Oldham faces scrutiny over £56m agency spend in four years. Reductions are planned via permanent roles to cut costs.
Data from a request showed large sums spent on them. This covers social care, children’s services, and environmental jobs. In 2023, spending exceeded £20 million. It fell to almost £10 million last year. 2021 saw over £9 million spent, while in 2022, it was about £16.5 million.
Councillor Jabbar knows costs rose. Yet, overall spending is decreasing now and they plan further reductions, making agency roles permanent. Reports show many Northwest councils are spending more.
A report noted councils rely more on agency workers. It cited a crisis in adult social care staffing. This occurs as council budgets get tighter yearly, with some needing to cut local services.
The council wants to create permanent jobs. Councillor Sykes thinks agency staff fill service gaps but said the council must consider permanent local hires. If work is needed, locals should get permanent jobs.
Currently, Oldham spends more on short-term staffing. He believes this hurts services and taxpayers. Councillor Jabbar stressed making roles permanent is vital.
High inflation and rising social care demands caused increased costs. Limited permanent staff and market forces also play a role. Unity Partnership’s services moved back to Oldham in 2022-23. This shift made prior Unity agency spending count as council spending.
The figures show agency spending decreased significantly, and the council expects costs to drop more next year.