Consequences for CSE failings 

Thank you, Mr Mayor. 

It is almost 18 months since the publication of the Newsam & Ridgeway report into historical child safeguarding failures in Oldham. 

The harrowing accounts of victims detailed in its’ pages are the most shameful and disturbing thing I have ever read in my time on this Council.  The report’s findings deeply shocked and angered the people of Oldham. 

What still shocks and angers people 18 months later is the failure of those in positions of authority and trust to be held to account.

Those who’s responsibility was to safeguard and protect the vulnerable.  Those who could have stepped in to prevent harm and those whose job it was to stop and prosecute the criminals.

These are not just shortcomings or lessons to be learned. 
These are unforgiveable failings.  And unforgiveable failings deserve consequences. 

So, 18 months on I want to ask the Leader if she thinks there have been any consequences for those who failed children in Oldham? 

18 months on from the report… how many officers from Greater Manchester Police have faced disciplinary action and how many officers are still in post?

18 months on from the report… how many from social services, licensing and elsewhere in Oldham Council from that time have faced disciplinary action and how many are still in post? 

Councillors, members of the public, and those directly impacted by this deserve a detailed answer to these questions. 

Anything less is not acceptable.

Oldham Coliseum

Thank you, Mr Mayor. 

Oldham Coliseum Theatre has been failed time and time and again. 

In 2013, proposals for a new building fell through.  In 2019, the same happened again.  Then in 2022, a third set of plans reduced the options to a much smaller 260 seat theatre.  Down from the Fairbottom Street capacity of 550.  One which would not open until at least 2026, and that is now in doubt.

There have been 10 wasted years and the window to do something to protect the Fairbottom Street Venue and its 135-year history was slammed shut at the start of this year when the Arts Council pulled the rug out from under the Coliseum. 

A decade of missed opportunities from the Government and the Labour Council have brought us to this situation.  

Earlier this year, the then Leader of the Council Amanda Chadderton said that the Fairbottom Building was “at the end of its life.”

But a report commissioned in September by the Board of Trustees clearly concludes that this is not the case. 

According to inspectors, the Fairbottom sight is “not beyond repair and could be used again.”

Does the Leader not think it would be best to invest in making Fairbottom Street fit for purpose rather than run the much greater risk of losing Coliseum performances for good?

And given there is now professional evidence which makes it clear that Fairbottom Street is not beyond repair. 

It’s clear that this Administration either took bad advice on the state of the building or was economical with the facts when it came to the cost and feasibility of the repairs.

Which is it?