The report, which followed a recommendation by the Ritchie inquiry into the race riots that took place in May 2001, also found that management weaknesses at the council were leading to a failure to promote good race relations and stable communities. It highlighted a lack of people from ethnic minority communities in senior public service posts as a particular problem.
The report noted that improvements had been made within schools, but urged the council to do more to develop a sense of community leadership and cohesion.
Sir Andrew Foster, the Audit Commission's controller, said: "In addition to quality public services, all councils must provide community leadership and show that they value the diversity of the people they represent.
"Oldham now has the opportunity to develop the vision and expertise needed to build stable, ethnically diverse communities."
The commission's findings support earlier research which found that having concentrations of people from one ethnic background in certain areas in housing, and their separation from other groups in adjacent areas, contributed to inter-community tensions in Oldham.
Chief executive of Oldham council Andrew Kilburn said: "The report makes no specific housing criticisms. Rather it draws attention to the significant opportunities to improve housing and quality of life in Oldham …
"The report recommends the establishment of a new regeneration directorate to include housing renewal and the council is restructuring accordingly."
Source
Housing Today
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