As a resident of Oldham, you are welcome to attend council meetings, except when confidential information is being discussed.
Council meetings are held at:
JR Clynes Building
Cultural Quarter
Greaves Street
Oldham
OL1 1AL
The public gallery in the council chamber can accommodate up to 18 people. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Once all seats are filled, a live stream of the council meeting will be made available in another room within the building.
You do not need to attend the full meeting and may leave quietly at any time.
Meeting agendas are available on the Oldham Council website one week before each meeting and will indicate if the public is not permitted to attend for any reason.
Who attends and speaks at a council meeting
Council meetings are chaired by the presiding mayor of Oldham or their deputy. They are attended by all elected councillors, who make decisions about the council’s budget, policies, and key priorities.
Each meeting follows a set agenda, with elected representatives speaking to specific items listed.
Other attendees may include members of the public, non-elected members, employees, partners, and visitors. These individuals may only speak if this has been agreed in advance as part of the agenda and by invitation from the chair.
Can residents be involved in council meetings?
Full council meetings are not open forums.
You cannot ask questions on the night or make statements from the public gallery or any other part of the council chamber.
Public questions can only be submitted in advance. Questions must be submitted before 12 noon the day before the meeting and must not exceed 100 words.
Questions will be answered in the order they are received. There is a maximum of 15 minutes on the agenda for public questions. Any questions not answered at the meeting will receive a written response by email.
Keeping everyone safe
We are committed to hosting each meeting in an environment that is welcoming, secure, and safe for all attendees.
Everyone present at meetings should be treated with courtesy and respect.
Behaviours, language, or actions that impact public safety, cause disruption, or delay proceedings are not acceptable.
To maintain this safe environment, attendees must:
- provide their name, address, and photographic ID to council employees or security staff
- if you do not have photographic ID, please provide proof of name (for example, a bank card or bus pass) and proof of address (for example, a utility bill or council tax bill)
- allow the inspection of personal bags and storage of those bags for the duration of the meeting by council employees or security staff
- follow the instructions of council employees or security staff, including leaving the building when required
- ensure any filming is done discreetly, focusing only on those actively participating in the meeting, and respect the wishes of any members of the public who do not wish to be filmed
Attendees must not:
- use foul, abusive, threatening, intimidating, or discriminatory language or behaviour towards council members, employees, or other visitors
- cause a disturbance that endangers or disrupts the safety of any attendees
- speak or interfere with the meeting without permission from the chair
- congregate in the building or obstruct thoroughfares, emergency routes, or access points that could compromise safety in an emergency
- enter or attempt to enter restricted or non-public areas of the building
- wilfully damage, deface, or interfere with council property in any way
The safety of all attendees at public meetings is our top priority. We reserve the right to remove or restrict access to anyone engaging in unacceptable behaviour.
We also reserve the right to make a formal complaint to the police and take legal action against anyone who breaches this policy.
Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe, courteous, and respectful environment for all involved in council meetings.