Oldham Council crowned 'Most Improved Council' 2012

The Local Authority was shortlisted for this award – at the Local Government equivalent of the ‘Oscars’ – for the second year running.

Judges visited the Borough in January to see for themselves how the organisation is continuing to improve despite a challenging budget settlement.

They also learned how it is adopting new ways of working as a Co-operative Council – a process that is driving change to transform our relationships with our residents, partners and communities.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a proud night.”

“It’s humbling to be recognised as the ‘Most Improved Council’ by our peers. It is confirmation that we’re making significant forward strides and, above all, that these changes are making a real difference to people’s lives.

“This award is down to the hard work of Council staff, and our partners, who are all ‘doing their bit’ to make positive improvements, and I’d like to thank them all.

“But with or without an award, we know we cannot rest on our laurels and must use this achievement as a positive driver.

"There’s no point in us being the Most Improved Council for just one year – we must aspire to continue and accelerate that improvement every year.

“Tomorrow it is straight back to work. Oldham means business and we need to carry on demonstrating that in everything that we do.”

Oldham’s move to become a Co-operative Council has seen the Borough leading nationally on the adoption of a new Ethical Framework and a Community Dividend Scheme.

An extra £2 million has also been transferred ‘downwards’ to devolve services to districts, strengthening local democracy and new forms of service delivery.

Oldham’s submission highlighted several other key improvements including:

• Commendation from the Audit Commission for the speed and accuracy of our Final Accounts as the fastest in the country;
• Crowned ’Best City’ in North West in Bloom;
• Halved the number of families living in temporary accommodation;
• Achieved an 11th consecutive year-on-year improvement in the proportion of pupils gaining five A*-C GCSEs;
• Provided self-directed support packages to 54 per cent of adult social care users – 24 per cent above the national target;
• More than doubled the number of drug users in effective treatment;
• Delivered 20 per cent more new homes than last year;
• Retained Green Flag status for all seven award-winning parks.

Oldham Council was also one of eight Local Authorities shortlisted for the Children’s Services award, but lost out to Cornwall Council.

This service has made astonishing progress in recent years. In 2003 it was adjudged ‘zero star’ for safeguarding – yet now boasts the highest-possible Ofsted ranking of ‘performing excellently’ and is the most improved service in the country.

It’s awards submission focused on the successful Behaviour and Attendance Partnership which brings agencies across Oldham together to support young people at risk of severe misbehaviour or truancy through support and early intervention.

Key achievements include: an increase of 20 per cent since 2009 on the number of secondary schools judged ‘good or better’ for behaviour; a 45 per cent reduction in the numbers of pupils permanently excluded; plus falls in the number of pupils with persistent school absence.

Councillor McMahon added: “Despite missing out on an award those who support the children of our Borough should hold their heads high as their shortlisting proved Oldham’s national standing in this field.”

“Our Children’s Services are changing young people’s lives for the better – and that also benefits their peers, families and all our residents.”