What are the Area Committees?
The Area Committees are local meetings which bring together Councillors, residents and agencies and are formally recognised in the decision making procedures of the Council. The Area Committees aim to hear the views and concerns of local people and to work with services to improve the quality of life of local people.
What are the boundaries for the Area Committees?
There are 10 Area Committees of varying sizes representing different parts of Oldham with each being supported by a Neighbourhood Manager. The size of the Area Committee was decided upon after consultation with residents. (Details of each Area Committee are given in the table overleaf)
Who are the members of the Area Committees?
All Councillors for the wards comprising the Area Committee are members with one Councillor elected by the Council to act as a ‘Community Champion’ to play a lead role in supporting the operation of the Area Committee. Each Area Committee can select up to four residents per ward in the Area Committee area to become co-opted members to help in the work of the Area Committee. This enables the Area Committees to have a fair representation across the area.
How often do the Area Committees meet?
It is anticipated that the Area Committees will meet 6 times per year, with the option of holding additional sub group meetings between the Area Committee meetings. The aim is to make the meetings interesting and relevant for local people and to enable them to contribute views. The Area Committee can choose wether a co-opted member or Councillor chairs the Area Committee meetings.
Do the co-opted members have a say in the decisions taken by the Area Committees?
The opinions of co-opted members will be sought on all decisions taken by the Area Committees. But because the Councillors are legally accountable for decisions taken on behalf of the Council, only Councillors can vote on decisions.
Do the Area Committees have a public question time?
Yes, Area Committees have a public question time. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in writing in advance so that there is time to prepare an answer.
Do the Area Commitees have any funding?
If so, how much?Each Area Committee has £6,000 per ward and each Councillor has £3,000 to spend on improving the quality of life of local people. Local groups may be invited to deliver activities using this funding.
How do the Area Committees communicate with local people?
Newsletters are produced quarterly to inform residents on actions taken by the Area Committee and its partners and to highlight key issues that affect the area. Information is also available on the Council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/council/area-committees
Are planning decisions given to the Area Committees?
The Council is currently looking at whether some planning decisions should be taken by Area Committees. This will be decided at the Council meeting on 8th October 2008.
How do the Area Committees communicate with local people?
Newsletters are produced quarterly to inform residents on actions taken by the Area Committee and its partners and to highlight key issues that affect the area. Information is also available on the Council’s website at www.oldham.gov.uk/council/area-committees
Are planning decisions given to the Area Committees?
The Council is currently looking at whether some planning decisions should be taken by Area Committees. This will be decided at the Council meeting on 8th October 2008.