Statement of Values

"Preface to the Constitution"

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has adopted the values listed below. These will be used to inform the decisions taken by members and officers of the Council. Because decisions typically involve balancing various different considerations, none of these values can be interpreted absolutely.

Democracy

The Council will actively promote participation in the democratic process and protect each citizen’s right to vote fairly, freely and secretly.
It will listen to and take account of the views of the people.
It will be open in its decision-making, except where the law declares otherwise.
It will obey the law of the land.
Democracy entails a set of liberal values (below) including certain rights and their associated responsibilities.

Human Dignity

Every citizen has a right to life and freedom from mental and physical harm, and also to self-determination in this respect. These rights will not be overridden, except possibly where this conflicts with the same right of another individual or group.

Liberty

The Council will not interfere with those who do not jeopardise the freedoms of others.
It will actively promote tolerance of all views and lifestyles which are not prejudicial to others.
It will respect the right to hold and practise traditions and religious faiths, but only if those beliefs are not used to justify curtailment of human rights.
It will not favour any religion over any other, nor hold an absence of religious faith to be inferior to having a faith.
Members and officers of the Council are entitled to hold their own views, but when representing the Council must behave in ways which are consistent with the Council’s values.

Social Development

The Council will actively promote a sense of community which has the overriding values of cohesion and mutual support.
It will encourage appropriate understanding, mutual respect and interaction between different individuals, groups, faiths, traditions, communities, cultures and lifestyles.
It will share and promote its values as a model for good citizenship.

Equality, Equity and Justice

All citizens are considered equal in personal dignity and in law.
Disadvantage arising from the structure of society will be sought out and combated.
Equity means a fair (just) chance to enjoy life and achieve one’s potential. It does not necessarily mean equal resources. Positive action will be exercised to promote fair life-chances for all.

Solidarity

The Council considers that a concern for others is the basis of ethics and a cornerstone of a cohesive society. The Council will balance the freedom of its citizens against the need to promote the common good.
The Council values its workforce highly. It will protect employees’ welfare appropriately and provide suitable support in developing their potential. It will endeavour to provide an example to other employers in the Borough.

Rule of Law

Every citizen has the right to enjoy a peaceful life.
Conflict will be managed peacefully and positively, with conciliation preferred to enforcement.
The Council will obey, and expect citizens to comply with, the law of the land.
It has the right and duty to campaign against what it considers to be bad law, but not to disobey the law.

Social Market Economy

Enterprise and wealth creation will be encouraged, in compliance with the values of the Council.
The Council will trade ethically.

Sustainable Development

The Council has a duty to protect the environment, for its current citizens, for future generations in Oldham, and for the wider world.
It will not compromise the environment, prosperity or quality of life of future years for short-term advantage.