Latest news with #AroojShah
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Thousands of children' in Manchester will benefit from major free school meal change
'Thousands of children' in Manchester are set to benefit from a major change to free school meals from next year. The move, which extends the lifeline benefit to all kids in families who receive Universal Credit, could save parents up to £500 a year. More than half a million children across the country are expected to become eligible for free school meals as a result of the change. Welcoming the news, Manchester council leader Bev Craig said 'thousands of children' across the city will benefit. READ MORE: LIVE: Rail chaos after two people die on tracks with lines shut and emergency measures on major route - updates READ MORE: She was an NHS 'doctor' who earned over £1m helping hundreds of patients... she was lying the whole time Currently, all children in England can get free school meals until the end of Year 2. After that they only qualify if their family gets certain benefits. Kids in families that claim Universal Credit only qualify if their household earns less than £7,400-a-year after benefits. But from September 2026, all children in Universal Credit households will be able to get a free, nutritious hot meal. More than 500,000 kids are expected to benefit from the change which the government says will lift 100,000 children out of poverty. This will benefit thousands of children in Manchester — Bev Craig (@bevcraig) June 4, 2025 Some 2.1m pupils - almost one in four (24.6 per cent) - in England were eligible for free school meals in January 2024. The numbers have soared since the start of the Covid pandemic when 1.44m children were eligible, the Mirror reports. As of this January, nearly half of pupils in Manchester were eligible for the free school meals - around 44,465 in total, according to PA. This is the highest proportion in any local authority area across the country with Salford also ranking high on the list at 36.3 per cent. In Tameside, around 35.1 per cent of pupils currently receive free school meals, while in Oldham the rate is 34.3 per cent. Around 32.9 per cent of kids in Rochdale receive free school meals, while in Wigan 28.9 per cent of pupils are eligible. Bolton appears lower down on the list with 28.4 per cent of pupils currently being eligible while in Bury it's 24.8 per cent. In Stockport 21.6 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals while in Trafford, just 17.3 per cent of pupils are. Responding to the announcement, Oldham council leader Arooj Shah, who chairs the Children and Young People Board at the Local Government Association (LGA) said it would have a 'positive impact', but more needs to be done so eligible children are signed up. She said: 'No child should go hungry and expanding free school meals to all those in receipt of Universal Credit has been a longstanding ask of the LGA and councils. 'This move will certainly have a positive impact. Making it easier for more children to have a healthy, nutritious meal will make a real difference to their health, wellbeing and attainment. 'Council still face data sharing and resource challenges in ensuring as many eligible children as possible receive what they are entitled to. 'Introducing automatic enrolment, using existing government data to capture all those who are entitled to free school meals, would also streamline the process and ensure as many children as possible can benefit, at a time when many families are still under financial pressure.' Joseph Rowntree Foundation Chief Executive Paul Kissack said: "It's really positive to see the Government now taking concrete measures to reduce the unacceptable levels of child poverty in the UK. With 4.5 million children currently in poverty, expanding free school meals eligibility is a critical first step to relieve some pressure on family budgets ahead of the Child Poverty Strategy. "We look forward to seeing a coordinated strategy which builds on this, with ambitious measures to boost household income and ensure all children get the best start in life, unhindered by hunger or hardship."
ITV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Oldham Coliseum reopening delayed until next year after refurbishments hit 'bumps in the road'
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre will not be reopening in time for the 2025 pantomime season, the council has confirmed. The historic venue is currently undergoing a £10 million refurbishment, with the hopes of welcoming theatregoers back for its festive programme. However, unforeseen works have pushed the reopening date back, with the theatre on Fairbottom Street now expected to reopen in 2026. The 135-year-old theatre closed its doors in March 2023 following the loss of its Arts Council England funding, amid concerns about its management. The decision sparked a major public campaign to save the Coliseum, which ultimately led the council to scrap plans for a brand-new venue and instead commit to restoring the original building. Refurbishment works, led by contractors Tilbury Douglas, began earlier this year. But the discovery of significant asbestos within the walls and roof has led to delays, prompting the council to push back the reopening to ensure the building is safe and fully prepared. Council leader Arooj Shah said: 'It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for Panto 2025, especially as it's such a cherished part of Oldham's festive calendar. But with a project of this scale, unexpected issues can arise. "Rather than rush the process, we're taking the time to make sure everything is done properly. We owe it to the artists, staff and—most importantly—our audiences. "This is about creating a sustainable future for theatre in Oldham that will serve generations to come. I can't wait to open the doors in 2026.' Martina Murphy, CEO of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre production company, said she was 'gutted' by the delay but remained optimistic, promising the theatre would be 'back with a bang' once reopened. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, also welcomed the decision to wait: 'The Friends are relieved that this year's panto has been put on hold. "Better to return with a beautiful, bold, and glittering bang than attempt something half-baked in a venue that isn't ready.' A council spokesperson confirmed that while the timeline has shifted, the refurbishment project remains within budget, and they are 'confident' the theatre will be fully operational by the 2026 panto season. In the meantime, the Coliseum's production team will continue delivering performances at other venues across the borough.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Second attempt to oust council leader fails
A council leader has survived a second attempt to oust her in as many years. Labour's Arooj Shah, leader of a minority administration on Oldham Council, was saved when an independent group stepped in to outnumber others who had banded together to try to overthrow the leadership. Shah said the council needs to move on from the "distraction" of "childish games" and "identity politics". Kamran Ghafood, who launched the failed takeover, has been approached for comment. Ghafood, who leads the Oldham Group, attempted to unit opposition groups but failed when 31 out of 58 voted against his leadership bid. The Failsworth Independents stepped in to give Shah the numbers she needed to survive. Shah told BBC Radio Manchester: "We are doing some important stuff and we're focusing on regeneration - what we don't need is distractions." She said the council wanted to "focus on serving the residents", adding: "What I am hoping is that they end these childish games, and that the vote has drawn a line in the sand." Shah said she hoped her opponents would "realise there are serious people in that chamber who just want to crack on with their job". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Labour narrowly retain control of Oldham Council Abuse made me more determined, council leader says Oldham Council
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Oldham Council leader survives second attempt to oust her
A council leader has survived a second attempt to oust her in as many years. Labour's Arooj Shah, leader of a minority administration on Oldham Council, was saved when an independent group stepped in to outnumber others who had banded together to try to overthrow the leadership. Shah said the council needs to move on from the "distraction" of "childish games" and "identity politics".Kamran Ghafood, who launched the failed takeover, has been approached for comment. Ghafood, who leads the Oldham Group, attempted to unit opposition groups but failed when 31 out of 58 voted against his leadership bid. The Failsworth Independents stepped in to give Shah the numbers she needed to survive. Shah told BBC Radio Manchester: "We are doing some important stuff and we're focusing on regeneration - what we don't need is distractions."She said the council wanted to "focus on serving the residents", adding: "What I am hoping is that they end these childish games, and that the vote has drawn a line in the sand."Shah said she hoped her opponents would "realise there are serious people in that chamber who just want to crack on with their job". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Willmott Dixon to undertake Visitor Centre construction project at Northern Roots, UK
Willmott Dixon, a contracting and interior fit-out group, has been selected by Oldham Council to undertake the construction of a new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, stated to become the UK's 'largest' urban farm and eco-park. This initiative is a component of Oldham's 'Green and Growing' priority, aiming to transform 160 acres of local green space. The council has secured £12.9m ($17.1m) from the national government's Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to advance this key phase of the project. The Visitor Centre, nestled in the woodland at the northern end of the site, will provide an array of facilities including a café, shop, production kitchen, and spaces for exhibitions and performances, as well as learning and meeting areas. The Forestry Skills Centre is designed to offer vocational learning opportunities to residents, focusing on technical and land-based skills and qualifications. Since 2023, efforts to enhance local biodiversity have included the planting of 2,000 trees and the creation of six ponds, in addition to establishing a community garden and a wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre is a move forward for the Northern Roots project, which also encompasses the creation of car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Willmott Dixon has set a target to complete the Visitor Centre by summer 2026. Oldham Council leader and councillor Arooj Shah said: "Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.' 'The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It's a win-win for our borough.' Willmott Dixon director for the North West Michael Poole-Sutherland said: 'As an Oldham-based business we are excited to be shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke 'Building Lives Academy' pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience.' Recently, Willmott Dixon, along with real estate developer Milligan, has been chosen by Dover District Council to spearhead a strategic regeneration initiative focused on transforming Dover's town centre into a contemporary destination in the south east of England. "Willmott Dixon to undertake Visitor Centre construction project at Northern Roots, UK" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
