Agenda item

To consider Motions submitted under procedure Rule 14.

Minutes:

A)  Fireworks

 

It was moved by Councillor Strutton,

Seconded by Councillor Wright,

 

“This Council resolves to -

 

a) Acknowledge:

·  The detrimental environmental impact of fireworks on air quality and particularly the high risk for animals, autistic children and vulnerable people.

·  Every year 4,000 people in England end up in A&E with firework related injuries.

b) Actively promote a public awareness campaign in Slough, educating firework users of the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people- including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks and effects on the environment.

 

c) Write to the UK Government in support for legislation on tighter controls and restrictions; preventing supermarkets and retailers from selling fireworks above 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays, and calling for fireworks to be used only at organised displays with exception of those in category F1 and F2.

d) Conduct an assessment into the feasibility of a firework permit scheme in Slough.”

 

It was moved by Councillor Swindlehurst, as an amendment,

Seconded by Councillor Akram,

 

“This Council acknowledges the detrimental environmental impact of fireworks on air quality and the high risk for animals, autistic children and vulnerable people and resolves to:

 

·  Actively promote a public awareness campaign in Slough, educating firework users of the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks and effects on the environment

 

·  Write to the UK Government in support for legislation on tighter controls and restrictions on fireworks; preventing the sale fireworks above 90dB, banning category F3 fireworks from personal use and requesting that the Government enshrine EU Directive 2013/29/EU and EU Directive 2014/58/EU in UK Law to ensure the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 can remain in force after the UK exits the European Union.”

 

The amendment was put to the vote and agreed unanimously.

The amendment became the substantive motion and was agreed unanimously.

 

Resolved - This Council acknowledges the detrimental environmental impact of fireworks on air quality and the high risk for animals, autistic children and vulnerable people and resolves to:

 

·  Actively promote a public awareness campaign in Slough, educating firework users of the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks and effects on the environment

 

·  Write to the UK Government in support for legislation on tighter controls and restrictions on fireworks; preventing the sale fireworks above 90dB, banning category F3 fireworks from personal use and requesting that the Government enshrine EU Directive 2013/29/EU and EU Directive 2014/58/EU in UK Law to ensure the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 can remain in force after the UK exits the European Union.

 

B)  A Fully Funded Proper Pay Rise for Local Government Workers

 

It was moved by Councillor Brooker,

Seconded by Councillor Bains,

 

“This Council recognises our workers are public service super heroes and acknowledges that government funding has been cut to such an extent that a proper pay rise would result in a reduction in services and therefore resolves to;

 

·  Write to the Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government workers to be fully funded with new money from central government;

·  Back the campaign for a £10 per hour minimum wage;

·  Encourage all local government workers to join a union

·  Encourage local business to pay their staff a minimum of £10 per hour.”

 

The motion was put to the vote and carried with 35 votes For, 1 Against and 4 Abstentions.

 

Resolved – This Council recognises our workers are public service super heroes and acknowledges that government funding has been cut to such an extent that a proper pay rise would result in a reduction in services and therefore resolves to;

 

·  Write to the Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government workers to be fully funded with new money from central government;

·  Back the campaign for a £10 per hour minimum wage;

·  Encourage all local government workers to join a union

·  Encourage local business to pay their staff a minimum of £10 per hour.

 

C)  Fire Safety

 

It was moved by Councillor Smith,

Seconded by Councillor Plenty,

 

“Council recognises that sprinkler systems and other automatic fire suppression systems (AFSS) have the ability to save lives and to reduce damage done by both fire and water, which is ultimately less costly and disruptive for the community, as well as being better for the environment.

 

Therefore this Council commits to;

 

·  The installation of sprinkler systems or other AFSS within its own building stock wherever practicable when planning for and constructing new buildings or as a retrofitted solution when undertaking major refurbishments of existing buildings.

·  Through the planning application or building control process, promote and support the installation of sprinklers or other AFSS for all new or refurbished buildings in accordance with current legislation and guidance associated with fire safety protection measures.

·  Supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council position on sprinklers by writing to Central Government to express support for the creation of a legal requirement to fit sprinklers or AFSS in buildings.”

 

The motion was put to the vote and agreed unanimously.

 

Resolved – Council recognises that sprinkler systems and other automatic fire suppression systems (AFSS) have the ability to save lives and to reduce damage done by both fire and water, which is ultimately less costly and disruptive for the community, as well as being better for the environment.

 

Therefore this Council commits to;

 

·  The installation of sprinkler systems or other AFSS within its own building stock wherever practicable when planning for and constructing new buildings or as a retrofitted solution when undertaking major refurbishments of existing buildings.

 

·  Through the planning application or building control process, promote and support the installation of sprinklers or other AFSS for all new or refurbished buildings in accordance with current legislation and guidance associated with fire safety protection measures.

·  Supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council position on sprinklers by writing to Central Government to express support for the creation of a legal requirement to fit sprinklers or AFSS in buildings.

 

Supporting documents: