Paying more and getting less... the Greater Manchester town that got £200million taken out of its pockets

Oldham council is well on its way to setting the budget for the next year. That means significant decisions are being made about how the council will spend its money - from everyday services like rubbish collections to transforming town centres with ambitious regeneration projects.

Council bosses called this year’s budget “one of the toughest we’ve ever had to set”. After historic cuts in grants and funding and the spiralling demand and cost of social care, they’ve had to dig deep to cover a £30m shortfall in their books.

They’ve decided to make £11m of cuts to council services and have had to raise council tax by five per cent. But they claim to have prioritised the most vulnerable in the community by focussing spending on social care and accommodation for those facing homelessness.

Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go.

But what do Oldhamers think about how the council currently spends its money? The Manchester Evening News took to the streets of Oldham town centre and Alexandra to speak to local residents about everything from council tax to a Borough circus.

Roy (78) and Janet (77) Hazeldine have lived in Oldham all their lives and don’t believe the council has been spending money on the right things.

“They seem to be wasting a lot of money on various things like all this new building,” Janet said, gesturing to the temporary fencing erected outside the Spindles shopping centre.

“I read the other day that Oldham is one of the most miserable towns to live in - and we can vouch for that. We need more green spaces.”

Roy quipped: “They should be spending money on reducing the council tax.

“They also need to reduce the rates in the shopping centre,” he added “Because a lot of places are