Council’s budget cuts loom larger

OLDHAM Council’s plans to axe millions of pounds from its budget as it battles to balance the books have taken another step forward.

Cabinet yesterday approved the heavily-debated proposals.

The final touches have yet to be made as the borough’s leaders are still waiting for the exact level of some Government grants to be announced.

They are expected any day now, following which finalised budget proposals will go through to the last stage, which involves approval by Oldham Council at a special meeting convened for February 23.

The council has been forced to axe £25 million from its budget, and to save a further £16 million which has been lost by Government grants earmarked for specific areas in Oldham.

Council leader Howard Sykes has already warned of the tough choices which have had to be made, and that this is a “hard decision” budget which will affect every person in Oldham.

But it is only once councillors put the final stamp on the budget proposals at their meeting in two weeks time that the real effects will be felt.

Once given the go-ahead, the cuts will start to be made, affecting every department within the council.