Oldham Council unanimously backs motion to support children in temporary accommodation

Oldham Council has unanimously approved a motion to improve access to education for children living in temporary accommodation (TA).

The motion, proposed by Cllr Shoab Akhtar, aims to ensure that children in TA are not disadvantaged by their housing situation and can maintain stability in their education. 

Cllr Akhtar, who proposed the motion, said: "No child should be punished for their family's housing situation.  

“We're calling on the council to explore options for providing free school travel to children in temporary accommodation, regardless of the distance to their school.  

“This is a matter of fairness and equality, and we're proud to have secured cross-party support for this initiative." 

The motion highlights that many children in Oldham are currently facing significant challenges in accessing education due to their temporary accommodation situation.  

With over 700 children under 18 living in TA in Oldham, the council recognises the need to act. 

Key points from the motion include: 

Current Situation: Many households in Oldham remain in TA for extended periods, often beyond 6 months. 

Proposal: The council will explore options for extending free school travel to children in TA, including bus passes and taxi services. 

Funding: The council will identify funding options, including Homelessness Prevention funding and partnerships with transport operators. 

Implementation: A report will be brought forward within 12 weeks to outline options and feasibility. 

Cllr Akhtar added: "We're committed to ensuring that our children have the best possible start in life, and education is a key part of that.  

“We're proud to be taking a lead on this issue and hope that our efforts will inspire other councils to follow suit." 

The council will now work on implementing the motion, with a report expected to be presented to Cabinet within 12 weeks.