- New funding for ’20 is Plenty’ streets
- New parks and recreational spaces fund
- More cash to tackle roads, footways, and public footpath
- More action on enviro crimes (litter, fly-tipping, dog fouling)
- New children’s social care residential home
Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Group have set out their alternative budget proposals ahead of a crucial Council vote on 1 March, where councillors will agree to spending plans. Prior to that Council meeting the proposals go to scrutiny on Tuesday 7 February.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Shadow Executive Member for Finance and Low Carbon, councillor Chris Gloster said: “The Liberal Democrats’ priority is to make Oldham Borough a safer, cleaner and greener place to be for all of us, but especially for the next generation.
“In the future, Oldham must be able to meet more of our care needs without relying on the private sector. Liberal Democrats have a plan to invest in a new, council owned and operated residential home for children.
“Youth services are often the first services to be cut when times are hard. But Liberal Democrat plans include investment in these services, because children and young people in Oldham deserve more from this council.
“People want safer, cleaner and greener communities. The Liberal Democrats have a plan to invest in ’20 is Plenty’ and low-traffic streets, cutting emissions and reducing the risk of serious incidents on our roads. Our proposals for footways, highways and disabled parking investment would make our communities more accessible for everyone.
“Our local parks and green spaces cannot be taken for granted or left to rot without any plan or any care from the council. Our plan to create a new fund for parks and recreational spaces will mean more care and maintenance of these treasured local assets,” stated Liberal Democrat Group Leader Howard Sykes MBE.
“These are the proprieties residents say they want, we have listened, and submitted our alternative to meet citizens demands. This is just a start. If we were running the council there would be much more of getting the basics right and doing what the public want,“ added Councillor Sykes.
“People are fed up with a council that fixates on flashy vanity projects in Oldham Town Centre and fails to get the basics right for all our communities. I’m proud to present the Liberal Democrat plan for fairer futures in a safe, clean, and green Oldham,” stated Councillor Gloster.