Oldham Council has agreed its budget for the year ahead, outlining a programme of investment in essential services, local infrastructure and long‑term improvements for residents.
Having received a three‑year financial settlement, the council has more certainty to plan ahead. The settlement also rolls numerous grants into a single funding pot, allowing Oldham Council to focus more effectively on long‑term priorities rather than short‑term financial pressures.
The budget includes significant investment in services that support residents who need them most. This includes:
- £12 million for Adult Social Care
- £12 million for Children’s Social Care
To respond directly to the issues residents, raise most often, the council is investing in:
- £18 million in local roads, with an additional £2 million from Council capital to accelerate repairs
- Simplified out‑of‑hours burials and reduced resident fees
- £100,000 for strengthened youth services across districts
- A simplified bulky waste collection fee of £10 per item, with the service brought back in‑house
- A new Rapid Action Team to tackle fly-tipping, with the intention to recruit local apprentices into the roles
- Progressing the landmark SportsTown project, creating opportunities in sports, health and education for all
The council has agreed a 5% Council Tax increase, which reflects national expectations for local taxation and supports the protection of core services. Oldham continues to deliver a balanced budget without the use of reserves for the second-year running, alongside a clear plan to rebuild reserves for the future.
Council borrowing has reduced, and Oldham remains in a stable financial position.
Oldham Council Leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, said:
“This budget is first and foremost about protecting the people of Oldham – especially our most vulnerable residents. Every decision we make begins with the question of how we can safeguard the services that older people, children, families and those needing extra support rely on every single day.
“For the first time in many years, we have the certainty to plan ahead with confidence. Longer-term financial stability means we can stop firefighting and instead focus on delivering meaningful, lasting improvements for our borough. It allows us to invest in the basics that residents expect us to get right, while also pushing forward with the regeneration and opportunities that will shape Oldham’s future.
“This is a responsible, balanced budget that puts people first. It protects essential services, strengthens our neighbourhoods, and ensures we can continue supporting those who need us most. At the same time, it gives us the tools to be ambitious – to improve our roads, enhance youth services, deliver new homes, and create a town centre that local people can be proud of.
“I am proud of the direction Oldham is heading. With this budget, we are building stability for today and confidence for tomorrow. Together with our residents, we are creating a borough that is fairer, stronger, and full of opportunity for everyone.”
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, said:
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to deliver a balanced budget without using reserves for the second year running and we have a clear plan to rebuild those reserves, so Oldham is stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.”
To watch the meeting of Full Council and read the full reports, please click here
