URL: https://calderdale.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=303

Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: (A)          Winter Service Reductions   It was moved by Councillor Dacre, Seconded by Councillor Courtney   After being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was carried.   RESOLVED that:   This Council notes that:   ·        According to the Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision List 1st June to 30th September 2024), a report on the Winter Service Policy Update was scheduled to be discussed by Cabinet on 3rd June.   ·        No such document was discussed at that Cabinet meeting, nor at any subsequent meeting.   ·        This document does not appear in any previous or subsequent Forward Plan.   ·        According to that Forward Plan “The report gives details of the Winter Service Policy and Highway Hierarchy and Service Standard for Calderdale and recommends this is adopted for all existing roads. This will result in a number of roads, retained from previous years due to custom and practice, being removed from the precautionary treatment network.”   ·        The Forward Plan of Key Decisions is kept under continual review. On reviewing the Key Decision list prior to the Cabinet Meeting on 3rd June the Monitoring Officer took the view that the implementation of the changes to the Winter Service implemented by Budget Council on 26th February 2024 was not a Key Decision. The item was accordingly removed from the Forward Plan.   ·        The implementation of the Budget decision was cancelled on 25th November.   ·        Governance and Business Committee is currently engaged on a review of the Constitution.   This Council believes that:   ·        The proposed implementation of the Budget Decision gave rise to significant concerns from Elected Members and the public both in relation to timing and the roads affected.   This Council therefore resolves to:   Request that the Governance and Business Committee include the key Decision and Forward Plan Framework as part of its current Constitutional Review with a view to making any necessary recommendations to Council to ensure that all policy-making is conducted in an open and transparent manner.   (B)          Debate not Hate: Civility in Public Life   It was moved by Councillor Taylor, Seconded by Councillor Courtney   RESOLVED that:   This Council notes that:   ·        Members of the Local Government Association have expressed concerns about the increasing intimidation of candidates and councillors, the increasing toxicity of public debate and the impact of this on the democracy of our country, particularly on the decision-making processes that affect our local communities.   ·        A concern facing the conduct of public life at the moment is the increasing incidents of intimidation and abuse by members of the public against candidates and councillors. These attacks risk the personal safety of our councillors and have the potential to undermine local democracy and decision-making putting off prospective candidates from standing. Intimidation and physical threats of violence against councillors are a real and growing concern in every area of the country. Whilst debate and having different views is all part of a healthy democracy; abuse, public intimidation and threats are designed to undermine democratic decision making by generating fear in those who represent it.   ·        Public abuse and intimidation can be triggered by particular events, like councils’ decisions, elections, or a misunderstanding of the role and responsibilities of councils and councillors. Perpetrators can be anyone; they may be angry residents, disgruntled members of the public, or activists on a specific issue.   ·        A recent Local Government Association survey found that there has been a rise in reports of abuse (verbal, online, email, phone calls) of councillors and that female councillors receive more abuse than male councillors.   ·        Councillors locally in Calderdale have reported an increase in personal abuse, in their representative roles. Councillors want to conduct their representative roles in safety.   ·        The Jo Cox Foundation’s Civility Commission has argued that if action is not taken, we risk seeing more politicians stepping down due to abuse and intimidation, fewer people putting themselves forward as candidates, and less diversity and representation in UK politics.   This Council believes that:   ·        Generally, Calderdale Council meetings are civilly conducted and there is respect between the political parties, even during the ‘knockabout’ political debate in the Council Chamber.   ·        Elected representatives have a responsibility themselves, in their local leadership roles, to model high standards and good behaviour.   ·        We need a wider discussion with our citizens on how they involve themselves in public debate. We collectively need to be clear that abuse, harassment, intimidation, and violence is not the way for anyone to engage in modern-day politics.   ·        We need to challenge the growing ‘new norms’ of intimidation, abuse, threats, and aggressive behaviour by many who engage in political and public discourse and to demonstrate the impact that intimidation and abusive behaviour has on our democratic system.   ·        The increasing popularity of social media has made it easier for people to be abusive, with the distance created by being online lending a feeling of safety and excitement to those who use that media for negativity and harassment.   ·        Social media companies should take some responsibility for the use of their platforms for abuse; there is a compelling case to be made that there is currently insufficient regulation of this sector. In addition, social media companies should acknowledge the democratic significance of local politicians and provide better and faster routes for councillors reporting abuse and misinformation online.   ·        The increased polarisation of public debate, as well as lack of public understanding of the councillor role has led to increased negative perceptions that ‘they are all the same’ or’ they are all corrupt’.   ·        If these issues are not addressed, then there is a risk that incivility can drift towards persistent harassment and unremitting abuse, and even hate crime; the undermining impact of this on individuals and communities should not be underestimated.   This Council therefore:   ·        Pledges to promote a culture of respect, accountability and zero tolerance for violence and abuse for those serving in the public sector, whether as councillors or staff.   ·        Joins the LGA and the Jo Cox Foundation in calling upon national government to find ways to improve the general public’s understanding of the decision-making role of councillors and councils,  and to consider how significant awareness campaigns for the general public aimed at increasing understanding of the role of elected representatives and promoting civility might be developed.   ·        Urges national government to make impartial political and media literacy a mandatory part of the curriculum, giving our young people the skills to deal with misinformation. Young people should be able to be responsible digital citizens.   ·        Welcomes the Government’s proposal of dedicated police support for democratically elected members, noting that more action is needed in order to prevent the negative impact on our democracy and asks that a central unit is established and resourced to monitor, assess, and address abuse, intimidation and the safety of locally elected politicians and candidates at election times as well as between elections, as recommended by the Jo Cox Civility Commission.   ·        Asks our local MPs to press for the bringing forward of the proposed legislation to allow councillors to withhold their home address from the public register of interests.   ·        Asks our local MPs to join their voices to those calling for better regulation of social media platforms.   ·        Asks our councillors to commit to visit local schools and colleges whenever possible, raising awareness of their roles in the democratic process for our future citizens and voters.   ·        Asks Governance and Business Committee to begin work on how policy in this area can be further developed.   (C)          Offender To Rehab: Trying to Break the Cycle of Addiction and Crime   It was moved by Councillor Courtney, Seconded by Councillor Dacre   After being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was carried.   RESOLVED that:   This Council notes:   ·        The devastating impact of drug addiction on residents, families, communities, and local businesses.   ·        The hard work of Council Officers, local organisations, and emergency services in addressing drug addiction and related crimes.   ·        The recent public consultation undertaken by the West Yorkshire Mayor to inform the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028. The draft plan included drug and alcohol issues as key areas of focus.   ·        Our vital role as a local authority in shaping future policies across West Yorkshire.   This Council believes that:   ·        The current cruel cycle of ‘chasing, arresting and imprisoning shoplifters who are stealing to feed an addiction is time consuming for the police, expensive for the taxpayer and rarely solves the underlying causes of the crime, with the inevitable outcome that when people are released from prison, the whole process just ends up happening all over again.’   ·        Compassion and effective treatment are vital in addressing the root causes of drug addiction.   ·        The appointments of James Timpson (CEO of Timpson’s Group) as Prisons Minister and David Gauke (former Conservative Secretary of State) to lead a review of the prison system, provides both hope for crucial reform and investment.   ·        Services across Calderdale are having a positive impact but more can always be done when resource allows.   This Council notes:   ·        The ‘Offender to Rehab’ program by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.   ·        The program provides targeted support through residential rehabilitation for residents with a history of retail criminal activity and who are driven by drug addiction, poor wellbeing, and deteriorating mental health conditions.   ·        Under the Offender to Rehab programme, ‘people with substance misuse issues are identified and referred to residential rehab facilities. Once their addiction is treated, they are highly likely to stop stealing.’   ·        During the pilot in Birmingham, 27 residents received residential rehabilitation treatment. This resulted in a reduction in shoplifting saving retail businesses £651,000, whilst also freeing up police resources worth £185,000. The program is now expanding across the West Midlands.   ·        Calderdale Officers have reviewed the Birmingham pilot findings and note that it is too early to conclude that the programme provides a lasting, cost effective benefit to clients, local businesses and communities.   “At the time of writing, 4 clients completed the 12-week programme, 3 clients are still in rehabilitation, and 20 discharged early. The O2R programme could explore options to do more to prepare clients for reintegration back into the community. This could ensure that needs relating to, for example, accommodation, mental health, relationships, and employment were met.” Officers believe the Calderdale approach is more effective in the long term.   ·        Over the last 15 years Calderdale has focused on and invested in developing a Recovery Community that helps sustain an individual’s recovery through connection, peer support and activities. The focus is on developing a model that demonstrates that you can get well where you got sick, developing contagious visible recovery and support beyond the treatment interventions. Historically, Calderdale had a very small allocation for rehabilitation (usually only enough to send 5/6 people to out of area rehabilitation a year). To enable more people the opportunity of rehabilitation Calderdale has developed a local abstinence-based programme, a recovery centre, and housing that can both deliver community detoxification, stabilisation, and longer-term recovery support.   ·        Calderdale’s aspiration over the next few years is to reach out and develop easy access community focused models in all our townships, including the recovery community and development of further mutual aid meetings that people can access outside of the treatment system. It is intended to identify existing community and well used venues to work alongside, and provide services that looks and feel like the communities they serve.   ·        Tod Kindness is the first permanent access point trialling a ‘community first’ model but the local team are currently negotiating with Project Colt in Elland. Whilst the Council currently have a presence there, the ambition is to deliver the full programme of interventions there.   ·        Calderdale already deliver groups and facilitate mutual aid meetings all over the borough; the full range is outlined in the website ‘Calderdale in Recovery’. The Council operates satellite clinics in Beechwood and Brig Royd surgeries and will run other clinics where possible. The team is looking at developing an off-site prescribing service which can work directly with drug users in community settings, which aspires to be a roving service and runs a HOPE team (Health Outreach Prevention and Engagement) that can be deployed to respond to identified needs in the community.   This Council resolves to:   ·        Request Place Scrutiny Board to conduct in depth review of the Council’s current drug treatment provision and recommend any improvements to Cabinet including, if appropriate, asking the Council Leader and Chief Executive to write to Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, drawing her attention to the ‘Offender to Rehab’ pilot program, and asking her to consider whether it could add value to existing West Yorkshire provision and, if so, to provide funding for a pilot.   ·        Continue our various strands of support for local businesses generally and work with local businesses where appropriate to promote a positive and supportive environment for recovering drug users.   ·        Continue to explore opportunities for expanding the Council’s current drug addiction services to other areas of Calderdale.   (D)          Support the Climate and Nature Bill   The maximum time allowed for discussion of Motions under Council Procedure Rule 14.5 having been reached, the Mayor invited Councillor E Hey to advise whether the Motion should be deferred to the next meeting of Council to be taken as the first item for Motions submitted under Council Procedure Rule 14. Councillor E Hey advised that the Green Group were happy to withdraw their Motion in support of the Amended Motion and proceed to vote.   It was moved by Councillor Patient, Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson   After being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was carried.   RESOLVED that:   Climate change is impacting us all. Calderdale has been directly impacted by climate change, as we are all aware; as we approach the ninth anniversary of the Calder Valley floods, in which over 3000 properties were flooded and which caused £150 million pounds’ worth of damage, we must keep in mind that, despite the Council’s best efforts, climate change will make such incidents ever more likely and more severe. Calderdale Council has previously shown its commitment to this agenda and has already supported the Climate and Nature (formerly the Climate Ecology Bill), as demonstrated by the successful Labour motion to Council in September 2021.   The average global temperature has already increased by 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Last year’s soaring temperatures made it clear that the target of restricting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is slipping away. International climate officials confirmed that 2023 was the planet’s hottest year on record, while the impacts of even higher temperatures this year have been sharply felt across Europe.   Alongside this, the natural world has reached crisis point, with 28% of plants and animals threatened with extinction and thousands of other species already lost to global warming. The UK is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in seven of our plants and animals facing extinction and over 40% in decline.   The Climate and Nature Bill requires the UK to take responsibility for our fair share of greenhouse gas emissions and commit to a carbon budget that would keep temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius, while also working to prioritise, restore and protect our unique and vital natural environment.   The bill has been introduced to Parliament on five other occasions since 2020, including most recently in May 2024, where the bill’s name was changed from Climate & Ecology Bill to the Climate & Nature Bill. The bill is going back to Parliament on Friday 24th January 2025, backed by over 180 cross-party MPs and Peers, around 237 local authorities, and eminent scientists such as Sir David King. Over 1100 leading climate scientists, ecologists, academics and medical professionals have signed a letter calling on MPs to fast-track this new legislation.   The Climate and Nature Bill would require the Government to develop a new environmental strategy, which would include:   1.      Delivering a joined-up environmental plan, as the crises in climate and nature are deeply intertwined and require a plan that considers them both together.   2.      Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5 degrees Celsius to ensure the best chance of meeting the UK’s Paris Agreement obligations.   3.      Not just halting but reversing the decline in nature, setting nature measurably on the path to recovery by 2030.   4.      Taking responsibility for our overseas footprint, both emissions and ecological.   5.      Prioritising nature in decision making and ending fossil fuel production and imports as rapidly as possible.   6.      Providing retraining for those currently working in the fossil fuel industries.   7.      Giving the British people a say in finding ways forward via a temporary independent and representative Climate & Nature Assembly, as part of creating consensus and ensuring that no-one and no community is left behind.   Calderdale Council therefore resolves to:   ·        Continue its strong support for the Climate and Nature (formerly CEE) Bill as originally stated through a Labour motion of September 2021.   ·        Inform residents and local press/media of this continued support.   ·        Write to our new MPs, Kate Dearden and Josh Fenton-Glynn, to inform them that the motion has been passed and to urge them to support the Climate & Nature Bill.   ·        Make sure that climate remains a Council priority given the upcoming 5-year anniversary of Calderdale Council’s own Climate Emergency declaration.   ·        Write to Zero Hour, the organisers of the cross-party campaign for the bill, expressing Calderdale Council’s support.

Date of Decision: November 27, 2024