Question 1 – Our long, long overdue CSE Report

Madam Mayor,

My first question to the Leader tonight is on an issue that many people need much re-assurance on.  That is that the report into CSE will be delayed yet again! 

This is after previous delays in January this year and November 2021.

I agree that it is extremely important to ensure that anyone who is bringing forward evidence must be given the opportunity, and I am glad that the people in question now feel confident to bring forward their evidence. 

However, it is vital that for public support in this process to be maintained, there must be a transparent process for the continued investigation taking place.

Even more important there must be clear support for the people who have already given their evidence and who have expected this report to be issued three times already. 

Could the Leader of the Council please confirm? 

What additional support is being given to those members of the public who have courageously stepped forward to give evidence, while this process is delayed again?

Whether the oversight board for the investigation has agreed with the extension of the investigation in this way?  If so, why have they not issued a statement to help re-assure the public.

Also are there any strands of the investigation which are unaffected by the additional interviews, and whether the report could be released in stages, or as an interim report which would allow some of the survivors affected a degree of closure on this stage of their traumatic experiences?

In addition to the promised public meeting is now not the time that a special Council meeting also considers the report and that a special dedicated scrutiny panel/committee makes sure it is examined in detail and lessons and recommendations are actioned. 

This special scrutiny committee/panel should report regularly to Full Council on progress and on any other matters it sees fit.

Question 2 – Clean air Zone

Madam Mayor,

My second question tonight is on what can only be called the shambles that is the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone.

Thank goodness the scheme has been delayed until at least July.   

I do hope the Tory Government, Mayor Burnham and the 10 Leaders in GM have not just kicked the can down the road until after the local elections.

• Who decided that we needed a scheme that covered the whole of GM?
• A scheme would have a major impact on jobs and businesses? 
• A scheme that treated air quality on Saddleworth Moor the same as in city centre Salford or Manchester?
• A scheme that excludes the motorway and trunk road network.

What planet where they on?

Did people not learn anything from the failed congestion charge?

Mayor Burnham must keep his manifesto promise to clean up air pollution in Greater Manchester without “the loss of a single job or business”. 

This is something this Labour administration and others in GM failed to do first time round. 

Even if people wanted to comply, they cannot as the supply chain just does not exist to deliver the conversions or new complainant vehicles in time and that assumes people can afford them!  That situation will not have changed in July.

So, my question tonight is what assurance can the citizens of Oldham have that their interests will be championed and fought for by those who make the decisions about Clean Air Zone 2, if indeed we need one?

This includes the boundary of the Zone and the vehicles it will or will now not include?  Also, that a realistic the financial support package is available for those impacted.

Or will ‘CAZ 2 the sequel’ just get pushed through quietly in the summer and you hope nobody notices.