Issue - meetings

1.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HILTON

“This council records its thanks to everyone that has helped during the coronavirus pandemic, be they council staff, those working in the NHS or the care sector and the many volunteers who helped others within our close-knit communities.

This council agrees that Gloucester must retain and encourage the continued development of the volunteer-led community support system that worked so well to help many people in Gloucester during the lockdown, including the homeless, those living in poverty and the vulnerable.

We also agree that we should make sure that this diverse support system is able to assist in the event of a second wave of Covid-19 infections should it happen in Gloucestershire within the next few months.”

2.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR HANSDOT

“Council is appalled by and condemns the recent killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, America.

Council recognises and supports the ‘Black Lives Matters’ campaign and its efforts to raise awareness of racial inequality and institutionalised racism within the United Kingdom.

Council notes that black people in the United Kingdom are:

·       8 x more likely to be stopped as part of ‘stop and search laws’ than white people

·       More likely to be in low paid jobs or unemployed

·       More likely to live in poor housing conditions

·       Less likely to have good educational opportunities

·       More likely to die from the COVID-19 pandemic

Council is committed to tackling racial discrimination and working with our BAME community to address issues of racial discrimination.

This includes undertaking a review of all statues/ monuments/ plaques within the City that celebrate the lives of those who profited greatly from the slave trade/ plantation ownership.

Council resolves to:

1.    Write to the American Ambassador on behalf of the City setting out our deep concerns and condemnation at the killing of George Floyd

2.    Set up a Commission with partner organisations in the City including the Police & Crime Commissioner, County Council, NHS and representatives of BAME community to review race relations in Gloucester with a view to producing recommendations to improve the lives of and enhance opportunities for BAME communities within the City

3.    Undertake a review of all monuments, statues and plaques within the City connected with the slave trade/ plantation ownership with a view to renaming or removing them as appropriate

4.    The above review to include Bakers Quay and Phillpotts Warehouse. Both Samuel Baker and Thomas Phillpotts were heavily involved in and much of their wealth was generated by the slave trade/ plantation ownership.”

3.    PROPOSED BY COUNCILLOR STEPHENS

“Council notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many serious challenges both in terms of resources and particularly pressure on the Council’s finances due to increased expenditure and loss of income.

As at the end May 2020 Council has:

·       Spent an additional £1.312 million directly on COVID-19 related expenditure

·       Estimated lost income from collection fund of £1.4 million (£900,000 business rates and £500,000 council tax)

·       Estimated lost income from sales, fees, and charges of £2.2 million

·       Estimated lost income from property  ...  view the full agenda text for item 22