[Cllr Arooj Shah]([link removed])

Balancing the books to build a better Oldham for the future
 
As we enter 2024, councils up and down the country must set their budgets for the coming year. As everyone knows, money is tight and local authorities are having to do a lot more with much, much less.
 
In her latest blog post, Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah explains the challenges the Council is facing: 
 
"The facts are stark. Our income in real terms has halved over the past decade, but prices have kept rising and the demand for services is growing.
 
"How we spend our money, what the priorities must be, and where we can make savings is what we are asking Oldham residents and businesses over the coming weeks.
 
“Council budgeting must reflect the challenges households are facing. Heating and energy bills are soaring, food prices and rent are higher than ever, and high interest rates have added more cost to mortgages, car loans, or any credit card payments we all may have."
 
Read Councillor Arooj Shah's full blog post and take part in the Budget consultation by [clicking here]([link removed])

[Send in your views, mother and baby]([link removed])

Last chance to have your say on our seven new Family Hubs in Oldham
 
Residents had a chance to hear more and ask questions about exciting plans for seven new Family Hubs across Oldham at a special webinar earlier this week.
 
Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Deputy Leader of Oldham Council, and Matt Bulmer, Director of Education, Early Years and Skills, hosted the live event.
 
Oldham Council is spending millions on new Family Hubs, one-stop shops for families offering a wide range of support and activities including midwifery and development clinics, Stay and Play sessions, and breastfeeding support. 
 
Cllr Shaid Mushtaq said: “Thank you to everyone who attended our special webinar. We are building a better, brighter future for children and families and it was fantastic to engage with residents about these exciting plans.”
 
As part of the plans, existing children’s centres will be transformed into Family Hubs to support parents-to-be, parents of children aged 0-19, and young people up to the age of 25 with SEND – but there will be no reduction in services.
 
People can have their say in our consultation which runs until Monday 29 January. [Have your say here]([link removed])

[Holocaust memorial day]([link removed])

Tomorrow marks Holocaust Memorial Day
 
Holocaust Memorial Day is when we come together to remember the millions of people who were murdered by the Nazi regime and their collaborators during the Holocaust, and the devastating subsequent genocides which followed.

We were at Royton and Crompton E-Act Academy this morning for a special commemoration, opened by The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Zahid Chauhan. Guest speaker, Leah Burman from the Northern Holocaust Education Group also presented. Students from Royton & Crompton E-Act Academy and Oldham Youth Council also made presentations.
 
Join us in remembering this annual event by lighting a candle in your window at 8pm on the 27 January. It's part of a nationwide 'Light the Darkness' moment to honour those who were killed and to stand against prejudice and hatred.
 
To learn more about Holocaust Memorial Day and the national commemoration taking place on the 27 January visit the [Holocaust Memorial Trust website]([link removed])

[Oldham light parade, families with lanterns]([link removed])

Save the date: ILLUMINATE 2024 is back.
 
Get ready for the annual light celebration, ILLUMINATE, happening on the 24 and 25 February. The excitement kicks off with the Illuminate Parade on Saturday at 6pm, transforming Oldham's streets with lights, sounds, and performances. As night falls, explore cool light art and performances all over town.

Family Fun with 'By the Light of the Moon': On Sunday 25 February, join the free family event at Northern Roots near Alexandra Park. It's called 'By the Light of the Moon,' and it's all about celebrating the magical world of moths. Have fun in a moonlit forest, help moths with their night time tasks, and even join the Moonlight Moth Ball.

Be part of the magic by finding [more details here]([link removed])

[Fire]([link removed])

Safeguard your health and home heating tips
 
If you use a fireplace or stove to keep warm this winter, do it safely. The smoke releases tiny particles that can harm your health and others. Even if you can't see them, they're there. 
 
So, if you must burn, follow the rules, check if you're in a Smoke Control Area, and use cleaner fuels with the 'Ready to Burn' logo.
 
Get a professional to clean and maintain your appliance. There might be more affordable and eco-friendly ways to heat your home rather than using a log burner.
 
For more info on safe burning and rules, check visit the [Burn Better GM website]([link removed])[link removed]

[Oldham Local Plan]([link removed].)

Have your say on Oldham's future
 
We're crafting a new Local Plan guiding Oldham's development until 2039. This plan covers how we decide on building projects, where new homes might go, and what infrastructure we need (like transport, schools, and healthcare).
 
Currently, we're running a six-week consultation on our Draft Local Plan. To make it easy for you, we're hosting drop-in sessions where you can learn more and ask any questions.
 
Sessions will take place:
Monday 29 January: 3- 7pm at Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre and Chadderton Library and Wellbeing
 
Wednesday 31 January: 10am - 7pm at Gallery Oldham
 
Thursday 1 February: 3- 7pm at Failsworth Town Hall and Uppermill Civic Hall
 
Can't make it? Join online at the B[ig Oldham Convo consultation website]([link removed])
 
Your opinion counts and will help shape Oldham's future.

[Moving Traffic Offences Consultation]([link removed])

Have your say on improving road safety 
 
We're putting cameras at certain busy intersections in Oldham to cut down on traffic jams and make the roads safer. We've started using ANPR cameras, which can read license plates, and we plan to use them more to improve road safety and ease traffic in the whole area.
 
Right now, we're exploring where to use these cameras and what rules to enforce. We want your input, so we're asking for your thoughts through a consultation process.
 
Tell us what you think by [visiting our webpage.]([link removed])

www.oldham.gov.uk

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