer: Anne Ryans
Permission is being sought to approve a 1 year
contract with the option to extend for a further year to fulfil the
specialist operational lead moderator role for the delivery of the
local authority statutory duties for key stage 2 moderation.
Decision Maker: Director of Education, Skills & Early Years
Decision published: 28/09/2022
Effective from: 06/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
A comprehensive selection process was undertaken by an evaluation
panel and a scoring moderation meeting was held on the 1 September
2022. The outcome of this process was that One Education Ltd have
the relevant skills, knowledge and experience to lead the statutory
moderation.
This will be a 1-year contract with an option to extend for 1
year.
Lead officer: Paula Healey
The contract for Appropriate Adult Service for
children and young people, for which Stockport Council is the lead
authority, is due to expire on 31st March 2023. The contract was
initially awarded in 2018 for a period of three years from 8 May
2018, with the option to extend twice, each time for a maximum of
one year.This paper is seeking approval to exercise the
option to re tender with the current specification and Inter
Authority Agreement .
Decision Maker: Managing Director Children and Young People (DCS)
Decision published: 28/09/2022
Effective from: 06/10/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:
To approve the re-commissioning of the AAS with Stockport Council
acting as the lead authority. An Inter Authority Agreement will
govern the shared commission from 1st April 2023 for a period of
three years, with the option
to extend for up to an additional two years
Lead officer: Elizabeth Taylor
To extend the Council's current working
arrangements with Marston’s Holdings Limited. and Rundle Co.
Ltd. for 7 months (from the 1st November 2022 to the 31st May
2023). The contracts will require modification as the current
contracts finish on 31st October 2022.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member - Finance and Corporate Resources
Decision published: 27/09/2022
Effective from: 31/08/2022
Decision:
RESOLVED - That:To award a 7-month extension
to the current working arrangements to allow the Revenues Service
to develop a new 3-year contract based on an optimal balance
between in-house and external enforcement.
Lead officer: Anne Ryans