Closer conection with local residents

Oldham Council
OLDHAM Council is radically changing district working and giving residents the chance to “call in” decisions.

Boundaries are to be redrawn to “better reflect residents’ perceptions of local identity.”

East and West Oldham will merge to form a new seven-ward district for Oldham, while Royton, Shaw and Crompton will become two districts — Royton, and Shaw and Crompton, with two wards each. Failsworth and Hollinwood, Chadderton, Saddleworth and Lees will remain unchanged.

New ward-level community forum meetings are to be introduced so local members can meet residents.

District partnership meetings will mirror the counil’s “cabinet” model with a new district executive, made up of local ward councillors, holding decision-making meetings that are open to the public.

Ward members will receive larger individual budgets - from £2,000 a year to £3,000 - to promote quicker responses to local issues.

A 12-month pilot scheme will test a new community “call-in” procedure, allowing residents to challenge decisions of the new district executives.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet member for co-operatives and neighbourhoods, said: “These new arrangements should promote better discussions with residents and faster decisions, driven by local needs identified by local people.

“As we tackle the challenges of shrinking budgets and increased demand in public services we have to use every pound effectively.”