The Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 16 September 2026 was set to address significant changes to the Council's Constitution, including adaptations to planning regulations and interim governance arrangements due to the ongoing absence of a Leader and Cabinet. Additionally, several motions were tabled concerning key local issues such as tackling anti-social behaviour, improving frontline services, and addressing child poverty.

Changes to the Constitution

A key item on the agenda was the proposed amendment of the Council's Constitution. These changes are intended to align the Council with the Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which introduce a National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions. This reform aims to ensure that routine planning decisions are handled by officers, while Planning Committee focuses on applications of strategic importance. The proposed amendments would classify applications into two schedules: Schedule 1 applications must be determined by officers, and Schedule 2 applications should also be delegated unless a nominated member and officer deem them suitable for Planning Committee. The report also addressed the exercise of executive functions during periods when the Council lacks a Leader, Deputy Leader, or Cabinet. In such circumstances, the Chief Executive would be empowered to exercise executive functions under a specific constitutional delegation, reflecting the practical approach adopted since May 2026. This measure aims to provide greater constitutional certainty and transparency during this interim governance period.

Interim Governance Report

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing interim governance mitigations. Due to the continuing absence of a Council Leader and Cabinet, the Council is operating under temporary arrangements to ensure the effective running of services and decision-making. The report endorsed the temporary governance mitigations put in place following the annual meeting of the Council, including the continuation of fortnightly cross-party consultative meetings involving political group leaders and deputy leaders. These meetings are intended to provide pre-decision consultation and wider discussion on issues affecting the authority. The report also outlined proposals for the allocation of committee chairs on a proportional basis, noting the particular importance of appointing a Chair for the Planning Committee due to new planning legislation. Furthermore, interim Lead Member and Deputy Lead Member roles were proposed to provide visible political leadership for each of the four directorates, with these roles being advisory and representative only, not exercising executive functions. The report also addressed interim arrangements for petitions, full Council meetings, and overview and scrutiny functions, including pre-decision scrutiny by the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board.

Motions for Consideration

Several motions were scheduled for discussion, reflecting a range of resident concerns and policy priorities:

Motion 1: A new start for Oldham Borough

This motion, proposed by Councillor Garth Harkness and seconded by Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani, called for a change in the Council's priorities to focus on improving frontline services such as drain clearance, road repairs, and park maintenance. It also highlighted the need to tackle environmental crimes like littering, dog fouling, fly-tipping, and graffiti. The motion resolved to request officers to produce a budget report exploring how existing funding could be rebalanced to address these priorities, with the report to be considered at a future council meeting.

Motion 2: Tackling Anti-social behaviour

Proposed by Councillor Peter Hanlon and seconded by Councillor Steve Eyre, this motion expressed deep concern over the impact of masked youths on off-road motorbikes, speeding cars, and illegal fireworks on residents' quality of life. The motion called for enhanced cooperation between the Council and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), including intelligence sharing, increased targeted patrols, and the establishment of a clear escalation process for anti-social behaviour. It also urged the Home Secretary, Policing Minister, and Mayor of Greater Manchester to demand extra funding for GMP and a review of laws. A borough-wide public campaign on zero tolerance was also proposed.

Motion 3: Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss: Ensuring a Robust Masterplan

Moved by Councillor Beth Sharp and seconded by Councillor Max Woodvine, this motion addressed the masterplan for the Beal Valley and Broadbent Moss development areas. It noted that due to changes in national plan-making regulations, the masterplan could no longer be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and would remain non-statutory guidance. The motion resolved that further work was required to ensure the masterplan was comprehensive and deliverable, including assessments of ecological impacts, projected school-place requirements, and health impacts. It also called for a review and strengthening of the infrastructure phasing and delivery strategy and a report from Transport for Greater Manchester on the proposed Metrolink stop.

Motion 4: Strengthening Controls on the Sale and Use of Fireworks

Proposed by Councillor Barbara Brownridge and seconded by Councillor Mohon Ali, this motion highlighted the ongoing serious impact of anti-social firework use. It noted that the current regulatory framework was not fit for purpose and called for a more robust permitting and accountability system. The motion resolved to urge the Government to introduce legislation restricting the sale of fireworks to named individuals with permits for specific events, making possession without a permit an offence, and strengthening enforcement powers. It also called for a coordinated campaign with other Greater Manchester authorities and a review of existing local mechanisms to introduce stronger controls.

Motion 5: A Borough-Wide Strategy to Reduce Child Poverty and Improve Life Chances for Children in Oldham

Moved by Councillor Zahid Ali and seconded by Councillor Sonny Arstan, this motion sought a practical, measurable, and cross-party programme to reduce child poverty in Oldham. It acknowledged the Council's existing support for families and proposed the development of an Oldham Child Poverty Reduction Strategy within 12 months. The motion also called for the establishment of a cross-party Child Poverty Partnership, an annual Child Poverty and Family Wellbeing Impact Statement, and a Child Poverty Scorecard. It emphasised prioritising early intervention and prevention, improving access to support, and working with schools and partners to reduce the effects of poverty on children's education.

Other Reports

The Council was also scheduled to receive and note petitions received, and to consider reports on the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Annual Review of Complaints 2025/26, the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/27, and the Report of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Members' Allowances. Additionally, reports on Ensuring Statutory Scrutiny and Enforceability for Places for Everyone Masterplans, the Oldham Children, Young People and Families Plan 2026-27, and the Oldham Youth Justice Service Plan 2026-27 were on the agenda for approval. Finally, an update on actions from previous Council meetings was to be provided.