Cabinet member responds to Lib-Dem homeless shelter claims

An image taken a couple of nights ago outside the front of the Oldham Civic Centre building

Two Liberal Democrat ward councillors have been rebuked for social medía posts on homeless people camping and sheltering outside the empty former HQ of Oldham Council’s civic council tower building.

Councillor Garth Harkness, Shadow Cabinet Member for Decent Homes, said he asked in a previous council meeting why the administration could not use the empty parts of the building for temporary accommodation to keep people warm and away from the harsh elements.

He said: "The council's response has been a flat ‘no’ and an officer has written a complex reason as to why they couldn’t do it.

“This flies in the face of tax payers who are effectively paying to heat an empty space that could be put to good use and yet they are also being hit in the pocket twice, paying for hotels for temporary accommodation.

“This could help save money and put the resources there are to good use; the showers we have and the catering equipment.”

And Councillor Louie Hamblett added: “As Shadow Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing I have concerns for rough sleepers wellbeing and hope that any help is being offered a real and sensible solution would to use the parts of the civic building that is empty and teams can look after them and check up on their welfare.”

However, responding, Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Decent Homes, said: "Maybe if the Liberal Democrats had got in touch with officers in our housing service before issuing a press release they'd know that our rough sleeping team have been in regular contact with these individuals and continue to offer them support, guidance and assistance.

"They're also wrong to suggest taxpayers are paying to heat the civic tower, it has been decommissioned as we work on plans to build much-needed homes in the town centre with our development partner MUSE.

"We are continuing to look at ways we can better serve our residents who unfortunately need temporary accommodation, including whether we can use buildings within the council's estates portfolio."

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