‘What did it cost us?’ Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Real Opposition on Oldham Council wants an answer to that question in connection with the recent purchase of the Spindles and Town Square Shopping Centres.

Councillor Sykes has submitted a request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to Deputy Chief Executive Helen Lockwood and Director of Finance Anne Ryans in order to drill down to the final bill for Oldham’s Council Tax payers.

“Different figures have been bandied about in Council meetings and in media reports.  I would like to know what the final bill is, and I am sure that our long-suffering ratepayers want to know too,” said Councillor Sykes.  “The final bill is not just the agreed purchase price but also the professional fees and any taxes associated with the purchase, and in addition the costs incurred in subsequently buying out the Top Man lease”. 

“I hope that the response to my FOI request will bring clarity.  In the interests of public accountability, it is important that with any large-ticket item the final cost to ratepayers is made public.”

The FOI request sent 28 June reads:

Helen Lockwood, Deputy Chief Executive; Cc Anne Ryans, Director of Finance

Dear Ms Lockwood,

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request confirmation of the total cost to Oldham Council of acquiring the Spindles and Town Square Shopping Centres.

In calculating the total cost, I wish you to include the purchase price agreed with the vendor, the legal and other professional fees associated with the completion of the purchase, stamp duty or other taxes payable to government in connection with the purchase, and the subsequent costs associated with buying out and processing the purchase of the Top Man lease and any other fees or payments required?

Please can I also ask for confirmation that there are now no outstanding costs for the Council to meet in relation to the purchase of the two shopping centres and the Top Man lease?

And that there are no further leases to acquire in the two premises?

I look forward to your response.

Thanks and stay safe.