Agenda item

1.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

 

“This council welcomes the gathering of £6 million of public funds to carry out major refurbishment of Gloucester Railway Station.

 

This council agrees that the proposed changes at the railway station will enhance the rail passenger experience and along with our new bus station give Gloucester a first class public transport hub fit for the 21^st Century.

 

This council agrees that Gloucester has waited a long time for the railway station upgrade with the proposals for the underpass upgrade being on the cards since the early noughties.

 

This council agrees that the long awaited upgrade of the underpass from Great Western Road to Bruton Way must be the first priority for construction and completion.

 

This council agrees that the project team should ensure that construction work is started in the first quarter on 2021.”

 

2.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR MELVIN

 

“In January 2018 Gloucester City Council adopted the MND Charter and in doing so agreed to help achieve better outcomes for those living with motor neurone disease.

 

The five points of that charter were

 

·       the right to an early diagnosis and information;

·       the right to access quality care and treatments;

·       the right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect;

·       the right to maximise their quality of life; and carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well-supported.

 

This disease is fatal, rapidly progressing and it has no cure. It affects around 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time and sadly, due to the speed it progresses, many of these adults die without the right care, a suitable wheelchair, or any support to communicate with their loved ones.

 

This Council recognises that we work with many individuals with a range of illnesses and disabilities and, although we don’t directly provide care or equipment, we do have a role to play to make sure our residents are supported in ways which best meet their needs. Whilst the Council cannot prioritise one disease or disability over another we do recognise the unique and personal ways people’s lives are affected by MND.

 

This motion is to reiterate our commitment to the Charter adopted in January 2018.

 

This Council commits to:

 

·       We commit to understanding the experiences of those living with MND and how our services can better respond to their progressive illness. 

·       We commit to monitoring and reviewing services being delivered to those with MND to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to make their lives as dignified as possible.

·       We commit to a communications campaign that would help to hear the voices of people with MND and their experiences of dealing with/ working with the Council & schedule in next year’s communications planning.”

 

3.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HANSDOT

 

“Council notes:

 

Commonwealth veterans have a long and proud history of service in the British military, from conflicts old, such as World War Two to recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, Commonwealth veterans have served with distinction alongside British born veterans.

 

However, when their service is complete many are left with extortionate charges to remain in the UK. Commonwealth veterans are supposed to receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK however many veterans state that the army failed to inform them that they needed to make an immediate application to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK when their service was complete. Many thought the process was automatic, yet this is not the case.

 

Fees for indefinite leave to remain have also dramatically increased. Since 2015 fees for definite leave to remain have increased by nearly 127% from £1051 - £2381 with a family of four having to pay nearly £10000 to remain in the UK, this figure doesn’t include associated legal fees that some who have struggled with immigration applications may wish to pay. This can lead to many facing spiralling debt and uncertain immigration status because If a veteran is unable to pay they and their family face the prospect of taking on large amounts of debt or failing to pay leaves their immigration status in doubt and the very real prospect of deportation.

 

Whilst their applications are ongoing commonwealth veterans are also unable to seek employment or claim benefits.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To make our armed forces champion and lead officers aware of the difficulties experienced by commonwealth veterans and ensure that those who are currently experiencing problems, whether financial or immigration difficulties, are not disadvantaged whilst their applications are ongoing.

 

2.    That the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister, Kevin Forster the Minister of State for Immigration and Johnny Mercer the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs outlining this Council’s support for all commonwealth veterans who have served a minimum of 4 years being granted automatic and free of charge right to remain in the UK and that any veteran who completes 12 years of service be automatically given British Citizenship.

 

3.    That Council lobbies Gloucester MP Richard Graham to ask that he presses the government for a change in the legislation affects those that have served diligently and honourably for this Country.”

 

4.  PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR STEPHENS

 

“Council values the importance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the global challenges we face including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation and prosperity.

 

Council recognises that we have a decade of action if we are to deliver the goals by 2030.

 

Council believes that all levels of government work together and that local government is a key component to successful domestic implementation of the SDGs.

 

Council notes that in 2019 the cross-party Local Government association unanimously adopted a motion recognising the vital roles that councils could play in planning, implementation and monitoring the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the Agenda 2030.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To lobby central government for them to recognise the vital role local government must play in terms of the planning, implementation and monitoring in local areas, and fully resource councils to do that work, to deliver the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda.

 

2.    To continue to engage our areas through local partnerships and with our citizens to share research and engagement with our networks, partners, and citizens, particularly given our sector’s continuing funding pressures.

 

3.    To formalise our commitment to the Goals and therefore adopts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), agreeing to pursue the Goals in the work undertaken by the Council.

 

4.    To begin work by mapping which targets are relevant using the LGA and UKSSD Sustainable Development Guide.”

 

5.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR COOLE

 

“Council notes that protests on Great Western Road, near to Hope House and Gloucestershire's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, are ongoing.

 

Council believes that patients have the right to access healthcare, medical procedures, and advice free from intimidation, particularly when some will have had to make difficult decisions at a vulnerable time in their lives.

 

Council notes that other local authorities have used Public Spaces Protection Orders to create “buffer zones” around similar facilities, including the first such order concerning a Marie Stopes clinic in the London Borough of Ealing, which has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

 

Council notes that other councils have implemented, or intend to implement, similar measures, including Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council, Richmond London Borough Council and Somerset West and Taunton District Council.

 

Council resolves that the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods should prepare a report investigating the potential for extending the existing PSPO, and/or similar measures, to the relevant area of Great Western Road, to be laid before Cabinet and other relevant committees.”

43.1    Councillor Hilton proposed and Councillor Field seconded the following motion:

 

This council welcomes the gathering of £6 million of public funds to carry out major refurbishment of Gloucester Railway Station.

 

This council agrees that the proposed changes at the railway station will enhance the rail passenger experience and along with our new bus station give Gloucester a first class public transport hub fit for the 21st Century.

 

This council agrees that Gloucester has waited a long time for the railway station upgrade with the proposals for the underpass upgrade being on the cards since the early noughties.

 

This council agrees that the long awaited upgrade of the underpass from Great Western Road to Bruton Way must be the first priority for construction and completion.

 

This council agrees that the project team should ensure that construction work is started in the first quarter on 2021.

 

43.2    Councillor Cook proposed and Councillor Stephens seconded the following amendment:

 

“This council welcomes the gathering of £6 million of public funds to carry out major refurbishment of Gloucester Railway Station.

 

This council agrees that the proposed changes at the railway station will enhance the rail passenger experience and along with our new bus station give Gloucester a first class public transport hub fit for the 21^st Century.

 

This council agrees that Gloucester has waited a long time for the railway station upgrade with the proposals for the underpass upgrade being on the cards since the early noughties.

 

This council agrees that the long awaited upgrade of the underpass from Great Western Road to Bruton Way must be the first is the highest priority for construction and completion and must start on site as soon as possible.

 

This council agrees that the project team should ensure that construction work is started in the first quarter of 2021 as soon as possible and if practical no later than the first quarter of 2021.”

 

43.3    Councillor Hilton accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

43.4    RESOLVED that:-

This council welcomes the gathering of £6 million of public funds to carry out major refurbishment of Gloucester Railway Station.

 

This council agrees that the proposed changes at the railway station will enhance the rail passenger experience and along with our new bus station give Gloucester a first class public transport hub fit for the 21^st Century.

 

This council agrees that Gloucester has waited a long time for the railway station upgrade with the proposals for the underpass upgrade being on the cards since the early noughties.

 

This council agrees that the long awaited upgrade of the underpass from Great Western Road to Bruton Way is the highest priority and must start on site as soon as possible.

 

This council agrees that the project team should ensure that construction work is started as soon as possible and if practical no later than the first quarter of 2021.

 

43.5    Councillor Melvin proposed and Councillor Williams seconded the following motion:

 

          “In January 2018 Gloucester City Council adopted the MND Charter and in doing so agreed to help achieve better outcomes for those living with motor neurone disease.

 

The five points of that charter were

 

•         the right to an early diagnosis and information;

•         the right to access quality care and treatments;

•         the right to be treated as individuals and with dignity and respect;

•         the right to maximise their quality of life; and carers of people with MND have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well-supported.

 

This disease is fatal, rapidly progressing and it has no cure. It affects around 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time and sadly, due to the speed it progresses, many of these adults die without the right care, a suitable wheelchair, or any support to communicate with their loved ones.

 

This Council recognises that we work with many individuals with a range of illnesses and disabilities and, although we don’t directly provide care or equipment, we do have a role to play to make sure our residents are supported in ways which best meet their needs. Whilst the Council cannot prioritise one disease or disability over another we do recognise the unique and personal ways people’s lives are affected by MND.

 

This motion is to reiterate our commitment to the Charter adopted in January 2018.

 

This Council commits to:

 

•         We commit to understanding the experiences of those living with MND and how our services can better respond to their progressive illness.

•         We commit to monitoring and reviewing services being delivered to those with MND to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to make their lives as dignified as possible.

•         We commit to a communications campaign that would help to hear the voices of people with MND and their experiences of dealing with/ working with the Council & schedule in next year’s comms planning.”

 

43.6    The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

43.7    Councillor Hansdot proposed and Councillor Pullen seconded the following motion:

 

          “Council notes:

 

Commonwealth veterans have a long and proud history of service in the British military, from conflicts old, such as World War Two to recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, Commonwealth veterans have served with distinction alongside British born veterans.

 

However, when their service is complete many are left with extortionate charges to remain in the UK. Commonwealth veterans are supposed to receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK however many veterans state that the army failed to inform them that they needed to make an immediate application to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK when their service was complete. Many thought the process was automatic, yet this is not the case.

 

Fees for indefinite leave to remain have also dramatically increased. Since 2015 fees for definite leave to remain have increased by nearly 127% from £1051 - £2381 with a family of four having to pay nearly £10000 to remain in the UK, this figure doesn’t include associated legal fees that some who have struggled with immigration applications may wish to pay. This can lead to many facing spiralling debt and uncertain immigration status because If a veteran is unable to pay they and their family face the prospect of taking on large amounts of debt or failing to pay leaves their immigration status in doubt and the very real prospect of deportation.

 

Whilst their applications are ongoing commonwealth veterans are also unable to seek employment or claim benefits.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.       To make our armed forces champion and lead officers aware of the difficulties experienced by commonwealth veterans and ensure that those who are currently experiencing problems, whether financial or immigration difficulties, are not disadvantaged whilst their applications are ongoing.

 

2.       That the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister, Kevin Forster the Minister of State for Immigration and Johnny Mercer the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs outlining this Council’s support for all commonwealth veterans who have served a minimum of 4 years being granted automatic and free of charge right to remain in the UK and that any veteran who completes 12 years of service be automatically given British Citizenship.

 

3.       That Council lobbies Gloucester MP Richard Graham to ask that he presses the government for a change in the legislation affects those that have served diligently and honourably for this Country.”

 

43.8    Councillor Watkins proposed and Councillor Lewis seconded the following amendment:

 

         

          “Council notes:

 

Commonwealth veterans have a long and proud history of service in the British military, from conflicts old, such as World War Two to recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, Commonwealth veterans have served with distinction alongside British born veterans.

 

However, when their service is complete many are left with extortionate charges to remain in the UK. Commonwealth veterans are supposed to receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK however many veterans state that the army failed to inform them that they needed to make an immediate application to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK when their service was complete. Many thought the process was automatic, yet this is not the case.

 

Fees for indefinite leave to remain have also dramatically increased. Since 2015 fees for definite leave to remain have increased by nearly 127% from £1051 - £2381 with a family of four having to pay nearly £10000 to remain in the UK, this figure doesn’t include associated legal fees that some who have struggled with immigration applications may wish to pay. This can lead to many facing spiralling debt and uncertain immigration status because If a veteran is unable to pay they and their family face the prospect of taking on large amounts of debt or failing to pay leaves their immigration status in doubt and the very real prospect of deportation.

 

Whilst their applications are ongoing commonwealth veterans are also unable to seek employment or claim benefits.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.  To make our armed forces champion and lead officers aware of the difficulties experienced by commonwealth veterans and ensure that those who are currently experiencing problems, whether financial or immigration difficulties, are not disadvantaged  are treated respectfully, fairly and equitably whilst their applications are ongoing.

 

2.    That the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister, Kevin Forster the Minister of State for Immigration and Johnny Mercer the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs outlining this Council’s support for all commonwealth veterans who have served a minimum of 4 years being granted automatic and free of charge right to remain in the UK and that any veteran who completes 12 years of service be automatically given British Citizenship.

 

3.    That Council lobbies recognises that Gloucester MP Richard Graham leads on a campaign to presses the government for a change in the legislation which affects those that have served diligently and honourably for this Country.”

 

 

43.9    Councillor Hansdot accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

43.10  RESOLVED that:-

 

          “Council notes:

 

Commonwealth veterans have a long and proud history of service in the British military, from conflicts old, such as World War Two to recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, Commonwealth veterans have served with distinction alongside British born veterans.

 

However, when their service is complete many are left with extortionate charges to remain in the UK. Commonwealth veterans are supposed to receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK however many veterans state that the army failed to inform them that they needed to make an immediate application to the Home Office for leave to remain in the UK when their service was complete. Many thought the process was automatic, yet this is not the case.

 

Fees for indefinite leave to remain have also dramatically increased. Since 2015 fees for definite leave to remain have increased by nearly 127% from £1051 - £2381 with a family of four having to pay nearly £10000 to remain in the UK, this figure doesn’t include associated legal fees that some who have struggled with immigration applications may wish to pay. This can lead to many facing spiralling debt and uncertain immigration status because If a veteran is unable to pay they and their family face the prospect of taking on large amounts of debt or failing to pay leaves their immigration status in doubt and the very real prospect of deportation.

 

Whilst their applications are ongoing commonwealth veterans are also unable to seek employment or claim benefits.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.  To make our armed forces champion and lead officers aware of the difficulties experienced by commonwealth veterans and ensure that those who are currently experiencing problems, whether financial or immigration difficulties,are treated respectfully, fairly and equitably whilst their applications are ongoing.

 

2.    That the Leader of the Council writes to the Prime Minister, Kevin Forster the Minister of State for Immigration and Johnny Mercer the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs outlining this Council’s support for all commonwealth veterans who have served a minimum of 4 years being granted automatic and free of charge right to remain in the UK and that any veteran who completes 12 years of service be automatically given British Citizenship.

 

3.    That Council recognises that Gloucester MP Richard Graham leads on a campaign to press the government for a change in the legislation which affects those that have served diligently and honourably for this Country.”

 

43.11  Councillor Stephens proposed and Councillor Hampson seconded the following motion:

 

          “Council values the importance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the global challenges we face including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation and prosperity.

 

Council recognises that we have a decade of action if we are to deliver the goals by 2030.

 

Council believes that all levels of government work together and that local government is a key component to successful domestic implementation of the SDGs.

 

Council notes that in 2019 the cross-party Local Government association unanimously adopted a motion recognising the vital roles that councils could play in planning, implementation and monitoring the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the Agenda 2030.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To lobby central government for them to recognise the vital role local government must play in terms of the planning, implementation and monitoring in local areas, and fully resource councils to do that work, to deliver the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda.

 

2.    To continue to engage our areas through local partnerships and with our citizens to share research and engagement with our networks, partners, and citizens, particularly given our sector’s continuing funding pressures.

 

3.    To formalise our commitment to the Goals and therefore adopts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), agreeing to pursue the Goals in the work undertaken by the Council.

 

4.    To begin work by mapping which targets are relevant using the LGA and UKSSD Sustainable Development Guide.”

 

43.12  Councillor Cook proposed and Councillor Watkins seconded the following amendment:

 

“Council values the importance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the global challenges we face including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation and prosperity.

 

Council recognises that we have a decade of action if we are to deliver the goals by 2030.

 

Council believes that all levels of government work together and that local government is a key component to successful domestic implementation of the SDGs.

 

Council notes that in 2019 the cross-party Local Government association unanimously adopted a motion recognising the vital roles that councils could play in planning, implementation and monitoring the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the Agenda 2030.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.    To lobby central government for them to recognise the vital role local government must play in terms of the planning, implementation and monitoring in local areas, and fully resource councils to do that work, to deliver the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. 

 

2.     To continue to engage our areas through local partnerships and     with our citizens to share research and engagement with our networks, partners, and citizens, particularly given our sector’s continuing funding pressures.To recognise the role that the Council’s policies on Social Value can play in delivering against key aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals and to continue to build local partnerships, share knowledge and research and engage with new and existing networks, partners and citizens to deliver social value. 

 

3.    To formalise our commitment to the Goals and therefore adopts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), agreeing to pursue the Goals in the work undertaken by the Council.

 

3.    To begin work by mapping which targets are relevant using the LGA and UKSSD Sustainable Development Guide. 

 

4.    To formalise the City Council’s commitment to the Goals by embedding the principles into relevant City Council policies, plans and strategies as and when those documents are developed, reviewed or replaced.”

 

43.13  Councillor Stephens accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

43.14  RESOLVED that:-

Council values the importance of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the global challenges we face including poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation and prosperity.

 

Council recognises that we have a decade of action if we are to deliver the goals by 2030.

 

Council believes that all levels of government work together and that local government is a key component to successful domestic implementation of the SDGs.

 

Council notes that in 2019 the cross-party Local Government association unanimously adopted a motion recognising the vital roles that councils could play in planning, implementation and monitoring the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the Agenda 2030.

 

Council resolves:

 

1.       To lobby central government for them to recognise the vital role local government must play in terms of the planning, implementation and monitoring in local areas, and fully resource councils to do that work, to deliver the UK’s progress on meeting the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda. 

 

2.             To recognise the role that the Council’s policies on Social Value can play in delivering against key aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals and to continue to build local partnerships, share knowledge and research and engage with new and existing networks, partners and citizens to deliver social value. 

 

3.             To begin work by mapping which targets are relevant using the LGA and UKSSD Sustainable Development Guide 

 

4.             To formalise the City Council’s commitment to the Goals by embedding the principles into relevant City Council policies, plans and strategies as and when those documents are developed, reviewed or replaced.

 

43.15  Councillor Coole proposed and Councillor Stephens seconded the following motion:

          “Council notes that protests on Great Western Road, near to Hope House and Gloucestershire's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, are ongoing.

Council believes that patients have the right to access healthcare, medical procedures, and advice free from intimidation, particularly when some will have had to make difficult decisions at a vulnerable time in their lives.

Council notes that other local authorities have used Public Spaces Protection Orders to create “buffer zones” around similar facilities, including the first such order concerning a Marie Stopes clinic in the London Borough of Ealing, which has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Council notes that other councils have implemented, or intend to implement, similar measures, including Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council, Richmond London Borough Council and Somerset West and Taunton District Council.

Council resolves that the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods should prepare a report investigating the potential for extending the existing PSPO, and/or similar measures, to the relevant area of Great Western Road, to be laid before Cabinet and other relevant committees.”

 

43.16  Councillor Watkins proposed and Councillor Melvin seconded the following amendment:

“Council notes that protests on Great Western Road, near to Hope House and Gloucestershire's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, are ongoing.

 

Council believes that patients have the right to access healthcare, medical procedures, and advice free from intimidation, particularly when some will have had to make difficult decisions at a vulnerable time in their lives.

 

Council notes that other local authorities have used Public Spaces Protection Orders to create “buffer zones” around similar facilities, including the first such order concerning a Marie Stopes clinic in the London Borough of Ealing, which has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

 

Council notes that other councils have implemented, or intend to implement, similar measures, including Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council, Richmond London Borough Council and Somerset West and Taunton District Council.

 

Council resolves that the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods should prepare a report commits toinvestigating the potential for extending the existing PSPO, and/or similar measures, to the relevant area of Great Western Road, to be laid before Cabinet and other relevant committees. subject to evidence, at the scheduled annual review in January 2021.”

 

43.17  Councillor Coole accepted the amendment which became the substantive motion. The motion was put to the vote and was carried.

 

43.18  RESOLVED:-

 

Council notes that protests on Great Western Road, near to Hope House and Gloucestershire's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, are ongoing.

 

Council believes that patients have the right to access healthcare, medical procedures, and advice free from intimidation, particularly when some will have had to make difficult decisions at a vulnerable time in their lives.

 

Council notes that other local authorities have used Public Spaces Protection Orders to create “buffer zones” around similar facilities, including the first such order concerning a Marie Stopes clinic in the London Borough of Ealing, which has been upheld by the Court of Appeal.

 

Council notes that other councils have implemented, or intend to implement, similar measures, including Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council, Richmond London Borough Council and Somerset West and Taunton District Council.

 

Council resolves that the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods commits to investigating the potential for extending the existing PSPO, to the relevant area of Great Western Road, subject to evidence, at the scheduled annual review in January 2021.