Saddleworth Parish Council agree comprehensive review

Saddleworth Parish Council has unanimously voted to form a taskforce and finish group to carry out a thorough review of its finances, budget and spending, including the running of Uppermill’s Civic Hall.

A motion was brought forward at November’s meeting by Cllr Max Woodvine calling for the council to “balance the books for this year, next year and infinitum”.

It added: “It must be put on a firm financial footing and avoid raising the precept until all measures to reduce costs and waste have been explored properly.”

Cllr Woodvine urged: “The Civic Hall must break even by 2021 and make profit going forward.

“As a civil local authority and corporate body that uses money which is levied on local people we have a moral obligation and duty to spend it wisely.

“Looking at the Budget approved this year, the Civic Hall (to staff and service) costs Saddleworth £158,290 per annum, and was only projected to make £92,700, meaning a 41 per cent loss.

"This is not down to Covid-19 alone.

“It is time to think outside of the box and make changes to preserve a long-term, financially viable future.”

Councillors agreed the Covid pandemic has affected council finances, but many highlighted the Civic Hall is for community use, not a profit maker.

Cllr Graham Sheldon, who seconded the motion, said: “The effects of the pandemic have had a significant impact on many aspects of the Civic Hall and we have seen an unprecedented loss of income.

“However, we have saved on the utilities and the wage bill so the result is not as gloomy as we first thought.”

Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani added: “Over the last six or seven months we have found savings across a number of areas.

"Our reserves are above the levels that would be expected of a Parish Council.

“There are a lot of people who are struggling for income due to the pandemic.

"If we can avoid raising the precept and help local people then we will always do that.”

But he added: “The Hall is there to provide a service for the community, not to make a profit.

"It is where we run the Parish Council and are based with our staff and operations.”

Cllr Brian Lord said: “The Civic Hall is a facility for Saddleworth.

"Lots of societies and groups use it, as well as it being a venue for events and meetings.

“If we accept that is what it is for, then we should keep putting money into it.”

Cllr Rob Knotts, former chair of the finance committee, pointed to the work done to transform recently the Civic Hall into more of a business, with offices and space to hire out.

“We did a lot of work but now everything has ground to a halt with Covid,” he said.

“We need to readdress the business potential of the Civic Hall and see where there is room for improvement when Covid is put to bed.”

Cllr Pam Byrne pointed out: “We have other income streams as well and these must not be discounted.

"We must look at everything thoroughly.”

It was proposed the motion be referred to the finance committee, with councillors voting 11 in favour and two abstentions.

A review of the Parish Council’s structure, committees and standing orders is also being carried out to ensure they are transparent and effective.

Cllr Al-Hamdani, who put forward the motion, said: “We need to look at what we do, how we do it and if we can do it better.

“The end goal should be the fewest possible structures to deliver the most effective support for the communities of Saddleworth.”

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