Author Archives: JimfromOldham

Each month I will be publishing a community newsletter on the work we have been doing over the last month for local people in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton. In this way constituents can track the progress of the local priorities we put forward at the election in July, and keep up-to-date with our ongoingContinue reading “First edition of my Community Newsletter”

Last week, I met with Oldham Council, MUSE, and Homes England to discuss the ambitious plans for regenerating Oldham Town Centre. The focus is clear: breathing new life into our high streets, revitalising key landmarks like Spindles and the Old Town Hall, and delivering quality, affordable homes that will bring people back into the heartContinue reading “Oldham Town Centre: Looking to the Future”

I responded to an excellent debate on Coalfield communities in Parliament this week. Many industrial communities have links to coal including Oldham where over 150 colliery’s are reported to have been in operation to power the mills and factories which made the town an industrial giant through the 19th and 20th century. Without the workContinue reading “Coalfield Communities Debate”

Today the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero have committed to cut energy bills in private rented homes, tackle fuel poverty and keep money in working people’s pockets. The Government has pushed for landlords to meet energy efficiency standards rather than make renters fit the bill. This initiative will save renters £240 a yearContinue reading “Tackling Fuel Poverty”

All eyes were on the announcement of the Devolution Priority Programme in light of our Department’s announcement of six more devolution agreements being reached. Taking into account the existing agreement to work towards a mayoral authority in Lancashire, it represents the single biggest package of devolution for England. In this way we’re delivering our pledgeContinue reading “Weekly Ministerial Round-up”

It was great to open the debate on the Local Government Finance Settlement in the Chamber yesterday. This represents the start of recovery, not the end. From my time as Oldham Council Leader during austerity, I know the huge impact local government cuts have on vital public services which many vulnerable people rely on. However,Continue reading “Financial stability for Local Government”