Liberal Democrats hit out at Oldham Council over lack of dog fouling Protection Orders.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE has expressed his deep concern and disappointment that Oldham Council has still failed to implement any Dog Fouling Protection Orders, despite widespread concerns from residents about the ongoing issue of dog mess in public spaces across the borough.

Councillor Sykes, who represents Shaw Ward, has again called on the authority to take action and finally renew the protection orders that first lapsed in 2021. 

“I am appalled that Oldham Council has not yet implemented Dog Fouling Protection Orders despite the fact I have raised concerns on several occasions,” said Councillor Sykes. “Dog fouling is not just an eyesore; it is a serious health hazard and it makes our parks and green spaces look unloved.  It is completely unacceptable that despite the clear concerns raised by residents and councillors, the Labour Council has failed to take the necessary steps.  This is really basic stuff.”

Currently, the Council can issue fines for littering, fly-tipping and other environmental crimes, but without up-to-date dog fouling protection orders, no fines can be issued to irresponsible dog owners.  This has been the case in Oldham since the orders lapsed in 2021.  Freedom of Information data obtained by Oldham Liberal Democrats shows that the Council has failed to issue any dog fouling fines in the years since.  

Councillor Sykes added, “It is baffling that Oldham Council has yet to take this very straightforward step. These orders are a vital tool in making sure our parks, streets, and open spaces are safe and enjoyable for all residents.  Responsible dog owners are especially concerned about this issue.”

The lack of action has left many residents frustrated, as they continue to witness an increase in dog fouling in parks, playgrounds, and along public pathways. Councillor Sykes first raised the issue with council officers over a year ago.

“We deserve a cleaner, safer environment for our families, and this simple step could make a world of difference.  It’s time for the council to step up and take responsibility and stop failing on the basics,” he added.

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on dog fouling protection orders:
Oldham Council failed to renew dog fouling enforcement order leading to years of missed fines and being able to crack down on this anti-social behaviour – Howard Sykes

My two allowed questions to the Leader of Oldham Council 13 March 24 – Environmental Services Cuts and Public Space Protection Orders – Howard Sykes

I asked a question about IX masts and poles at the last full council meeting 6 November and below is a recent text from an email I have had about this matter.

Will continue to do what I can about this matter.

Further to the discussion regarding IX wireless at Councill earlier this week, Cllr Shah has asked me to update you directly regarding the current status of the IX work programme in Oldham.  The letter to the Minister, requesting utility companies to increase engagement with residents, will be sent separately.

As you will be aware, work by IX wireless contractors in Oldham was stopped due to highway safety concerns.  Since that time, colleagues have been meeting regularly with IX and their contractors to address concerns.  We are now in a position to allow (limited/trial) work to being, and this will start on Monday 11 November 2024. 

Work will take place on a limited number of sites and will be subject to regular inspections – if engineers are assured that agreed practices and procedures are in operation, additional restrictions will be lifted.

Councillor Sykes welcomes return of nets to Dunwood Park tennis courts.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed the return of nets to the tennis courts at Dunwood Park months after they were promised by Oldham Council. 

The parks’ tennis courts were earmarked for a revamp costing thousands of pounds this summer.  But users were left exasperated as the courts were left unusable throughout the summer months with no nets.  After councillor Sykes raised the issue with council staff, promises were given that the work would be completed, but the Dunwood courts remained virtually untouched since August.  Now the nets have finally been reinstated following a request from councillor Sykes.

Councillor Sykes said, “Finally we have playable tennis courts again at Dunwood Park.  I thank the council staff for getting across this issue. This would have been better news in the summer when people want to use the courts.  It’s a bit chilly for a game of tennis right now, but if you’re keen, the Dunwood courts are back in action.  The work that failed to be undertaken in the summer has now been promised for the Spring.”

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Dunwood tennis courts:
Balls to tennis players says Oldham Council as Dunwood Park Tennis Courts remain unfinished until spring     – Howard Sykes

Sat 23 Nov Shaw and Crompton Christmas lights switch on, fun starts from 2pm – switch on 5:30pm.

World Diabetes Day 14 Nov 24.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/support-us/world-diabetes-day

Great Turn out at Crompton War memorial on Sunday 10 Nov 24.

It was an honour to lay a wreath.

Well done to the S&C branch Royal British Legion and all the volunteers who help make this event happen. THANK YOU!

We must never forget those who gave their today’s so we could have our tomorrow’s.

Liberal Democrats win vote to protect Green Belt as Oldham Council rejects Places for Everyone report

Oldham Council has just upheld a Liberal Democrat Opposition motion calling on the Government to remove Oldham from Places for Everyone – Greater Manchester’s regional housing policy led by Labour Mayor Andy Burnham. 

A Liberal Democrat motion submitted in July called on the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that Oldham be removed from the plan, which is controversial for its use of Green Belt land and lack of affordable housing.  The final decision was deferred until a meeting of the Full Council this week (06/11) where elected members took a vote on whether or not to make the request. 

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Leader of the Opposition councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Liberal Democrats have been against the destruction of our Green Belt in pursuit of developer profit from day one.  When Labour lost control of the council earlier this year, we promised the people of Oldham we would force another vote on this issue and lead the charge to pull out of this scheme in favour of a brownfield first strategy for truly affordable housing.  That is what we have done.”

Oldham Council’s Labour Administration was defeated 30 votes to 29 after a vote on whether to remain part of the Manchester-wide strategy. 

Speaking against the strategy, councillor Sykes said, “The report argues that to write a letter to the Secretary of State would be unlawful.  Members should ask themselves how can it be that making a request of a government minister could be considered unlawful? 

Because the report fails to tell us how.  No legislation or legal precedent is cited. 

“So, let’s be really clear, without a proper legal explanation as to how and why it would be unlawful to write to the Secretary of State, the resolutions in this report amount to nothing more than an attempt to unduly influence elected members. 

“This is a decision for Oldham Councillors and Oldham Councillors alone.”

It is understood that the council’s senior leadership must now write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – Labour’s own Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – asking for Oldham to be removed from the Places for Everyone plan.

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Places for Everyone
Liberal Democrats to force no-overall-control Oldham Council to vote again on ‘Places for Everyone’ – Howard Sykes

My two allowed Leader’s Questions for tonight’s Oldham council meeting 6 Nov 24

Q1 Leaders Question: IX Wireless

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

People across Oldham Borough have been left feeling ignored and angry with regards to the situation with IX masts – not least in Shaw, Crompton and Royton.

The communication with residents has been woeful by this company.  None-existent in many cases.  The first people know is if a notice pasted on a lamp post. 

You can then respond to the sham consultation – I am not aware of one proposal being amended following constructive suggestions from residents, businesses or councillors.

When you don’t communicate, you make the disruption worse for people.  And it leads to the resentment we’ve seen.  This is all completely or nearly avoidable with proper communication. 

So will the Leader please fully explain to the Council, what the current situation with IX Wireless’s highways licenses is?

On what basis was the permit revoked?

Will she commit to proactively informing councillors and members of the public – ahead of time – as to when the permit will be reinstated?

And will she write to the Technology Minister – Chris Bryant – to ask that companies are required to share broadband infrastructure where possible in order to minimise disruption for residents?  Something the law says but I see no evidence of this happening anywhere in our Borough.

Q2 Leaders Question: Eton Star Oldham

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

Last question time I asked the Leader why she thought the Eton Star 6^th Form Oldham project was necessary. 

It’s not a surprise that I and many others fail to be convinced…

But it seems that the new Secretary of State for Education was even less impressed, because since we last met, Bridget Phillipson has paused plans for the opening of 44 new state schools – including those backed by Eton. 

So, we can now add the Labour Secretary of State to the list of people who disagree with the Leader that Eton Star is the right thing for Oldham Borough.  That list includes:

• The National Education Union.
  
  
• Teaching professionals, parents and pupils in Oldham who have never been consulted.
  
  
• And even the Council’s own officers, who told Children’s Scrutiny Committee in March that Eton Star would not help bridge the post-16 gap we have in Oldham Borough.   
  
  

So, can I ask the Leader… what is her plan if her own Government decides she is wrong… and decides to mothball the Eton Star project?

Also, what is the current value of the Tommyfield Market site and is the true market value of the site going to be paid to the council or are we gifting it to Eton?

The Leader may not have that figure to hand – and if not I happy she writes to me with it, but she must know if we are being paid or gifting the land?

Stop the Winter Fuel Payment cuts say Oldham Liberal Democrats

Oldham Liberal Democrat councillors will force a vote at a council meeting this week (Weds 06/11) calling on the Labour Government to scrap planned cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners.

Saddleworth South representative councillor Helen Bishop, who will move the motion, said, “The Labour Government are taking Winter Fuel Payments off 10 million pensioners nationwide and 85% of pensioners here in Oldham.  This cut is too deep and too soon.  People have not been given time to plan for winter without this support.”

According to Department of Work and Pensions data obtained by the Liberal Democrats, an estimated 7,800 pensioners over the age of 80 who do not receive pension credit are set to lose their Winter Fuel Payment this winter.  85% of recipients in Oldham will lose out overall. 

Councillor Alicia Marland of Saddleworth West and Lees, who will support the motion, said, “Take up of Pension Credit has been worryingly low, more than one in three eligible pensioners are not signed up.  The council must do more to get pensioners in Oldham signed up to the pension credit that they are entitled to.  That should have been done well before any cuts to winter fuel allowance.  Now we must scramble to avoid a painful winter for many pensioners.”

Liberal Democrat motion in full: Stop the Winter Fuel Payment cuts

Proposed by: Councillor Helen Bishop
Seconded by: Councillor Alicia Marland

This Council notes that:

The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments has restricted eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit, excluding too many vulnerable pensioners. Many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will no longer receive the payments.

Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). According to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the Department of Work and Pensions, 85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough will lose out. There are an estimated 7,800 pensioners in Oldham over the age of 80 set to lose their winter fuel payment who do not receive pension credit.

This Council believes that:

The criteria for Winter Fuel Payments that the Labour Government is using will exclude too many pensioners who need help. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for Pension Credit. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Take up of Pension Credit has been worryingly low, more than one in three eligible pensioners are not signed up. We have a role to play to increase awareness of welfare support such as Pension Credit to ensure people get the help that they need.

This Council further notes that:

The Energy Price Cap has risen by 10% in October, which combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

This Council resolves to:

1. Instruct the Council’s Communications Team to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credit. This should include a dedicated advice line, promotion in the local press as well as targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

2. Instruct the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

Council further requests the Leader of the Council write to Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to halting these changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

Christmas lights face uncertain future in Shaw and Crompton but safe for this year

Liberal Democrat Councillors have again agreed to fund the Christmas Lights in Shaw town centre this year in totality after the ‘so-called Independent’ councillors refused to share the costs of the Christmas Lights in Shaw town centre.

Councillor Howard Sykes said, “For years Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillors have funded the Christmas lights, which includes purchasing motifs, repairs, storage, electrical testing, installation, and removal costs.  In addition, we provide a grant to the Events Committee so that we do something extra for our residents rather than just switching the lights on.  We have concerns that as our budgets are no doubt reduced further by Oldham Council that the future of the Christmas lights and the event are in jeopardy and could be cancelled completely in future years which would be a massive backward step.”

Councillor Diane Williamson who is the Opposition Spokesperson for the districts teams added, “This is quite a lot of money from our local budgets, but it is what people have told us they want.  Perhaps the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future can visit councillors Marc ‘Ebenezer’ Hince and Lisa ‘Scrooge’ Navesey to convince them sharing the costs, putting politic on one side, is the right thing to do for our residents.  It now means that even less money is now spent throughout the year on other projects and issues in Shaw and Crompton.”

Notes

Please see below email from council officers confirming that Independents refuse to share costs.

Hi All

Just to confirm that we have asked the Shaw Independent Cllrs whether they would like to part fund the Christmas lights this year and they have declined. So that means that you will all be part funding the lights together as discussed at our last briefing.

North District Team, Oldham Council