Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition group will call on Oldham Council to provide enhanced winter care packs for vulnerable residents and step-up support for free school meals in primary schools. The party will bring its proposals to a vote at Oldham’s full council meeting on Wednesday 14 December.
Shaw Liberal Democrat councillor Hazel Gloster, who is proposing the motion, said, “Mistakes and mismanagement at the top of the Conservative party have caused chaos in the economy. The people who will pay the price will be the most vulnerable in society. That means the elderly, the sick; and children – especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
“As councillors, we have a duty to make support available to those who need it. The plan that the Liberal Democrats will set out at Council will make a real difference. Winter care packs made up of essentials like hot water bottles, flasks, gloves, and blankets, complete with information about Council, charity services and other help. This could make all the difference just as this harsh winter hits our communities.”
The Liberal Democrat motion also urges the Council to use some of its cost-of-living support package (announced in September) to support Oldham schools with the rising cost of food.
Supporting the motion, Crompton Liberal Democrat councillor Diane Williamson said, “Free school meals are a hand-up for so many families in Oldham. But the government has failed to fund school food budgets in line with inflation. Add in the skyrocketing cost of keeping school buildings warm and its no wonder schools are telling us they are running out of money.”
“Liberal Democrats are calling on Oldham Council to support schools this winter and beyond, especially because free school meal budgets in Oldham have been slashed by £212,000 by the Conservative government.”