Cabinet meetings set to go on tour

Jim McMahon: “... it’s about taking decision-making back out to local communities”

It’s not a gimmick, insists leader

COUNCIL chiefs are to hold a cabinet meeting away from the Civic Centre for the first time.

Oldham Council’s new leadership says the “historic” move signals a determination to get closer to residents.

They will meet at Limecroft Day Centre, Limeside, on Monday at 6pm with the public able to attend.

The meeting will be the first of a series of visits around the districts to engage with local communities.

Up for discussion are plans to resurrect the Limecroft facility in its role to provide respite care and short-stay provision for older people.

A new report setting out plans to become a Co-operative Council is also on the agenda. It proposes establishing a new Co-operative Commission to put the core values of fairness, accountability and responsibility at the heart of all the council’s business and dealings with residents.

Council leader, Councillor Jim McMahon, said: “Holding our first meeting at Limecroft is no gimmick — it’s about taking decision-making back out to local communities.

“We’re planning to devolve power and control back to local neighbourhoods with district offices that provide visible civic leadership.

“Taking cabinet out to the districts is just another small part of that process, allowing us to engage with people in their own backyards.

“Limecroft is a fitting first venue because we have listened to what patients, carers and families have told us here, and we are moving quickly with plans to reopen this facility.”

If approved, the proposal to establish a Co-operative Commission will drive plans to deliver services with partners who also share co-operative values, social responsibility, and good ethics.

Councillor McMahon added: “Our plans to become a Co-operative Council define our determination to forge a new relationship with citizens, staff and partners.

“We want a meaningful two-way dialogue that listens and acts upon the ideas and concerns of local people, plus other important bodies like the voluntary sector, trade unions and local businesses.

“Local Government faces many challenges in the coming years and it is only by listening, sharing and learning together with communities that we will be able to create an even brighter future for the borough.”