We are facing our biggest fight ever

Cllr Abdul Jabbar

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“OLDHAM is facing the biggest fight it has ever had on its hands” according to Council leader Jim McMahon as next year’s cost-cutting budget plans were approved last night.


Oldham Council cabinet members last night approved budget plans for 2015/2016 which will save £35 million but at the cost of up to 122 council jobs.

The Government has reduced the funding allocated to local authorities and as a result the council now has to save a further £60 million over the next two years - £35 million in 2015/16 and £25 million the year after.

Oldham councillors criticised central government’s cuts but Councillor McMahon said now is the time to fight for the borough.

He said: “Nobody would wish this on any town but we really need to step up now. This is the biggest fight Oldham has ever had on its hands and what we now need to do is dust ourselves off and fight back because if we don’t we will not improve and we will not come back.”

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and human resources, said the council has worked hard to make sure residents are not hit hard by the crippling cuts.

He said: “The vast majority of residents in Oldham shouldn’t experience any changes in the services they receive from the council but of course some will be, given the type of service they receive from us.”

Councillor McMahon added that focus will now be put on bringing in money through new and high-profile redevelopment projects such as a new cinema and a Marks and Spencer store.

• Check out what Councillor Jabbar had to say about job losses at Oldham Council.

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