22 November 2002
The inspectors' report, which was published on November 21, criticises the authority for not showing leadership or developing a clear vision to heal the fractured community.
'Despite the council's use of the slogan "Oldham together", there is a lack of clarity about what this means and how it is to be achieved,' the report says.
Inspectors say the level of vacancies at senior officer rank is 'hampering' the authority's efforts to bring about improvements. But the report does recognise that Oldham has faced up to its weaknesses and is taking 'tentative steps' to remedy them.
By contrast, an Audit Commission report on Blackburn with Darwen, another area that was hit by race riots last year, found evidence of 'a strong commitment to building stronger and more involved communities'.
PFnov2002
