McMahon: We’re in it together

Oldham Council leader Cllr Jim McMahon

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon hit out at “armchair critics” during his annual address - and argued that the people of Oldham need to share responsibility for improving their town.

During his annual report at last night’s full council meeting, Councillor McMahon argued changes to Oldham and the council mean the expectations and responsibilities of its people also need to change.

The council will soon begin a year-long consultation period with Oldham residents, asking what type of council the people want, and what services it should make top priority.

He said: “The council currently provides around 600 services but we cannot continue this way.

“Our budget has been cut by almost half in recent years and so far we have been managing the cuts quite well - many may not have even noticed the cuts happening.

“But it is now time for the people to decide which services they think are most important - and how they would like their council tax to be spent.”

Councillor McMahon said the council can’t keep “trimming the edges” and that front-line cuts would have to be made.

He added: “Everyone needs to pull their weight if we are going to make a success of Oldham and work on the progress already being made.

“We have no room for armchair critics who sit at home, complaining and being negative about the plans for improvement. If they don’t like it, they should pack up and move away because frankly, Oldham deserves better.”

Councillor McMahon also discussed the council’s achievements over the past year, highlighting its recognition as the most improved council at last year’s Local Government Chronicle awards and its success at balancing its books before any other local authority.

“We are making significant improvements with potholes, gritting and reducing the amount of anti-social behaviour in the town.”

He added: “We are also the only town in the country that is offering a youth guarantee which will see every young person leaving school have the opportunity of a job, education, an apprenticeship or work experience.”

Other positive changes and investments in the town, such as Metrolink, the addition of a cinema and the Hotel Future development, mean perceptions of Oldham across the country are changing, he added.

“Now is the time for us to work on bringing investment into the town, regenerating the borough and putting Oldham back on the map for the right reasons.”