Agenda item


Motions

To debate the following motions which have been submitted with advance notice, in accordance with the Constitution (to be debated in the order submitted).

 

Topic

Proposer

Seconder

Motion to declare a Food Poverty Emergency

 

Councillor Perran Moon

Councillor Rebecca Biegel

Cost of Living Crisis

Councillor David Hingley

Councillor Ian Middleton

Campsfield House, Kidlington, Motion

 

Councillor Ian Middleton

Councillor Gemma Coton

Refugee Crisis Motion

Councillor Ian Middleton

Councillor Angus Patrick

 

(For information: The Constitution sets out that no Motion to rescind or vary an agreed Motion can be considered within a 6 month period unless signatures or email from a recognised source from 8 councillors is received. Council considered and agreed a motion in relation to the Ukraine Crisis and support for refugees at its 28 February 2022 meeting. The Assistant Director Law, Governance and Democratic Services and Monitoring Officer (interim) has received 8 signatures and therefore confirms that the Refugee Crisis motion is valid.)

 

Please note that the deadline to submit motions has passed. The deadline for Members to submit amendments to motions is noon on Thursday 14 July 2022. No amendments will be permitted after this deadline.

 

Any amendments submitted will be published as a supplement to the agenda on the afternoon of Friday 15 July 2022. Amendments for motions will be dealt with in the order submitted. 

 

 

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 

“The long-term effects of the COVID pandemic, spiralling inflation and stagnant wages are leaving many adults and children across our communities hungry. Over 2m people in the UK are now reliant on food banks.

 

Many residents throughout Cherwell are facing the terrible choice of heating or eating. The situation this coming winter is set to get worse. Fuel bills and the cost of food are both likely to increase again in the autumn. The knock-on effects on declining mental health will increase the burden on the NHS.

 

This Council acknowledges the suffering of residents struggling to feed themselves and their families and declares a Food Poverty Emergency.

 

We commit to:

 

-        Designating a Food Champion: a lead member for food poverty at Cherwell District Council

 

-        Establishing and reporting to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the scale of the food poverty crisis in Cherwell

 

-        Drawing up a Cherwell Food Action Plan that supports local communities in helping to relieve the food poverty emergency, in line with the new countywide food strategy

 

-        Developing a promotional campaign that raises awareness of underclaimed Healthy Start food vouchers

 

-        Supporting local communities to reduce food waste and improve the food choices of residents and continuing to be an active member of the Cherwell Community Food Network."

 

(2)          That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

 

“We recognise the need to continue to support our communities at a time when the cost of living is increasing. We would like to thank our staff for ensuring that £6.7m of the £7.7m of Government funded resources, through the Council Tax Rebate Scheme, has already been provided to support our residents.

 

We will continue to work closely with the Government and the Leader of the Council will write to the  Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, requesting a meeting to discuss:

 

1.    Subsidy for bus and train travel, to ensure people can travel affordably and sustainably

 

2.    A review of the energy cap to cover all types of domestic fuels and provide protection to SMEs.

 

3.    Expansion of the coverage of the Rural Fuel Duty Rate Relief.

 

4.    Additional financial support for councils to aid the most vulnerable.

 

5.    Increasing investment in UK renewables to decarbonise the energy sector and prevent a future energy fuelled cost of living crisis.”

 

(3)          That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

 

"The UK government response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been criticised for its slow start and unnecessary bureaucracy at a time of extreme stress for people fleeing war. Local authorities, already dealing with the fallout from the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis, are on the frontline of sorting out the issues from the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

 

Nevertheless, the generosity of our residents and the dedication and hard work of our staff  has ensured that hundreds of guests have been placed safely with hosts in Cherwell. There is  uncertainty about the longer-term prospects for refugees while the conflict in Ukraine continues. 

 

Reports from groups like Opora show that the likelihood of refugees becoming renters in the private sector is unlikely based on the documentation requirements from landlords and letting agents. This places a huge additional pressure on social housing availability. This is a problem that may impact all refugees. 

 

This Council therefore re-affirms its commitment to welcoming refugees and working in partnership with other agencies and organisations to provide longer term stability for all refugees in Cherwell and calls on the Leader to write urgently to Lord Harrington, Minister for Refugees, offering an invitation to Cherwell  to show how beneficial partnership working can be in resolving issues.  We  also request reassurance on long-term  funding packages, delivering parity for refugees from different countries alongside national guidance to private landlords regarding letting properties  to refugees  and so prevent a major housing crisis.” 

 

(For information, following debate of the Campsfield House, Kidlington motion, on being put to the vote the motion was lost and subsequently fell)

Minutes:

The Chair advised that four motions had been submitted. Amendments to two of the motions had been submitted. In line with the Constitution, no further amendments were now permitted.

 

Motion to declare a Food Poverty Emergency

 

It was proposed by Councillor Moon and seconded by Councillor Biegel that the following motion be adopted:

 

“The long-term effects of the COVID pandemic, spiralling inflation and stagnant wages are leaving many adults and children across our communities hungry. Over 2m people in the UK are now reliant on food banks.

 

Many residents throughout Cherwell are facing the terrible choice of heating or eating. The situation this coming winter is set to get worse. Fuel bills and the cost of food are both likely to increase again in the autumn. The knock-on effects on declining mental health will increase the burden on the NHS.

 

This Council acknowledges the suffering of residents struggling to feed themselves and their families and declares a Food Poverty Emergency.

 

We commit to:

 

-        Designating a Food Champion: a lead member for food poverty at Cherwell District Council

 

-        Establishing and reporting to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the scale of the food poverty crisis in Cherwell

 

-        Drawing up a Cherwell Food Action Plan that supports local communities in helping to relieve the food poverty emergency, in line with the new countywide food strategy

 

-        Developing a promotional campaign that raises awareness of underclaimed Healthy Start food vouchers

 

-        Supporting local communities to reduce food waste and improve the food choices of residents and continuing to be an active member of the Cherwell Community Food Network."

 

No amendments to the motion having been proposed, the motion was debated as submitted. On being put to the vote the motion was unanimously agreed.

 

Cost of Living Crisis

 

It was proposed by Councillor Hingley and seconded by Councillor Middleton that the following motion be adopted:

 

“There is a pressing need to address the cost-of-living crisis.

 

Inflation is squeezing already stretched household budgets – propelled largely by energy price increases. On 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the household energy price cap by 54 per cent - this excludes homes using solid fuel oil or bottled gas. However, the cap does not protect businesses.  Energy cost rises affect all aspects of life: from logistics and food production to home heating and cooking. Many Cherwell families face the hard choice between heating and eating.  

 

This crisis demonstrates the need to change our energy supply, not only to prevent a climate catastrophe, but also to maintain a functioning economy for all. The UK Government has announced tax reliefs for companies investing in "UK extraction". This move is encouraging more investment in North Sea oil and gas extraction, whilst hampering energy decarbonisation plans.

 

This Council therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ and calls on the Leader to write to the Government to:

 

1.    Put in place schemes for subsidising bus and train travel, to ensure people can travel affordably and sustainably 

 

2.    Urgently review the energy cap to cover all types of domestic fuels and provide protection to SMEs.

 

3.    Expand the coverage of the Rural Fuel Duty Rate Relief.

 

4.    Provide immediate financial support for councils to aid the most vulnerable. 

 

5.    Demonstrate a real and immediate increase of investment in UK renewables to decarbonise the energy sector and prevent a future energy fuelled cost of living crisis.” 

 

Councillor Sames proposed the following amendment (amendments struck through and in italics), which was duly seconded by Councillor Corkin.

 

“There is a pressing need to address the cost-of-living crisis.

 

Inflation is squeezing already stretched household budgets – propelled largely by energy price increases. On 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the household energy price cap by 54 per cent - this excludes homes using solid fuel oil or bottled gas. However, the cap does not protect businesses.  Energy cost rises affect all aspects of life: from logistics and food production to home heating and cooking. Many Cherwell families face the hard choice between heating and eating.  

 

This crisis demonstrates the need to change our energy supply, not only to prevent a climate catastrophe, but also to maintain a functioning economy for all. The UK Government has announced tax reliefs for companies investing in "UK extraction". This move is encouraging more investment in North Sea oil and gas extraction, whilst hampering energy decarbonisation plans.

 

This Council therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ and calls on the Leader to write to the Government to:

 

We recognise the need to continue to support our communities at a time when the cost of living is increasing. We would like to thank our staff for ensuring that £6.7m of the £7.7m of Government funded resources, through the Council Tax Rebate Scheme, has already been provided to support our residents.

 

We will continue to work closely with the Government and the Leader of the Council will write to the  Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, requesting a meeting to discuss:

 

1.    Put in place schemes for subsidisingSubsidy for bus and train travel, to ensure people can travel affordably and sustainably 

 

2.    Urgently review A review of the energy cap to cover all types of domestic fuels and provide protection to SMEs.

 

3.    Expand Expansion of the coverage of the Rural Fuel Duty Rate Relief.

 

4.    Provide immediate Additional financial support for councils to aid the most vulnerable. 

 

5.    Demonstrate a real and immediate increase ofIncreasing investment in UK renewables to decarbonise the energy sector and prevent a future energy fuelled cost of living crisis.” 

 

The amendment was debated and on being put to the vote was carried and therefore became the substantive motion for debate.

 

Council debated the substantive motion (the motion as amended), which on being put to the vote was carried and therefore approved.

 

Campsfield House, Kidlington, Motion

 

It was proposed by Councillor Middleton and seconded by Councillor Coton that the following motion be adopted:

 

“The Home Office intends to reopen Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre in Kidlington, as part of the newly signed migrant deportation agreement signed with the Rwandan Government.

 

Before its closure in 2018, Campsfield detained hundreds of migrants - some for years. There were weekly demonstrations, prison protests, hunger strikes, two suicides, escapes and scores of legal challenges. Management switched between three of the UK’s main private prison providers before the closure, following a damning enquiry into conditions. 

 

The UK’s ‘Economic and Development Partnership’ with Rwanda has been condemned as inhumane and illegal by international bodies, the UNHCR, politicians from all parties, legal experts and a large part of the British population.  Not one migrant has yet been deported, due to legal challenges. 

 

Reopening Campsfield is cruel, ineffective, and costly. Instead of criminalising and deporting migrants out of Cherwell, the government should re-invest in many of the aid projects working to mitigate the key drivers of migration. If the government does reopen Campsfield House, then this council should commit to ensuring that Cherwell District provides no direct support for it.

 

This Council therefore condemns the re-opening of Campsfield House and calls on the leader to write to the Government to:

 

1.    Cancel the Campsfield House reopening as a detention centre.

 

2.    Create safe havens and legal routes to apply for asylum in the United Kingdom.

 

3.    Restore the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7% of its Gross National Income on overseas aid to support countries to tackle the key drivers of migration. 

 

No amendments to the motion having been proposed, the motion was debated as submitted. In the course of the debate it was proposed by Cotter and seconded by Councillor Woodcock that a recorded vote be taken. Having been proposed and seconded, a recorded vote was duly taken and Members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Hannah Banfield

 For

Councillor Andrew Beere

 For

Councillor Rebecca Biegel

 For

Councillor Nathan Bignell

 Against

Councillor John Broad

 Abstain

Councillor Hugo Brown

 Against

Councillor Phil Chapman

 Against

Councillor Mark Cherry

 For

Councillor Colin Clarke

 Against

Councillor Patrick Clarke

 Against

Councillor Gemma Coton

 For

Councillor Nick Cotter

 For

Councillor Andrew Crichton

 For

Councillor Sandy Dallimore

 Against

Councillor John Donaldson

 Against

Councillor Donna Ford

 Against

Councillor Ian Harwood

 Against

Councillor David Hingley

 For

Councillor Matt Hodgson

 For

Councillor Kieron Mallon

 Against

Councillor Nick Mawer

 Against

Councillor Fiona Mawson

 For

Councillor Ian Middleton

 For

Councillor Perran Moon

 For

Councillor Richard Mould

 Against

Councillor Adam Nell

 Against

Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke

 For

Councillor Angus Patrick

 For

Councillor Chris Pruden

 For

Councillor Eddie Reeves

 Against

Councillor George Reynolds

 Against

Councillor Dan Sames

 Against

Councillor Les Sibley

 Against

Councillor Amanda Watkins

 For

Councillor Douglas Webb

 Against

Councillor Fraser Webster

 For

Councillor Bryn Williams

 Against

Councillor Barry Wood

 Against

Councillor Sean Woodcock

 For

 

The vote was lost and the motion therefore fell.

 

Refugee Crisis Motion

 

It was proposed by Councillor Middleton and seconded by Councillor Patrick that the following motion be adopted:

 

“The UK government response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been criticised for its slow start and unnecessary bureaucracy at a time of extreme stress for people fleeing a war zone.

Many of the problems associated with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme have been piled on to local authorities already dealing with the fallout from the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis.

Nevertheless, the generosity of our residents and the dedication and hard work of our housing team has ensured that hundreds of guests have been placed with hosts in Cherwell. But there is now some uncertainty about the longer-term prospects for these people as the conflict in their home country continues.

Ukrainian support groups such as the Opora network have reported that finding longer term accommodation may be hampered by requirements from landlords and lettings agencies for extensive reference checks, including proof of earnings in the UK going back some years along with other documentation. According to reports, many refugees have been told point blank that they have no chance of renting in the UK. This is a problem that may impact all refugees.

This Council therefore re-affirms its commitment to providing as much support as we are able to all refugees in Cherwell and calls on the leader to write urgently to the Home Secretary seeking reassurances on long-term support packages, including national agreements with landlords and lettings organisations to prevent another major crisis that our housing and homeless agencies will have to deal with.”

Councillor Wood proposed the following amendment (amendments struck through and in italics), which was duly seconded by Councillor Mawer.

 

“The UK government response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been criticised for its slow start and unnecessary bureaucracy at a time of extreme stress for people fleeing a war zone.Local authorities, already dealing with the fallout from the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis, are on the frontline of sorting out the issues from the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

 

Many of the problems associated with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme have been piled on to local authorities already dealing with the fallout from the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis.

 

Nevertheless, the generosity of our residents and the dedication and hard work of our housing team staff has ensured that hundreds of guests have been placed safely with hosts in Cherwell. But there is now some uncertainty about the longer-term prospects for these people as the conflict in their home country continues.

 

Ukrainian support groups such as the Opora network have reported that finding longer term accommodation may be hampered by requirements from landlords and lettings agencies for extensive reference checks, including proof of earnings in the UK going back some years along with other documentation. According to reports, many refugees have been told point blank that they have no chance of renting in the UK. Reports from groups like Opora show that the likelihood of refugees becoming renters in the private sector is unlikely based on the documentation requirements from landlords and letting agents. This places a huge additional pressure on social housing availability. This is a problem that may impact all refugees. 

 

This Council therefore re-affirms its commitment to providing as much support as we are able towelcoming refugees and working in partnership with other agencies and organisations to provide longer term stability for all refugees in Cherwell and calls on the Leader to write urgently to the Home Secretary seeking reassurances on long-term support packages, including national agreements with landlords and lettings organisations to prevent another major crisis that our housing and homeless agencies will have to deal with. Lord Harrington, Minister for Refugees, offering an invitation to Cherwell  to show how beneficial partnership working can be in resolving issues. We  also request reassurance on long-term  funding packages, delivering parity for refugees from different countries alongside national guidance to private landlords regarding letting properties  to refugees  and so prevent a major housing crisis.” 

 

The amendment was debated and on being put to the vote was carried and therefore became the substantive motion for debate.

 

Council debated the substantive motion (the motion as amended), which on being put to the vote was carried and therefore approved.

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 

“The long-term effects of the COVID pandemic, spiralling inflation and stagnant wages are leaving many adults and children across our communities hungry. Over 2m people in the UK are now reliant on food banks.

 

Many residents throughout Cherwell are facing the terrible choice of heating or eating. The situation this coming winter is set to get worse. Fuel bills and the cost of food are both likely to increase again in the autumn. The knock-on effects on declining mental health will increase the burden on the NHS.

 

This Council acknowledges the suffering of residents struggling to feed themselves and their families and declares a Food Poverty Emergency.

 

We commit to:

 

-        Designating a Food Champion: a lead member for food poverty at Cherwell District Council

 

-        Establishing and reporting to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the scale of the food poverty crisis in Cherwell

 

-        Drawing up a Cherwell Food Action Plan that supports local communities in helping to relieve the food poverty emergency, in line with the new countywide food strategy

 

-        Developing a promotional campaign that raises awareness of underclaimed Healthy Start food vouchers

 

-        Supporting local communities to reduce food waste and improve the food choices of residents and continuing to be an active member of the Cherwell Community Food Network."

 

(2)          That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

 

“We recognise the need to continue to support our communities at a time when the cost of living is increasing. We would like to thank our staff for ensuring that £6.7m of the £7.7m of Government funded resources, through the Council Tax Rebate Scheme, has already been provided to support our residents.

 

We will continue to work closely with the Government and the Leader of the Council will write to the  Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, requesting a meeting to discuss:

 

1.    Subsidy for bus and train travel, to ensure people can travel affordably and sustainably

 

2.    A review of the energy cap to cover all types of domestic fuels and provide protection to SMEs.

 

3.    Expansion of the coverage of the Rural Fuel Duty Rate Relief.

 

4.    Additional financial support for councils to aid the most vulnerable.

 

5.    Increasing investment in UK renewables to decarbonise the energy sector and prevent a future energy fuelled cost of living crisis.”

 

(3)          That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

 

"The UK government response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis has been criticised for its slow start and unnecessary bureaucracy at a time of extreme stress for people fleeing war. Local authorities, already dealing with the fallout from the pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis, are on the frontline of sorting out the issues from the Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

 

Nevertheless, the generosity of our residents and the dedication and hard work of our staff  has ensured that hundreds of guests have been placed safely with hosts in Cherwell. There is  uncertainty about the longer-term prospects for refugees while the conflict in Ukraine continues. 

 

Reports from groups like Opora show that the likelihood of refugees becoming renters in the private sector is unlikely based on the documentation requirements from landlords and letting agents. This places a huge additional pressure on social housing availability. This is a problem that may impact all refugees. 

 

This Council therefore re-affirms its commitment to welcoming refugees and working in partnership with other agencies and organisations to provide longer term stability for all refugees in Cherwell and calls on the Leader to write urgently to Lord Harrington, Minister for Refugees, offering an invitation to Cherwell  to show how beneficial partnership working can be in resolving issues.  We  also request reassurance on long-term  funding packages, delivering parity for refugees from different countries alongside national guidance to private landlords regarding letting properties  to refugees  and so prevent a major housing crisis.” 

 

(For information, following debate of the Campsfield House, Kidlington motion, on being put to the vote the motion was lost and subsequently fell)

Supporting documents: