Jobs threat in budget D-day

Reporter: ALEX CAREY
Date published: 05 December 2014


MAJOR proposals that could save Oldham Council £35 million next year will be considered on Monday — at a cost of up to 122 jobs.

Oldham Council must save a further £60 million over the next two years — £35 million in 2015/16 and £25 million the following year. In the last five years the council has cut £141 million.

On Monday, the council’s cabinet members will consider the 2015/16 budget proposals and tough decisions will have to be made — including the culling of 122 council jobs.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and human resources, said: “To make this level of savings the council is looking at every service it currently provides — which is around 700 — to see if they can be run in a more efficient or effective way.

“These cuts are the biggest reduction in our funding in the post-war period and the scale means we now cannot avoid extremely tough decisions.”

The council is looking at ways of increasing its income, and plans to move some of its services to other public and private organisations.

The council’s management structure is being reduced and the finances of many of their back office support services, including human resources, administration and finance, are under review.

Residents have been taking part — coming up with ideas of how savings can be made.

Proposals for the remaining £25 million which needs to be delivered from 2016/17 are still being developed.

Councillor Jabbar added: “We’re asking residents how they can play their part and a large number have taken their time to speak give us their views.”


To watch the short video and join in the conversation on how the borough can save money visit Oldham Council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/letstalk_budget Alternatively, you can also have your say on Twitter @OldhamCouncil using the hashtag: #letstalkbudget