Extraordinary Council Meeting, Council - Thursday, 15th August, 2024 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr S. Trussler pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“In these unprecedented times we feel that this Council needs to put party politics to one side and reaffirm that violent protests are unacceptable, whilst, still noting that a part of our community feels unheard.  We noted the mixed response to the leader statement and call upon the Council to hold a meeting to re-confirm these principles of democracy at a local level and to show leadership.”

The Extraordinary meeting of the Council had been called to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr S. Trussler under Standing Order 9 (1) on the recent tensions in the community.

It was MOVED by Cllr S. Trussler, that an amended Motion be considered by the Council, as set out:

“This Council recognises that the Borough has made strong progress in becoming a welcoming and inclusive place for all, but notes that local community tensions have been raised in recent weeks; with residents feeling unheard, fearful or both. We call upon all involved in registering protest to do so in a peaceful manner.

Furthermore, this Council strongly condemns violence and intimidation that threatens our democratic way of life and recognises the exceptional role that our local police services have played in keeping our communities safe in recent times.

In seeking to show strong joined up political leadership, this Council further calls upon:

·         the Council’s Chief Executive to write to Central Government and our local MP seeking strategic engagement, support and resources to recognise the strain on resources being experienced in Rushmoor’s towns;

·         the Council to establish a cross-party working group to work with local community groups and leaders to better understand and address community concerns;

·         those in the community wishing to make a positive difference to join with the Council to develop an enhanced programme of community engagement events; and

·         the Council to make available an initial budget of £50k to enable this work.”

In SECONDING the amended Motion, Cllr Gareth Williams advised that all political parties were united in wanting the best for the community in the face of the recent uncertainty and expressed his support of the Motion.

The amended Motion was put to the Meeting and was DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.

During debate, Members showed unanimous support for the Motion and acknowledged that Rushmoor was a welcoming Borough in which no individual or group should feel unheard and/or fearful, and it was key to ensure that the concerns of the whole community were listened to and heard. It was felt important to harness the power of the community and engage with all to tackle the recent issues. Support was given to the right to protest peacefully, but violence should not be expected or accepted. The pressure on local services provided by Rushmoor Borough and Hampshire County Councils was recognised, and it was important to ensure that Central Government understood the local position.

The MOTION was put to the meeting. In a recorded vote there voted FOR: Cllrs A. Adeola, Abe Allen, Gaynor Austin, C.W. Card, Leola Card, Sue Carter, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, P.J. Cullum, Thomas Day, Keith Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Julie Hall, Steve Harden, Peace Essien-Igodifo, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, G.B. Lyon, Nadia Martin, S.J. Masterson, T.W. Mitchell, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, M.D. Smith, Sarah Spall, P.G. Taylor, S. Trussler, Jacqui Vosper, Ivan Whitmee, Becky Williams, Gareth Williams, The Deputy Mayor (Cllr Calum Stewart) and The Mayor (Cllr  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.