Vanquis banished from Oldham bus station following Lib Dem Campaign

Vanquis Bank, a sub-prime lender targeting those with a poor credit rating and multiple debts, has finally vanished from the Oldham Bus Station after a campaign by Oldham Liberal Democrats led to a ban from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

At the July 17th Council meeting, Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Howard Sykes raised the issue of the inappropriateness of Vanquis Bank marketing its products to residents of the borough by having a stand in the Oldham Bus Station.

At this stand, company representatives were seen to be handing out promotional brochures, and harassing passers-by entering the bus station.

Vanquis Bank, a subsidiary of doorstep lender Provident Finance, operates in the sub-prime lending market offering a credit card requiring a typical interest payment of 39.9% to UK residents with a ‘limited or uneven credit history’.

It has been criticised on credit forums such as Money Saving Expert, established by financial journalist Martin Lewis, for the high interest charges on these cards and the high charges levied on defaulted payments.

At the July meeting, Cllr Sykes questioned why Transport for Greater Manchester, which had worked with bus operators to introduce reduced fares to make bus travel more affordable to those on low incomes, was permitting such an organisation for a fee to operate on its premises.

Cllr Sykes and Oldham representative on TfGM fellow Lib Dem Cllr John Dillon together began a campaign to have Vanquis banished.

Cllr Sykes said: “Vanquis actively targets customers with limited means and a poor credit history who cannot access cheaper credit elsewhere, putting them further into debt. These individuals often already have multiple debt issues and struggle to make repayments. Quite simply the Oldham Liberal Democrats did not want to see this company using a bus station to push their products on the poorest citizens in our society so we called upon TfGM to revoke their agreement with them immediately”.

On 3rd October, Councillors Sykes and Dillon were informed by senior manager Jon Lamonte of TfGM that following Lib Dem demands an internal review was conducted a corporate decision made not to let Vanquis back into the bus station.

Cllr Sykes: “This is a pleasing result, and the latest positive action to combat loan sharks and sub-prime, high-interest lending companies in our borough resulting from pressure brought to bear by the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council.

We recently also led the way in calling first for the Council to ban links to the websites of loan companies –such as Wonga – from the computers of public libraries and Council offices, a policy that the Council chose to adopt days after we suggested it.

We now need to get TfGM to agree to our second demand – that the Oldham Credit Union be invited to have a free stand in the Oldham Bus Station”.

A healthier you

Is it time to make a change?

Your local NHS Health Improvement Service can help you achieve your lifestyle goals, whether you’d like to:

• Stop smoking
• Take control of your weight
• Eat well
• Be active
• Drink sensibly
• Improve your wellbeing
• Develop your skills, knowledge and confidence

Our One Stop Shop is ready to take your call on:
0161 621 712
or email: pcn-tr.oldhamonestopshop@nhs.net

The following support is offered to people in the Oldham area:

Stop smoking: visit one of our personal advisors, or get
support over the phone. You are four times more likely to
succeed if you get support.

Take control of your weight: come along to one of our ‘Why
Weight’ groups, or get personal support with a Health Trainer.
Eat well: try out new recipes, and learn new skills – whatever
your budget!

Be active: join us in our various activities, including walking,
cycling, or by attending one of our classes. All abilities welcome.

Improve your wellbeing: join one of our groups to increase
your confidence and self-esteem and learn to manage your
stress and anxiety.

Our One Stop Shop is ready to take your call on:
0161 621 712
or email: pcn-tr.oldhamonestopshop@nhs.net

Get involved: why not come on a training course about
community health and get involved in improving wellbeing in
Oldham? We provide training and support.

Questions (allowed max of three) I asked at Oldham Council meeting Wed 11th September

Using the Airport Bumper Dividend to Support those affected by Welfare Reform:

I am sure that the Leader of the Council will join me in welcoming the recent news of bumper dividend payments being made to the ten Greater Manchester authorities by the Manchester Airport Group.

Will the Leader be willing to enter into a discussion as to how best Oldham can utilise this wind-fall, particularly in looking to identify further practical measures that can be funded to support the poorest citizens of our borough who are adjusting to reduced benefits following welfare reform?

One example that could be emulated, from a neighbouring authority, is establishing a discretionary hardship fund used in exceptional circumstances to support first time Council Tax payers in arrears.

Will he consider establishing such a fund and any other steps that might be of benefit to these hard pressed citizens?

Council Letters that are Threatening or Lack Clarity:

We have tonight heard a question from an understandably very angry lady, a pillar of her local community, who has demanded a public apology after being accused in threatening and condemnatory letters received from this authority about claiming the single person’s Council Tax discount under false pretences whilst supposedly providing shelter for her grandson.

I myself have recently resolved a case involving the authority dealing in a high-minded and dictatorial fashion with a young mother – a constituent of mine – who in trying to provide for her family through taking up employment got into a tiswas with her claim for Council Tax Benefit. The lady in question received correspondence that was so unclear that a polymath would struggle to understand it.

Later we have a Cabinet Question from my Liberal Democrat colleague, Councillor Philomena Dillon, about a case in which a Crompton constituent, was accused of accruing a Council Tax debt on a property that no longer existed at a time when she was no longer living in the borough.

I am all for the authority throwing the book at those who wilfully claim things to which they are not entitled or cheerfully seek to avoid paying the money that they owe, but these are just three instances where the authority has acted overzealously and in haste to follow up red herrings.

It is fortunate indeed that the recipients of these letters were sufficiently strong willed and had the presence of mind to ask for help.

My worry is that in the near future that one of my constituents, or those of colleagues, who may be vulnerable or isolated will receive a similar letter – and that for them it will take them over the edge.

So to help forestall that eventuality I would like to ask the Leader tonight to outline for Council what checks his administration is prepared to introduce to ensure that the letters this authority sends out accord with the known facts and that they are clear and respectful to our electorate, the people that we ultimately serve?

And will he also please refer this matter for urgent investigation by the Overview and Scrutiny Board with a report brought back to Council this municipal year?

It’s All Bullocks:

I am sure the Leader will agree with me that the significant financial settlement made upon the authority and the recent departure of the former Chief Executive of Housing 21 has drawn a line under the very unsatisfactory construction phase of the PFI2 housing regeneration project.

My colleague, Cllr John McCann, as former lead member for housing, spent many an hour trying to resolve the numerous problems and delays associated with the refurbishment of bungalows and construction of new group schemes for the older residents of this borough.

And I am sure Cllr Hibbert has done the same.

But for the record, will the Leader agree that overall the tenants renting the properties that are managed on behalf of the Council by Housing 21 receive a good service, and that in fact the blame for the earlier debacle should really be placed squarely at the foot of Housing 21’s so-called construction partners, Bullocks?

The important thing is that despite the Bullocks our elderly are safe, comfortable and as content as possible within these properties.

While there are always exceptions all my information says they are.

Will the Leader join with me in offering assurance, especially to the relatives of those in Housing 21 properties, that this is in fact the case?

‘Why Weight’ Oldham Community Health Services successful 8 week weight management course is running at

Crompton Health Centre from Thursday 26th September – 14th November 1-3pm

Royton Health and Wellbeing Centre Tuesay the 8th of October 10-12pm

The course is aimed at men and women who are above their ideal weight, or who just feel unhappy with the way they look. It will offer people advice to lose weight and keep it off. This includes guidance around healthy recipes, portion sizes and being more active. A weekly weigh-in will also support people to stay on track with their weight loss.

Natalie Hill, Community Health Development Worker, said: “We know that people often try various ways to lose weight and to keep it off. Our free weight management programmes aim to give people the very best chance of success, by offering them essential knowledge, guidance and support. We’ve already helped many people lose weight and the feedback we have received is very positive.

“The sessions are designed to be informal, yet informative. We often find that participants benefit from meeting others who are losing weight, because they can support each other outside of the sessions and into the future. “We look forward to welcoming people and helping them achieve their weight loss goals.”

Places are limited, so anyone who is interested is encouraged to act fast to avoid disappointment. They can book a place by phoning the One Stop Shop on 0161 621 7128.

Howard Sykes questions and replies on transport matters at the Council Meeting 17th July

Please find attached the responses to the questions/observations asked by Councillor Sykes at the last Full Council meeting relating to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Joint Authority Minutes.

1. Can a further pay station be placed at Derker Tram Stop?

The additional pay station has been ordered and will be installed shortly.

2. Further to the use of companies with high interest rates using the Bus Station to solicit customers can they be kicked out?

TfGM derive income from a number of licensed companies who are allowed to use Bus Stations.

The Chair of the Bus Network Committee has agreed for a report to go to the next meeting to consider the list of those presently authorised to use Bus Stations and whether they are suitable companies.

3. Not one person has used the subsidised route to Kingsway Business Park via Royton and Sholver. We should be looking at better connectivity throughout the Borough.

TfGM are consulting with Oldham’s transport officers to promote usage and increase numbers on this service.

This service will shortly be reviewed and will include in that process new stopping points including Shaw.

Friday Waste Collection Shaw 12th July

Due to exceptionally high tonnages and participation there are a number of uncompleted collections.

Shaw, Crompton – Green Waste

Shaw, Comingled (brown bins and black caddies)

To ensure this does not have a knock on effect into next week there will be a a crew completing this work tomorrow morning.

Please leave your bins out for collection on Saturday 13th July.

Beal Lane, Shaw-Temporary Road Closure, commencing Mon July 22nd 2013 for 2 weeks

Temporary road closure to part of Beal Lane (Jubilee Street to Metro Crossing).

This is due to road and footway resurfacing/reconstruction.

Below are the details of when road is closed:

7am – 7pm, Mon – Fri and Sun if required.
5am – 8pm, Sat.

Pedestrian access along Beal Lane and to the Metrolink station will be maintained at all times.

Delivery access to be maintained to distribution centres at all times except for the Saturday closures.

The road will be open to traffic at the end of each working day.

Alternative Route: Beal Lane/Grains Road/Hillside Avenue/Buckstones Road/Milnrow Road/Crompton Way/Rochdale Road/Beal Lane, in both directions.

Please note the dates / times of the closure at Beal Lane as it will not be closed for the entire two week duration of work. The two Saturday closure dates have been agreed in advance with the distribution centres, who have arranged that no deliveries will take place during the agreed hours of working.

It has been arranged that deliveries to the distribution centres will be able to get through the closure along Beal Lane from Shaw Town Centre during the weekday closures; this in effect means that it will not be necessary for HGV delivery vehicles to use the diversion route at any time.

All other vehicles will use the diversion route.

If you have any questions regarding the work please direct them to Nigel Molden at nigel.molden@unitypartnership.com or 0161 770 1952

ROAD CLOSURES SHAW & CROMPTON FAMILY WEEKEND – June 22 AND 23 8.00AM – 6.00PM

As usual Market Street will be closed for the above event; the diversion route will be Beal Lane, East Way and then Greenfield Lane/High Street.

Different to previous years the fun fair will be located on the Kershaw Street Car Park and NOT the Market Car Park (Westway). The 3 hour parking limit on this and other car parks will be suspend for the above event.