Public won’t pay for budget blunder

Reporter: BEATRIZ AYALA
Date online: 26 November 2009

Oldham Council Cabinet
COUNCIL tax hikes of 1 per cent across the borough would be needed to claw back the £811,000 shortfall from Oldham Council’s budget blunder involving the new Chadderton Well-being Centre.

But residents have been reassured they will not face a council tax increase by councillor Lynne Thompson, Cabinet member for finance and resources.

Oldham Council originally budgeted £100,000 a year to run the £17m centre, which houses a swimming pool, fitness suite and meeting rooms.

It has now discovered that it will cost £811,000 — more than eight times that amount.

Councillor Thompson said: “We’ve begun to work on making sure that a council tax increase will not materialise because that isn’t fair.”

The finances were first brought to Cabinet in April, 2007, and then again in January, 2008, highlighting the £100,000 shortfall, before being officially signed off in May, 2008.

Councillor Thompson, who described the centre as a magnificent facility, admitted there had been ample opportunity between January and late May for the matter to be considered properly, but wasn’t done. A full investigation has been launched.

Deputy council leader Jackie Stanton said nothing was going to stop the centre opening on Monday as scheduled.

She said: “We have a huge black hole to fill and we will all have to make sure we work together.”

Opposition councillor Dave Hibbert said: “I welcome Councillor Thompson’s points about it being an excellent development. It’s a pity that something as serious as this has arisen.”


CABINET members agreed recommendations to improve apprenticeships in Oldham.

A total of 16 recommendations, put forward by the Overview and Scrutiny Education, Skills and Training Select Group, were approved.

These included organising a workshop-style conference helping yo boost the number of apprentices every year.

Labour Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “We need to be doing everything that is possible to encourage and help people gain qualifications.”


THE new Fitton Hill Neighbourhood Centre has moved a step closer after Cabinet members approved the further development of the project financially. Plans are in place for the £4.5m centre on council land at New Barn Road/Fircroft Road, which will include new primary care facilities, a replacement library and replacement youth and community facilities. It should open by spring, 2011.