To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Gareth Lyon pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):
“This council notes
the growing concerns amongst residents at the democratic deficit being created
by the Government's rushed and ill-thought-out local government reorganisation
which could see all decisions about local services being made in Basingstoke by
councillors with no links to our area.
This council further notes that local residents rightly take pride in the strong and historic identities of Farnborough, Aldershot and North Camp and the importance of securing a voice for these communities.
This council will therefore:
· Propose to residents the creation of local Town Councils for Farnborough and Aldershot and a separate parish council for North Camp as an option, if a first round of consultation shows that residents would support this tier of governance.
· Undertake preparatory work to enable the transfer of community assets, green spaces and facilities to these councils to safeguard their futures.
· Subject to residents’ response to Community Governance Review consultation and January Council agreeing the order, proceed at pace with planning for elections for any new town and/or parish councils to take place at the earliest possible opportunity.”
(2)
Debate not Hate
To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been
submitted by Cllr Bill O’Donovan, pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):
“This Council:
· Affirms its commitment to free speech and robust debate, and its rejection of abuse and intimidation as part of legitimate political discourse.
· Notes, with concern, increasing levels of toxicity in public discourse, affecting politicians of all parties.
· Recognises the impact that this has upon council officers and election staff.
· Believes that respect is a two-way street and that all councillors have a role in treating members of the public with civility and respect.
· Commits to upholding the highest standards in public and political debate.
Consequently, this Council resolves to:
· Sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate Campaign.
· Regularly review the support available to councillors and officers in relation to abuse and intimidation.
· Write to the Government to ask them to work with the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address abuse and intimidation of politicians, and to extend to election staff and council officers the same legal protection from harassment afforded to campaigners, elected representatives and candidates under s30 of the Elections Act (2022).
·
Ensure the Council has a clear reporting mechanism
which councillors and officers can use for incidents of abuse and intimidation.”
Minutes:
(1) The
Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Gareth Williams
under Standing Order 9 (1) on Debate Not Hate, as set out below:
“This Council:
Consequently, this Council resolves to:
·
Sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate Campaign.
·
Regularly review the support available to
councillors and officers in relation to abuse and intimidation.
·
Write to the Government to ask them to work with
the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address abuse and intimidation of
politicians, and to extend to election staff and council officers the same
legal protection from harassment afforded to campaigners, elected
representatives and candidates under s30 of the Elections Act (2022).
·
Ensure the Council has a clear reporting
mechanism which councillors and officers can use for incidents of abuse and
intimidation.”
In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr O’Donovan advised that the
campaign, backed by the Local Government Association (LGA) and supported by 67
councils, promoted free speech and robust debate and rejected abuse,
intimidation and threat. It was noted that it was not just a councillor issue
but affected everyone, including council staff, who should be able to work in a
place that felt safe and comfortable. In SECONDING the Motion Cllr Makunura,
stressed the need for respect for debate and the protection of those that
served the community.
During discussion on the Motion which had cross party support,
it was noted that free speech was a fundamental right and must be protected to
ensure democracy is undertaken in a civil, polite manner.
The Motion was put to the meeting. There voted FOR: 35
AGAINST: 0 ABSTAIN: 0 and the Motion was DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.
(2) The
Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Gareth Lyon
under Standing Order 9 (1) on Democratic Representation, as set out below:
This council
further notes that local residents rightly take pride in the strong and
historic identities of Farnborough, Aldershot and North Camp and the importance
of securing a voice for these communities.
This council will
therefore:
In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr Lyon referred to the strong
history of the Borough and that those who are elected to represent the area
should be able to relate to the place and with experience and understanding of
the local services provided. He emphasised that Rushmoor’s residents should be
allowed to have their say on the governance arrangements. Aldershot,
Farnborough and North Camp all had their own identities, and it was important
to ensure these were not lost. In SECONDING the Motion, Cllr S.J. Masterson
stated that the motion moved things forward to avoid a democratic deficit.
During debate, it was noted that work was already underway
to consult with residents on their views about Local Government Reorganisation
and further consultation would be carried out through the Community Governance
Review.
Following debate, the Motion was put to the meeting. In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs A. Adeola, C.W. Card, Leola Card, Sue Carter, A. Gani, Steve Harden, Peace Essien Igodifo, G.B. Lyon, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, T.W. Mitchell, M.D. Smith, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, S. Trussler (15); AGAINST: Cllrs Abe Allen, Gaynor Austin, A.H. Crawford, Thomas Day, K. Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Julie Hall, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Becky Williams, Gareth Williams (17); and ABSTAINED: the Deputy Mayor (Cllr P.J. Cullum) and the Mayor (Cllr Calum Stewart) (2); and the Recommendations were DECLARED LOST.