Oldham Labour refuse to call on government to scrap the two-child benefit cap

A motion put forward by Oldham Liberal Democrats calling on the new Labour government to scrap the two-child cap on universal credit was voted down by Labour councillors at Full Council meeting (11/09.)  The cap, which prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in a household, was introduced by the Conservatives in 2017 and has been widely criticised by children’s charities and anti-poverty campaigners.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “It’s deeply disappointing that instead of speaking out for the more than 11,000 children in Oldham who are living in poverty, Labour instead chose to change the motion so that it protects their MPs in government.” 

A Labour amendment which changed the motion so that instead of calling on the government to act now, the Labour-run council wants the government to act ‘when finance allow.’  The Liberal Democrats called Labour’s response a “cop out” and a “missed opportunity to stand up for Oldham Borough.”

Councillor Sykes said, “It is estimated that child poverty costs the UK economy £39 billion each year, whereas scrapping the two-child cap will cost £1.3 billion.  This is a no-brainer.  So, while Labour argue that we cannot afford to take this step, we’re arguing that we cannot afford not to.  Labour’s position is a cop out and a missed opportunity to stand up for people in Oldham.” 

Saddleworth West and Lees representative and Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said, “It was Labour Party policy to scrap the cap until late last year.  In government, so far there has been little difference between Labour and the Conservatives and the reason for that is those Labour politicians that do speak out against the government on child poverty are kicked out.  They are scared of their leaders.”

“So far, every major decision this government has made, whether it’s on child benefits or winter fuel payments for pensioners, is going to hit ordinary people in Oldham Borough hard.  Oldham Labour are just watching from the sidelines and people deserve more.”

Liberal Democrat Motion in full:

Full council 11 Sept 2024 – Notice of Opposition Motion

Scrap the two-child benefit cap

Proposed by: Councillor Howard Sykes
Seconded by: Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

The Two Child limit to benefit payments was introduced by the Conservative Government in 2017 and is supported by the current Labour Government.  It prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in the household.

Council notes the recent research conducted by the End Child Poverty Coalition which has found that:

• 1.5 million children in the UK live in households subject to the two-child limit on benefit payments. That is roughly one-in-ten children in the UK.
• In 2023/24 the two-child limit cost families up to £3,235 per child each year.
• There is a strong correlation between families affected by the two-child limit and those who are living in poverty.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty overnight, and significantly reduce the level of poverty that a further 850,000 children live in.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would cost £1.3 billion, however it is estimated that child poverty costs the economy £39 billion each year.

In Oldham 11,340 children in 3,160 households are currently affected by the two-child limit to benefit payments.  That is 18% of all children in the authority area.  At the same time 27,760 local children are living in poverty.

Council strongly believes that the two-child limit to benefit payments is a cruel and harmful policy that should be scrapped.  Research from the University of York has shown its introduction has had no positive impacts on employment and earnings. Instead, it has dragged thousands of local families into poverty.

Council notes the Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed the two-child limit to benefit payments since it was introduced – calling for it to be axed in their 2017, 2019 and 2024 manifestos.  Council notes with concern the stance of the Labour Government who are committed to keeping the cap – going as far as suspending the whip from MPs who rebel against this position.

Council resolves to:

1. Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister outlining Oldham Council’s strong belief that the two-child limit to benefit payments should be scrapped – which would help more than 11,000 children across Oldham.
2. Further instruct the Chief Executive to write to all of Oldham’s MPs, asking them to commit their public support to the campaign to end the cruel two child limit to benefit payments.
3. Ensure the number of children a family has is considered when a hardship grant is given out by the council.
4. Explore ways to support families impacted by the two-child limit across Oldham Borough, including through free school meals.

My two allowed questions to the Leader of Oldham Council 13 March 24.

Q1 Opposition Leader: Are Oldham’s MPs in Oldham’s corner?

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

Since the General Election we’ve had a welcome change of government but there has been little to cheer about for the people of our Borough. 

Oldham now has a Labour government in London, a Labour Mayor in Greater Manchester, and a Labour Administration in Oldham Borough, supported by some so-called Independents. 

There is nowhere left to hide, and no one left to blame. 

The new Prime Minister has said there will be painful times ahead. 

The question is, can Oldham Labour stand up to him?  Are they in our corner or not?  

We need to see the end of the two-child cap on universal credit. 

We need to know that pensioners in Oldham will be warm this winter, and that the government will stop this poorly thought out cut to winter fuel payments.    
Local government needs a cash injection now and long-term funding reform.  So that instead of circling the financial drain, this Council can fund the services our residents need and deserve.

For years, Oldham Labour have been telling us its Oldham first and politics second and challenging the government.  It’s time to practice what you preach.

If our three Labour MPs are truly in Oldham’s corner they will support calls for the end of the two-child cap, proper local government funding reform, and the continuation of winter fuel payments.

So, will the Leader agree to write to Oldham’s MPs urging them to pledge support for those causes in Parliament on behalf of all of the people in Oldham Borough who desperately need this government to fight their corner.

Q2 Opposition Leader: Who really benefits from Eton College Oldham? 

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

The Leader has expressed her enthusiasm for the Eton Star Oldham project on many occasions and does so again in her report on tonight’s agenda.
The decision to develop a 480-student selective sixth form in partnership with Eton College has been torn to shreds by the National Education Union.

They have pointed out the disruption this will likely cause to the current sixth form provision in our Borough, which already delivers a first-rate post 16 offer. 

There are also concerns that a selective offer will do nothing for disadvantaged young people in Oldham Borough and will only help a very small number of young people who are already achieving at a high level.

Last year’s Year 12 cohort saw an increase of nearly 300 young people.  And the numbers are expected to continue to rise until at least 2028. 

In Oldham there is a gap in our post-16 offer.  But we know that this gap is due to a lack of Entry Level study programmes. 

Back in March, Children’s Scrutiny Committee was told that Eton Star Oldham would not replace training provision that has been lost in the Borough over recent years and therefore does not enable us to bridge the gap.   

So, if Eton Star is not going to provide us with the courses our young people need… what is the Leader’s plan to bridge this very real and growing gap?

How is she working with our schools and Oldham College to ensure the right courses are on offer?

Have external providers been approached to help and if so how many and for what courses?

And can the Leader explain to the Council why she thinks Eton Star Oldham is necessary and how it will help solve these problems – never mind be offered one our Borough’s prime developed sites for its activities?

Pictured: Marc Hince with former ally Raja Miah

Using a motion to settle a score is not on!

Independent Councillor Marc Hince, part of the Labour/Independent administration on Oldham Council, has been criticised for using Council time to settle a score with a former ally, using the fiasco of the Collective Spirit Free School and the children who were let down there.

Councillor Hince was pictured with the former director of the school during his election campaign, and appeared campaigning with him on social media, reportedly working together to get Councillor Hince elected – all of which took place after reports highlighting failings at the Collective Spirit Free School had been published.

Councillor Hamblett said: “Councillor Hince said nothing about the school when he was working with its former director – who, despite concerns, was not found guilty of anything. Now that he has fallen out with him, he has suddenly found his voice. 

“Both schools in Oldham and Manchester failed and badly let down pupils and their families. It is absolutely the case that this should be fully investigated, but it is sad that Councillor Hince appears to be piggybacking on what has happened to them, and using Council time to try and settle personal scores. If he was so concerned, why has he not already written to the Department for Education?”

EMERGENCY SERVICES DAY – 9th SEPTEMBER each year.

Emergency Services Day (also known as 999 Day) is a national day across the UK. It is supported by HM The King, HRH The Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister and First Ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

999 Day is your chance to support the heroic men and women of the NHS and emergency services.

#999Day promotes the work of the emergency services, promotes using the emergency services responsibly, educates the public about basic lifesaving skills, and promotes the many career and volunteering opportunities available.

Volunteers are an essential part of the emergency services family and they play a core part in keeping Britain safe. 999 volunteer roles include; Special Constables, Retained Firefighters, NHS Community Responders, St John Ambulance, RNLI, Search and Rescue and Coastguard volunteers.

Find out more or get involved: https://www.999day.org.uk/

Oldham Way overnight closures: 9 – 22 Sept

Oldham Way will be closed in both directions for 11 nights from Monday 9 September through to Thursday 20 September.

I have been told the full closure is needed to carry out drainage work on Waterloo Street Bridge and also complete remedial work.

In addition, EON street lighting will be using the closures to complete essential maintenance which will again minimise further disruption in the future.

The closures will be in place from Manchester Road roundabout up to the junction of Prince Street/Oldham Way between 8pm and 5am.  

Signposted diversions will be in place.

Separately the M62 will also be closed at night during this period. Because of this, the number of vehicles on the network may increase. In mitigation, the contractor has additional measures in place to allow emergency services through traffic management if required.

Mass Grave in Royton Cemetery

Over the last few days you will have seen reports in the media and on social media about the discovery of a mass grave in Royton Cemetery.

I have been informed the council as a matter of urgency is looking at an appropriate way to recognise those buried in Royton by providing a suitable memorial.

This is not a newly discovered grave. Sadly, the burying of people, including babies and children, in unmarked graves happened in graveyards all around the country years ago.

Thankfully, things have changed and improved over the years. The Government now pay for the funerals of stillborn babies and anyone up to the age of 18 if necessary. Public graves are no longer used.

This news will be upsetting for a lot of people and my thoughts are with them.

The cemeteries team have already helped many families to find deceased relatives including stillborn babies.

If you are affected please contact the Cemetery Office at Hollinwood on 0161 681 1312 or via env.cemeteries@oldham.gov.uk where the records are held in written burial books.

The grave has always been available to research and is online for anyone to search for their deceased relatives, including stillborn children by using the link on our Council website below, the grave in Royton Cemetery numbered 1A-360 was first opened in 1924 and the last burial took place in 1972. 

Families searching for their relatives will need to know the surname and approximate date of death. 

Please use the link below:

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200388/cemeteries_graves_and_memorials/641/cemeteries

M62 closures – Friday 6 to Monday 9, and Friday 20 to 23 Monday, September – 9pm – 6am.

Network Rail will be closing the M62 in both directions, between Junctions 19 and 20, for two weekends in September 2024:

• From 9pm, Friday 6 September –  6am, Monday 9 September
• From 9pm, Friday 20 September – 6am, Monday 23 September

The closures are being implemented to facilitate the replacement of a rail bridge over the motorway. There will also be various night closures of the motorway throughout September as part of the same project.

Although the official diversion routes for motorway traffic won’t use Oldham’s highway network, the council are aware from previous motorway closures that, when 100,000+ vehicles a day are diverted off the motorway network, not all will follow the signed diversion routes.

With this in mind, road works on Oldham’s key route network and other strategic routes have been stopped for the whole of September. TfGM will also monitors traffic queues 24 hours a day during the closures to ensure that traffic signals are optimised to minimise queues and impact on the network.

Scrapping the two-child cap on benefits is a “no-brainer” say Oldham Liberal Democrats ahead of council vote

The Liberal Democrats will present a motion to Oldham Council next week calling for the two-child cap on universal credit to be scrapped by the new government.  The cap, which prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in a household, was introduced by the Conservatives in 2017.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “In Oldham, more than 11,000 children are living in poverty.  The single most effective step the government could take to tackle child poverty is to scrap the two-child cap.  It is a cruel policy and one that is pushing more and more families into hardship during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”

“Some people will argue that we can’t afford to do things like this.  But the Liberal Democrats say we cannot afford not to.  It is estimated that child poverty costs the UK economy £39 billion each year, whereas scrapping the two-child cap will cost £1.3 billion.  This is a no-brainer.” 

The Liberal Democrats campaigned against the cap in the last three General Elections and have criticised the Labour Party for u-turning on plans to scrap the cap as it became clear they would likely win power earlier this year. 

Saddleworth West and Lees representative and Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said, “It was Labour Party policy to scrap the cap until late last year.  In government, so far there has been little difference between Labour and the Conservatives.”

“As Oldham councillors it is our job to stand up to the government in the interest of all of Oldham.  The fact is this cap on universal credit is harming the families we all represent.  That’s why every councillor, regardless of political party, should vote for our motion and send a message to Keir Starmer’s government that it is time to think again.”  

Oldham Council will vote on the Liberal Democrat motion at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday September 11^th.

Liberal Democrat Motion in full:

Full council 11 Sept 2024 – Notice of Opposition Motion

Scrap the two-child benefit cap

Proposed by: Councillor Howard Sykes
Seconded by: Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

The Two Child limit to benefit payments was introduced by the Conservative Government in 2017 and is supported by the current Labour Government.  It prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in the household.

Council notes the recent research conducted by the End Child Poverty Coalition which has found that:

• 1.5 million children in the UK live in households subject to the two-child limit on benefit payments. That is roughly one-in-ten children in the UK.
• In 2023/24 the two-child limit cost families up to £3,235 per child each year.
• There is a strong correlation between families affected by the two-child limit and those who are living in poverty.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty overnight, and significantly reduce the level of poverty that a further 850,000 children live in.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would cost £1.3 billion, however it is estimated that child poverty costs the economy £39 billion each year.
  

In Oldham 11,340 children in 3,160 households are currently affected by the two-child limit to benefit payments.  That is 18% of all children in the authority area.  At the same time 27,760 local children are living in poverty.

Council strongly believes that the two-child limit to benefit payments is a cruel and harmful policy that should be scrapped.  Research from the University of York has shown its introduction has had no positive impacts on employment and earnings. Instead, it has dragged thousands of local families into poverty.

Council notes the Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed the two-child limit to benefit payments since it was introduced – calling for it to be axed in their 2017, 2019 and 2024 manifestos.  Council notes with concern the stance of the Labour Government who are committed to keeping the cap – going as far as suspending the whip from MPs who rebel against this position.

Council resolves to:

1. Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister outlining Oldham Council’s strong belief that the two-child limit to benefit payments should be scrapped – which would help more than 11,000 children across Oldham.
2. Further instruct the Chief Executive to write to all of Oldham’s MPs, asking them to commit their public support to the campaign to end the cruel two child limit to benefit payments.
3. Ensure the number of children a family has is considered when a hardship grant is given out by the council.
4. Explore ways to support families impacted by the two-child limit across Oldham Borough, including through free school meals.

Sykes welcomes government decision to reinstate “vital cost-of-living support”

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed the government decision to reinstate the Household Support Fund, the funding that is made available through councils to support those worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund was scrapped by the previous Conservative government in March but following pressure from hard pressed councils across the country, new Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP has announced a temporary renewal of the scheme. 

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The Household Support Fund has been quite literally a lifeline for some people in Oldham Borough, so I am relieved that the Chancellor has made the decision to extend the funding.”

“It’s disappointing that she has not offered a full 12-month extension.  This will unfortunately lead to us being in the exact same position in six months’ time.  The Liberal Democrats will continue to push Labour to support people during the continuing cost-of-living crisis” 

More from councillor Sykes on the Household Support Fund (Aug 2024)
“Chancellor must reinstate cost-of-living support axed by Conservatives” say Oldham Liberal Democrats    – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

“Chancellor must reinstate cost-of-living support axed by Conservatives” say Oldham Liberal Democrats.   

Oldham Liberal Democrat councillors have called on the government to reinstate the Household Support Fund, the funding that is made available through councils to support those worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund was scrapped by the previous Conservative government in March, but new Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP has until the end of September, when cash for the scheme runs out, to announce a renewed scheme. 

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “No one should have to choose between heating and eating in modern Britain.  The Household Support Fund has been quite literally a lifeline for some people in Oldham Borough.”

“The Chancellor must reinstate the find so that local authorities like Oldham can get help to the people who need it most.” 

Pressure is building on the new Labour government to extend cost-of-living support ahead of what is expected to be another tough winter.  Earlier in August, the Local Government Association (LGA) said that six in 10 councils will be unable to provide extra support when funding runs out.  This news comes at a time when the Labour government is also planning substantial cuts to winter fuel support for pensioners. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The loss of the Household Support Fund would be catastrophic for the people most in need.  The government still has time to reverse this decision and if they do, councils will need clarity as to how much support we will be able to offer and for how long.”  

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/100001/help_with_benefits_and_money/2883/household_support_fund

LGA statement on the Household Support Fund (Aug 2024)
LGA: 6 in 10 councils will be unable to provide extra local welfare support when fund ends | Local Government Association