9
The Chairman advised that two Notices of Motion had been received for this meeting and that each Notice of Motion would be considered individually. In accordance with the Council's Constitution, a Motion could only be discussed with the consent of the Council, otherwise Notices of Motion would be referred to the Cabinet or the most relevant Committee. The Chairman then handed over to the Leader of the Council to invite the Councillors who had proposed the Motions to speak to them.
(a) Councillor R Smith-Lyte has submitted the following Notice of Motion:
"This Council pledges to:
1. Declare a Climate Emergency.
2. Set up a Policy Development Panel, commencing by October 2019, to investigate ways to cut East Suffolk Councils carbon and harmful emissions on a spend to save basis, with the ambition to make East Suffolk Council (including all buildings and services) carbon neutral by 2030.
3. To work with Suffolk County Council and other partners across the county and region, including the LEP and the Public Sector Leaders towards the aspiration of making the county of Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
4. To work with Government to a) deliver its 25 year Environment Plan and b) increase the powers and resources available to local authorities in order to make the 2030 target easier to achieve."
Councillor Elliott, Leader of the GLI Group, stated that he wished to make a very small amendment to the Notice of Motion. The change would be to replace the words 'Policy Development Panel' with Cross-Party Task Group within the second pledge. He confirmed that this change had been requested by the Cabinet Member for the Environment and had been agreed with the Notice of Motion's proposer, Councillor Smith-Lyte.
Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was unanimously APPROVED.
Councillor Byatt, Leader of the Labour Group, then took the opportunity to propose a further amendment, that 'the Task Group would report back on progress at quarterly intervals'. This would ensure that Councillors were kept apprised of any developments and that progress would continue to be made.
The Chief Executive reported that there had been two amendments made to the Notice of Motion and he took the opportunity to check that Councillor Smith-Lyte was content to accept the changes. Councillor Smith-Lyte confirmed that she was satisfied with the changes and was happy for the Motion to be voted upon. The amended Notice of Motion was duly proposed and seconded and upon being put to the vote, it was
RESOLVED
That the Notice of Motion, with the two proposed amendments, be APPROVED and it was also CONFIRMED that the Motion would be debated by Full Council this evening.
Councillor Burroughes queried whether the proposed quarterly updates on progress would be brought to Full Council or the Cabinet. There followed some discussion in this respect and it was confirmed that the update reports would be brought to the Cabinet, as all Working Groups/Task Groups needed to report back to the Cabinet, in accordance with the Council's Constitution.
Councillor Smith-Lyte reported that she had submitted the Notice of Motion as there needed to be urgent action to address climate change. Advice needed to be sought on what the Council and its residents could do to help, as excessive carbon was significantly affecting the climate and ocean density. There was plenty of evidence to show that carbon was causing the changes to the climate that were being experienced around the world. The issue of climate change was not party political and cross-party consensus was needed to decide on the best way to proceed and the measures the Council could practically take to address this issue. West Sussex Council had ventured into generating solar energy and they were able to sell their excess energy back to the national grid. This Council needed to work proactively and look at different ways that it could make a difference. The leadership of the Council should be looking at ways of future proofing against climate change and ways to reduce it and it should look to embrace the opportunities that arose as a result of this change. The Council should take the lead in the district and encourage others to look at a wide range of ways to become carbon neutral. She took the opportunity to thank Councillors for their support and she sought commitment that this matter would receive ongoing consideration in future.
Councillor Mallinder, the Cabinet Member for the Environment, thanked Councillor Smith-Lyte for submitting this Motion, which was supported by Councillors and touched everyone's lives. The Council had a responsibility to take action and could make changes in effect to food waste, rubbish collections and recycling and was ultimately responsible for the direction of the Environmental Strategy that the Council would follow. It was noted that small changes could make a significant difference and all targets set would need to be achievable in order for there to be meaningful changes. The Council was also taking part in several pilot schemes, including one in Southwold which involved reducing the number of times that grass was cut, which would assist in helping wild flowers and insects to flourish. To date, the pilot scheme had worked well and it was hoped that it would be expanded more widely in future. East Suffolk Council definitely meant business and as such it would be working closely with colleagues and partners to help improve efficiency and make the right choices for the future.
Councillor Ritchie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Coastal Management, reported that climate change had a significant impact upon his portfolio. The coastline was dynamic and continuously changing and should the sea levels rise as a result of global warming, this would have a tremendous impact upon the district. Kessingland and Benacre had a pumping station close to the sea and should that pumping station be overwhelmed by the sea, it would lead to the flooding of 100 hectares. Lake Lothing in Lowestoft was also prone to tidal surges. A tidal barrage was planned for Lowestoft, which would be able to cope with a maximum of 0.5 metre increase in sea levels. This work was essential and the government would need to assist with additional funding to assist with these important schemes.
Councillor Brambley-Crawshaw reported that urgent action was needed to help mitigate climate change. A recent report had stated that there was only 12 years in which to act to prevent devastating climate change, and the changes needed to be front loaded, so the majority of the changes needed to be made during the next 18 months. The world was facing rapid and unprecedented changes and action was required before it was too late. The Council could use its influence and collaborate with other organisations and agencies. It could also use some of the environmental toolkits which were available and which could be used as a practical guide to make real change. This Motion was the first step on an important journey which must be taken in order to avoid unprecedented climate change.
Councillor Elliott took the opportunity to thank the Cabinet Member for the Environment for his support for the Notice of Motion and he commended the questions that he had asked at the last Cabinet meeting, regarding environmental matters. It was important that all Members of the Council worked together to tackle the underlying issues, which would cause changes to the way that we live our lives. He also thanked the Liberal Democrat Councillors for taking a step back and not seconding the Motion, although they were very supportive of it. The subject of climate change required political maturity at this time, with Councillors working for the best outcome rather than political point scoring. The Leader of the Council, in his opening speech back in May 2019 had mentioned the environment several times and had quoted David Attenborough and he had agreed with everything that was said. The planet would ultimately survive and would bounce back from the devastation of climate change, but it would not be a planet that we recognised or could continue to live with. The Leader had also mentioned a 30 year vision of East Suffolk Council in his opening speech, which would take us to almost the year 2050. What will life be like for us then? Would many of us be climate refugees if we take no action now? He reported that he was very supportive of the Motion and it was time to become part of the solution.
Councillor Bird stated that he also supported the Motion and he commented that new record temperatures or weather phenomena were now being experienced on a regular basis, which demonstrated that climate change was real. It was important not to make empty promises, and that real action was required. This would involve looking at the way that we live, how we use various electrical gadgets, how we heat and cool our homes, and the clothes we wear. Words were easy, however actions were much more difficult and it was important that Councillors took the opportunity to ask challenging questions during meetings, to ensure that reducing climate change remained a focus of the Council.
Councillor Mapey thanked Councillor Smith-Lyte for her Motion, which he agreed was extremely important. It was a momentous day, as this was the first Motion for East Suffolk Council and it was good to hear the Leader's speech being quoted by Councillor Elliott. Councillor Mapey was also a Woodbridge Town Councillor and he reported that a climate change emergency had recently been declared at that Council's last meeting. It was important for all Councils to do this and to recognise the seriousness of the situation. Councils had a duty to act to mitigate the effects of climate change. He also stated that it was important for people to reduce climate change without being required to live 'lesser lives' in order to do so. He also said that whilst there had been several mentions of reducing levels of carbon during the debate, it was actually the carbon dioxide emissions which had a negative impact on the environment and which needed to be reduced. Carbon was a different element entirely.
Councillor Byatt reported that national government had already declared a climate emergency and there was no time to waste, otherwise things could spiral out of control. He reported that other countries had taken a different approach to climate change and had already taken other steps to reduce litter, such as chewing gum and cigarette ends. Education was the key and it was important to let everyone know how important small changes could be over time. Recycling rates and the use of single use plastics needed to increase. It was also important to plant more trees as they would use up carbon dioxide, whilst producing valuable oxygen.
Councillor Deacon reported that Felixstowe Town Council had already declared a climate emergency and several young people had helped to raise the profile of this issue, in a very eloquent way. It was important for everyone to think about what they could do to help reduce climate change.
Councillor Gallant, Leader of the Council, confirmed that it was a cross party matter and the establishment of a Task Group was the best way for the Council to achieve this. It was important to look at all possible ways of engaging with a variety of other organisations to help reduce climate change, however it should be noted that the Council could not achieve miracles and instead should lead by example and encourage others to do their best too.
Councillor Gooch stated that she endorsed all of the comments made to date. East Suffolk Council was in a unique position as it was surrounded by off shore energy. She also said that the former Waveney District Council had supported the reduction in neonicotinoids in the River Waveney. The quarterly updates on the progress of the Task Group would be welcome as it was important to maintain the profile and momentum of this. It was important for the Council to do as much as it could to help reduce climate change and pollution in general.
The Chief Executive then read out the amended Motion in full. It was then moved by Councillor Smith-Lyte, seconded by Councillor Gooch and it was
RESOLVED
“This Council pledges to:
1.
Declare a Climate Emergency.
2.
Set up a Cross Party Task Group, commencing by October 2019, to investigate ways to cut East Suffolk Council’s carbon and harmful emissions on a spend to save basis, with ambition to make East Suffolk Council (including all buildings and services) carbon neutral by 2030. The Cross Party Task Group will report on their progress on a quarterly basis.
3.
To work with Suffolk County Council and other partners across the county and region, including the LEP and the Public Sector Leaders, towards the aspiration of making the county of Suffolk carbon neutral by 2030.
4.
To work with Government to a) deliver its 25 year Environmental Plan and b) increase the powers and resources available to local authorities in order to make the 2030 target easier to achieve.”
The Leader then reported that Full Council would consider the second Notice of Motion.
(b) Councillor G Elliott has submitted the following Notice of Motion:
"This Council notes that:
• the former Waveney District Council had a policy of actively supporting Fairtrade whilst the former Suffolk Coastal District Council had no such policy.
• Suffolk has eight “Fairtrade Towns”, five of which are in the East Suffolk Council area, two in the former Waveney District and three in the former Suffolk Coastal District.
• Global Fairtrade sales last year generated £142 million in Fairtrade Premium. Farmers in 73 countries have invested this money in their communities, increasing business productivity and contributing to the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Despite this positive news, exploitation remains rampant in global supply chains. More than 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including forced labour, and 152 million young people in child labour. Hundreds of millions more are earning less than a living income or wage.
This Council resolves to:
• Renew the commitment to Fairtrade of the former Waveney District Council and expand this to the new East Suffolk Council.
• Actively promote Fairtrade locally, through support for local groups, in the media including social media, and events, including during Fairtrade Fortnight.
• Review its procurement policy, including its catering offer, to ensure that Fairtrade produce is chosen wherever possible, and that Fair Trade considerations are included as a preference in any contracts going out to tender."
Councillor Elliott proposed the Motion and this was duly seconded by Councillor Brambley-Crawshaw.
Councillor Gallant, Leader of the Council, stated that he would like to propose an amendment to the Motion. He wished to include an additional paragraph, which would appear after the first paragraph, and to amend the final paragraph to read:
This Council, nevertheless, recognises that:
• The Fair Trade scheme, while making a positive contribution to global wellbeing, is but part of a wider range of initiatives that all play their part in raising living standards.
• Overall, the dramatic global reduction in levels of absolute poverty we have seen over the last 30 years or so, and commensurate increase in living standards, has been a direct result, not of Fair Trade, but of expanding free trade, free markets and capitalism across many previously poor countries of the world.
• Any support for a particular scheme such as Fair Trade must be set against other, often competing local and global challenges, such as supporting local producers, reducing food miles, and improving healthy eating.
Therefore, this Council resolves to:
• Support food-based initiatives, including Fairtrade, that demonstrate a commitment to improving living standards and raising people out of poverty, while supporting our local economy.
• Promote Fairtrade as part of this wider ethical approach, including through support for local groups, in the media including social media, and events, including during Fairtrade Fortnight.
• Review its procurement policy, including its catering offer, to ensure that Fairtrade produce is included where possible, and that Fair Trade and other ethical considerations are given appropriate weighting when drawing up any contracts going out to tender.
The proposed amendment was moved by Councillor Gallant, Leader of the Council, and was seconded by Councillor Blundell.
Councillor Elliott spoke and said that he was unable to accept the proposed amendment. He felt that it took the focus away from Fair Trade, which was a worthy and ethical cause to support. Fair Trade products such as tea, coffee and chocolate were important as they were products which could not be grown in the local area due climatic factors. Therefore Fair Trade played an important role, globally, in reducing poverty. He felt that it was not appropriate to link Fair Trade with other initiatives in this way. Councillor Elliott said that he was saddened at the amendment and he was unable to support it.
Councillor Mapey reported that he was pleased to see that the proposed amendment included the Council reviewing its procurement policy and the catering offer in its offices. He highlighted other initiatives which helped the environment and also reduced poverty, such as the Rainforest Alliance. It was important to reduce food miles and support local businesses.
Councillor Brambley-Crawshaw stated that she was saddened by the conflict which had been created by the proposed amendment. She stated that the Fair Trade Motion focused on produce which was not grown in the UK and that there was no other equivalent to Fair Trade. She was saddened that an amendment was being proposed, which changed the focus and meaning of the Motion. The Motion had been a way of continuing the good work and the decision of the former Waveney District Council, to support Fair Trade, with Lowestoft becoming the first Fair Trade town in Suffolk, as a result. Fair Trade was not just about growers selling their produce for a fair price, it was also about values, ideals and ethics. She reiterated that she was very upset that the Motion was being amended in this way.
Councillor Byatt reported that he agreed with Councillors Brambley-Crawshaw and Elliott and he echoed their sentiments. The Motion should be about Fair Trade only and he felt that the amendment was not relevant on this occasion.
Councillor Gooch reported that ethical food production in the local area was important in its own right, however, this was being confused with Fair Trade, which had unique values and ideals.
Councillor Topping stated that she agreed. The sign welcoming visitors to Lowestoft stated that it was Suffolk's First Fair Trade Town and that Fair Trade was unique. She said it would be helpful to have signs in the cafe to inform people that they were purchasing Fair Trade goods and were making a difference.
Councillor Ritchie reported that he had a family member who lived in Argentina and they had provided some different perspectives on how Fair Trade operates abroad. He reported that he had been told that Fair Trade would only help and support local farmers on their own terms. It was also suggested that Fair Trade had had a negative impact upon some smaller, independent producers. Therefore, it was important to realise that there were positive and negative impacts to all initiatives and they needed to be carefully evaluated.
Councillor Blundell stated that Fair Trade was a means of allowing producers abroad to develop and sell their goods for a fair price, which significantly helped poorer countries. Whilst it was important to support Fair Trade, however, it was also important to be pragmatic, as not all of the funds raised were paid back to the farmers. Therefore, it was appropriate to support all initiatives which helped to support farmers, locally and abroad, and to reduce food miles and damage to the environment.
The Leader of the Council reported that he was surprised by the level of debate around the proposed amendments, which he felt had enhanced the Motion. A vote was taken on whether or not to accept the amendment. On being put to the vote it was
RESOLVED
That the amendment to the Motion be approved.
Councillor Elliott, as the proposer of the original Motion, reported that although he was disappointed that it had been amended, he still felt that it was a positive Motion and there were further discussions on to have on it, and further amendments to be made.
The Chief Executive sought advice from the Monitoring Officer at this point during the meeting, regarding further amendments and speeches. The Monitoring Officer referred to sub-paragraphs 13.6 (d) and 13.6 (e) of the Council's Constitution, and advised that the amended motion had taken the place of the original motion. It had become the substantive motion on which further amendments could be moved. So, the question was whether there were further amendments to be made to the substantive motion, and if not, it could be put to the vote.
Councillor Elliott stated that he whilst he did not agree with the amendment, he accepted that it had been approved, however, he felt that the discussions which had taken place so far, were only about the amendment, they were not about the substantive Motion and the importance of Fair Trade.
He then stated that he would like to propose a further amendment, whereby the Council 'acknowledges the great work done by the 5 Fair Trade towns in the East Suffolk District.' Confirmation was provided that he would like this amendment to be added to the last bullet point of the Motion and the amendment was duly seconded by Councillor Brambley-Crawshaw.
Councillor Goldson reported that there were many smaller villages and organisations which were working with Fair Trade and therefore, it was unfair to ignore the good work being undertaken by others. Councillor Gallant, Leader of the Council, stated that Councillor Goldson made a valid point. Councillor Elliott then WITHDREW his proposed amendment.
Councillor Herring then raised a point of order, as he stated that there had not been no debate about the substantive Motion, and he felt that this was unfair to Councillor Elliott.
The Chief Executive reiterated the advice previously provided by the Monitoring Officer. There being no further amendments, he then read out the Motion in full prior to it being put to the vote, where it was
RESOLVED
This Council notes that:
• the former Waveney District Council had a policy of actively supporting Fairtrade whilst the former Suffolk Coastal District Council had no such policy.
• Suffolk has eight “Fairtrade Towns”, five of which are in the East Suffolk Council area, two in the former Waveney District and three in the former Suffolk Coastal District.
• Global Fairtrade sales last year generated £142 million in Fairtrade Premium. Farmers in 73 countries have invested this money in their communities, increasing business productivity and contributing to the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Despite this positive news, exploitation remains rampant in global supply chains. More than 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including forced labour, and 152 million young people in child labour. Hundreds of millions more are earning less than a living income or wage.
This Council, nevertheless, recognises that:
• The Fair Trade scheme, while making a positive contribution to global wellbeing, is but part of a wider range of initiatives that all play their part in raising living standards.
• Overall, the dramatic global reduction in levels of absolute poverty we have seen over the last 30 years or so, and commensurate increase in living standards, has been a direct result, not of Fair Trade, but of expanding free trade, free markets and capitalism across many previously poor countries of the world.
• Any support for a particular scheme such as Fair Trade must be set against other, often competing local and global challenges, such as supporting local producers, reducing food miles, and improving healthy eating.
Therefore, this Council resolves to:
• Support food-based initiatives, including Fairtrade, that demonstrate a commitment to improving living standards and raising people out of poverty, while supporting our local economy.
• Promote Fairtrade as part of this wider ethical approach, including through support for local groups, in the media including social media, and events, including during Fairtrade Fortnight.
• Review its procurement policy, including its catering offer, to ensure that Fairtrade produce is included where possible, and that Fair Trade and other ethical considerations are given appropriate weighting when drawing up any contracts going out to tender.