Thank you to all Oldham residents who shared their views on the council’s budget by completing the spending survey, using the Oldham Council budget simulator, or phoning, writing or emailing their ideas and suggestions for the 2009/2010 budget. This feedback is very useful in informing decisions about the budget, together with the development of a medium-term spending plan.
Almost 700 residents took part in the Council Spending 2009 survey, and over 430 people have used the budget simulator.
Key findings from these consultations to date indicate that:
Relatively few respondents would support Council Tax increases of more than 2.5% in order to improve services or avoid reductions;
Overall, respondents’ highest priority for maintenance and improvement was tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, followed by road repairs and gully emptying and clean streets.
Over half of respondents to the budget simulator were prepared to see reductions in spending on arts, music and festivals, together with services focused on keeping residents informed about what Oldham Council is doing.
Final results from the survey and interim results from the budget simulator may be found at http://documents.oldham.gov.uk/edrs/DET08120024.doc.
Residents have also expressed views and concerns about specific budget proposals at Area Committee meetings and by phoning, emailing or writing to the Council. Public feedback through these avenues has highlighted concerns about potential library closures, and cuts to youth services and an adult day centre.
On 10 December, the council took an all-party decision, informed by public response to consultation, to approve a substantial number of budget proposals. This is the first time there has been all-party approval for budget proposals in many years.
In response to public concerns around specific budget proposals, four savings options were referred to an all-party committee for further examination, with a view to trying to avoid service reductions where possible. These are:
High Barn Day Centre closure;
Reductions to Library Services;
Revisions to the Youth Club Network (independent of the amalgamation of youth and young people’s sports services);
School crossing patrols (with a view to filling current vacancies).
This reflects Oldham Council’s commitment to meaningful consultation with residents and to taking account of their views.
On 15 December, Cabinet approved proposals to find most of the rest of the savings needed from management and administrative work, without reducing services to the public.