Agenda item

Agenda item

Motions submitted under Council Procedure Rule 13.0

1.     The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Stotesbury and seconded by Councillor Dychton

Full Council ‘People’s Vote on Brexit’ Motion

Council notes that:

1.    While Watford's EU referendum result was the closest in the UK, and marginally in favour of Leave, recent opinion polls indicate that there has been a significant swing in favour of a 'People’s Vote' on the final Brexit deal

2.    The Government’s own impact assessments show that the UK is likely to be worse off in every scenario after Brexit

3.    There will be severe damage to our international relationships, reduced 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

4.    There are a large number of non-UK EU nationals living in Watford who are concerned about the impact of Brexit on their lives, and that their current rights are not being fully protected

5.    That the Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations. The ‘Chequers Statement’, issued on 6th July 2018, (the closest indication yet of what a final deal might look like), has been rejected by EU negotiators and has also managed to alienate both supporters and opponents of Brexit

6.    The NHS is experiencing severe problem in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision was made to leave the European Union, and this is having a real negative impact on the health of local residents.

7.    The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and our local residents. New investment in the area is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.

8.    Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for our poorest residents, further squeezing their living standards

9.    There will be a negative impact on our established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.

 

Council therefore:

1.    Believes that the people should have scrutiny of what is being negotiated on their behalf and an opportunity to vote on the final deal, including the option to remain in the EU

2.    Formally adds its voice to those calling for a public ‘People’s Vote’ on the final Brexit deal

3.    Asks the Mayor to write to Watford's MP expressing these views and asking him to support a 'People’s Vote'

 

2.     The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Tim Williams and seconded by Councillor Ian Stotesbury

This Council fully endorses and supports the end to the use of unnecessary Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in Watford and to take the following measures to achieve this:

 

a) Watford Borough Council to become a full signatory of the ‘Plastic Free Pledge’, by phasing out the use of unnecessary SUPs in all Borough Council buildings, and working with commissioning partners to reduce, with the aim to end the purchase and procurement of SUPs through the Watford Borough Council supply chain.

 

b) to encourage the town’s residents, organisations and businesses to go ‘plastic free,’ providing practical guidelines and advice to help the transition from SUPs to sustainable alternatives.

 

c) to encourage traders on Council land/with Council Permission to sell re-usable containers and invite customers to bring their own, with the aim of phasing out SUPs; including investigating the possibility of requiring food and drink vendors to avoid SUPs as a condition of their event/hire permission.

 

d) to continue to install drinking fountains in our parks to in order to reduce the use of plastic in purchased water bottles and the consequent pollution and cost of rubbish disposal. There's already a drinking fountain established in Cassiobury Park with another one to be installed, and further drinking fountains planned for Oxhey Park and Woodside.” 

3.     The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Nigel Bell and is seconded by Councillor Asif Khan

“This Council notes that Arriva Rail London (ARL) and Transport for London (tfl)are proposing to close 51 ticket offices including Watford High Street and Carpenders Park station.

 

This Council notes the advantage of having manned ticket offices to provide advice and additional services in particular to vulnerable users and those with a disability and the elderly.

 

Insufficient ticket machines can cause delays and platform congestion and having no staff will make users feel less safe and secure.

 

This Council notes that the Conservative Government’s harsh austerity policies have led to the £700million cut to tfl’s funding.

 

This Council, therefore, resolves through the Mayor to write to Arriva London and demand that they put people before profits and to withdraw the threat of these cuts to staff.

 

Also to write to London Travelwatch emphasising the concerns of Watford Council on behalf of our residents and to strongly urge that these cuts do not go ahead.”

4.     The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Turmaine and seconded by Councillor Mauthoor

“Ethical Debt Collection Policy

This council notes:

That ‘problem debt’ or over-indebtedness affects an estimated 8.3 million people in the UK, according to reports by the National Audit Office.

The use of bailiffs by local authorities and commissioned debt collection agencies brings unparalleled levels of stress to people who are already experiencing extremely challenging circumstances.

In some instances, the inability of people suffering problem debt to pay debt collection agencies can lead to them becoming homeless. This places additional financial burdens on the local authority (and council tax payers) owed money as well as forcing further stress, challenge and change on the families of those affected.

This council resolves:

To implement an ethical debt collection policy and align itself to best practice in both the private sector and other local authorities, which have abandoned the use of bailiffs for debt collection.

To ensure that value for money for council tax payers is maximised by pursuing debt repayment plans that will enable money to be paid back to the local authority through managed debt collection.

To avoid additional costs being incurred such as those arising from needing to re-house people made homelessness as a result of a non-ethical debt collection policy.

To enshrine the above in contracts held with agencies operating on behalf of Watford Borough Council and to work with them to implement an ethical debt collection policy.

This council further notes that an ethical debt collection policy is not a ‘no debt’ collection policy and that everyone who owes money to the local authority is obliged to repay it.”

 

 

Minutes:

Council was informed that four motions had been received.

 

Motion 1

 

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Stotesbury and originally seconded by Councillor Dychton; at the meeting councillors were informed that it was now seconded by Councillor Kloss

 

Full Council ‘People’s Vote on Brexit’ Motion

 

Council notes that:

1.      While Watford's EU referendum result was the closest in the UK, and marginally in favour of Leave, recent opinion polls indicate that there has been a significant swing in favour of a 'People’s Vote' on the final Brexit deal

2.      The Government’s own impact assessments show that the UK is likely to be worse off in every scenario after Brexit

3.      There will be severe damage to our international relationships, reduced 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

4.      There are a large number of non-UK EU nationals living in Watford who are concerned about the impact of Brexit on their lives, and that their current rights are not being fully protected

5.      That the Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations. The ‘Chequers Statement’, issued on 6th July 2018, (the closest indication yet of what a final deal might look like), has been rejected by EU negotiators and has also managed to alienate both supporters and opponents of Brexit

6.      The NHS is experiencing severe problem in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision was made to leave the European Union, and this is having a real negative impact on the health of local residents.

7.      The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and our local residents. New investment in the area is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.

8.      Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for our poorest residents, further squeezing their living standards

9.      There will be a negative impact on our established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.

 

            Council therefore:

1.      Believes that the people should have scrutiny of what is being negotiated on their behalf and an opportunity to vote on the final deal, including the option to remain in the EU

2.      Formally adds its voice to those calling for a public ‘People’s Vote’ on the final Brexit deal

3.      Asks the Mayor to write to Watford's MP expressing these views and asking him to support a 'People’s Vote'”

 

Members debated the motion.

 

On being put to council the motion was AGREED.

 

RESOLVED –

 

Full Council ‘People’s Vote on Brexit’ Motion

 

Council notes that:

1.      While Watford's EU referendum result was the closest in the UK, and marginally in favour of Leave, recent opinion polls indicate that there has been a significant swing in favour of a 'People’s Vote' on the final Brexit deal

2.      The Government’s own impact assessments show that the UK is likely to be worse off in every scenario after Brexit

3.      There will be severe damage to our international relationships, reduced 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

4.      There are a large number of non-UK EU nationals living in Watford who are concerned about the impact of Brexit on their lives, and that their current rights are not being fully protected

5.      That the Government has totally mismanaged the Brexit negotiations. The ‘Chequers Statement’, issued on 6th July 2018, (the closest indication yet of what a final deal might look like), has been rejected by EU negotiators and has also managed to alienate both supporters and opponents of Brexit

6.      The NHS is experiencing severe problem in recruiting nurses and doctors since the decision was made to leave the European Union, and this is having a real negative impact on the health of local residents.

7.      The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and our local residents. New investment in the area is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost.

8.      Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for our poorest residents, further squeezing their living standards

9.      There will be a negative impact on our established mutually beneficial partnerships and links with European cities.

 

Council therefore:

1.      Believes that the people should have scrutiny of what is being negotiated on their behalf and an opportunity to vote on the final deal, including the option to remain in the EU

2.      Formally adds its voice to those calling for a public ‘People’s Vote’ on the final Brexit deal

3.      Asks the Mayor to write to Watford's MP expressing these views and asking him to support a 'People’s Vote'

 

 

            Motion 2

 

The following motion was moved by Councillor Williams and seconded by Councillor Stotesbury

 

“This Council fully endorses and supports the end to the use of unnecessary Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in Watford and to take the following measures to achieve this:

 

a) Watford Borough Council to become a full signatory of the ‘Plastic Free Pledge’, by phasing out the use of unnecessary SUPs in all Borough Council buildings, and working with commissioning partners to reduce, with the aim to end the purchase and procurement of SUPs through the Watford Borough Council supply chain.

 

b) to encourage the town’s residents, organisations and businesses to go ‘plastic free,’ providing practical guidelines and advice to help the transition from SUPs to sustainable alternatives.

 

c) to encourage traders on Council land/with Council Permission to sell re-usable containers and invite customers to bring their own, with the aim of phasing out SUPs; including investigating the possibility of requiring food and drink vendors to avoid SUPs as a condition of their event/hire permission.

 

d) to continue to install drinking fountains in our parks to in order to reduce the use of plastic in purchased water bottles and the consequent pollution and cost of rubbish disposal. There's already a drinking fountain established in Cassiobury Park with another one to be installed, and further drinking fountains planned for Oxhey Park and Woodside.”

 

Members debated the motion.

 

On being put to council the motion was AGREED.

 

RESOLVED –

 

This Council fully endorses and supports the end to the use of unnecessary Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in Watford and to take the following measures to achieve this:

 

a) Watford Borough Council to become a full signatory of the ‘Plastic Free Pledge’, by phasing out the use of unnecessary SUPs in all Borough Council buildings, and working with commissioning partners to reduce, with the aim to end the purchase and procurement of SUPs through the Watford Borough Council supply chain.

 

b) to encourage the town’s residents, organisations and businesses to go ‘plastic free,’ providing practical guidelines and advice to help the transition from SUPs to sustainable alternatives.

 

c) to encourage traders on Council land/with Council Permission to sell re-usable containers and invite customers to bring their own, with the aim of phasing out SUPs; including investigating the possibility of requiring food and drink vendors to avoid SUPs as a condition of their event/hire permission.

 

d) to continue to install drinking fountains in our parks to in order to reduce the use of plastic in purchased water bottles and the consequent pollution and cost of rubbish disposal. There's already a drinking fountain established in Cassiobury Park with another one to be installed, and further drinking fountains planned for Oxhey Park and Woodside.

 

 

Motion 3

 

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Bell and seconded by Councillor Khan

 

“This Council notes that Arriva Rail London (ARL) and Transport for London (tfl) are proposing to close 51 ticket offices including Watford High Street and Carpenders Park station.

 

This Council notes the advantage of having manned ticket offices to provide advice and additional services in particular to vulnerable users and those with a disability and the elderly.

 

Insufficient ticket machines can cause delays and platform congestion and having no staff will make users feel less safe and secure.

 

This Council notes that the Conservative Government’s harsh austerity policies have led to the £700 million cut to tfl’s funding.

             

This Council, therefore, resolves through the Mayor to write to Arriva London and demand that they put people before profits and to withdraw the threat of these cuts to staff.

 

Also to write to London Travelwatch emphasising the concerns of Watford Council on behalf of our residents and to strongly urge that these cuts do not go ahead.”

 

Members debated the motion.

 

On being put to council the motion was AGREED.

 

RESOLVED –

 

This Council notes that Arriva Rail London (ARL) and Transport for London (tfl) are proposing to close 51 ticket offices including Watford High Street and Carpenders Park station.

 

This Council notes the advantage of having manned ticket offices to provide advice and additional services in particular to vulnerable users and those with a disability and the elderly.

 

Insufficient ticket machines can cause delays and platform congestion and having no staff will make users feel less safe and secure.

 

This Council notes that the Conservative Government’s harsh austerity policies have led to the £700 million cut to tfl’s funding.

 

This Council, therefore, resolves through the Mayor to write to Arriva London and demand that they put people before profits and to withdraw the threat of these cuts to staff.

 

Also to write to London Travelwatch emphasising the concerns of Watford Council on behalf of our residents and to strongly urge that these cuts do not go ahead.

 

 

Motion 4

 

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Turmaine and seconded by Councillor Mauthoor

 

“Ethical Debt Collection Policy

 

This council notes:

 

That ‘problem debt’ or over-indebtedness affects an estimated 8.3 million people in the UK, according to reports by the National Audit Office.

 

The use of bailiffs by local authorities and commissioned debt collection agencies brings unparalleled levels of stress to people who are already experiencing extremely challenging circumstances.

 

In some instances, the inability of people suffering problem debt to pay debt collection agencies can lead to them becoming homeless. This places additional financial burdens on the local authority (and council tax payers) owed money as well as forcing further stress, challenge and change on the families of those affected.

 

This council resolves:

 

To implement an ethical debt collection policy and align itself to best practice in both the private sector and other local authorities, which have abandoned the use of bailiffs for debt collection.

 

To ensure that value for money for council tax payers is maximised by pursuing debt repayment plans that will enable money to be paid back to the local authority through managed debt collection.

 

To avoid additional costs being incurred such as those arising from needing to re-house people made homelessness as a result of a non-ethical debt collection policy.

 

To enshrine the above in contracts held with agencies operating on behalf of Watford Borough Council and to work with them to implement an ethical debt collection policy.

 

This council further notes that an ethical debt collection policy is not a ‘no debt’ collection policy and that everyone who owes money to the local authority is obliged to repay it.”

 

Councillor Watkin moved the following amendment to the original motion; it was seconded by Councillor S Johnson

 

“Ethical Debt Collection Policy

 

This council notes:

 

That ‘problem debt’ or over-indebtedness affects an estimated 8.3 million people in the UK, according to reports by the National Audit Office.

 

In some instances, the inability of people suffering problem debt to pay debt collection agencies can lead to them becoming homeless. This places additional financial burdens on the local authority (and council tax payers) owed money as well as forcing further stress, challenge and change on the families of those affected.

 

This council resolves:

 

·             To continue to operate an ethical debt collection policy and align itself to best practice in both the private sector and other local authorities.

·             To ensure that value for money for council tax payers is maximised by pursuing debt repayment plans that will enable money to be paid back to the local authority through managed debt collection.

·             To avoid additional costs being incurred such as those arising from needing to re-house people made homelessness as a result of a non-ethical debt collection policy.

 

This council notes that it reflects the above in contracts held with the three agents operating on behalf of Watford Borough Council and continues to work with them to implement its ethical debt collection policy.

 

This council further notes that an ethical debt collection policy is not a ‘no debt’ collection policy and that everyone who owes money to the local authority is obliged to repay it.”

           

Councillor Turmaine accepted the amendment but proposed that it be amended further

 

“An additional bullet point to be added

 

·             To review ethical debt collection schemes in operation elsewhere and evaluate Watford’s practice against them at the end of the Municipal Year.”

 

Councillor Watkin was happy for the amendment to be changed to include Councillor Turmaine’s additional bullet point.

 

Members debated the amended motion.

 

On being put to council the amended motion was AGREED.

 

RESOLVED –

 

Ethical Debt Collection Policy

 

This council notes:

 

That ‘problem debt’ or over-indebtedness affects an estimated 8.3 million people in the UK, according to reports by the National Audit Office.

 

In some instances, the inability of people suffering problem debt to pay debt collection agencies can lead to them becoming homeless. This places additional financial burdens on the local authority (and council tax payers) owed money as well as forcing further stress, challenge and change on the families of those affected.

 

This council resolves:

 

·             To continue to operate an ethical debt collection policy and align itself to best practice in both the private sector and other local authorities.

·             To ensure that value for money for council tax payers is maximised by pursuing debt repayment plans that will enable money to be paid back to the local authority through managed debt collection.

·             To avoid additional costs being incurred such as those arising from needing to re-house people made homelessness as a result of a non-ethical debt collection policy.

·             To review ethical debt collection schemes in operation elsewhere and evaluate Watford’s practice against them at the end of the Municipal Year.

 

This council notes that it reflects the above in contracts held with the three agents operating on behalf of Watford Borough Council and continues to work with them to implement its ethical debt collection policy.

 

This council further notes that an ethical debt collection policy is not a ‘no debt’ collection policy and that everyone who owes money to the local authority is obliged to repay it.

 

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