How accessible is your town centre?

Councillor Diane Williamson highlights recent work done by the Liberal Democrats in Oldham Borough. This is to make sure our shopping districts more accessible through increased funding. This work comes from the Oldham Liberal Democrat motion proposed by Diane Williamson who has campaigned on this issue in her ward of Crompton for years. This would have been debated on the 18^th March full council meeting. The Liberal Democrats want to empower local town communities by making them fully accessible and easy to use by all.

If successful, funding will be set aside for adaptations. These will focus on improving access points in the district centres across Oldham Borough.

Alongside money, a full survey of the area is being called for. This is to ensure adjustments are in line with what charities and community groups advise. The Liberal Democrats want the council to work alongside these organisations on this project.

Councillor Williamson comments: “Oldham Borough is full of hills and is affected by difficult weather. Just taking local geography into account we have to survey how our elderly and less physically able residents get about whilst doing their shopping.”

“We need more investment in every area of Oldham, starting with our much-loved town centres. Shame on our current leaders of the Council who aren’t doing enough to invest everywhere in Oldham Borough.”

Power to the people, quite literally…

Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani highlights recent work done by the Liberal Democrats in Oldham Borough. They want local authorities to play a major role in sustainable communities. This work comes from the Oldham Liberal Democrat motion that would be moved by Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani who has also called for more energy efficient housing initiatives. The motion was due to be brought to the 18^th March full council meeting. Support for a people electricity bill has gained major backing in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats hope to extend the idea to local government.

Revenues received by councils from the sale of local renewable electricity can be used. This is money that can help fund measures to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, and in turn help fund local services and facilities.

Councillor Al-Hamdani comments: “local Councils have a chance to play a central role in creating sustainable communities. particularly through the provision of locally generated, renewable electricity. It’s all well and good declaring a Climate Emergency, but this is a concrete idea dealing with the issue directly.”

“I do not deny there are huge running costs associated with generating electricity. However, local government has the administrative power and potential funding to enact renewable solutions to the climate crisis.”

For local information on Covid 19:

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/coronavirus

Help and advice from your local councillors – Please get in touch using information below

You can still contact us, using the details below

Crompton Ward Councillors:

Councillor Diane Williamson:  T: 01706 558 036 M: 07805 587 327 E: diane.williamson@oldham.gov.uk Twitter:@CllrDWilliamson

Councillor Dave Murphy:  T: 01706 840 056  M: 07894 598 250 E: dave.murphy@oldham.gov.uk Twitter:@CllrDaveMurphy

Councillor Louie Hamblett: T: 01706 660 806 E: louie.hamblett@oldham.gov.uk Twitter:@LouieHamblett 

Shaw Ward Councillors:

Councillor Hazel Gloster: T: 01706 847 709 E: hazel.gloster@oldham.gov.uk Twitter: @hazel_gloster

Councillor Howard Sykes: T: 0161 770 4016 E: howard.sykes@oldham.gov.uk W: http://howardsykes.mycouncillor.org.uk  Twitter:@Howard Sykes Facebook: /Councillor Howard Sykes

Councillor Chris Gloster: T: 01706 847 709 E: chris.gloster@oldham.gov.uk Twitter:@CllrChrisG

Councillor Garth Harkness highlights recent work done by the Liberal Democrats to make life easier for Tram passengers across the network. This work comes from the Oldham Liberal Democrat motion proposed by Councillor Harkness. This is to be debated on the 18th March full council meeting. The idea behind the scheme is to do with tax relief.

From Shaw to Manchester City Centre, an annual season ticket costs a Metrolink Tram commuter £1,154. For a bus commuter, it’s £670.

To make it easier for tram passengers in Oldham Borough, Councillor Garth Harkness and the Liberal Democrat group will urge the Chief Executive of Oldham Council to write to the Prime Minister to introduce a tax relief scheme for passengers.

Councillor Harkness commented: “The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, called for a similar scheme in 2013 where employers help passengers. People who work for them would then have reduced travel costs through tax relief scheme.”

“I see no reason why the Prime Minister should not support this now in 2020, in our Northern Powerhouse.”

“We need to do everything we can to make public transport more attractive and this is one measure that can help”

Council March 18, 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business: Tax relief for travel

This Council notes that:

• In his article for the Daily Telegraph ‘Tax Relief just the Ticket’ (6 October 2013), journalist Boris Johnson called for employees to be ‘allowed to pay for their season tickets from their pre-tax income.’
• Mr Johnson advocated for the introduction of a new tax relief scheme, limited to the basic rate, whereby ‘the employer would buy the season ticket and deduct the cost from his or her (employee’s) pay packet – and only then would the employee be assessed for tax.’
• The impact of such a scheme would mean that employees would have less taxable income reducing their liability for income tax and national insurance and the employer would also save on national insurance contributions.
• An annual season ticket costs a Metrolink tram commuter from Shaw to Manchester £1,154, a Train commuter from Greenfield to Manchester £1,208, and a Bus commuter with First Manchester £670.
• Such a tax-relief scheme would represent a significant financial saving for our Borough’s commuters.
• Council further notes that now Mr Johnson is Prime Minister he has it within his power to put his aspirations for tax relief on seasonal travel tickets into practice.

Council resolves to:

• Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of The Exchequer to request that this Government introduces a tax-relief scheme.
• This would be on seasonal travel tickets (following the principles outlined in Mr Johnson’s Telegraph article in 2013) making this effective as soon as possible.

Proposed by: Councillor Garth Harkness

Seconded by: Councillor Louie Hamblett

For real time information: https://oldham.roadworks.org/

Hope you can join me for our re-arranged event this Sunday, our task being drainage.

The current weather forecast for Sunday is sunny intervals and a gentle breeze, likely temperatures of 8º/9º (Not Warm!) and 10/11 mph winds so please ensure you have your favourite hot & or cold liquids, appropriate  clothing & footwear and a packed lunch if you are up for the day – it may feel colder than it really is.

If you have any issues that you may wish to discuss prior to Sunday, please do not hesitate to email (on either address) or text / phone me on 07961107860.

For those of you that have not already done so, please could you let me know if you intend to join us on the day.  

I look forward to seeing you in the Crompton Moor Car Park at 10.30 on Sunday. Thank you.

Kindest Regards – Edward John Fulton (aka Ed / Eddie). Countryside Volunteer Ranger, (Mob) 07961 107860 [Calls may be recorded], (Text) 07961 107860, (Fax)  01706 61813 (E)  edward@edwardjohnfulton.uk , (E) edward.fulton@btinternet.uk

The Oldham Liberal Democrats are addressing some of the problems caused by fireworks and want to raise awareness.  Fireworks are used by everyone, especially over Christmas and New Year, but explosives can pose a danger to animals and people. 

The new idea brought forward by Saddleworth and Lees Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani, wants to apply a challenge 25 policy to how people buy fireworks.  The Liberal Democrats also want to promote awareness about the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people.  Councillor Al-Hamdani backs residents considering quieter fireworks and wants people to think about who may live nearby the display.  The motion will be brought to January 8^th full Council meeting.

Councillor Al-Hamdani comments: “I love fireworks, but those holding an event need to let local people know about it well in advance.  Lack of consideration for others in the community is bad for our Borough.  This motion seeks to raise awareness on some of the issues and highlight the fact that fireworks have a place in our society. Pets can suffer if they are surprised by fireworks displays, and their owners need to know when events are coming up so they can ensure that the impact upon their animals are kept to a minimum.”

Councillor Hazel Gloster who is seconding the motion says: “Applying Challenge 25 to the sale of fireworks is a great idea.  Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol.  With the danger that fireworks carry, the same policy should be applied for people who want to possess fireworks.  It’s common sense.”

Copy of Motion: Council 8^th January 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business – Motion – A sensible approach to firework displays

This Council notes that:

• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing. It does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.
• That further research is needed to properly understand the impact of noise on animals and people. In the meantime, several things can be done to improve the situation for wildlife and people at risk of being affected by firework explosions.
• Applying the same Challenge 25 legislation to fireworks as there is with Alcohol will ensure that less young people will be injured by fireworks.
• Review of the licensing all public firework displays is needed, ensuring displays are better advertised to the public informing of noise levels and how it may affect people and animals.

This Council resolves to:

• Ensure all public firework displays within Oldham Borough to be advertised in advance of the event, with appropriate advertising for the size of the display, allowing residents to take precautions for people in their care and pets.
• Actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.
• Encourage local suppliers of fireworks to separate ‘quieter’ fireworks from the loud ones so people can choose which ones they prefer with animal and people safety in mind. And give large labels to sticker the products with: green for quiet, red for loud.
• Applying Challenge 25 legislation to the sale of fireworks in Oldham Borough. Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol. With the danger that Fireworks carry, the same policy should be applied for people who want to possess fireworks.

Proposed by: Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

Seconded by: Councillor Hazel Gloster   

The Oldham Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned against schools’ cuts.  They want the Council to write to the Government to fill the funding gap.  Schools are underfunded by an estimated 12 Million pounds across Oldham Borough.  Councillor Garth Harkness will bring a motion to January 8th full Council in 2020. This is to send a message to the new government to keep their promises.

Councillor Harkness says  “There was a government review in 2019 that highlighted the need to fund our schools properly.  Oldham Council needs to send a strong, united message to PM Boris Johnson and his new Government asking them to deliver on the findings of the review.”

Councillor Diane Williamson is also supporting the policy:  “For every pound that the Government cut and continue to direct away from Oldham Schools, there is a child being deprived of opportunity.  We need to stop this and do all we can.”

Copy of Motion: Council 8^th January 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business – Motion – Confronting the school’s cuts crisis

This Council notes that:

• Many schools in Oldham Borough are not receiving the minimum funding of £3,500 per pupil for primary schools and £4,800 for secondary schools, as guaranteed by the Conservative Government’s National Funding Formula.
• Oldham Borough is ranked 73 out of 149 local authorities (149 being the lowest funded) in England for 2020-2021 school funding.
• There is an unacceptable shortfall for 2020. Oldham schools are predicted to lose more than £12 million in funding, an average of approximately £238 per pupil.

• Schools are struggling to maintain the standard of education with the level of cuts faced.
• Some schools are attempting to reduce the number of special needs pupils accepted because of the funding gap.

This Council resolves to:

• Have the Leader of the Council write to the Minister of Education asking for recognition of the harm that school cuts are having on the standard of education in this country and in Oldham Borough.
• Have the Chief Executive write to the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister asking them to acknowledge the 2019 Spending Review and address the issue of school funding. The letter should state that all schools must receive the minimum funding as guaranteed by the National Funding Formula, as well as fully funding the High Needs Block.

Proposed by: Councillor Garth Harkness

Seconded by: Councillor Diane Williamson  

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE and the Oldham Liberal Democrats want to combat the negative effects of climate change in Oldham.  They wish to reverse the dramatic fall in UK bee and insect population.  They are bringing a brand-new local policy to the table at the next Full Council Meeting (08/01/20).  

Bees and other insects play a vital role in pollination of trees, crops and flowers that help produce the air we breath and food we eat.  They want Oldham’s roadside wastelands to be transformed into diverse nature habitats.  This will reduce maintenance costs and diversify our local wildlife.  

“These habitats will be turning ugly roadside grass verges and wastes into patches of flowers shrubs and ‘insect hotels’.  Insect hotels are logs and rocks placed in a certain way to attract different animal species to the area,” stated Councillor Sykes.

“Living in a green and vibrant area is also beneficial to people’s mental health.  This is also a fantastic opportunity for community groups to get involved and help the Council develop these urban meadows throughout Oldham Borough,” he added.

Councillor Dave Murphy is seconding the motion:  “All political parties need to work together on issues like climate change.  This local Liberal Democrat idea will halt, and hopefully reverse, a decline in UK nature.”

Copy of Motion:

Council 8th January 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business – Motion – Urban Meadows and Bee Corridors for a greener Oldham

This Council notes that:

• Recent work in other areas of the country has seen grass verges and dual carriageway centres transformed into wildflower corridors teeming with flora and fauna.
• These urban Meadows have multiple benefits for the areas that have been created.  They enhance the support for wildlife thus delivering biodiversity and increasing the natural beauty and appeal of an area. 
• Nature sites attract new visitors who come to see the colourful arrays created.
• Bee Corridors will reduce the maintenance costs due to the low maintenance of such areas.
• With bits of wood and plastic and in partnership with schools and youth groups, Insect Hotels will be built along the flowery corridors to attract as much wildlife as possible.
• The purpose of this scheme is to combat the dramatic loss of habitat and falling bee numbers. Insect numbers influence plant pollination and other species depend upon their existence.
• Although these urban Meadows are not for every community space and roadside, by increasing the local biodiversity in Oldham borough will have a positive effect on learning, mental health and overall appeal in the area.
• If a green Oldham is the ambition, this motion takes us a step forward to achieving that.

This Council resolves to:

• Have officers assess the feasibility of establishing Wildflower corridors, insect hotels and urban meadows across the Borough. Officers should also work closely with Parish Councillors and Borough Councils on this matter.
• A report highlighting potential locations and areas suitable should be presented to Cabinet before work can begin in 2020.
• The report will focus on working with the local community, businesses and Councillors to distinguish good and bad practice areas for this scheme.

Proposed by: Councillor Howard Sykes MBE       

Seconded by: Councillor Dave Murphy