Shop local this Small Business Saturday (7 Dec) to support our high streets say Liberal Democrats

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE is urging the local community to join the nationwide celebration of Small Business Saturday on Saturday, 7th December.  This important day aims to recognise and support the vital role that independent shops, cafes, and small businesses play in the economy and the character of our high streets.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community,” Councillor Sykes said.

“This Small Business Saturday, right across Oldham Borough, I encourage everyone to make a conscious effort to shop local, support our high streets, and show appreciation for the hardworking people who enrich our borough.”

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has presented numerous challenges for smaller businesses, many of whom are grappling with rising operating costs, unpredictable consumer spending, and other economic pressures.

The recent budget announcement by the Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP in October has had specific implications for these small enterprises.  While the budget included some support measures, the pressures of inflation and high energy costs continue to present a challenge, while the increase of national insurance contributions for employers could threaten businesses that are already working with tight margins.

Councillor Sykes said, “While the October budget provided some relief, the effects of inflation and escalating costs have left small business owners struggling to maintain their operations.  It’s more important than ever for us to rally behind them, not just on Small Business Saturday but throughout the year, to ensure they continue to thrive.”

By choosing to shop locally, customers can help sustain jobs, promote economic resilience, and preserve the unique character of our high streets.

Councillor Sykes said, “Supporting small businesses isn’t just good for the economy – it strengthens our community ties and makes our area a better place to live. I invite everyone to take part in Small Business Saturday and beyond by shopping local and spreading the word to family and friends.”

More on Small Business Saturday 2024 here

Rugby Legend Kevin Sinfield CBE is coming home for Christmas.

Christmas at Dunwood Park – Sunday 2pm – 4:30pm 8 Dec.

Oldham Council’s £20 million overspend could rise further if government National Insurance hike hits social care say Liberal Democrats

Oldham Liberal Democrats have warned that the council could be in hot water over its finances if the government doesn’t bring forward funding to cover the hike in National Assurance contributions (NICs) announced by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October. 

From April next year employer’s National Insurance contributions will increase by 1.2% and the threshold at which employers must contribute to National Insurance will be reduced to all employees earning £5,000 or more.  The announcement has sparked fresh concerns over council finances due to increasing pressure on social care providers. 

Saddleworth West and Lees representative and Oldham Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Finance, councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said, “Social care makes up a significant proportion of council spending and councils are required by law to ensure that services are delivered for those who need them.  If the government doesn’t shield care providers from their National Insurance hike, those costs will be passed on to councils like Oldham.  That could force some councils over the edge of the cliff.”

Oldham Council already faces a £20 million overspend with most council insiders hinting that the Labour administration is set to cut even deeper in February’s Budget. 

Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition councillor Howard Sykes said, “The Labour Government needs to bring forward funding to protect councils from their National Insurance hike.  We are nearing the brink now.”

“We’ve heard a lot from Labour over the last 14 years about how they would fix local government.  If they don’t act soon, many more councils will go under.  I don’t want that for Oldham Borough.”

Oldham Liberal Democrats call on MPs to back lower league football clubs with ‘Fair Game’ changes to Football Bill

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has urged Oldham MPs Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams to support lower league clubs with changes to the upcoming Football Governance Bill in Parliament. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The English football pyramid is the envy of the world, but there is no doubt that the way we fund our beloved national game is broken.  It’s lower league clubs like our own Latics that lose out because of a funding deal which only helps the big Premier League clubs.”

“For every £1,000 a Premier League club gets from broadcast revenue, a team in the National League gets just 14p.  Lower league clubs enrich our towns and give so much to our communities.  They deserve a fair deal.”

The Football Governance Bill – which aims to address the way football clubs are operated in England – is currently passing through Parliament.  Oldham Liberal Democrats are supporting the ‘Fair Game’ campaign which is lobbying for key changes to the Bill. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The Fair Game campaign is asking for sensible changes to this important Bill.  We need the strongest possible rules in place to protect our football governing bodies from vested interests and corruption.  We need to be sure that the Bill will mean more support for all clubs – especially lower league clubs.  And we need to protect the rights of fans to be consulted on major decisions such as the sale of a home ground.”

“These are all common sense and practical recommendations and I hope our Oldham MPs will support them in Parliament.”

Sykes letter (2/12/24) to Jim McMahon and Debbie Abrahams in full:

Dear Mr McMahon/Ms Abrahams,

RE: Fair Game changes to the Football Governance Bill

There is no doubt that English football is broken and I’m writing to ask for your support, as one of Oldham’s Members of Parliament, to help fix it.

The following statistics from Fair Game analysis speak for themselves in demonstrating just how bad the current situation is:

• More than half of clubs are technically insolvent; in any other industry this would not be allowed to happen.
• For every £1000 a Premier League club gets from broadcast revenue, a team in the National League gets a meagre 14p!
• Parachute payments are growing in importance and are distorting financial distribution between the leagues. In each of the last five seasons, two or the three promoted clubs were in receipt of parachute payments. In the 11 seasons before that, it was only 10.
• The voting structures of the bodies that can address the gaps, all favour those who benefit from the growing divide.
  
  

As you know, in March, the Football Governance Bill was introduced and included the introduction of a new Independent Football Regulator. The Bill was in Committee stage when Parliament was suspended due to the general election.

But now your government has promised to re-introduce it, a chance to make it even stronger than before. Football needs you.

We need a Bill that tackles the growing financial inequality in the game, and ensures the regulator is truly independent, has the powers it needs to deliver proper solutions and can reward well run clubs.

For the sake of fans and clubs up and down the country, I’m asking you to call on the Government to back Fair Game’s proposed changes in full.

You can read more detail on Fair Game’s proposed amendments to the original bill here.

Football in England is more than just a game. Our clubs are community assets but in order to serve fans and communities, they need to exist.

Without these amendments, the Regulator won’t be able ensure financial fairness and sustainability for ALL clubs across the English pyramid, putting our clubs very future at risk.

Please use your voice and influence to ensure the proposed Football Governance Bill is truly fit for purpose.

At risk is decades of history and tradition, the hearts of local communities across the country and the hundreds of local businesses that depend on their local club.

I also encourage you to organise a meeting with Fair Game’s CEO Niall Couper to discuss the matter further.  You can do so by emailing niall.couper@fairgameuk.co.uk

Best wishes,

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE      

I’m supporting Crohn’s and Colitis awareness week 1-7 Dec.

https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/crohns-and-colitis-awareness-week/awareness-week-resources

Supporting residents through the cost of living crisis.

As the rising cost of living continues to impact households across Oldham Borough, it’s crucial that residents know where to find support.

If you or someone you know is worried about energy bills, food costs, transport, or other essentials, support is available. They can help with managing debt, finding employment, heating homes, feeding families, and more.

Residents need to call 0161 770 7007 or for further advice and assistance they can visit www.oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp

New Event:  6^th  December 2024 – Meet in Brushes Clough car park for a 10:30am start. We expect to do about 2 to 3 hrs, but no problem if you need to leave sooner. 

Come and join us for what will be a casual walk around the moor. The main reason for this event is to put some plaques on the drystone walls we have completed.  This is an easy task, with the addition of an opportunity to learn more about the work we are doing on Crompton Moor, particularly the wetland work of installing more leaky dams and increasing the number of ponds on the site, along with planting a ‘shelter belt’ across the top of Pingot quarry. For those of you who don’t know what a shelter belt is, this is an opportunity to find out. 

So, if you want to know more about Crompton Moor and its wildlife, and how you could become a volunteer with Friends of Crompton Moor come up and join us.

You don’t need to bring any equipment other than maybe a camera or binoculars, just make sure you dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes.  Bring a drink and some sandwiches and we’ll stop somewhere for a break and a chance to take in the views.

Email: cromptonmoor@gmail.com

Or marian.herod@btinternet.com

Happy St Andrew’s Day – 30 Nov.

FOR HELP AND ADVICE – Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillor Surgeries (no appointment necessary) in December 2024.

Pop along for advice, help or to discuss any issue or matter with your local Liberal Democrat councillors.

Shaw and Crompton Advice Surgeries (no appointment necessary) held on the following Thursdays at Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre – 7:30pm to 8:30pm.

December 5, 12 and 19.