“No clue and no urgency”: Oldham Council slammed for silence over collapse of leading voluntary sector organiser
Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has slammed council bosses for have “no clue” over the collapse of the Greater Manchester Centre Voluntary Organisations (GMCVO).
Details of the organisation’s financial collapse were uncovered in early December, but Greater Manchester councils including Oldham have been slow to comment. Councillor Sykes has previously written to council bosses asking for a briefing on the impact for Oldham.
Councillor Sykes said, “No update has been given to councillors or staff. I was promised a reply at a recent council meeting, but nothing has been forthcoming. I am concerned that the council has no clue what the GMCVO collapse means for us in Oldham or for the future of schemes that relied on the GMCVO for support. They aren’t showing any urgency over this at all.”
In Oldham, it is understood that the GMCVO supports a range of employability projects. The organisation also provides considerable administrative support and advice for new voluntary and community start-ups.
Councillor Sykes said, “With council budgets completely hammered, the role of the community voluntary sector has become more important with each passing year. These organisations fill the gaps that have been left as other services keep getting cut back.”
“While we wait for the Cabinet Member to reply in detail, there are volunteer projects across Oldham Borough who will be nervous about the future and about where to go for advice and support.”
Sykes writes to Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance following the collapse of the GMCVO
11/12/24
Councillor Abdul Jabbar
Deputy Leader of Oldham Council
Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability
Dear councillor Jabbar,
RE: The impact of the GMCVO moving into administration
I am writing to you in your capacity as the Cabinet Member for Finance regarding the recent announcement that the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation (GMCVO), the key body dedicated to supporting social and economic development across our region, has entered administration. This news has raised significant concerns regarding the continued support for essential projects and services in Oldham Borough, particularly those reliant on GMCVO funding and administrative assistance.
In light of this development, I would like to request your urgent clarification on the anticipated impact on Oldham’s community and voluntary sector. Specifically, I would be grateful if you could provide a comprehensive breakdown of the following:
- GMCVO-Funded Projects in Oldham Borough: Please outline which projects within Oldham currently receive funding from the GMCVO and explain how their operations are expected to be impacted during the financial years 2025/26 and 2026/27. This information is vital for understanding the scale of potential disruptions and planning any necessary interim support.
- Administrative Support for Projects in Oldham Borough: Identify the projects in Oldham that benefit from administrative support provided by the GMCVO, such as bid writing and other forms of assistance critical in securing additional funding and resources. I request that you detail the measures your administration is taking to ensure that these projects continue to receive the essential support they require to maintain their operations and pursue their objectives.
This situation is deeply concerning as it could have far-reaching consequences for the social and economic wellbeing of our communities at a time of unprecedented challenge and need in the voluntary sector. It is essential that we assess the situation comprehensively to safeguard the continuity of valuable services and programs that depend on GMCVO’s involvement.
Your timely response to these queries will be greatly appreciated, not only to inform the Opposition but also to provide reassurance to the community organisations and residents of Oldham who may be directly affected by this significant change.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your detailed response.
Best wishes
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE