JimfromOldham

Response to Oldham Local Plan consultation

OLDHAM Council has begun to develop its Local Plan by launching the first stage consultation which ended on 21st August 2017. The first stage consultation is intended to gather views on what the Local Plan should consider. At this stage it does not consider sites and the assumptions for employment and housing have not beenContinue reading “Response to Oldham Local Plan consultation”

Appointment as a Vice President of the Local Government Association

I am delighted to be asked to serve as a Vice President of the Local Government Association. Every year the four political groups at the LGA invite parliamentary representatives from the House of Commons, House of Lords, and European Parliament to be Vice-Presidents. As a councillor for over 13 years and former leader I playedContinue reading “Appointment as a Vice President of the Local Government Association”

Universal Dis-credit

If a manual was ever written on how not to roll out a new benefit it would tell the sorry tale of Universal Credit. Complaints to the government are so high that they don’t count them ‘owing to the volume!’ If you take out the politics of callous cuts, ludicrous sanctions targeted at those leastContinue reading “Universal Dis-credit”

Campaigning citizens

It was a pleasure to meet volunteers taking part in the National Citizenship Service programme in Oldham. Members of the group were highlighting campaigns they felt passionately about including homelessness and rough sleeping, mental health and wellbeing as well as tuition fees. It’s great to see such active campaigners in Oldham – well done toContinue reading “Campaigning citizens”

Freehold station safety

Residents around the Freehold Metrolink site have long complained of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage being carried out by young people using the platform to gain height advantage over passing cars and homes.

Summer School visits

It was an real honour to visit young people on placements with employers across Oldham as part of the Summer Skilled Trades School project.

Oldham – By Royal Appointment

Budding entrepreneurs came to Oldham to take part in the Pitch at the Palace event at the newly opened Wayra and Hackspace project on Yorkshire Street. It was fitting that the event was held in the new enterprise and tech hub, not least of all because of its historic name as York Chambers; anContinue reading “Oldham – By Royal Appointment”

UK Youth Parliament annual sitting

I was honoured to be invited to attend the annual sitting of the UK Youth Parliament supported by the British Youth Council. Since selecting Votes at 16 as my Private Members Bill I have been keen to get out to generate support for the Bill and to hear first hand why young people feel so passionatelyContinue reading “UK Youth Parliament annual sitting”