Agenda item

Notices of Motion

i)             Councillor Hibbert to propose and Councillor King to second:

 

At the moment, most private renters are on short term contracts of six months or a year, and can be required to leave once that term has ended without the landlord having to give any other reason. These no-fault evictions, introduced under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act, significantly add to homelessness issues in England, leave tenants wary of asking for repairs, and means renters – including 1 in 4 families – never really know where home will be in a year’s time.

 

This Council calls upon the Government to amend Section 21 and/or introduce minimum tenancies of 2 years to provide greater security for tenants.

 

ii)            Councillor Beardsworth to propose and Councillor B Markham to second:

 

This council recognises the strength of public opinion recently expressed in London and Northampton to address the issue of climate change and the need to address carbon reduction to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations.  The council also notes that the UK parliament has declared a Climate Emergency.

 

The Council therefore declares “a Climate Emergency” in Northampton and commits to a target of making Northampton carbon neutral by 2030.

 

The Council Requests a report to be submitted to the council in 12 months’ time and updated in January 2021 setting out the action that has been taken in respect to this motion and detailing how progressing this objective has been communicated to and integrated within the start up plans of the West Northamptonshire Unitary Council.

 

iii)           Councillor Joyce to propose and Councillor Nunn to second:

 

All parties within this council acknowledge the urgency of dealing with climate change. We need cross party agreement to develop strategies for a greener, more sustainable society in Northampton. A green revolution is required.

 

Working with partners we will seek to implement the following actions, which we strongly believe will benefit Northampton in leading an eco-friendly Britain:

 

·         A ban on single-use plastics within school environments. Schools across Northampton produce a huge amount of plastic waste each week

 

·         Northampton schools would benefit from educating their students on eco issues through school schemes, where programs could be set up in order to teach students how to stay green in lessons, such as Personal, Social, Health and Economic education or by holding educational assemblies with influential speakers.

 

·         To help further reduce the damaging effects of plastic littering, the council should support and work closely with schemes operated by companies like TerraCycle who turn many unrecyclable plastics (such as crisp packets and wrappers) into outdoor furniture.

 

·         To explore with Local businesses and partners options for an eco-rewards scheme that would allow individuals and groups to gain something back from recycling.

 

·         Northampton Borough Council to commit to reducing carbon emissions, both as an organisation and as the local planning authority and resolve to go further than the UK100 Agreement. To act in line with the scientific consensus that we must reduce emissions to net-zero carbon by 2030, thus use the planning process to encourage developers to consider low carbon developments.

 

Joining many councils who have already done the same, NBC declares “a Climate Emergency” in Northampton and commits to a target, in line with the above actions, of making Northampton carbon neutral by 2030.

 

The Council requests a production of a baseline report to be submitted to the council in the beginning of 2020 setting out the action that has been taken in respect to this motion. This Council also resolves to work with other local authorities ahead of Unitary to use the baseline report as the basis on which to develop an action plan which could be adopted by the new Council.

 

iv)           Councillor Roberts to propose and Councillor T Eales to second:

 

Northamptonshire currently has 15,220 children receiving free school meals. For many of these children this is the only hot/substantial meal they receive.

 

During school holidays there is a loss of free school meals given out during term time, in addition to the extra childcare costs around the holidays, families already struggling with low budgets find it difficult to feed their children. This has the most impact over the longer summer holiday. Those children most at risk of hunger during the holidays may also suffer from social isolation, loneliness, and inactivity. These factors combined can lead to significant weight loss or gain, and negative impacts on physical and mental well-being.

 

In 2018 there were a number of campaigns run by charities such as Food cycle and End Hunger UK. There was a £2m fund for children’s food from government, to help prevent Holiday Hunger.

 

We call on this council to work with Partners to establish Holiday clubs where children can receive social activities as well as food that will provide financial relief for parents on very low incomes, so that no child should go hungry over the school holiday.

 

v)            Councillor Eales to propose and Councillor Stone to second:

 

Council welcomes the formation of a Town Centre Masterplan. A bid for funding from the governments Future High Streets Fund can only be a positive thing for Northampton, especially if we are successful. However, it must be noted that until it no longer exists or is replaced, Northampton Borough Council is the current authority with responsibility for the Town Centre and regeneration. Yet this fundamental role is being circumvented during the Town Centre Masterplan process. The formation of 'Northampton Forward' has been undertaken without a mandate from Full Council or indeed the cabinet. This entity is answerable to no-one - as such there is a democratic deficit and no accountability. The board of 'Northampton Forward' is scheduled to be the sole decision maker on any final bid that goes forward and the body that considers any public feedback.

There is of course a role for stakeholders and partners, but it is imperative that Northampton Borough Council and elected members play a role in what should be a positive process, as is our elected responsibilities. The Town Centre Masterplan and the grouping that drives it must operate with openness and not on the basis of cronyism.  This town has suffered enough of that. To ensure the best outcomes, the following is agreed:

1)     Full Council shall nominate Councillors from each political grouping to sit on the Northampton Forward board. The numbers should be; Conservative 3, Labour 2 and Lib Dem 1.  These Councillors should play active roles as board members in considering the feedback from the public and shaping any final plan that is submitted for consideration, working in parity with the rest of the board. The nominees from each political group should be established within 48 hours after this meeting and provided to the Chief Executive, who can then advise Northampton Forward.

2)     Full Council should formally vote on any final Town Centre plans that are to be part of any bid.  This plan can be pre-agreed by the Northampton Forward board ‘in principle’ and then brought to Full Council for rubber-stamping.

With cross party involvement on this issue and on the Northampton Forward board, it will ensure ‘buy in’ from all political groups and everyone positively focused on the best outcome for the town, whilst still respecting the role and democracy of Northampton Borough Council.

 

 

 

vi)           Councillor Beardsworth to propose and Councillor Meredith to second:

 

This council believes that its best decisions are informed by public consultation.

 

The council passed the 2019/20 budget in February 2019 but one major saving relating to Car Parking Income has yet to be implemented and this is likely to result in a shortfall in income in the current year.

 

Whilst consultation was undertaken as part of the budget process this did not include consultation on the specific Car Parking increases.

 

To ensure that future budgets are implemented as planned, the Council asks Scrutiny to review the 2019/20 consultation process and recommend improvements to ensure that planned changes can be implemented in an effective way.

 

vii)         Councillor B Markham to propose and Councillor Beardsworth to second:

The council is currently consulting on Part 2 of the Local Plan with the view of submitting the draft for public inspection in 2020.

The draft plan has introduced a more detailed categorisation of open space which differentiates between Parks and Gardens and Amenity Green Space.

 

Many well-known parks have been categorised as Amenity Green Spaces (AGS) which is defined as Informal recreation and green spaces in and around housing, with a primary purpose of providing opportunities for informal activities close to home or work.

 

The council is concerned that the public would not recognise their local park as complying with this definition and requests that consideration is given to all open spaces, with play equipment supplied and maintained by this council, be classified as Parks and Gardens and not as Amenity Green Spaces.

Minutes:

The Mayor agreed to alter the order that the Notice of Motions would be considered.

 

The Mayor advised that Councillor Hibbert wished to withdraw Notice of Motion i), which had been seconded by Councillor King. Council agreed to the withdrawal of Notice of Motion i).

 

Councillors Aziz, Cali and Haque left the meeting at 9:20pm and rejoined Council at 9:30pm

 

Ms Rachel McGrath, Chair Northampton Food Poverty Network, addressed Council on Motion iv) advising that the Network had been in operation for a number of years.  She added that no one should have to go hungry and there are over one million children living in poverty.         She referred to a Special Commissioners report that had estimated that there are 14 million people living in poverty.  Ms McGrath referred to the upcoming summer holiday period advising that this is when families look forward to breaks but it can create acute financial stress for others, particularly with the loss of free school meals over this period. Holiday hunger can cause stress. She added that there is a need for “Kids’ Clubs” over the school summer holidays that provides both meals and activities. She highlighted that child poverty is becoming the norm.

 

Councillor Roberts proposed and Councillor T Eales seconded:

 

“Northamptonshire currently has 15,220 children receiving free school meals. For many of these children this is the only hot/substantial meal they receive.

 

During school holidays there is a loss of free school meals given out during term time, in addition to the extra childcare costs around the holidays, families already struggling with low budgets find it difficult to feed their children. This has the most impact over the longer summer holiday. Those children most at risk of hunger during the holidays may also suffer from social isolation, loneliness, and inactivity. These factors combined can lead to significant weight loss or gain, and negative impacts on physical and mental well-being.

 

In 2018 there were a number of campaigns run by charities such as Food cycle and End Hunger UK. There was a £2m fund for children’s food from government, to help prevent Holiday Hunger.

 

We call on this council to work with Partners to establish Holiday clubs where children can receive social activities as well as food that will provide financial relief for parents on very low incomes, so that no child should go hungry over the school holiday.”

 

The motion was debated.

 

Upon a requisition for a recorded vote, there voted for the recommendations:

 

Councillors Aziz, Beardsworth, Birch, Cali, Duffy, G Eales, T Eales, Haque, Joyce, B Markham, McCutcheon, Meredith, Roberts, Smith and Stone

 

There voted against the recommendations:

 

Councillors Ansell, Eldred, Golby, Graystone, Hadland, Hallam, Hibbert, J Hill, Kilbride, King, Lane, Larratt, M Markham, Nunn, Oldham, Patel, Sargeant, Kilby-Shaw and Walker

 

There abstained the Mayor, Councillor Davenport.

 

The Motion was not carried.

 

Martin Sawyer addressed Council on Motion ii) commenting that he had been a Climate Change activist in his youth. He had studied ecology and had left University 36 years ago.  However, people are now listening about climate change.  There is a need for Northampton to become carbon neutral.

 

Steve Miller, Green Party and a resident of Kingsthorpe, addressed Council on Motion ii) commenting on the need to take climate change seriously. He hoped that this Motion would be carried.  Mr Miller referred to the draft Local Plan commenting that it makes no reference to energy efficiency in new builds. He noted that Northamptonshire County had agreed road widening at Cliftonville but he felt this was not the solution, there was a need to look for car reduction. Mr Miller added that trees should be planted, not chopped down.

 

Luke Adams addressed Council and commented that he cared deeply for the planet and was terrified for the future.  The planet is beautiful and it is being killed, everyone needs to act soon and set zero carbon by 2025, 2030 is too late.

 

Ian Bates addressed Council commenting that he is a Community activist.    He added that Climate Change is the most important issue that anyone should consider for children’s future; their future is in crisis.   He referred to a published report that had taken into consideration 6,000 reports.  Emissions are rising annually. Mr Bates felt that there was no Political will to deal with this.

 

Abi Rowe addressed Council and she referred to the future for her four year old son and how she was afraid for his future. She added about the depleting insect chain and that the world is becoming unsuitable for children as the earth’s life supporting system is breaking down.  Ms Rowe added that emissions must be cut faster than currently planned.

 

Rob Farmer addressed Council commenting that scientists had first issued warnings about climate change in 1992.  Forests are depleting and animals becoming extinct.  He added that it is important to reduce carbon emissions to zero and we need to act now.

 

Ruth Hemmingway addressed Council referring to two Notice of Motion in relation to climate change, she was concerned for the future of children and referred to starving Polar Bears and other species that have been wiped out.

 

It was agreed that Standing Order 25 is suspending to allow further business to be transacted. It was further agreed that Notices of Motion vi) and vii) would be deferred to the meeting of Council on 17 June 2019.

 

 Councillor Hallam proposed an amendment to the motion ii):

 

Councillor Beardsworth accepted an alteration to the original motion.  Council agreed to the altered motion and debated below:

 

“This Council recognises the strength of public opinion recently expressed in London and Northampton to address the issue of climate change and the need to address carbon reduction to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations.  The council also notes that the UK parliament has declared a Climate Emergency.

 

The Council therefore declares “a Climate Emergency” in Northampton and commits to a target of making Northampton carbon neutral by 2030.

 

The Council requests a report to the Council at the beginning of 2020 setting out the action that has been taken in respect to this motion and detailing how progressing this objective has been communicated to and integrated within the start up plans of the West Northamptonshire Unitary Council.”

 

Council debated the motion.

 

Upon a vote, the motion was carried.

 

Lily Alston addressed Council on Notice of Motion iii).  She commented that climate change is the future for everyone. She stated that recycling is high in Northampton but we are supporting other countries that will take the UK’s waste, therefore being guilty of disposable waste. She concluded her address by asking that Northampton is the forefront of the world.

 

Councillor Joyce proposed and Councillor Nunn seconded:

 

“All parties within this council acknowledge the urgency of dealing with climate change. We need cross party agreement to develop strategies for a greener, more sustainable society in Northampton. A green revolution is required.

 

Working with partners we will seek to implement the following actions, which we strongly believe will benefit Northampton in leading an eco-friendly Britain:

 

·         A ban on single-use plastics within school environments. Schools across Northampton produce a huge amount of plastic waste each week

·         Northampton schools would benefit from educating their students on eco issues through school schemes, where programs could be set up in order to teach students how to stay green in lessons, such as Personal, Social, Health and Economic education or by holding educational assemblies with influential speakers.

 

·         To help further reduce the damaging effects of plastic littering, the council should support and work closely with schemes operated by companies like TerraCycle who turn many unrecyclable plastics (such as crisp packets and wrappers) into outdoor furniture.

·         To explore with Local businesses and partners options for an eco-rewards scheme that would allow individuals and groups to gain something back from recycling.

·         Northampton Borough Council to commit to reducing carbon emissions, both as an organisation and as the local planning authority and resolve to go further than the UK100 Agreement. To act in line with the scientific consensus that we must reduce emissions to net-zero carbon by 2030, thus use the planning process to encourage developers to consider low carbon developments.

Joining many councils who have already done the same, NBC declares “a Climate Emergency” in Northampton and commits to a target, in line with the above actions, of making Northampton carbon neutral by 2030.

 

The Council requests a production of a baseline report to be submitted to the council in the beginning of 2020 setting out the action that has been taken in respect to this motion. This Council also resolves to work with other local authorities ahead of Unitary to use the baseline report as the basis on which to develop an action plan which could be adopted by the new Council.”

 

 Council debated the motion.

 

Upon a vote, the motion was carried.

 

The Mayor advised that Councillor G Eales wished to withdrawn Notice of Motion v), which had been seconded by Councillor Stone. Council agreed to the withdrawal of Notice of Motion v).

 

The Mayor advised that Motions vi) and vii) would be deferred to the meeting of Council on 17 June 2019. This was agreed by Council.