Oldham pipped for top award

OLDHAM Council was narrowly edged out in the race to be named ‘Best Achieving Council’ at an award ceremony by leading local government magazine the Municipal Journal.

Oldham was pipped to the winning post at the MJ Awards 2011 by Harrow Council in the top-billed category but was also the only shortlisted entry to be ‘highly commended’.

There was further cause for pride as the borough’s Children’s Services team was ‘commended’ by the judges for their rapid improvement since 2008 in the ‘Best Achievement in Children’s Services’ category.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is a fantastic national recognition of the improvements that Oldham Council is making.

“To finish as runner-up in the main category of ‘Best Achieving Council’ really speaks volumes.

“This year’s shortlist was very strong and it also showed that Local Government, despite its economic challenges, is creative enough to adapt and innovate in order to continue improving its services to residents.”

The achievement of the Children’s Services team in being ‘commended’ in the ‘Best Achievement in Children’s Services of the Year’ category capped a two-year period in which it has become the most-improved in the country.

Since being adjudged as ‘performing adequately’ in 2008, Ofsted now rates it “excellent” – placing it in the top 13 per cent nationally.

Four case studies illustrated the improvement in Children’s Services:



Aiming High, which actively encourages disabled children to access mainstream services.



Wheels for All, service offers a wide range of adapted cycles for those children with particularly complex needs.



Barrier Breakers, where members of the forum have helped shape services including GP surgeries, schools, youth activities and transport systems



Pure Essence, a service developed to provide complementary aromatherapy and massage service for children with highly complex health needs and/or life limiting conditions.

Councillor Hugh McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Families, Leisure and Culture, said: “It is a fabulous achievement for our staff to have their efforts commended by the MJ and this award is down to their dedication, innovation and hard work.”