Howard Sykes MBE, and leader of Oldham Councils’ Liberal Democrat Opposition said, “For all the talk of levelling up, the Council and the Government have had a decade to really make a difference for our town.” 

In 2013, a ten-year refurbishment of the Oldham Coliseum building triggered a raft of plans to rejuvenate arts and culture in Oldham.

Councillor Sykes said, “Instead, plans came and went.  The clock was run down, until the Arts Council pulled the rug from under the feet of an organisation that was only just still standing. Now the Coliseum has simply run out of time and resources.  A decade of missed opportunities from the Government and the Labour Council have brought us to this situation.”

In 2013, proposals for a new building collapsed.  In 2019, the same happened again.  Then in 2022, a third set of plans reduced the options to a much smaller 260 seat theatre (the current capacity is 550 and would lead to major changes regardless), 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 has now been slammed shut

Councillor Sykes said, “If the Oldham Labour administration had put more time and effort on this jewel in Oldham’s crown instead of wasting it on failures like Prince’s Gate and Hotel Futures, we would now have a brand new theatre and a safe and thriving Coliseum.”

While the plans for a smaller theatre are approaching the planning stage, they are heavily watered down from the original proposals in size and scale.

Councillor Sykes said, “It’s heart-breaking to see the old building close.  When I saw the panto this year, I did not think that it was the last time I would get to see one in the old building.  I remember taking my children to see their first panto there and can recall being taken as a child myself!”

“What a travesty it is that future generations stand to miss out on this jewel in Oldham’s crown.  I have signed the “Save Oldham Coliseum” petition and I encourage people in our Borough and beyond to do the same, more than 7.500 people already have.  We need to make our voice heard.”

Save Oldham Coliseum
https://chng.it/fKj7SQmTnP

The Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE has written to the Chief Executive of Oldham Council raising concerns about changes to the law which now require people to bring photo ID with them to polling stations at election time. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The government has introduced laws to make it harder for people to vote.  This May, for the first time, people will need to bring photo ID with them to the polling station.  Many thousands of people in Oldham do not have photo ID.”

In his letter to the Chief Executive, councillor Sykes questioned the council’s preparations for the new voting regulations. 

Councillor Sykes said, “the introduction of voter ID represents the most significant change to the way people vote in a generation.  We are deeply concerned that poor implementation and low awareness of the need for photo voter ID could see many eligible voters turned away from the polls in May and in the future.”

“What work is Oldham Council doing with the groups most affected by the introduction of photo voter ID – such as young people, older people, and people with disabilities – to raise awareness of this new requirement?”

The Chief Executive has indicated he will address the concerns raised by councillor Sykes at a later date. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The council is dragging its feet on this when what is needed is decisive action.  It would be a travesty if people end up being turned away from polling stations in Oldham.  However, if I was a cynic, I might say a reduced turnout  will suit some parties and people?”

NOTES

Liberal Democrats slam voter ID “chaos”
Liberal Democrats slam voter ID “chaos” as postal voters are exempt from identity checks | Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Councillor Sykes writes to Oldham’s Chief Executive

1 Feb 2023

Harry Catherall
Chief Executive
Oldham Council

Dear Mr Catherall,

I am writing in relation to the May local elections and the implications of the Elections Act 2022.  As you know, government changes to election law will mean that voters in Oldham will be required to present photo ID at polling stations before they are allowed to vote.

It’s the view of the Liberal Democrat Group that the passing of the governments Elections Act and the introduction of voter ID represent the most significant change to the way people vote in a generation.  We are also deeply concerned that poor implementation and low awareness of the need for photo voter ID could see many eligible voters turned away from the polls in May and in the future. 

So, I am writing to ask for an update on the implementation of these changes in Oldham.  I would be grateful if you could address the questions listed below.

1. What work is Oldham Council doing with the groups most affected by the introduction of photo voter ID – such as young people, older people, and people with disabilities – to raise awareness of this new requirement?

2. Has Oldham Council sent out a communication to all households alerting them to this new requirement?  And what is Oldham Council’s wider communication strategy on this issue – including use of social media and other avenues such as posters and leafleting.

3. How many applications have there been so far for the new Voter Authority Certificate (for people who don’t have an approved Photo ID)?

4. What progress is being made towards recruiting and training polling staff for May’s elections?  And how are the implications of the Elections Act 2022 being factored into that training. 

I look forward to your response.

Best wishes,

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE 

I have just been informed that Government officials have confirmed Avian flu has been found at Alexandra Park after a number of birds were found dead around the greenspace.

To stop the spread of the disease the boating lake will be closed to all activities, including fishing, until further notice.

Park staff have placed signs around the park and lake specifically asking people to not feed any birds, keep dogs on leads near the water and stay on the paths.

Visitors are also asked not to touch or try to rescue sick or injured birds and to report any they see to park staff. 

If no staff are around they can also report it via Environmental Services EnvironmentalServices@oldham.gov.uk or by calling 0161 770 4422.

The UK is currently facing its largest ever outbreak of avian flu with cases reported across the country. Avian flu has nothing to do with water quality or the environment and poses a low risk to humans.

Anyone who keeps birds must, by law, keep them housed and follow strict bio-security measures.

Should members of the public find dead garden birds on their property DEFRA/APHA have provided guidance on disposal:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/removing-and-disposing-of-dead-wild-birds

There is full government advice on avian flu at www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england

The Government has introduced new legislation which means photographic identification will be compulsory for anyone voting in person in this year’s elections.  

Voters attending the polls on Thursday 4 May will be refused a ballot if they do not show Government-approved photo ID.  Accepted ID includes:

• passports
• driving licences
• concessionary bus passes
• a PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Blue Badge
• Voter Authority Certificate

Expired ID is also accepted as long as the photo is a true likeness. You can visit the Electoral Commission website for a full list of accepted forms of voter ID

If residents don’t have any of these forms of ID, they can apply for a free voter ID which is also called a Voter Authority Certificate. A website has been set up to register for free voter ID  

People can also get help getting online at any library if they need some support, or the Elections Team is able to answer question and they can be contacted at 0161 770 4318 or elections@oldham.gov.uk  

You can also register to vote by post as normal, and postal votes will not require further ID. For more information, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/voterid

• New funding for ’20 is Plenty’ streets
• New parks and recreational spaces fund
• More cash to tackle roads, footways, and public footpath
• More action on enviro crimes (litter, fly-tipping, dog fouling)
• New children’s social care residential home

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Group have set out their alternative budget proposals ahead of a crucial Council vote on 1 March, where councillors will agree to spending plans.  Prior to that Council meeting the proposals go to scrutiny on Tuesday 7 February.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Shadow Executive Member for Finance and Low Carbon, councillor Chris Gloster said, “The Liberal Democrats’ priority is to make Oldham Borough a safer, cleaner and greener place to be for all of us, but especially for the next generation.”

“In the future, Oldham must be able to meet more of our care needs without relying on the private sector.  Liberal Democrats have a plan to invest in a new, council owned and operated residential home for children.”

“Youth services are often the first services to be cut when times are hard.  But Liberal Democrat plans include investment in these services, because children and young people in Oldham deserve more from this council.”

“People want safer, cleaner and greener communities.  The Liberal Democrats have a plan to invest in ’20 is Plenty’ and low-traffic streets, cutting emissions and reducing the risk of serious incidents on our roads.  Our proposals for footways, highways and disabled parking investment would make our communities more accessible for everyone.”

“Our local parks and green spaces cannot be taken for granted or left to rot without any plan or any care from the council.  Our plan to create a new fund for parks and recreational spaces will mean more care and maintenance of these treasured local assets,” stated Liberal Democrat Group Leader Howard Sykes MBE.

“These are the proprieties residents say they want, we have listened, and submitted our alternative to meet citizens demands.  This is just a start.  If we were running the council there would be much more of getting the basics right and doing what the public want,“ added councillor Sykes.

“People are fed up with a council that fixates on flashy vanity projects in Oldham Town Centre and fails to get the basics right for all our communities.  I’m proud to present the Liberal Democrat plan for fairer futures in a safe, clean, and green Oldham,” stated councillor Gloster.

NOTES

Attached PDF for the proposals.

Link to Liberal Democrat budget proposals

https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/documents/s136290/Lib%20Dem%20Budget%20Report%202023-24%20POSC.pdf

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has slammed Arts Council England bosses for “shameful neglect of Northern heritage” after their decision to cut funding for the Oldham Coliseum. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The decision to withdraw all funding from the Coliseum is particularly hard to take given that venues in London and the South are still attracting tens of millions of pounds, despite having their funding reduced.”

“No reductions here in Oldham though.  The Arts Council has completely pulled the plug instead.  The Coliseum is a treasured institution with a stellar regional and national identity.  This is shameful neglect of northern arts heritage.” 

On Monday, the Fairbottom Street venue announced it would cancel all programming after March 26^th after its bid for continued Arts Council funding was rejected, bringing an end to 138 years of theatre history.

However, funding has continued in other areas of the country, notably in London. 

In deciding which venues receive funding, Arts Council England lists supporting the governments levelling up agenda’ and the Red Cross Covid Recovery Vulnerability Index as two of its criteria for establishing need. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Oldham has received a round of so called ‘levelling up’ funding and our borough scores a 9 out of 10 on the Covid recovery index.  So how on Earth can Arts Council England justify their complete withdrawal of support for the Coliseum?”

NOTES

Councillor Sykes calls on council leadership to step up for Coliseum 
coliseum | Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

British Red Cross Covid-19 Vulnerability Index
https://britishredcross.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b599f94d2d04d6496cc8b2d89911f62

A typical family has been left almost £1,200 poorer in the 100 days since Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. The party warned that families across the country are suffering from the “cost of Conservative chaos”, as housing costs, taxes and rising energy and food bills all eat into their incomes.