People power in 10 new zones

Area committees are set to make a comeback.

Ten of them will replace the current 12 community councils, and they could be given power to decide some planning applications later this year.

They are being brought back by the Liberal Democrats who originally created the area committees when they were in power in 2000.

Labour axed them and instead set up community councils last year, but they were not part of the council’s constitution and had no legal powers.

Now the Lib-Dems are back in control they want to let area committees decide some planning applications.

They are asking the council to approve the changes on Wednesday.

Consultation with community councils has led to the suggestion for 10 area committees. Alexandra, Medlock Vale, Coldhurst, Werneth and Hollinwood wards will each have a single area committee.

Both Failsworth wards, and all three Chadderton wards, will form another two committees.

Royton and Shaw wards will combine into one area committee and all three Saddleworth wards will form another.

Oldham East area committee will cover St Mary’s, St James’s and Waterhead wards.

The Lib-Dems propose to give area committees powers to make decisions without referring them to the full Oldham Council.

They will share a budget of £300,000, which is an increase of £84,000 on this year’s community councils, plus another £100,000 to support their work, including a number of sub groups.

The budget will mean each councillor has £3,000 to allocate.

If approved next week, the community councils will be replaced on October 8, when new community champions will be appointed.

There will also be powers to co-opt up to four people per ward on to the committees. Meetings will be expected to last no more than two hours.

The proposals for delegated planning decisions will also be debated at the council meeting on October 8.