Council’s red faces are turning green

OLDHAM Council is introducing an eco-fund to encourage people to do their bit for the green cause.

And the money will stretch to funding planning permission for eco initiatives.

The Chronicle exposed council chiefs as scrooges after schools were asked to pay £95 plus VAT for planning permission to fly an eco-flag after months of hard work to achieve the accolade.

Oldham Council was one of the only local authorities in the country to charge for such applications even though there is no guarantee of planning permission being granted.

To achieve the eco-school status, pupils must prove their green credentials through recycling, reusing and reducing as well as making sure all their daily processes are environmentally friendly.

The new eco-fund will cover the cost of applying for planning permission for schools as well as for individuals who are considering environmentally friendly additions to their homes.

The aim is to make things easier for individuals and organisations who are making an active difference to their energy consumption

Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure Councillor Mark Alcock said: “We are aiming for Oldham to be the greenest in the country, and we want to help residents to be as green as possible.

“Installing small-scale devices like solar panels and other microgeneration technologies to help cut carbon emissions have become easier for homeowners after the Government changed planning rules last April.

“Where residents do have to apply for planning permission for green initiatives the council will pay the planning application fee out of the new fund.

“This will also include things such as where schools have been successful in achieving the eco-school green flag the council will in recognition of the hard work put in by the pupils and teachers pay the planning fee out of the Eco-fund.

“If you are considering fitting any sort of green energy alternative to your property then please call the council on 0161 770 4105 to discuss how we can help.”