Councillors heard the solar farm would take up 15% of agricultural land in an area chosen for its low yields, and any alternative brownfield sites were not big enough or close enough to a grid connection.
Jane and Amelia, who survived abuse more than 15 years ago, and Sarah, whose son was exploited in the town while he was in care, called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet them and hear their stories.Ministers rejected Oldham Council's request to conduct an inquiry, saying the council should lead it.
A government spokesperson said it would "always be guided" by survivors and that Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips would continue to engage with victims.But they added "many victims have said they do not want to see another national inquiry - they want action now".Jane and Amelia said they would like to see a full national inquiry, because they feel it is important to cover the experiences of survivors across the country.
Sarah, whose son was abused in his teens and died more than 10 years later, would have liked a government-led inquiry into abuse in Oldham, but would accept a local one if it is properly funded."This isn't for anyone's political gain. This is about real human beings," Amelia said.
The government has resisted calls from the Conservatives and Reform for a new national inquiry, saying that implementing recommendations from
conducted by Prof Alexis Jay into child sexual abuse is its priority.Social care will be hit by a
The sector welcomed an extra £600m in funding to local authorities for adult and children's social care.But care groups said this would not be enough and would be "wiped off instantly" by increased staffing costs.
The Liberal Democrats have called on the government to exempt social care from the rise in National Insurance.The party said the chancellor had provided extra funding for the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise - but because the vast majority of care providers are private they would not benefit from this.