Sykes blasts government as Oldham Council faces £21 million overspend

Council’s across the country are facing a £4.1 billion funding gap according to research conducted by the trade union Unison.  Unison points to growing demand for adult and children's social care, persistent inflation, energy costs, and rising homelessness as key factors driving the funding gap. 

According to an Oldham Council report seen by Cabinet Members in September, Oldham’s own budget shortfall for next year is anticipated to stand at an eye-watering £20.822m.  

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “In government, Labour have failed to reverse the cuts to local government that have left councils like Oldham hiking taxes even while services get cut.  This means taxes will continue to rise and residents will be paying more for less.”

“Next year’s budget will be set by the Labour Party with support from their ‘so-called Independent’ coalition partners and it will include a maximum 4.99% council tax rise.  This is the worst kind of tax rise because it will not mean more money for parks or roads or other services, residents won’t see any change as a result.  This is a Labour Party that promised not to put taxes up on working people.  That’s a promise broken and it’s the so-called Independents who will help them break it.”