Labour & Co-operative | Serving the communities of Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton
Hundreds of councillors and council leaders gathered in Birmingham last week to discuss the big issues facing local government. But it while the sun was shining bright there was a destiny dark cloud over head.
We’ve become used to hearing of the dramatic and disproportionate cuts affecting local government. We’ve seen in every community – though some much more than others – the real impact as basic services have been reduced, facilities lost and a fire sale on land and property.
Last week I spent time with some of our co-ops and mutuals in Oldham today.
As we draw to the end of Coops Fortnight I wanted to showcase the work down locally which contributes to the £36bn economic contribution to the U.K.
Last week it was great to spend the #NHS70 at the Royal Oldham Hospital with staff, patients and volunteers.
Our NHS is central to community life and the envy of many. It faces serious pressures and it’s vital it sees real investment and joined up investment in community services too.
It was a real privilege to meet with Year 10 students from Hathershaw College in Oldham. The event was held as part of the ‘Equaliteas’ project (https://equaliteas.org.uk/) to promote democracy in the 100th anniversary of the vote for women.
Originally published by the Fabian Society:
Our economy has been hollowed out. More families are in work but struggling to make ends meet as underemployment, job insecurity and low pay dominates the lives of too many. On top of that millions of people pay more of what little they have for basic goods and services.
Poverty premium means that people living in poverty or on a low income are often paying more for the same goods and services than people who are better-off financially. Research from the University of Bristol suggests that this could cost low income families on average £490 a year. Of course, averages can hide extremes. In its worst manifestations, poverty premium can cost some households over £1000 a year.
The issues of anti-social behaviour on and around the Freehold Metro link has been a problem since the line’s opening in 2012. I since elected to Parliament have been liaising with TFGM and local residents to reach a solution to this issue.
Continue reading “Some good news on Freehold Metrolink station!”
Jim McMahon OBE MP 