‘No complacency’ pledge by Sykes

Oldham Council Cabinet reports

Oldham Council’s “consistent improvement”, highlighted in the final report of the Oldham Improvement Board (OIB), has been praised by cabinet members.

The board, made up of local councillors and representatives from the Audit Commission, Government Office North-West and the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Board, was asked to oversee an improvement plan for council services and monitor council progress.

Key achievements highlighted by the report included securing Metrolink in Oldham, the borough’s outstanding fostering service and the success of the Sports Development Service.

Council leader Howard Sykes said yesterday: “There is no air of complacency and there is lots to do but the glass is half-full, not half-empty.”

Councillor Sykes thanked everyone involved in the improvements, from shop-floor staff to cabinet members and chief executive Charlie Parker.

He said: “The level of improvement isn’t just in finance or housing, it’s consistent improvement and award-winning in some areas.”

Deputy leader Jackie Stanton said it was an excellent report.

She said: “The fact that we are brave enough to invite external people to come in and scrutinise some of the work we’ve been doing over the past two years is a great achievement.”

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for leisure, culture, heritage and tourism services, said: “All this in spite of having to take £20 million out of the council budget last year.

“It’s about making the best of what you’ve got and reassessing how people work together.”



Loan deal agreed

MORE affordable housing will be created for Oldham residents after cabinet approved a borrowing scheme.

Members agreed to allow Oldham Council to borrow £160,000 on behalf of First Choice Homes (FCH) so it can provide four three-bedroom homes for rent as part of a £400,000 scheme.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said FCH could not borrow money yet.

By approving prudential borrowing, the council will act on behalf of FCH. Once Oldham’s council house stock transfer goes ahead, FCH would take on responsibility for the costs.