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Agenda item
Motions
Note:
Under the Council’s constitution, 30 minutes are available for the consideration of motions. In practice, this realistically means that there is usually only time for one, or possibly two motions to be considered. With the agreement of the Lord Mayor, motion 1 below will be considered at this meeting, and motion 2 is likely to be considered, subject to time. Details of other motions submitted, (which, due to time constraints, are very unlikely to be considered at this meeting) are also set out for information.
1. MENTAL HEALTH (LABOUR GROUP GOLDEN MOTION)
Motion submitted by: Cllr Celia Phipps, Labour, Bedminster ward
“Full Council notes:
1. Health and Safety Executive estimates of a £5.2 billion annual loss to the UK’s economy from more than 11 million days off due to stress, depression, and anxiety.
2. Survey statistics published in the local media showing a 70% increase in the number of working days lost to stress at the UH Bristol NHS Trust since 2011, an 80% rise in instances of time off due to stress-related illness at the North Bristol NHS Trust since 2010, and a 210% rise in stress-related absence at the South West Ambulance Service since 2013: comprising a 41% rise over the seven years to 2017, with stress accounting for the greatest number of working days lost due to any type of illness (The Bristol Cable).
3. That, with local authority budgets now cut by central Government almost half since 2010, last year stress represented the biggest reason for staff absence at Bristol City Council; we welcome this local authority’s progress in promoting agile and flexible working alongside the free Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service for council staff and their families.
4. The continued underfunding of the NHS, including much-needed mental health services, by the current Government, despite recent un-costed public pronouncements and despite a long over-due pay rise for some staff following years of advocacy from NHS trades unions.
5. The Marmot Review (2010), which recommended policy-makers to focus on the ‘causes of the causes’, and the programme of Thrive Bristol, published in March of this year.
6. Its own current position, ratified in December 2017 – which states that ‘austerity has failed’ and that ‘Bristol needs more money and more powers’ – alongside the Mayor and this Labour administration’s commitment to fight austerity and protect public services.
7. Labour members’ statements and questions at the Health and Wellbeing Board last month highlighting the lack of nurses for children in care; the need for a coordinated position calling for the full funding of the NHS, measures to tackle the recruitment and retention crises, and reinstatement of the NHS bursary for student nurses; and clarity on steps being taken by local NHS bodies and the AWP to monitor and improve staff wellbeing.
8. That almost one hundred students are sadly believed to have taken their own lives in the last year, thought to include at least a dozen students at the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England since October 2016; the efforts, including a recent march, of Bristol students to highlight these tragic deaths and the need for greater service provision; and the recent conference held by the Universities Minister at UWE Bristol.
Full Council believes:
1. That the founding of our NHS, in the face of opposition from other parties, represents a landmark achievement of the post-war Labour Government.
2. In parity of esteem between physical and mental health services in this country, and an end to the stigma around conditions requiring support through the latter.
3. That austerity and underfunding of public services, including our NHS, remains a political choice of national government, initiated by the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition (whose then-Bristol MPs voted to abolish Bristol’s Revenue Support Grant, worth £110 million in 2014/15) and continued by the current Conservative Government.
4. That a national mental health charter for universities which is compulsory, not optional, should be introduced by the Government to build on and quicken steps being taken by universities – who should be working in close partnership with students, the NHS, the National Union of Students, and councils like our own.
Full Council resolves:
1. To back the Mayor of Bristol’s commitment to Thrive Bristol, a ten-year mental health and wellbeing programme for all ages comprised of public, third sector, and private partners across the city.
2. To ask the council’s senior leadership team, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member and the chair of the Human Resources committee, to review the completeness of the organisation’s risk assessments into excessive pressure (stress) in the workplace and take the appropriate action.
3. To encourage all elected members to undergo the training provided around noticing and managing workplace stress and mental health more generally
4. To recommend that the Member Development Panel consider what additional training and support should be provided or required for councillors in this regard.
5. To reaffirm the need for public services – including the NHS and councils such as our own – to be fully funded by the Government.”
2. EXIT FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
Motion submitted by: Cllr Harriet Clough, Liberal Democrat, Hengrove & Whitchurch Park ward
“Full Council believes:
1. That there is mounting and undisputable evidence of damage that ‘Brexit’ would cause both to the national economy and to our regional economy.
2. The damage to our international relationships, the reducing influence with other states and the complete loss of say and control over the rules of the European Single Market and Customs Union, the largest market in the world.
3. That the Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations and has failed to work closely with large cities such as Bristol and listen to our concerns on the direction followed.
4. That businesses within the region, like those elsewhere in the UK, are reconsidering investment plans in new production and new jobs while they await the Brexit deal.
5. That the current rights of EU citizens living in the UK should always be fully protected and not used as a bargaining chip by the UK Government.
Full Council notes:
1. The increasing problems that the NHS is having in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision to leave the European Union was made and that this is having a real impact on the health of local residents.
2. With concern the potential impact of Brexit both on our local economy and on established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.
3. That the UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and Bristol residents.
4. That new investment in the region is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.
5. That inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for the poorest residents a further squeezing of living standards.
6. That Brighton Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council have already passed motions that back a referendum on the final deal and an option to stay within the European Union.
Full Council resolves to:
1. Ask the Mayor and Party Group leaders to write to Bristol’s four MPs and Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, expressing this Council’s and this city’s strong desire for a referendum on the final terms of a Brexit deal, including the option to maintain full EU membership.
2. Ask the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister asking that she meet with him and other core city leaders to discuss city leaders’ concerns about Brexit.
3. Ask the Mayor and party group leaders to meet with West of England Mayor and the region’s MPs to discuss how best to mitigate the effects already being felt by Brexit and how Bristol and the region can be kept within the Single Market and Customs Union.
4. Ask the Mayor to write to all Leaders of Local Authorities in the UK urging them to also adopt a policy calling for a referendum on the final terms of Brexit including an option to maintain full EU membership.”
Details of other motions submitted (which, due to time constraints, are very unlikely to be considered at this meeting) are set out below for information:
3. SUPPORTING LOCAL SHOPS
Motion submitted by: Cllr Graham Morris, Conservative, Stockwood ward
“Council has growing concern over the future vibrancy of many of Bristol’s high streets.
Nationally, one study found that we are losing 16 shops per day through closure with an estimated 50,000 jobs lost or expected to go between January and June in this year alone. Some of the latest casualties include such well-known retail chains as Toys-R-Us and Maplin.
This is due to a ‘perfect storm’ of many contributing factors including (i) spiralling rents; (ii) rising business rates; (iii) increased labour costs; (iv) declining foot-fall; and (v) the choice, convenience and competition provided by the internet.
With local authorities more dependent than ever before on retention of business rates to balance their budgets, Council believes it is essential that more is done to support struggling small businesses in secondary or satellite retail areas around the city.
To this end, Council calls on the Mayor to allocate resources from his capital budget to actually invest in these precincts to make them more attractive places to visit. As one designer has put it, these destinations need to become ‘galleries of experience’ to draw people to them. Consequently, consideration needs to be given to changing the city’s parking strategy/priorities, more free short-term parking provided at these locations, and improved CCTV coverage to increase public safety.
Council requests that a report be prepared for Scrutiny which outlines the existing options available for providing temporary business rate relief on particularly hard-pressed retailers. Finally, following the outcome of such a review, the Mayor is asked to lobby Ministers for root-and-branch reform of the Business Rates system (which is based on rateable values and ignores important factors such as profit and turnover), to bring it up to date with current economic conditions and in order to save UK retailing.”
4. TRIAL OF RECYCLED PLASTICS FOR BRISTOL ROADS
Motion submitted by: Cllr Claire Hiscott, Conservative, Horfield ward
“Council notes with great interest the innovative road surfacing experiment currently being trialled in London which utilises recycled plastics.
In 2016, Cumbria County Council became the first authority in the country to use this material on its roads. It was found to be an affordable, more environmentally friendly alternative repair resource to address their road repair problems. For their project, resurfacing the A7 in Carlisle, the volume of plastic applied was equivalent to 500,000 plastic bottles and more than 800,000 one-use plastic carrier bags.
Council understands that many benefits are derived from these 'plastic roads' which can be constructed entirely out of recycled plastic or as a composite mix with traditional mineral aggregates and asphalt. For example, as well as obviously reducing resort to landfill, it uses a material which is plentiful, cost effective, easy to apply and proven durability.
With the LGA estimating it will cost around £11.8 billion to bring the nation's roads up to standard, any viable cheap alternative must be considered by cash-strapped authorities.
Accordingly, in order to better evaluate these claims, Council calls on the Mayor to commission a detailed report on this subject for scrutiny members, with particular attention given to the Enfield project and special consideration given to conducting our own trial(s) here in Bristol. Any such local study should also seek to identify those component combinations which maximise surface noise reduction.
No doubt, the bad Winter weather took a heavy toll on the city’s road network. So, it would seem to be especially timely to try out these plastic formulations as a repair solution at the earliest possible opportunity.”
5. WIDENING RECOVERY OF POSSESSION OF A DWELLING FOR ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Motion submitted by: Cllr Richard Eddy, Conservative, Bishopsworth ward
“Council notes with interest the recent suggestion by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Crime, Safeguarding & Vulnerability that families of gang members should run the risk of eviction from their rented accommodation.
This followed reports that a trial in north London involving the threat of this power (under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014) has proven to be a ‘particularly effective strategy in changing… behaviour’.
For decades, there are communities in our city whose lives have been blighted by the blatant criminality and really serious offending of a persistent minority. All too often these individuals seem to act with impunity - beyond the reach of law or civil consequences. This has to stop and new solutions to this problem sought and embraced.
Despite criticism levelled at this sanction, there are practical safeguards in its application. For example, the London scheme is part of an Integrated Gangs Strategy, involving multi-agency intervention, the willingness to engage in the process, a high threshold for repossession and is evidence based.
Accordingly, Council calls on the Mayor to investigate the potential for adopting a similar approach to the worst offenders in our midst - and their kin - who occupy social housing in Bristol. It is Council’s belief that this particular jeopardy could have a powerful deterrent effect upon would-be and even hardened criminals.”
6. BRISTOL SAFER DRUG CONSUMPTION ROOM AND HEROIN ASSISTED TREATMENT
Motion submitted by: Cllr Jude English, Green, Ashley ward
“Full Council notes that:
1. Drug related deaths in Bristol have significantly increased over the past four years, with a record high of 37 individuals registered in 2016 according to the Office of National Statistics. In the latest figures for 2017, 41 people in Bristol have died from suspected drug related deaths, with 10 in October alone - the most ever recorded in a single month.
2. Sharing needles puts people at risk of catching Blood Borne Viruses, most prominently HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV). In Bristol 66.4% of injecting drug users have Hepatitis C - well above the national average.
3. There is a widespread problem in Bristol with discarded needles and street drug use – impacting the public and business community.
4. Street drug use and the resulting impacts have major cost implications for policing, public health, businesses and a range of council services.
5. The government's expert advisory group - the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) - has called for both Safer Drug Consumption Rooms (DCR) and Heroin Assisted Treatment (where heroin is prescribed in a clinic). They note that the evidence demonstrates that these interventions reduce death rates, blood borne disease infections and other health problems, hospital stays, emergency call-outs, discarded drug litter, and street drug use. They also improve engagement and retention in treatment for otherwise difficult to reach vulnerable people, and do not lead to increased use.
6. In its response to the ACMD, the Government recognised there is evidence supporting: “the effectiveness of drug consumption rooms in addressing the problems of public nuisance associated with open drug scenes, and in reducing health risks for drug users.” and that; “It is for local areas in the UK to consider, with those responsible for law enforcement, how best to deliver services to meet their local population needs.”
7. Heroin Assisted Treatment is recommended for people for whom other forms of treatment have not worked, by Public Health England and in the Home Office Modern Crime Reduction Strategy. 44% of acquisitive crime is committed by dependent heroin users, and research from UK trials in Brighton, London and Darlington showed that Heroin Assisted Treatment can reduce acquisitive crime to pay for drug use by two-thirds. It can also cause a substantial fall in overall crime, and lead to a reduction in street dealing, and street sex work. It also reduces the profits organised criminals accrue from the heroin trade.
8. The ACMD and numerous cost-benefit analyses have concluded that both Safer Drug Consumption Rooms and Heroin Assisted Treatment are cost effective. A business case carried out by the NHS in Glasgow in 2017 concluded a proposed facility there, combining both, would lead to millions of pounds worth of savings.
9. A range of public service budgets stand to benefit from the positive impacts of Safer Drug Consumption Rooms and Heroin Assisted Treatment - including policing, ambulance services, the wider NHS, council waste services etc. Long term funding for the proposed Glasgow facilities will be drawn proportionately from all these areas to ensure that all contribute and benefit fairly.
Full Council believes that:
1. Many of the most vulnerable people in Bristol are dying, while measures that have been shown to save both lives and money, and are recommended by the Government’s expert advisers, have not been fully considered.
2. The evidence shows that Safer Drug Consumption Rooms and Heroin Assisted Treatment deliver significant health, social and economic benefits, not just to people who use drugs, but to the wider public and businesses. Implementing these measures has also been shown to deliver savings across health, crime and policing, business, parks and street cleaning, and other areas, that are substantially higher than the running costs. Therefore, on social and economic grounds, an assessment should be conducted as to the feasibility of delivering these measures in Bristol.
Full Council resolves to ask the Mayor:
1. To publicly endorse the work of the Substance Misuse Team in carrying out a feasibility study in house to assess whether Heroin Assisted Treatment and/or a Safer Drug Consumption Room would have net benefits for Bristol as supported by Safer Bristol Executive at their meeting in January.
2. To ensure that this study draws on existing research to assess the likely impacts on: drug related deaths, street drug use, discarded drug litter, anti-social behaviour, health, crime etc. It should also indicate which budgets, both within the council and beyond, would make cost-savings - e.g. policing, emergency services, hospital admissions etc. This is to identify stakeholders who could be asked to contribute financially, to ensure fair, long term funding that benefits all those involved.
3. Most importantly, to commit to fully implementing the findings and recommendations of the feasibility study so that the people of Bristol benefit as soon as possible – especially our most vulnerable citizens.”
7. SUPPORT FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
Motion submitted by: Cllr Stephen Clarke, Green, Southville ward
“Full Council notes:
· The positive impact that the Human Rights Act has had on the protection of the rights of individuals in the UK.
· The valuable guidance the Act provides for public authorities in ensuring policies are developed in line with international human rights standards.
Full Council believes:
· The UK should be proud of respecting the human rights of its citizens and should not be considering diluting their statutory protections at this time of increased threat to civil liberties.
Full Council resolves to call on the Mayor:
· To lobby the Government to retain the Act, the protections within it, and the UK's international obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
To request that the leader of the opposition publically voices support for the retention of the Human Rights Act in future negotiations or statements on Brexit.”
8. ACTION ON RESIDENTS PARKING
Motion submitted by: Cllr Fi Hance, Green, Redland ward
“Full Council notes:
1. That significant parking problems and associated dangers to the community are being experienced in numerous areas across the city, particularly those adjoining existing Resident Parking schemes.
2. Many local people have attended public meetings to voice their concerns and several resident led action groups have been set up to examine problems and potential solutions.
3. No support is available from the Highways department who are fully engaged in reviewing existing RPS schemes and reviewing 20mph for the foreseeable future.
Full Council believes that:
1. When residents ask for help from the council in this way they should be listened to, otherwise they will perceive any attempt at engagement as being meaningless.
2. Officers should be made available for community engagement before the current situation results in a serious accident resulting from poor parking management.
3. Residents cannot be expected to develop positive solutions without the expertise of experienced highways officers.
Full Council resolves to call on the Cabinet Member for Transport to:
1. Acknowledge the dangers that local communities are highlighting to their ward councillors which result from inadequate parking regulation.
2. Allocate resource to communicating and providing appropriate advice to affected communities in the city.
3. Explain to the local residents what is happening.
4. Refer the process for RPS extensions to the appropriate scrutiny function for review.”
9. EXPANSION OF BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Motion submitted by: Cllr Carla Denyer, Green, Clifton Down ward
“Full Council notes:
1. The stage 2 consultation by Bristol Airport regarding a new Master Plan and Charter for Future Growth (which could cover the period up to the mid-2040s); and the further consultation which will be launched this winter.
2. That these proposals include a more-than-doubling of passenger numbers from the current figure of 8 million to 12 million in the next few years and then 20 million.
3. That the proposals include an aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030 (printed next to a photograph of an aircraft engine, implying that emissions from flights would be included).1
4. That upon investigation it was found that the Airport currently lacks any plan for how to achieve carbon neutrality, and has no intention to include emissions from flights in its target.2
5. That air travel remains the most climate-damaging form of travel, and significant expansion of air travel will therefore have a significant climate impact.
6. That such an increase will lead to an enormous increase in the number of journeys to get to the airport to meet the increased usage – a fact which in itself will lead to significant issues around congestion, pollution and infrastructure.
7. The commitment – in Bristol – to be carbon-neutral by 2050, and the Climate Change Act which requires an 80% cut in emissions across the UK.
8. The Joint Spatial Plan – which includes North Somerset and the geographical area covered by the airport– contains an explicit commitment to making a 50% cut in emissions by 2036.
9. The widespread concern that the expansion of Heathrow Airport which was supported by MPs on 25th June will make it even harder to meet the UK’s commitments under the Climate Change act.3
10. That airport expansion, whether in Bristol or Heathrow, locks the UK into emissions increases.
11. That 47% of the UK population has flown in the last year, and this figure has been stable over the last 15 years. Most (31%) only make one or two trips per year. This means that 10% of the population makes about 60% of all flights, and these people are mainly from the highest income groups.4
Full Council believes that:
1. Airport expansion disproportionally benefits high income households while negatively affecting all households through climate change, air pollution and noise pollution.
2. The airport must conform to the commitment contained in the Joint Spatial Plan, and such a commitment must include emissions from the aircraft using it.
Full Council resolves to call on the Mayor to:
1. Pass on these views to the airport, North Somerset Council, the West of England Combined Authority, the Joint Committee; and
2. Respond directly to the consultations making the points above.”
Notes:
1. See page 19 of https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59b6667ab7411c6d0214b1f3/t/5af5823e03ce6466ca11df4d/1526039116734/Stage+2+booklet+ELECTRONIC+FINAL.PDF
2. See Appendix for copy of correspondence between Councillor Carla Denyer and the Bristol Airport Consultation Team.
3. The Committee on Climate Change found that the UK target of reducing emissions by 80 per cent below 1990 levels could be achieved only if emissions from the UK aviation industry do not exceed 37.5 million tons – the level seen in 2005. And yet, a report released by the Department for Transport has already revealed that aviation emissions will hit 43 million tons by 2030 if the Heathrow expansion goes ahead. https://www.independent.co.uk/infact/heathrow-airport-expansion-vote-third-runway-climate-change-chris-grayling-a8415881.html
4. Calculated by David Banister based on theNational Travel Survey data and the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Passenger Surveys: https://theconversation.com/heathrows-third-runway-is-expensive-polluting-and-unequal-why-the-poor-will-lose-out-98781
Appendix - copy of correspondence between Councillor Carla Denyer and the Bristol Airport Consultation Team
Dear Cllr Denyer,
Carbon neutrality is a stretching target but one we believe can be achieved in the timescale we have set out. However, I should stress that emissions from flights are out of scope but will be addressed separately through an international agreement on a new global marked-based measure to offset CO2 emissions.
We will be publishing a Sustainable Growth Strategy, encompassing an updated approach to carbon management, alongside our Draft Master Plan this winter. We would welcome your feedback on all aspects of the Sustainable Growth Strategy as part of consultation on the Draft Master Plan.
Thank you for flagging up the glitch with the auto response, which seems to have reverted to a previous version. We have now rectified this error.
Kind regards,
[name redacted]
From: Councillor Carla Denyer
Sent: 25 June 2018 14:14
To: [name and email address redacted]
Cc: Bristol Airport's Consultation Team <Future@bristolairport.com>
Subject: RE: Bristol Airport carbon neutral 2030
plan
Dear [name redacted]
I am surprised that you think you can completely decarbonise in 12 years without yet having a road map for it, while expanding the airport.
Please can you point me at where I can find the existing carbon management plan?
By the way, are you aware of what it says in the autoreply from the future@bristolairport.com email address? See attached. Even though it is the email address published on the consultation pages for the current consultation, the autoreply tells the recipient that the consultation is closed. I think it needs updating.
Best wishes,
Carla
Denyer
Councillor for Clifton Down
cllr.carla.denyer@bristol.gov.uk
07469
413306
Please click here for a copy of my privacy notice that sets out how the data you have sent me will be processed and stored.
From: [name and email address redacted]
Sent: 25 June 2018 13:30
To: Councillor Carla Denyer
Cc: Bristol Airport's Consultation Team
Subject: RE: Bristol Airport carbon neutral 2030
plan
Dear Cllr Denyer,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.
The airport does have a carbon management plan, as required as part of the ACI Carbon Accreditation process which we are actively involved in (we are seeking approval for Stage 2: Reduction certification imminently).
Our ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 is a medium term goal and as such we will be providing an updated carbon management plan in due course detailing a road map to reach this status by 2030.
I do hope this adequately answers your query and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
Thanks
[name redacted]
From: Councillor Carla Denyer [mailto:Cllr.carla.denyer@bristol.gov.uk]
Sent: 25 June 2018 12:01
To: Bristol Airport's Consultation Team
Subject: Bristol Airport carbon neutral 2030 plan
Importance: High
Dear Bristol Airport consultation team,
I am reading through your consultation and am very interested by your ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Given how soon that is, I assume you have a detailed plan already in place for how to achieve it. However, I have had a look on your website, plus on http://www.airportcarbonaccreditation.org and http://www.airportco2.org, and cannot find any details. Please could you direct me to where I can find such a plan?
As the consultation closes soon, I would be grateful if you could get back to me in the next day or two.
Many thanks,
Carla
Denyer
Councillor for Clifton Down
cllr.carla.denyer@bristol.gov.uk
07469
413306
Please click here for a copy of my privacy notice that sets out how the data you have sent me will be processed and stored.
10. CERTAINTY FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT CLAIMANTS
Motion submitted by: Cllr Eleanor Combley, Green, Bishopston & Ashley Down ward
“Full Council notes that:
Households that move onto receiving Universal Credit will have a minimum 6 week delay (though many have reported more) before receiving any income after claiming, meaning that many people are likely to fall into rent arrears, fuel and food poverty.1
Some landlords around the country have sent pre-emptive eviction notices to their tenants, telling them that if they fall into rent arrears because of the slowness of the universal credit system, they will be evicted.2
This means that tenants who may be moved onto universal credit are living in fear of losing their homes, even though their rent will eventually be paid.
The Full Service for Universal Credit is being introduced for all working age households making a new claim for benefit:
· in Bedminster, Bishopsworth and Temple Street Job Centre Plus areas from June 2018
· in Horfield and Shirehampton Job Centre Plus areas from September 2018
· in Kingswood Jobcentre Plus area from October 2018
Full Council believes that:
No-one should be losing their home through no fault of their own, because of the slowness or inefficiency of state systems.
If landlords are prepared to come out now and say that they won’t evict anyone because of rent arrears caused by universal credit, that stress can be removed in an instant.
Full Council callson the Mayor to make a pre-emptive commitment not to evict council tenants who fall into rent arrears when they are moved onto Universal Credit.
Further we callon all landlords in Bristol to follow the Council’s example and make a similar commitment to their tenants, so that no tenant in Bristol needs to fear eviction because of a move onto Universal Credit.”
References:
11. REMEMBERING SREBRENICA
Motion submitted by: Cllr Afzal Shah, Labour, Easton ward
“Full Council:
· Notes that 2018 is the twenty-third anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw over 8,000 Muslim men and boys killed by Serbian nationalist forces.
· Notes that in 2009 the European Parliament passed a resolution that 11 July should be recognised as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide all over the EU; and in 2015 urged the development of educational and cultural programmes that promote an understanding of the causes of such atrocities and raise awareness about the need to nurture peace and to promote human rights and interreligious tolerance. All UK political parties have supported the work of Remembering Srebrenica in this regard.
· Applauds the work of those involved in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their surviving relatives, including the International Commission of Missing People (ICMP) and the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage and humility in the face of unthinkable horror is an inspiration to us all.
· Commends the work of the charity, Remembering Srebrenica, in raising awareness of this tragic and preventable genocide and working in communities across Britain to help them learn the lessons of Srebrenica.
The Council resolves to:
· Offer support to Remembering Srebrenica delegates from Bristol who visited Bosnia on the ‘Lessons from Srebrenica’ education programme and have been working tirelessly in the community to raise awareness of the genocide and learn the lessons of Srebrenica.
- Support Srebrenica memorial events in July each year throughout Bristol as part of the UK-wide Remembering Srebrenica Memorial Week.
- Support the work of Remembering Srebrenica in communities across Bristol to learn the lessons from Srebrenica to tackle hatred and intolerance to help build a better, safer and more cohesive society for everyone.
- Support the work of schools and education providers to bring the lessons of Srebrenica to young people across Bristol.”
12. VAGRANCY
Motion submitted by: Cllr Anthony Negus, Liberal Democrat, Cotham ward
“Context
The Vagrancy Act 1824 criminalises begging and rough sleeping. Whilst it has largely fallen out of use, several councils across the country, including Bristol City Council, still use it as a means of punishing the most vulnerable in society.
According to a freedom of information response, between 2016 and 2017, eight people were arrested under the Vagrancy Act. We also know from press reports, that arrests have continued in the last year.
Usage of the Act has been condemned by academics at the University of Bristol, who describe it as “shambolic” and “ridiculous”.
Homeless charities have condemned its use nationally, and are backing our campaign in this place and in Parliament to repeal the Vagrancy Act and ensure rough sleeping is not a criminal offence.
With Bristol City Council beginning its consultation on their approach to rough sleeping, now seems an especially the right time to end this practice for good.
Our proposal
Bristol City Council should stop charging people under the Vagrancy Act 1824.
Bristol City Council should work with Avon and Somerset Constabulary to end the practice of arresting rough sleepers under the Vagrancy Act 1824
Bristol City Council should recommend to the MPs of Bristol North West, Bristol West, Bristol East, and Bristol South to support the Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill 2017-19 at its second reading on November 23rd.
The Mayor should make representations to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Secretary of State for Justice in order to advocate for repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824.
We call upon all Bristol City councillors to support this approach to ending this unfairness and injustice.”
Minutes:
At the start of this item of business, on the motion of the Lord Mayor, it was
RESOLVED (30 members voting in favour, 29 against, with no abstentions)
- That the duration of this meeting be extended to 9.15 p.m.
Altered Motion 1 – Mental health
Councillor Phipps moved the following altered motion:
“Full Council notes:
1. Health and Safety Executive estimates of a £5.2 billion annual loss to the UK’s economy from more than 11 million days off due to stress, depression, and anxiety.
2. Survey statistics published in the local media showing a 70% increase in the number of working days lost to stress at the UH Bristol NHS Trust since 2011, an 80% rise in instances of time off due to stress-related illness at the North Bristol NHS Trust since 2010, and a 210% rise in stress-related absence at the South West Ambulance Service since 2013: comprising a 41% rise over the seven years to 2017, with stress accounting for the greatest number of working days lost due to any type of illness (The Bristol Cable).
3. That, with local authority budgets now cut by central Government almost half since 2010, last year stress represented the biggest reason for staff absence at Bristol City Council; we welcome this local authority’s progress in promoting agile and flexible working alongside the free Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service for council staff and their families.
4. The continued underfunding of the NHS, including much-needed mental health services, by the current Government, despite recent un-costed public pronouncements and despite a long over-due pay rise for some staff following years of advocacy from NHS trades unions.
5. The Marmot Review (2010), which recommended policy-makers to focus on the ‘causes of the causes’, and the programme of Thrive Bristol, published in March of this year.
6. Its own current position, ratified in December 2017 – which states that ‘austerity has failed’ and that ‘Bristol needs more money and more powers’ – alongside the Mayor, the Labour administration, and the majority of the members of this chamber’s commitment to fight austerity and protect public services.
7. Labour members’ statements and questions at the Health and Wellbeing Board last month highlighting the lack of nurses for children in care; the need for a coordinated position calling for the full funding of the NHS, measures to tackle the recruitment and retention crises, and reinstatement of the NHS bursary for student nurses; and clarity on steps being taken by local NHS bodies and the AWP to monitor and improve staff wellbeing.
8. That almost one hundred students are sadly believed to have taken their own lives in the last year, thought to include at least a dozen students at the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England since October 2016; the efforts, including a recent march, of Bristol students to highlight these tragic deaths and the need for greater service provision; and the recent conference held by the Universities Minister at UWE Bristol.
Full Council believes:
1. That the founding of our NHS, in the face of opposition from the Tories, represents a landmark achievement of the post-war Labour Government.
2. In parity of esteem between physical and mental health services in this country, and an end to the stigma around conditions requiring support through the latter.
3. That austerity and underfunding of public services, including our NHS, remains a political choice of national government, initiated by the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition (whose then-Bristol MPs voted to abolish Bristol’s Revenue Support Grant, worth £110 million in 2014/15) and continued by the current Conservative Government.
4. That a national mental health charter for universities which is compulsory, not optional, should be introduced by the Government to build on and quicken steps being taken by universities – who should be working in close partnership with students, the NHS, the National Union of Students, and councils like our own.
Full Council resolves:
1. To back the Mayor of Bristol’s commitment to Thrive Bristol, a ten-year mental health and wellbeing programme for all ages comprised of public, third sector, and private partners across the city.
2. To ask the council’s senior leadership team, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member and the chair of the Human Resources committee, to review the completeness of the organisation’s risk assessments into excessive pressure (stress) in the workplace and take the appropriate action.
3. To encourage all elected members to undergo the training provided around noticing and managing workplace stress and mental health more generally.
4. To recommend that the Member Development Panel consider what additional training and support should be provided or required for councillors in this regard.
5. To reaffirm the need for public services – including the NHS and councils such as our own – to be fully funded by the Government.”
Councillor Goggin seconded the altered motion.
Following debate, upon being put to the vote, the altered motion was CARRIED (49 members voting in favour, 13 against, with 2 abstentions) and it was
RESOLVED:
Full Council notes:
1. Health and Safety Executive estimates of a £5.2 billion annual loss to the UK’s economy from more than 11 million days off due to stress, depression, and anxiety.
2. Survey statistics published in the local media showing a 70% increase in the number of working days lost to stress at the UH Bristol NHS Trust since 2011, an 80% rise in instances of time off due to stress-related illness at the North Bristol NHS Trust since 2010, and a 210% rise in stress-related absence at the South West Ambulance Service since 2013: comprising a 41% rise over the seven years to 2017, with stress accounting for the greatest number of working days lost due to any type of illness (The Bristol Cable).
3. That, with local authority budgets now cut by central Government almost half since 2010, last year stress represented the biggest reason for staff absence at Bristol City Council; we welcome this local authority’s progress in promoting agile and flexible working alongside the free Employee Assistance Programme and counselling service for council staff and their families.
4. The continued underfunding of the NHS, including much-needed mental health services, by the current Government, despite recent un-costed public pronouncements and despite a long over-due pay rise for some staff following years of advocacy from NHS trades unions.
5. The Marmot Review (2010), which recommended policy-makers to focus on the ‘causes of the causes’, and the programme of Thrive Bristol, published in March of this year.
6. Its own current position, ratified in December 2017 – which states that ‘austerity has failed’ and that ‘Bristol needs more money and more powers’ – alongside the Mayor, the Labour administration, and the majority of the members of this chamber’s commitment to fight austerity and protect public services.
7. Labour members’ statements and questions at the Health and Wellbeing Board last month highlighting the lack of nurses for children in care; the need for a coordinated position calling for the full funding of the NHS, measures to tackle the recruitment and retention crises, and reinstatement of the NHS bursary for student nurses; and clarity on steps being taken by local NHS bodies and the AWP to monitor and improve staff wellbeing.
8. That almost one hundred students are sadly believed to have taken their own lives in the last year, thought to include at least a dozen students at the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England since October 2016; the efforts, including a recent march, of Bristol students to highlight these tragic deaths and the need for greater service provision; and the recent conference held by the Universities Minister at UWE Bristol.
Full Council believes:
1. That the founding of our NHS, in the face of opposition from the Tories, represents a landmark achievement of the post-war Labour Government.
2. In parity of esteem between physical and mental health services in this country, and an end to the stigma around conditions requiring support through the latter.
3. That austerity and underfunding of public services, including our NHS, remains a political choice of national government, initiated by the 2010 Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition (whose then-Bristol MPs voted to abolish Bristol’s Revenue Support Grant, worth £110 million in 2014/15) and continued by the current Conservative Government.
4. That a national mental health charter for universities which is compulsory, not optional, should be introduced by the Government to build on and quicken steps being taken by universities – who should be working in close partnership with students, the NHS, the National Union of Students, and councils like our own.
Full Council resolves:
1. To back the Mayor of Bristol’s commitment to Thrive Bristol, a ten-year mental health and wellbeing programme for all ages comprised of public, third sector, and private partners across the city.
2. To ask the council’s senior leadership team, in consultation with the relevant cabinet member and the chair of the Human Resources committee, to review the completeness of the organisation’s risk assessments into excessive pressure (stress) in the workplace and take the appropriate action.
3. To encourage all elected members to undergo the training provided around noticing and managing workplace stress and mental health more generally.
4. To recommend that the Member Development Panel consider what additional training and support should be provided or required for councillors in this regard.
5. To reaffirm the need for public services – including the NHS and councils such as our own – to be fully funded by the Government.
Motion 2 – Exit from the European Union
Councillor Clough moved the following motion:
“Full Council believes:
1. That there is mounting and undisputable evidence of damage that ‘Brexit’ would cause both to the national economy and to our regional economy.
2. The damage to our international relationships, the reducing influence with other states and the complete loss of say and control over the rules of the European Single Market and Customs Union, the largest market in the world.
3. That the Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations and has failed to work closely with large cities such as Bristol and listen to our concerns on the direction followed.
4. That businesses within the region, like those elsewhere in the UK, are reconsidering investment plans in new production and new jobs while they await the Brexit deal.
5. That the current rights of EU citizens living in the UK should always be fully protected and not used as a bargaining chip by the UK Government.
Full Council notes:
1. The increasing problems that the NHS is having in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision to leave the European Union was made and that this is having a real impact on the health of local residents.
2. With concern the potential impact of Brexit both on our local economy and on established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.
3. That the UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and Bristol residents.
4. That new investment in the region is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.
5. That inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for the poorest residents a further squeezing of living standards.
6. That Brighton Council and Hammersmith and Fulham Council have already passed motions that back a referendum on the final deal and an option to stay within the European Union.
Full Council resolves to:
1. Ask the Mayor and Party Group leaders to write to Bristol’s four MPs and Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, expressing this Council’s and this city’s strong desire for a referendum on the final terms of a Brexit deal, including the option to maintain full EU membership.
2. Ask the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister asking that she meet with him and other core city leaders to discuss city leaders’ concerns about Brexit.
3. Ask the Mayor and party group leaders to meet with West of England Mayor and the region’s MPs to discuss how best to mitigate the effects already being felt by Brexit and how Bristol and the region can be kept within the Single Market and Customs Union.
4. Ask the Mayor to write to all Leaders of Local Authorities in the UK urging them to also adopt a policy calling for a referendum on the final terms of Brexit including an option to maintain full EU membership.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Fodor.
Councillor Tincknell then moved the following amendment:
‘That the motion be amended to read as follows:
“Full Council believes that:
1. There is mounting and undisputable evidence of the damage that Brexit would cause both to the national economy and to our regional economy.
2. The Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations, and has failed to work closely with large cities such as Bristol and listen to our concerns on the direction followed.
3. Businesses within the region with employees and supply chains across Bristol, including Airbus and major construction companies, like those elsewhere in the UK, are reconsidering their current and future commitments to jobs and investment while they await the Brexit deal, and that this is of particular concern when major city priorities, including house-building, are being progressed under this administration.
4. The current rights of EU citizens living in the UK and those of UK citizens living in other EU member states should always be fully protected and not used as a bargaining chip and that, more widely, current EU protections should be treated as a floor and not a ceiling.
Full Council notes:
1. The increasing problems that the NHS is having in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision to leave the European Union was made and the impact on the health of local residents.
2. With concern, the potential impact of Brexit both on our local economy and on established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.
3. The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, further reducing the prosperity of UK and Bristol residents.
4. New investment in the region is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.
5. Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for the poorest residents, leading to a further squeezing of living standards.
6. Brexit is doing damage to our international relationships, and risks the potential complete loss of control over the rules of the European Single Market and Customs Union.
7. While the United Kingdom’s membership of international organisations and treaties is the remit of national Government, the focus of local authorities – including Labour-run Bristol – is on providing and protecting local services, as set out in Mayor Marvin Rees’ annual statement today.
8. While a majority of the country, including large numbers of Bristolians, voted to leave, overall our city voted by a margin of almost two to one to remain in the European Union.
9. The Core Cities generated an estimated £72 billion of exports in 2016 – of which 48% went to other EU member states; in 2014, two-thirds of Bristol’s exports went to the EU.
10. The Mayor of Bristol, alongside representatives of the core cities and EUROCITIES, met with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, in February 2018, in sharp contrast to the lack of engagement with cities from the former Brexit Secretary, David Davis.
Full Council resolves to:
1. Ask the Mayor and Party Group Leaders to write to Bristol’s four MPs and Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, expressing this Council’s concern over the Government’s handling of Brexit.
2. Ask the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister and the new Brexit Secretary asking that they meet with him and other core city leaders to discuss city leaders’ concerns about Brexit.
3. Ask the Mayor and party group leaders to consider convening a summit with the West of England Metro Mayor and the city-region’s MPs to discuss how best to mitigate the effects already being felt in Bristol because of Brexit.” ’
The amendment was seconded by Councillor Jackson.
Following debate, upon being put to the vote, the amendment was CARRIED (34 members voting in favour, 29 against, with no abstentions).
Upon being put to the vote, the substantive motion as amended (i.e. incorporating the above amendment was CARRIED (47 members voting in favour, 13 against, with 4 abstentions) and it was
RESOLVED:
Full Council believes that:
1. There is mounting and undisputable evidence of the damage that Brexit would cause both to the national economy and to our regional economy.
2. The Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations, and has failed to work closely with large cities such as Bristol and listen to our concerns on the direction followed.
3. Businesses within the region with employees and supply chains across Bristol, including Airbus and major construction companies, like those elsewhere in the UK, are reconsidering their current and future commitments to jobs and investment while they await the Brexit deal, and that this is of particular concern when major city priorities, including house-building, are being progressed under this administration.
4. The current rights of EU citizens living in the UK and those of UK citizens living in other EU member states should always be fully protected and not used as a bargaining chip and that, more widely, current EU protections should be treated as a floor and not a ceiling.
Full Council notes:
1. The increasing problems that the NHS is having in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision to leave the European Union was made and the impact on the health of local residents.
2. With concern, the potential impact of Brexit both on our local economy and on established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.
3. The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, further reducing the prosperity of UK and Bristol residents.
4. New investment in the region is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.
5. Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for the poorest residents, leading to a further squeezing of living standards.
6. Brexit is doing damage to our international relationships, and risks the potential complete loss of control over the rules of the European Single Market and Customs Union.
7. While the United Kingdom’s membership of international organisations and treaties is the remit of national Government, the focus of local authorities – including Labour-run Bristol – is on providing and protecting local services, as set out in Mayor Marvin Rees’ annual statement today.
8. While a majority of the country, including large numbers of Bristolians, voted to leave, overall our city voted by a margin of almost two to one to remain in the European Union.
9. The Core Cities generated an estimated £72 billion of exports in 2016 – of which 48% went to other EU member states; in 2014, two-thirds of Bristol’s exports went to the EU.
10. The Mayor of Bristol, alongside representatives of the core cities and EUROCITIES, met with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, in February 2018, in sharp contrast to the lack of engagement with cities from the former Brexit Secretary, David Davis.
Full Council resolves to:
1. Ask the Mayor and Party Group Leaders to write to Bristol’s four MPs and Dominic Raab, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, expressing this Council’s concern over the Government’s handling of Brexit.
2. Ask the Mayor to write to the Prime Minister and the new Brexit Secretary asking that they meet with him and other core city leaders to discuss city leaders’ concerns about Brexit.
3. Ask the Mayor and party group leaders to consider convening a summit with the West of England Metro Mayor and the city-region’s MPs to discuss how best to mitigate the effects already being felt in Bristol because of Brexit.
Supporting documents:
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