Issue - meetings

The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 9 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor Lesley Dedman and seconded by Councillor Mike Cox:-

BCPCouncil is deeply disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine this Council;
 
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to BCP.

 
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression.
 
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need.

d. Will evaluate the potential use of Council owned assets, including the Christchurch and Poole civic centres, to be emergency accommodation and/or relief collection points if practicable.

e.  Will continue to fly the Ukrainian flag until the invasion ceases, acknowledging the provisions of the Council’s Flag Flying Policy.

Set out on the agenda was a motion proposed by Councillor Lesley Dedman and seconded by Councillor Mike Cox relating to support for the Ukrainians as a result of the unprovoked aggression against them.

Councillor Dedman reported that whilst she had hoped that the motion would have become redundant, war still continued.  She explained that the motion was designed not only to state the Council’s feelings at this time for the effect it has on the innocent in Ukraine but the dangers which were evident to Europe from Russia’s aggression.  Councillor Dedman explained that as well as signifying concern at the actions of the Russian Government we were determined as a Council to help practically. She emphasised that the Council was welcoming the Ukrainians who have come for help and sucker whilst acknowledging that the Officers and Portfolio Holders were working hard to help them settle in our communities. Members were advised of the proposal to make use of vacant Council buildings and the arrangements for flying the Ukrainian flag.  Councillor Dedman referred to the support that she had received from Councillor Stribley in preparing the motion.  Councillor Cox in seconding the motion reserved his right to speak.

Councillor Mellor reported that the administration fully supports the emphasis of the motion.  He explained that right at the start of the conflict BCP was one of the first Council’s to sign up to the declaration of support of Ukraine and he was proud of the work of Portfolio Holders and officers to stand up the Council’s response as quickly as possible.  Councillor Rampton in supporting the motion referred to the response that she had given to a public question on the Council’s response and work with partners to help Ukrainians. She advised Members that there were125 adults and 55 children in the BCP area through the homes for Ukraine.  In addition, there were 1444 additional households who were interested in sponsoring a Ukrainian family.  Members were advised that the Council had a welcome pack for guests which was in three different languages and had been distributed. There were also weekly operational multi-agency meetings with a strategic multi-agency meeting on a fortnightly basis from which Councillor Rampton received regular updates.  Councillor Moore reported that there was a strong connection between Canford Heath families and families from Chernobyl as they were involved in the Chernobyl lifeline project for a number of years. She explained that we all want to do something to help families from Ukraine and several Councillors have been personally involved in fundraising across Poole and more fund raising was planned.  Councillor Slade referred to the flying of the Ukrainian flag at the Civic Centre. She highlighted that the Ukrainian flag was put up in all shops in Broadstone at the start of the crisis. She referred to the concerns that she had been advised of relating to the lack of ability to find school places for Ukrainian children with families who were spending significant amounts of their own money to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 153

The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 9 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor L-J Evans and seconded by Councillor Lesley Dedman:-

That BCP Council takes the opportunity provided by the Government’s Levelling Up paper to work to become a Marmot Community.

Notification has been received that the motion is also supported by Councillor Mark Howell.

Set out on the agenda was a motion proposed by Councillor L-J Evans and seconded by Councillor Dedman on becoming a Marmot Community.

The Chairman reported that Councillor Evans had notified that she wished to seek the Council’s consent to alter the wording of the motion in accordance with procedure 13.12 of Part 4D of the Constitution as follows:

“That BCP Council takes the opportunity provided by the Government’s Levelling Up paper to work to explore becomeing a Marmot Community.”

Council agreed to the above altered motion.

Councillor Evans presented the altered motion explaining that whilst BCP was a wonderful place it had marked disparities between areas from the highly affluent to some of the most deprived in England.  She explained that life expectancy was no longer increasing but had actually started to fall and this was much more apparent in lower income areas. In addition, Councillor Evans highlighted that there had been a decrease in the proportion of our lives that we can expect to live in good health with poorer people disproportionately affected.  Councillor Evans explained that action to reduce health inequality was not only morally correct but also benefits society as a whole.  Members were informed that reducing illness results in economic gains and reduced pressures on services.  Councillor Evans referred to the work of Sir Michael Marmot and the report he published in February 2020 which showed how health inequalities were driven by the so-called social determinants of health which included how children spend their early years, education, adequate housing, access to healthy environments and good jobs. She explained that after a decade of austerity the 10 year review showed that while there had been progress in some areas inequalities were actually widening and life expectancy was stalling.  Members were reminded that the Government had just published its levelling up white paper which provided a real opportunity to improve health and reduce inequalities in BCP.  Councillor Evans reported that one way to do this was by becoming a Marmot Community which was a region working across sectors to achieve six common goals as follows:

1.    Give every child the best start in life

2.    Enable everyone to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives

3.    Create fair employment and good work for all

4.    Ensure a healthy standard of living

5.    Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities

6.    The prevention of ill health

Councillor Evans reported that Councils who were given the status of a Marmot Community were those that provided evidence that the above principles were upheld through local policy and decision making and that improving health and reducing inequalities were at the centre of everything that they do.  She highlighted that it would take work, time and investment but that BCP Council was up to the challenge.  Councillor Dedman in seconding the motion provided background information on Professor Marmot and his work which was focussed on improving the health and life chances of people all over the world.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144