Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion (06/26), submitted by Councillor Bone:

The Council notes equality, diversity, and inclusion as a core value in what it does and the services that it delivers. It respects the struggles and tribulations that has taken place in history to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel equal and included. Our borough is becoming increasingly more diverse and is better for it. In our very own council chamber, we have people of colour, different faiths, and orientations. We all have a mutual respect and admiration for our community spirit and proud to be our community representatives.

To ensure that every member of our community feels valued, included, and equal. This council resolves in its communications to acknowledge the equality Calendar throughout the year by sending out a welcoming message of acknowledgement or support for every significant event in that calendar. How hard is it to say Happy Diwali, Hanukkah, or Ede. To acknowledge international woman or pride day, Armed Forces Day. Events such as disability or mental health week. Not every event may have value to everyone, but it will have value to someone. It costs nothing for a simple act of kindness but could mean so much to individual members of the community some who may or may not feel marginalised at times.

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Councillor Bone proposed the following Notice of Motion (06/26):

The Council notes equality, diversity, and inclusion as a core value in what it does and the services that it delivers. It respects the struggles and tribulations that has taken place in history to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel equal and included. Our borough is becoming increasingly more diverse and is better for it. In our very own council chamber, we have people of colour, different faiths, and orientations. We all have a mutual respect and admiration for our community spirit and proud to be our community representatives.

To ensure that every member of our community feels valued, included, and equal. This council resolves in its communications to acknowledge the equality Calendar throughout the year by sending out a welcoming message of acknowledgement or support for every significant event in that calendar. How hard is it to say Happy Diwali, Hanukkah, or Ede. To acknowledge international woman or pride day, Armed Forces Day. Events such as disability or mental health week. Not every event may have value to everyone, but it will have value to someone. It costs nothing for a simple act of kindness but could mean so much to individual members of the community some who may or may not feel marginalised at times.

Councillor Rust seconded the Notice of Motion and spoke in support of it. She stated that she was proud to support the motion, describing it as a simple gesture that could help to raise awareness, understanding and respect within the community. Councillor Rust noted that the Borough's residents came from a wide range of backgrounds and faiths and that the motion would send a clear message that everyone belonged within the community. She further commented that Councillors represented all members of the community and that the Notice of Motion provided a straightforward means of promoting significant events and recognising important occasions.

Councillor Hodson spoke against the Notice of Motion. He stated that, whilst he respected the beliefs of others, he considered the United Kingdom to be a Christian country. He noted his support for Armed Forces Day and expressed concern that the proposals would require officer time, funded through public resources, without delivering any measurable outcomes or tangible benefits to the community.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the motion, emphasising the importance of equality and ensuring that all residents felt respected, valued and included. She commented that, although the motion was relatively simple, it would send a positive message to all communities across the Borough.

Councillor Sayers spoke in support of the motion and thanked Councillor Bone for bringing it forward. He disagreed with the comments made by Councillor Hodson and stated that the motion provided a straightforward means of recognising and celebrating the Borough's diverse communities and residents. Councillor Sayers also suggested that the Leader consider appointing Councillor Bone as the Council's Member Champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Councillor Heneghan spoke in support of the Notice of Motion and stated that it was an important gesture that demonstrated the Council's recognition of diversity within the Borough. She commented that the motion would help convey the message that all residents were valued members of the community and should feel included.

Councillor Long commented that he did not understand why the Notice of Motion had been brought forward, as he believed the Council already embodied the values set out within it. He expressed the view that the proposals would incur additional costs and were unnecessary, as many of the actions referred to in the motion already formed part of the Council's day-to-day activities. Councillor Long therefore indicated that he would not be supporting the motion.

Councillor Ryves congratulated Councillor Bone on bringing forward the Notice of Motion and confirmed that he would be supporting it. He requested further information regarding the proposed Equalities Calendar, including the types of events that would be included, and also sought clarification on how messages and information would be communicated to residents.

Councillor Morley expressed concerns regarding the proposed methods of communication and the criteria that would be used to determine which events would be considered significant within the Equalities Calendar. He commented that further work was required to clarify the detail of the proposals.

Councillor Ratcliffe spoke in support of the Notice of Motion, explaining that it would help to recognise and support groups within the community who might otherwise feel marginalised or underrepresented.

Councillor Ring commented that the Notice of Motion extended beyond matters of religion and was fundamentally concerned with promoting acceptance, inclusion and community cohesion. He therefore indicated his support for the motion.

Councillor Sandell stated that she was unable to support the motion, as she considered it unnecessary. She commented that she already treated all residents with respect, dignity and kindness and expressed the hope that all Councillors did likewise.

Councillor Coates advised that he had reviewed the Equalities Calendar and considered that many of the events included were not relevant to the Council. He therefore expressed the view that the motion was not appropriate and confirmed that he would not be supporting it.

Councillor Squire expressed disappointment that some Members were not supportive of the motion. She stated that Councillors represented all residents of the Borough and that all communities should be recognised and celebrated. Councillor Squire also commented that Councillors themselves could be subject to abuse and disrespect and that the principles contained within the motion were therefore important.

Councillor Joyce commented that he had wanted to support the motion but felt that the nature of the debate was not conveying a positive message to the public. He stated that Councillors needed to address their own approach before seeking to promote such messages more widely.

Councillor Collop commented that all individuals had feelings and deserved consideration and respect.

Councillor Lintern stated that the motion would not be resource intensive. She noted that the Equalities Calendar already existed and that the proposal simply involved drawing attention to significant events contained within it. Councillor Lintern expressed surprise that the motion had generated such a contentious debate.

In summing up, Councillor Bone expressed the hope that Members would support the motion. He stated that he was surprised that some Members had spoken against it, as the intention was simply to recognise and acknowledge significant events affecting different communities. Councillor Bone commented that many people were fortunate not to have experienced prejudice and discrimination and urged Members to support the sharing of the Equalities Calendar as a simple act of recognition and kindness.

Councillor Bone then requested that a recorded vote be taken on the motion, which was supported by the requisite number of Members.

The results of the Recorded Vote are below:

RESOLVED: That this Council resolves in its communications, to acknowledge the equality Calendar throughout the year by sending out a welcoming message of acknowledgement or support for every significant event in that calendar.  How hard is it to say Happy Diwali, Hanukkah or Ede.  To acknowledge international women or pride day, Armed Forces Day.  Events such as disability or mental health week.  Not every event may have value to everyone, but it will have value to someone.  It costs nothing for a simple act of kindness but could mean so much to individual members of the community some of who may or may not feel marginalised at times.

COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR A COMFORT BREAK FROM 6.35pm to 6.45pm.