OLDHAM COUNCIL wants to talk to residents about how they can work together to tackle the £60 million budget challenge it faces over the next two years. 
The local authority wants support and ideas from the borough as they make the savings as a result of central government reducing the amount of money to fund services.
Oldham Council has had to make £141 million in cuts over the past five years – that’s £1,566 less per household.
They now need to make a further £60 million in savings by 2017 – which brings the total reduction per household up to £2,232.
Key services provided by the council include bin collection, fixing potholes, sweeping up rubbish and supporting older people, people with disabilities or children in care.
A short video has been produced outlining the council’s budget situation and also they can work with residents to support them and keep providing these important services.
Councillor Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “Half our budget has gone and there are no easy answers.
“We have to have an honest conversation between the council and residents about the serious financial challenges we face.
“As a co-operative borough we need to work together as a team – residents, businesses and organisations – where all of us do our bit so that everybody benefits.
“We can’t spend more money than we have so we’ve got to stop doing things or do things differently.
“We are already making huge changes by carrying out regeneration projects to dramatically boost our economy.
“We are building more homes, supporting and encouraging businesses in the borough and we are working closely with other services like the NHS, police and the fire service.
“However, we need to do more and have a comprehensive look at how we can deliver services.
“If we all make some small changes in our day-to-day lives, we can make a huge difference, and help to make the most of every penny we spend.
“Tough decisions have already been made and they are only going to get tougher – but if we band together, we can make Oldham a better place and reduce the impact of the cuts.”
Watch the video and join in the conversation on how to save money via Oldham Council’s website: www.oldham.gov.uk/letstalk_budget
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