Have your say on Oldham Council spending for 2025-26 budget

RESIDENTS across Oldham are invited to have their say on how Oldham Council spends and saves money as it looks to address budget deficits and make savings.

The council said it has an increase in spending power from the new government for the year ahead, but there remains an estimated £8m budget gap for 2025/2026.

It is asking anyone who lives, works or travels into the borough to have their say on where the council should save money and areas it should be spending money on.

Take part in the consultation here before Friday, February 7 and then councillors will then make a final decision on budget proposals at Budget Council on Thursday, March 6.

The council said at the core of its decision making is protecting the vital services for the most vulnerable residents, and ensuring it can deliver the day-to-day necessities that keep streets clean and the borough safe for all.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, commented: “Oldham has some of the highest levels of need in the country based on health, deprivation, employment and skills and housing need. This means that the last 14 years of austerity hit Oldham harder than other areas.

“We’ve tried our best over to make ends meet under incredibly difficult circumstances, but the reality is that the money we got from the previous government simply didn’t provide for the level of demand that Oldhamers need from Council services, especially in adults and children’s social care.

“Thankfully the new government is delivering on their commitment to fixing issues at a local level, and the new money we’ve received in the settlement is a huge step in the right direction, but the harsh reality is we must prioritise those that need us the most right now, which means making tough decisions.”

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability said: “We welcome the government’s support for local councils like Oldham, which will help us to relieve some – but sadly not all – of the financial pressures we are facing.

“A lot of hard work has already taken place to identify some significant areas that will bridge some of the gap, and we’re encouraging everyone to get involved and have their say on how we shape our final plans.”