We must be strong to face the challenges ahead - McMahon

COUNCIL leader . . . Labour’s Jim McMahon

OLDHAM COUNCIL: STRONG leadership is needed if Oldham is to tackle the challenges it faces in the coming year, says council leader Jim McMahon.

Councillor McMahon, set out the authority’s priorities for the next 12 months and the work it has already done to transform the town in his annual statement to Wednesday’s full council meeting.

In the face of increasing cuts and the changes coming with Greater Manchester devolution, Councillor McMahon said the council must “step up” to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

“We must protect and deliver people’s basic rights, like access to fair treatment, good education, employment opportunities, credit, homes, transport and social care,” he said.

“Our leadership role is the big challenge, we simply must step up if we are to prosper and build confident communities in Oldham.

“Every few months we make more progress. Greater Manchester devolution is setting the standard.

“But devolution without the finances to support it isn’t devolution, it’s passing the buck.”

He went on: “We need to send the message that if you want to be aspirational, Oldham is the town for you. Whether that be aspiration for jobs, care for the elderly and regeneration, Oldham has got its act together. We want Oldham to be a place that people are proud to walk around.”