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Government backs local plans for clean air with no driving charges
 
Drivers in Greater Manchester will not face additional charges, as the area is set to benefit instead from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses in a £86 million scheme to help clean up the region’s air.
 
The government has rigorously assessed an investment-led plan proposed by local councils and concluded it will meet legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution. 
 
The decision rules out a Clean Air Zone in Manchester so motorists will not be charged to drive into the area. Instead, there will be a fleet of new buses and traffic-calming measures to improve air quality in the region. 
 
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, said: “This is great news for Oldham and Greater Manchester.
 
"The Government’s support for our investment-led Clean Air Plan shows they trust our approach to improving air quality without placing additional costs on residents or businesses.
 
"In Oldham, we’re focusing on practical solutions that will make a real difference, like new low and zero-emission buses, better traffic management and helping taxi drivers access funding to switch to cleaner electric vehicles.
 
"This decision means we can keep working to improve air quality, protect people’s health and make sure our community remains a great place to live and work. We’re also working with the relevant authorities to remove signage as soon as possible.
 
"We’re committed to delivering these changes and will continue working with our partners to make Oldham and Greater Manchester cleaner and greener for everyone.” 

 
For more information click [here.]([link removed])

 

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 Discover Oldham in a new light at Illuminate Light Night 2025
 
Oldham’s much-loved late-night light festival, Illuminate Light Night, returns for its eighth year on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.
 
The festival invites visitors of all ages to discover Oldham in a whole new light, with this year’s theme 'Illuminating the Everyday.'
 
On the Saturday, light art will magically transform spaces across Oldham town centre from 6 to 9pm.
 
Highlights of the free event include the Illuminate Parade at 6pm, opening the festival in spectacular style.
 
On the Sunday join Northern Roots from 6.30 to 9.30pm for a free family friendly event.
 
Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: "It’s wonderful to see this incredible popular event back in Oldham town centre, bringing our community together to celebrate in such a special and unique way."
 
For more information click on our website [here.]([link removed])

 

Holocaust Memorial Day
 
The council will be commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Monday 27 January. 
 
HMD is a day to remember and learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be one day in the future with no genocide.
 
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. 
 
‘For a better future’ is the theme for HMD 2025. 
 
We hope that HMD 2025 can be an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all. 
 
Oldham’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemorative event is being held at The Radclyffe School on Monday.

 

Join our free festival for you and your child at Oldham Library
 
Healthy Baby, Happy You, our annual market place for families with under-fives, is back next Friday, 31 January.
 
Visit 20 stalls at this free drop-in to find all there is to do in Oldham with your little ones. Enjoy free taster sessions and meet other families, at Oldham Library on Greaves Street, from 10am-1pm.
 
A [hypnobirthing taster session]([link removed]) with Pea in the Pod, [Baby Bonding]([link removed])with Talking Therapies,[Sensory Room tours]([link removed])and[soft play areas]([link removed]) are available on the day, bookable via[Eventbrite.]([link removed])

 

Budget 2025: a step in the right direction for the people of Oldham

We are once again setting our budget for the borough and whether you live, work or travel into Oldham, we want to give you the opportunity to have your say. 
 
This rising pressure on council services includes more children needing to be supported and protected by social care services. Every year more and more vulnerable people need essential adult social care to keep them safe and well, and more people need housing to provide essential shelter.

Although we have an increase in our spending power from the new government for the year ahead, there remains an estimated £8m budget gap for 2025/2026, which will have to be met through further budget savings.  

At the core of our decision making is protecting the vital services for our most vulnerable residents, and the people of Oldham remain at the heart of our decision making. That's why we’re asking you two key questions:  

Where do you think the Council should save money?  What areas do you think the Council should be spending money on?  

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Thankfully the new government is delivering on their commitment to fixing issues at a local level, and the new money we’ve received in the settlement is a huge step in the right direction, but the harsh reality is we must prioritise those that need us the most right now, which means making tough decisions.” 

And Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability said: “We welcome the government’s support for local councils like Oldham, which will help us to relieve some – but sadly not all – of the financial pressures we are facing.  

“A lot of hard work has already taken place to identify some significant areas that will bridge some of the gap, and we’re encouraging everyone to get involved and have their say on how we shape our final plans.” 

You can have your say by taking part in the consultation [here.]([link removed])

The consultation period will run from today until Friday 7 February.  
 
Councillors will then make a final decision on budget proposals at Budget Council on Thursday 6 March.  

 

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Don't miss our on Oldham Coliseum’s Spring Spectacular

Oldham Coliseum’s new season kicks off next week with a brilliant line-up of shows. From plays to musicals and family favourites, there’s something for everyone.

Check out what’s on and book your tickets now by clicking[here.]([link removed])

 

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School celebrates major makeover to take learning outdoors for pupils
 
St Paul's Primary School in Royton has opened two new outdoor play areas so its children can flourish.
 
Deputy Mayor Eddie Moores, Deputy Mayoress Kath Moores and Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, were special guests at a special ribbon cutting for the Genesis play area, where children with special educational needs can play and socialise alongside mainstream pupils, and The Ark outdoor classroom.
 
The school Parent Teacher Association have fundraised for The Ark over six years, raising £11,000 with events including discos, bric-a-brac stalls and summer fairs.
 
Oldham Athletic footballer Mike Fondop also received a warm welcome at an uplifting outdoor celebration in the winter sunshine, attended by 250 children.
 
Read the full story by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

Have your say on our Family Hubs
 
Have you visited our Family Hubs? We'd love to know what you think.
 
Our friendly Hubs offer a wide range of support and activities for families of children aged 0-19, and 25 with SEND - and your voice will help us to understand how we can better support our community.
 
Your feedback is important to ensure our Family Hubs meet your needs and the needs of families in Oldham.
 
Take our survey by clicking on our website [here.]([link removed])
 
And to find your nearest Family Hub and for information on the services we provide visit [familyhubs.oldham.gov.uk]([link removed])

 

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Small businesses and entrepreneurs in Oldham and invited to join the huddle

Are you facing challenges in your business journey? The free Oldham Startup Huddle is here to help.

Join a collaborative community to:
•    Gain fresh ideas and solutions.
•    Connect with like-minded businesses.
•    Access signposting advice for more support.

We’re also looking for speakers to share their business journey and inspire others. So if you’re ready to showcase your story, this is your chance to make a difference.

The next session will be held at 4.30pm on Wednesday 5 February at Oldham Library.

Join our dedicated Facebook group to stay connected and learn more about the event by clicking [here.]([link removed])

And book your free spot now by clicking[here.]([link removed])

 

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