Oldham Council’s Labour leadership launched a stinging attack on Tory austerity as they agreed a budget that takes to £208 million the total cut since 2010.

Speaking to the full council, leader Cllr Sean Fielding said: 

“How can it be that we are near the top of the league table for the deepest Conservative Government cuts to local authorities? Theresa May said on the steps of Downing Street when she took office that she wanted to tackle the “burning injustice” in society. Well I would argue that there is no injustice more burning than the disparity between the cruel cuts handed by her government to northern authorities like Oldham and wealthy Tory shires which get looked after.”

Setting down the challenge to opposition politicians including The Independent Group, Cllr Fielding said:

“Former Tory MP Anna Soubry recently declared Cameron-era austerity to be “marvellous.” I would challenge The Independent Group to come to Oldham and speak to those accessing our food bank, those in unfit housing or those children who go to school on an empty stomach and tell them to their faces that the decisions that have put them in that position are “marvellous”.”  

The party have an ambitious plan to fight for growth and prosperity despite having two hands tied behind their back by central government. 

 A fairer deal for Oldham will include encouraging other employers to follow the council’s lead with a real living wage for employees, and recruitment policies that prioritise local residents

They plan to Invest further to boost places at good and outstanding schools and using GM skills capital funds to create a new construction skills centre of excellence as well as investing in roads, keeping the streets clean and creating pioneering green projects so that Oldham is a place residents can be proud to call home

Regenerating Oldham town centre with a mix of residential, retail, culture and leisure

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