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ODDU attends Oldham Licensing Committee meeting
On 21 October 2025, ODDU representatives attended the meeting of the Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Licensing Committee, held in the newly-restored building formerly known as the Oldham Library & Art Gallery, now the JR Clynes Building.
This landmark building was officially reopened and renamed on 16 August 2025, honouring its heritage while providing a modern civic and cultural hub.
Attendees
Licensing Committee Members:
Cllr Sajed Hussain (Chair), Cllr Javed Hussain (Vice Chair), Cllrs Christine Adams, Helen Bishop, Pam Byrne, Neil Hindle, Aftab Hussain, Umar Nasheen, Graham Shuttleworth and Abdul Wahid.
Also in attendance:
Cllr Elaine Taylor (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods), Alex Bougatef (Group Solicitor), Nasir Dad (Director of Environment), Jack Grennan (Constitutional Services), Nicola Lord (Licensing Officer), Heather Moore (Assistant Director of Governance), Sumayya Rawat (Solicitor).
ODDU Representatives:
MD Shopik Miah (Acting Chairman), MD Khalis Miah (Secretary), Ruhel Ahmed (Assistant Treasurer), Surat Ali (Training Officer), Abdul Wahid (ODDU Member), along with other trade-organisation representatives.
Key Discussion & Outcome
The principal item of interest to the trade was the change in policy regarding mid-year MOT tests being carried out by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)-approved MOT test stations. The Committee discussed the proposal, noting that the new policy would free up approximately 2,000 additional test slots, thereby enabling drivers to book their MOT renewals with shorter wait times.
During the meeting, members asked whether monitoring of the new system would continue; it was confirmed that constant review would take place, and any concerns would be flagged. On a vote, the policy change was carried.
What this means for drivers
- From 3 November 2025, drivers will be required to arrange their own mid-year DVSA MOT at a MOT centre of their choosing.
- The MOT certificate must be dated no more than five working days before the test is due, and must be sent to Licensing Services by the required date.
- The trade has welcomed this change, as it offers improved convenience and shorter wait times.
We wish to take a moment to recognise the exceptional support shown by Cllr Elaine Taylor towards Oldham’s licensed driver community. Over recent years, she has:
- Engaged directly with drivers and trade representatives
- Championed policy improvements benefiting our members
- Ensured driver concerns are heard at the highest levels
- Supported initiatives to improve safety, fairness, and working standards
- Maintained open communication and mutual respect with ODDU
From left to right:- MD Shopik Miah (Acting Chairman), Surat Ali (Training Officer), MD Khalis Miah (Secretary), Cllr Elaine Taylor (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods), Ruhel Ahmed (Assistant Treasurer), Abdul Wahid (ODDU Member)
Her collaborative approach and tireless advocacy have helped drive positive change within licensing and neighbourhood services. ODDU is proud to acknowledge her ongoing commitment and looks forward to continuing this constructive partnership.