Agenda item
i) To consider the following Notice of Motion (4/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:
“Debate Not Hate”
This council believes that elected members should be able to undertake their roles safely without abuse, threats or intimidation. Therefore it agrees to sign as a council, the LGA “Debate Not Hate” public statement calling on local and national government with other relevant partners to form a government convened working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses abuse and intimidation of members and candidates across all levels of national and local government.
ii) To consider the following Notice of Motion (5/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:
“Introduction of a Tourism Levy”
This council acknowledges the valuable contribution that tourism makes to our local business economy. However, it also notes that tourism and high visitor numbers affect the level of council services that are required and used by both residents and visitors alike.
With the current financial climate and councils having to find new sources of funding, it is noted that the LGA estimate that a small flat rate tourist levy (tax) introduced by councils could increase council revenues by up to £7 million a year.
This council therefore agrees to join other councils in writing to the government, calling for the government to introduce primary legislation to enable us to levy a tourism tax and for a working group to be set up to investigate the possibility for the introduction of a voluntary levy in the mean time.
iii) To consider the following Notice of Motion (6/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire:
“Provision of overnight parking for suitably equipped camper vans”
With the National increase in holidaying at home and in particular campervan and motorhome use, together with frequent reports of campervans parking overnight in inappropriate car parks around the borough, particularly in coastal areas.
This council considers it is time to join other councils including those in Wales, Scotland and Northumberland to allow charged, overnight parking to self sufficient vehicles for a maximum 24 hour period as a transient type stopover in a selected council run car park in Hunstanton. This would be run for a trial period of one year so that council could then assess the success of the scheme.
iv) To consider the following Notice of Motion (7/22), submitted by Councillor S Squire
“Menopause Workplace Pledge”
It is estimated there are some 13 million women in the UK that are currently peri or menopausal. Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce and almost 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work.
This council is aware that over 50% of our workforce and 25% of our councillors are women. It recognises that peri-menopause and menopause and the wide ranging symptoms involved can be a difficult time for women, can lead to a loss of confidence which may then lead to women leaving the workforce.
This council would like to demonstrate they are fully supportive of both staff and councillors experiencing menopause and wish to be a Menopause Friendly Employer. Therefore, we agree to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, nominate a dedicated Menopause Champion amongst the staff and to arrange regular support and advice sessions that can be accessed by both staff and councillors.
Minutes:
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i) Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (4/22), seconded by Councillor Ratcliff:
“Debate Not Hate”
This council believes that elected members should be able to undertake their roles safely without abuse, threats or intimidation. Therefore it agrees to sign as a council, the LGA “Debate Not Hate” public statement calling on local and national government with other relevant partners to form a government convened working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses abuse and intimidation of members and candidates across all levels of national and local government.
Councillors Squire and Ratcliff spoke in support of the Motion giving examples of their experiences of abuse they and others had received in their role as Councillors. Councillor Dark spoke in support of the Motion, also citing examples of abusive or bad behaviour by Councillors. He suggested that the Council lead by example. Councillors de Whalley and Parish responded to the points made. Councillor Moriarty made reference to the need to consider one’s own conduct. Councillor Long suggested that a line be drawn in the sand and councillors lead by example. Councillor Nash commented that if policy was adhered to there would be less confrontation.
In further debate, Councillors gave further examples of abuse received or bad behaviour. It was suggested that councillors should support each other as an individuals state of mind was not always apparent.
In summing up Councillor Squire endorsed the fact that members should stand together.
On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried.
RESOLVED: That the Motion be approved.
ii) Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (5/22), seconded by Councillor Parish.:
“Introduction of a Tourism Levy”
This council acknowledges the valuable contribution that tourism makes to our local business economy. However, it also notes that tourism and high visitor numbers affect the level of council services that are required and used by both residents and visitors alike.
With the current financial climate and councils having to find new sources of funding, it is noted that the LGA estimate that a small flat rate tourist levy (tax) introduced by councils could increase council revenues by up to £7 million a year.
This council therefore agrees to join other councils in writing to the government, calling for the government to introduce primary legislation to enable us to levy a tourism tax and for a working group to be set up to investigate the possibility for the introduction of a voluntary levy in the mean time.
Councillor Squire spoke in support of the Motion, as did Councillor Parish who referred to other areas which had introduced such a levy.
Under standing order 14.6, Councillor Dark proposed that the motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration. Councillor Squire accepted the proposal.
On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed.
RESOLVED: That the motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration.
iii) Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (6/22), seconded by Councillor Parish:
“Provision of overnight parking for suitably equipped camper vans”
With the National increase in holidaying at home and in particular campervan and motorhome use, together with frequent reports of campervans parking overnight in inappropriate car parks around the borough, particularly in coastal areas.
This council considers it is time to join other councils including those in Wales, Scotland and Northumberland to allow charged, overnight parking to self sufficient vehicles for a maximum 24 hour period as a transient type stopover in a selected council run car park in Hunstanton. This would be run for a trial period of one year so that council could then assess the success of the scheme.
Councillors Squire and Parish spoke in support of the motion.
Under standing order 14.6 Councillor Dark proposed that the matter be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration. On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed.
RESOLVED: That the Motion be referred to the Regeneration and Development Panel for consideration.
iv) Councillor S Squire proposed the following Notice of Motion (7/22), seconded by Councillor Rust.
“Menopause Workplace Pledge”
It is estimated there are some 13 million women in the UK that are currently peri or menopausal. Menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce and almost 8 out of 10 menopausal women are in work.
This council is aware that over 50% of our workforce and 25% of our councillors are women. It recognises that peri-menopause and menopause and the wide ranging symptoms involved can be a difficult time for women, can lead to a loss of confidence which may then lead to women leaving the workforce.
This council would like to demonstrate they are fully supportive of both staff and councillors experiencing menopause and wish to be a Menopause Friendly Employer. Therefore, we agree to sign the Menopause Workplace Pledge, nominate a dedicated Menopause Champion amongst the staff and to arrange regular support and advice sessions that can be accessed by both staff and councillors.
Councillors Squire and Rust spoke in support of the Motion.
Under standing order 14.6 Councillor Dark proposed that the Motion be referred to the Corporate Performance Panel for consideration.
Council debated referring the matter to the Panel. On being put to the vote the proposal was agreed.
RESOLVED: That the Motion be referred to the Corporate Performance Panel for consideration.