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

One Planet Living

Councillor Dan Sames

Councillor John Broad

Tenants Charter

Councillor Sean Woodcock

TBC

“Get Home Safely”

Councillor Mark Cherry

Councillor Matt Hodgson

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair

Councillor Ian Middleton

Councillor David Hingley

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investment

Councillor Dorothy Walker

Councillor Angus Patrick

 

Please note that the deadline to submit motions has passed. The deadline for Members to submit amendments to motions is noon on Thursday 15 December 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 16 December 2022. Amendments for motions will be dealt with in the order submitted. 

 

 

Decision:

Resolved

 

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 

“In 2019 CDC declared a climate a climate emergency committing to ensure our operations and activities are net zero by 2030 and to do our part to achieve a net zero district by 2030 through leading by example. CDC’s Climate Action Framework sets out the detail of how this will be achieved and emissions have reduced by 51% between 2008/09 to 2020/21. 

 

However, responding to the climate emergency requires more than simply reducing carbon emissions. Currently our lifestyles consume the resources of 3 planets, we must do better to live within our means and the resources of one planet. 

 

One Planet Oxfordshire is a collaboration of councils, businesses, schools and community groups that have a vision of a world in which people enjoy happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the earth’s resources, whilst leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. It’s about living and growing sustainably to minimise impacts on the environment and maximise benefits to people. 

 

At August’s Overview and Scrutiny committee the ten One Planet principles that contribute to planning, delivering and committing to a more sustainable future were presented to offer a framework within which the council could operate.

 

These principles are: 

·         Health and happiness

·         Equity and local economy 

·         Culture and community 

·         Land and nature 

·         Sustainable water 

·         Local and sustainable food 

·         Travel and transport 

·         Materials and product 

·         Zero waste 

·         Zero carbon energy 

 

This council resolves to support the One Planet Oxfordshire shared vision and commits to review operations and activities using the One Planet Living Framework.” 

 

(2)          That it be agreed that the following motion, as amended, be referred to Executive:

 

 “The coroner's inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale should, like the Grenfell Tower Fire, be a watershed moment in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

 

Yet with 50% of properties in Cherwell not meeting basics energy efficiency standards and an energy bill crisis, tenants risk being left in cold, damp and mouldy properties.

 

This council recognises its key role in protecting tenants in both the private and social rented sectors

 

And this council calls on the Executive:

 

1.    To establish a Tenants Charter setting out minimum standards that the council and that all Council tenants expect.

 

2.    To ask officers to engage with registered social landlords and private landlords to seek improvements in standards, in line with those this Council will adopt.

 

3.    To call on the government to bring forward the Private Renters Reform Bill, the promised ban on 'no fault' evictions and to commit to a national campaign of insulating poor homes."

 

(3)          That it be agreed that the following motion be referred to Licensing Committee:

 

“This Council notes that: 

 

·         Shift work is widespread in many industries, particularly hospitality, among others in health, cleaning and security work.  

·         Many workers, especially women, are increasingly worried about their safety travelling to and from work at night  

 

This Council believes that: 

·         While employers may feel their duty of care to staff ends when an employee finishes a shift, they also need to take into consideration journeys home, especially during unsocial hours; 

·         Employers should take reasonable steps to ensure workers can get home safely at night.  

 

This Council will 

·         Refer to the Licensing Committee to consider how it might be able to use its powers to adopt a policy whereby our licensing committee will ensure the process for approving late night licences will be linked to the provision of employee transport home, in balance with the size, type, and location of the premises concerned.  

·         The Licensing Committee to report back.”

 

(4)          That the following motion be agreed:

 

“It’s not best practice for a council to ‘mark their own homework’ and in many other local authorities it is common practice for scrutiny committees to be chaired by members of the opposition group.

 

Such a practice was affirmed during discussions with Local Government Authority representatives during the recent Local Peer Review process. It’s also common practice in other authorities throughout Oxfordshire. This convention helps to build trust and increase accountability.

 

The Council requests that the Monitoring Officer considers, as part of his Constitution Review Programme, that the appointment of the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be from the opposition group as part of the normal annual appointments process.”

 

(5)          That it be agreed that the following motion be referred to Executive:

 

“Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles have become ever more important in recent years due to the focus of organisations such as ours on issues surrounding climate change and ethical values.

 

ESG audits are commonplace in many organisations and apply a set of standards measuring their impact on society and the environment as well as how transparent and accountable they are.

 

This council holds significant sums on deposit with numerous investment bodies, including banks, other local authorities and the Oxfordshire pension fund. We also have some internal investments, particularly associated with commercial property and property investment.

 

This Council therefore requests that the Executive consider the following proposals

 

1.    holding transparent annual audits of all our investments to be measured against ESG principles which will be published alongside the annual accounts.

 

2.    To divest as soon as practicable from any investment that runs contrary to ESG principles and any other standards set by the council, particularly with respect to any funds connected with fossil fuels, unfair labour practices or exploitation of workers.

3.    To urge the Oxfordshire Pension Fund to further divest from fossil fuel investments at the earliest opportunity with a firm timetable for complete divestment from such funds by 2030.”

 

 

Minutes:

The Chairman advised that five motions had been submitted. Amendments to one of the motions had been submitted. In line with the Constitution, no further amendments were now permitted.

 

Motion: One Planet Living

 

It was proposed by Councillor Sames and seconded by Councillor Broad that the following motion be adopted:

 

“In 2019 CDC declared a climate a climate emergency committing to ensure our operations and activities are net zero by 2030 and to do our part to achieve a net zero district by 2030 through leading by example. CDC’s Climate Action Framework sets out the detail of how this will be achieved and emissions have reduced by 51% between 2008/09 to 2020/21. 

 

However, responding to the climate emergency requires more than simply reducing carbon emissions. Currently our lifestyles consume the resources of 3 planets, we must do better to live within our means and the resources of one planet. 

 

One Planet Oxfordshire is a collaboration of councils, businesses, schools and community groups that have a vision of a world in which people enjoy happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the earth’s resources, whilst leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. It’s about living and growing sustainably to minimise impacts on the environment and maximise benefits to people. 

 

At August’s Overview and Scrutiny committee the ten One Planet principles that contribute to planning, delivering and committing to a more sustainable future were presented to offer a framework within which the council could operate.

 

These principles are: 

·         Health and happiness

·         Equity and local economy 

·         Culture and community 

·         Land and nature 

·         Sustainable water 

·         Local and sustainable food 

·         Travel and transport 

·         Materials and product 

·         Zero waste 

·         Zero carbon energy 

 

This council resolves to support the One Planet Oxfordshire shared vision and commits to review operations and activities using the One Planet Living Framework.” 

 

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.

 

Motion: Tenants Charter

 

It was proposed by Councillor Woodcock and seconded by Councillor Okeke that the following motion be adopted:

 

“The coroner's inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale should, like the Grenfell Tower Fire, be a watershed moment in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

 

Yet with 50% of properties in Cherwell not meeting basics energy efficiency standards and an energy bill crisis, tenants risk being left in cold, damp and mouldy properties.

 

This council recognises its key role in protecting tenants in both the private and social rented sectors

 

And this council calls on the Executive:

 

1.    To establish a Tenants Charter setting out minimum standards that the council and that all tenants expect.

 

2.    To run a public awareness campaign of the Charter, encouraging tenants to be aware of their rights and of where local sources of advice and support can be found.

 

3.    To call on the government to bring forward the Private Renters Reform Bill, the promised ban on 'no fault' evictions and to commit to a national campaign of insulating poor homes."

 

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

 

 “The coroner's inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale should, like the Grenfell Tower Fire, be a watershed moment in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

 

Yet with 50% of properties in Cherwell not meeting basics energy efficiency standards and an energy bill crisis, tenants risk being left in cold, damp and mouldy properties.

 

This council recognises its key role in protecting tenants in both the private and social rented sectors

 

And this council calls on the Executive:

 

1.    To establish a Tenants Charter setting out minimum standards that the council and that all Council tenants expect.

 

2.    To ask officers to engage with registered social landlords and private landlords to seek improvements in standards, in line with those this Council will adopt. run a public awareness campaign of the Charter, encouraging tenants to be aware of their rights and of where local sources of advice and support can be found.

 

3.    To call on the government to bring forward the Private Renters Reform Bill, the promised ban on 'no fault' evictions and to commit to a national campaign of insulating poor homes."

 

The amendment was debated. In the course of the debate it was proposed by Councillor Woodcock and seconded by Councillor Watkins that a recorded vote be taken. Having been proposed and seconded, a recorded vote on the amendment was duly taken and Members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Andrew Beere

Against

Councillor Rebecca Biegel

Against

Councillor Nathan Bignell

For

Councillor Maurice Billington

For

Councillor Mike Bishop

For

Councillor John Broad

Abstain

Councillor Hugo Brown

For

Councillor Phil Chapman

For

Councillor Mark Cherry

Against

Councillor Colin Clarke

For

Councillor Patrick Clarke

For

Councillor Gemma Coton

Against

Councillor Andrew Crichton

Against

Councillor Sandy Dallimore

For

Councillor John Donaldson

For

Councillor Donna Ford

For

Councillor Ian Harwood

For

Councillor David Hingley

Against

Councillor Matt Hodgson

Against

Councillor Kieron Mallon

For

Councillor Nick Mawer

For

Councillor Fiona Mawson

Against

Councillor Ian Middleton

Against

Councillor Perran Moon

Against

Councillor Richard Mould

For

Councillor Adam Nell

For

Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke

Against

Councillor Angus Patrick

Against

Councillor Lynn Pratt

For

Councillor Chris Pruden

Against

Councillor Eddie Reeves

For

Councillor George Reynolds

For

Councillor Dan Sames

For

Councillor Les Sibley

For

Councillor Dorothy Walker

Against

Councillor Amanda Watkins

Against

Councillor Douglas Webb

For

Councillor Fraser Webster

Against

Councillor Bryn Williams

For

Councillor Barry Wood

For

Councillor Sean Woodcock

Against

 

The vote was carried with 23 votes in favour, 18 votes against and no abstentions 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 unanimously agreed.

 

Motion: “Get Home Safely”

 

It was proposed by Councillor Cherry and seconded by Councillor Hodgson that the following motion be adopted:

 

“This Council notes that: 

 

·         Shift work is widespread in many industries, particularly hospitality, among others in health, cleaning and security work.  

·         Many workers, especially women, are increasingly worried about their safety travelling to and from work at night  

 

This Council believes that: 

·         While employers may feel their duty of care to staff ends when an employee finishes a shift, they also need to take into consideration journeys home, especially during unsocial hours; 

·         Employers should take reasonable steps to ensure workers can get home safely at night.  

 

This Council will 

  • Refer to the Licensing Committee to consider how it might be able to use its powers to adopt a policy whereby our licensing committee will ensure the process for approving late night licences will be linked to the provision of employee transport home, in balance with the size, type, and location of the premises concerned.  
  • The Licensing Committee to report back”

 

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.

 

Motion: Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair

 

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

 

“It’s not best practice for a council to ‘mark their own homework’ and in many other local authorities it is common practice for scrutiny committees to be chaired by members of the opposition group.

 

Such a practice was affirmed during discussions with Local Government Authority representatives during the recent Local Peer Review process. It’s also common practice in other authorities throughout Oxfordshire. This convention helps to build trust and increase accountability.

 

The Council requests that the Monitoring Officer considers, as part of his Constitution Review Programme, that the appointment of the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be from the opposition group as part of the normal annual appointments process.”

 

No amendments to the motion having been proposed, the motion was debated as submitted. In presenting the motion, it was proposed by Councillor Middleton and seconded by Councillor Hingley that a recorded vote be taken. Having been proposed and seconded, a recorded vote on the amendment was duly taken and Members voted as follows:

 

Councillor Andrew Beere

Abstain

Councillor Rebecca Biegel

Abstain

Councillor Nathan Bignell

For

Councillor Maurice Billington

For

Councillor Mike Bishop

For

Councillor John Broad

For

Councillor Hugo Brown

For

Councillor Phil Chapman

For

Councillor Mark Cherry

Abstain

Councillor Colin Clarke

For

Councillor Patrick Clarke

For

Councillor Gemma Coton

For

Councillor Andrew Crichton

Abstain

Councillor Sandy Dallimore

Abstain

Councillor John Donaldson

Abstain

Councillor Donna Ford

For

Councillor Ian Harwood

For

Councillor David Hingley

For

Councillor Matt Hodgson

Abstain

Councillor Nick Mawer

For

Councillor Fiona Mawson

For

Councillor Ian Middleton

For

Councillor Perran Moon

Abstain

Councillor Richard Mould

For

Councillor Adam Nell

For

Councillor Dr Chukwudi Okeke

Abstain

Councillor Angus Patrick

For

Councillor Lynn Pratt

For

Councillor Chris Pruden

For

Councillor Eddie Reeves

For

Councillor George Reynolds

Against

Councillor Dan Sames

Abstain

Councillor Les Sibley

For

Councillor Dorothy Walker

For

Councillor Amanda Watkins

Abstain

Councillor Douglas Webb

For

Councillor Fraser Webster

For

Councillor Bryn Williams

For

Councillor Barry Wood

For

Councillor Sean Woodcock

Abstain

 

On being put to the vote the motion was carried with 27 votes in favour, 1 vote against and 12 abstentions.

 

Motion:Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investment

 

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

 

“Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles have become ever more important in recent years due to the focus of organisations such as ours on issues surrounding climate change and ethical values.

 

ESG audits are commonplace in many organisations and apply a set of standards measuring their impact on society and the environment as well as how transparent and accountable they are.

 

This council holds significant sums on deposit with numerous investment bodies, including banks, other local authorities and the Oxfordshire pension fund. We also have some internal investments, particularly associated with commercial property and property investment.

 

This Council therefore requests that the Executive consider the following proposals

 

1.    holding transparent annual audits of all our investments to be measured against ESG principles which will be published alongside the annual accounts.

2.    To divest as soon as practicable from any investment that runs contrary to ESG principles and any other standards set by the council, particularly with respect to any funds connected with fossil fuels, unfair labour practices or exploitation of workers.

To urge the Oxfordshire Pension Fund to further divest from fossil fuel investments at the earliest opportunity with a firm timetable for complete divestment from such funds by 2030.”

 

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.

 

Resolved

 

(1)          That the following motion be adopted:

 

“In 2019 CDC declared a climate a climate emergency committing to ensure our operations and activities are net zero by 2030 and to do our part to achieve a net zero district by 2030 through leading by example. CDC’s Climate Action Framework sets out the detail of how this will be achieved and emissions have reduced by 51% between 2008/09 to 2020/21. 

 

However, responding to the climate emergency requires more than simply reducing carbon emissions. Currently our lifestyles consume the resources of 3 planets, we must do better to live within our means and the resources of one planet. 

 

One Planet Oxfordshire is a collaboration of councils, businesses, schools and community groups that have a vision of a world in which people enjoy happy, healthy lives within their fair share of the earth’s resources, whilst leaving space for wildlife and wilderness. It’s about living and growing sustainably to minimise impacts on the environment and maximise benefits to people. 

 

At August’s Overview and Scrutiny committee the ten One Planet principles that contribute to planning, delivering and committing to a more sustainable future were presented to offer a framework within which the council could operate.

 

These principles are: 

·         Health and happiness

·         Equity and local economy 

·         Culture and community 

·         Land and nature 

·         Sustainable water 

·         Local and sustainable food 

·         Travel and transport 

·         Materials and product 

·         Zero waste 

·         Zero carbon energy 

 

This council resolves to support the One Planet Oxfordshire shared vision and commits to review operations and activities using the One Planet Living Framework.” 

 

(2)          That it be agreed that the following motion, as amended, be referred to Executive:

 

 “The coroner's inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale should, like the Grenfell Tower Fire, be a watershed moment in the relationship between tenants and landlords.

 

Yet with 50% of properties in Cherwell not meeting basics energy efficiency standards and an energy bill crisis, tenants risk being left in cold, damp and mouldy properties.

 

This council recognises its key role in protecting tenants in both the private and social rented sectors

 

And this council calls on the Executive:

 

1.    To establish a Tenants Charter setting out minimum standards that the council and that all Council tenants expect.

 

2.    To ask officers to engage with registered social landlords and private landlords to seek improvements in standards, in line with those this Council will adopt.

 

3.    To call on the government to bring forward the Private Renters Reform Bill, the promised ban on 'no fault' evictions and to commit to a national campaign of insulating poor homes."

 

(3)          That it be agreed that the following motion be referred to Licensing Committee:

 

“This Council notes that: 

 

·         Shift work is widespread in many industries, particularly hospitality, among others in health, cleaning and security work.  

·         Many workers, especially women, are increasingly worried about their safety travelling to and from work at night  

 

This Council believes that: 

·         While employers may feel their duty of care to staff ends when an employee finishes a shift, they also need to take into consideration journeys home, especially during unsocial hours; 

·         Employers should take reasonable steps to ensure workers can get home safely at night.  

 

This Council will 

·         Refer to the Licensing Committee to consider how it might be able to use its powers to adopt a policy whereby our licensing committee will ensure the process for approving late night licences will be linked to the provision of employee transport home, in balance with the size, type, and location of the premises concerned.  

·         The Licensing Committee to report back.”

 

(4)          That the following motion be agreed:

 

“It’s not best practice for a council to ‘mark their own homework’ and in many other local authorities it is common practice for scrutiny committees to be chaired by members of the opposition group.

 

Such a practice was affirmed during discussions with Local Government Authority representatives during the recent Local Peer Review process. It’s also common practice in other authorities throughout Oxfordshire. This convention helps to build trust and increase accountability.

 

The Council requests that the Monitoring Officer considers, as part of his Constitution Review Programme, that the appointment of the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee be from the opposition group as part of the normal annual appointments process.”

 

(5)          That it be agreed that the following motion be referred to Executive:

 

“Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles have become ever more important in recent years due to the focus of organisations such as ours on issues surrounding climate change and ethical values.

 

ESG audits are commonplace in many organisations and apply a set of standards measuring their impact on society and the environment as well as how transparent and accountable they are.

 

This council holds significant sums on deposit with numerous investment bodies, including banks, other local authorities and the Oxfordshire pension fund. We also have some internal investments, particularly associated with commercial property and property investment.

 

This Council therefore requests that the Executive consider the following proposals

 

3.    holding transparent annual audits of all our investments to be measured against ESG principles which will be published alongside the annual accounts.

 

4.    To divest as soon as practicable from any investment that runs contrary to ESG principles and any other standards set by the council, particularly with respect to any funds connected with fossil fuels, unfair labour practices or exploitation of workers.

5.    To urge the Oxfordshire Pension Fund to further divest from fossil fuel investments at the earliest opportunity with a firm timetable for complete divestment from such funds by 2030.”

 

 

Supporting documents: