“No clue and no urgency”: Oldham Council slammed for silence over collapse of leading voluntary sector organiser

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has slammed council bosses for have “no clue” over the collapse of the Greater Manchester Centre Voluntary Organisations (GMCVO).

Details of the organisation’s financial collapse were uncovered in early December, but Greater Manchester councils including Oldham have been slow to comment.  Councillor Sykes has previously written to council bosses asking for a briefing on the impact for Oldham.

Councillor Sykes said, “No update has been given to councillors or staff.  I was promised a reply at a recent council meeting, but nothing has been forthcoming. I am concerned that the council has no clue what the GMCVO collapse means for us in Oldham or for the future of schemes that relied on the GMCVO for support.  They aren’t showing any urgency over this at all.”

In Oldham, it is understood that the GMCVO supports a range of employability projects. The organisation also provides considerable administrative support and advice for new voluntary and community start-ups.

Councillor Sykes said, “With council budgets completely hammered, the role of the community voluntary sector has become more important with each passing year. These organisations fill the gaps that have been left as other services keep getting cut back.

“While we wait for the Cabinet Member to reply in detail, there are volunteer projects across Oldham Borough who will be nervous about the future and about where to go for advice and support.”