Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the 16 July 4pm, 16 July 4.15pm, 3 September and 29 September 2020 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barnett, McGerty and O’Reilly.

 

 

Member	Item	Interest
Councillor Baigent	All	Personal: Member of Cambridge Cycling Campaign and Extinction Rebellion.
Councillor Smith	All	Personal: Member of Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Councillor Davies	20/88/CNLa	Personal: Makes donation to American Civil Liberties Union.

 

For each petition the petition organiser will be given 5 minutes to present the petition at the meeting and the petition will then be discussed by Councillors for a maximum of 15 minutes.

 

A petition has been received containing over 500 valid signatures stating the following:

 

We call on Cambridge City Council to carry out an early review of its Open Spaces strategy, updating its inventory of what the city has already, re-affirming the requirement for generous new provision integral to future developments and – not only protecting existing open space – but exploring options to provide more where there is insufficient in some of the city’s already built-up areas.

 

 

 

A petition had been received containing over 500 signatures stating the following:

 

We call on Cambridge City Council to carry out an early review of its Open Spaces strategy, updating its inventory of what the city has already, re-affirming the requirement for generous new provision integral to future developments and – not only protecting existing open space – but exploring options to provide more where there is insufficient in some of the city’s already built-up areas.

 

Michael Bond presented and spoke in support of the petition and made the following points:

i.               Public open spaces are being used more by the public during the current pandemic for meeting friends and enjoying nature.   They are vital for physical and mental health. Residents of properties with no private outdoor space rely on the famous larger open spaces including Parkers Piece and Midsummer Common, but also the smaller community recreation grounds.

ii.             Cambridge City Council had set a high standard for open space provision for developers in its planning policy, but it needed to ensure this was delivered and not traded off against existing open space. This was a concern with the plan for development in North East Cambridge.

iii.            Development pressure on existing open space was a concern, with developers rarely wishing to expand the space. It was disappointing that the council had approved development on existing open space such as St Albans recreation ground and others in West Chesterton.

iv.           Public open space was not evenly distributed within the city and was an inequality which the council could address.  He asked if there were means to correct this in areas which had disproportionately little public open space, such as Petersfield, Romsey, Arbury and Chesterton?

v.             The petition was asking the council to hasten the preparation of a new open spaces strategy, take stock of what had happened since the last one in 2011, take into account the lessons of the pandemic, and resolve to apply the strategy.

 

Councillors debated the issues raised for the allocated 15 minutes.

 

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces Councillor Thornburrow made the following comments in response to the debate:

      i.         The value of open space was not contested, and across the country the use of open space increased by 67% during lockdown in March. Developing open space took time.

    ii.         The new country park created as part of the Darwin Green development in Castle ward would be available to use by residents of other wards and was a short walk from the north of the city.

   iii.         Cambridge was well equipped, both in protected open space, and more generally.  Some open spaces were open to the public and others including church yards and allotments were not. The Council had 734 hectares of public protected open space. Some wards had proportionally lower levels than others, however there were no borders between wards and residents could move freely to use open space outside of their ward or outside the city, such as Milton Country Park. It was not useful to frame the debate in ward or city terms, but better to ask how far residents were from open spaces they could use.

  iv.         The Council was already reviewing the open spaces strategy with South Cambridgeshire District Council as part of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan (GCLP).  This included a survey of existing provision by external consultants and involved local community groups and other organisations.  Initial findings would be published soon as part of the evidence base supporting the GCLP and would be discussed at the Joint Local Planning Advisory Group. There would be further opportunities for everyone to share views on types and scales of open space, as part of the local plan process, which was both cross party and cross boundary.

 

With the Mayor’s discretion, Councillor Porrer further asked if the work on the review of the open spaces strategy could be prioritised and advanced more quickly.

 

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces Councillor Thornburrow made the following comments:

i.               The review of the Open Spaces Strategy was part of the local plan process and she wanted to assure the petitioner that the review had started. This was a complex process and could not be prioritised over other work at the moment as it took time to get the evidence together. Both City and South Cambridgeshire District Council Councillors would input into this process, before the strategy was adopted. Noted this was a priority for the residents of Cambridge.

We the undersigned petition the council to 1) commit to extending the current Council refugee resettlement program to receive an additional 125 refugees or asylum seekers from abroad. 2) communicate to relevant agencies and departments in the UK Government, and through public statements, Cambridge City Council's willingness to welcome and support more refugees in Cambridge, especially, but not exclusively, refugees on the Greek islands who are stuck in unsafe and inhumane camps as well as through the UK Resettlement Scheme. 3) invite district councils within Cambridgeshire to join and collaborate with Cambridge City Council to commit to accept additional resettled refugees within their districts, as previously demonstrated by South Cambridgeshire District Council in 2019. 4) where possible, make council housing available to people resettled through this scheme. 5) commit to working with local agencies, residents, landlords and charities to resolve any barriers to resettlement or support.

Justification:

As a city, we continue to express solidarity and compassion for refugees around the world. We want our City Council to continue to live up to their previous commitment to be a 'city of sanctuary' by inviting and welcoming more refugees to share our diverse city with us.

The current scheme has successfully resettled around 125 refugees over 5 years to Cambridge from various countries and nationalities. The resettlement scheme has allowed us to welcome some of the most vulnerable of the millions of refugees worldwide. However, this cannot be a one-time solution: we must continue to show that Cambridge welcomes refugees.

We are particularly appalled by the treatment and experiences of an estimated 27,000 refugees trapped in camps on the Aegean Islands in Greece, as highlighted by the Europe Must Act campaign. Refugees in these camps face inadequate sanitary conditions, minimal running water and cramped living conditions. This is especially acute in light of the current pandemic: it is impossible to isolate, social distance and even wash your hands frequently in the camps. There are already 35 cases of Covid-19 amongst the Moria population.

The devastating fire in Moria which raged between 7th-9th September has given this situation new urgency. All have lost their homes; many have lost their life possessions. 40% of the affected people are children. The 35 known Covid-19 cases are now dispersed amongst the 13,000 people sleeping on the street.

The fire was a direct result of the conditions in the camp which Europe has consistently ignored for four years. The UK was instrumental in forming the policies which created these camps.

Therefore, although neither the EU nor the UK Government has committed to a process for local authorities to accept refugees evacuated from the camps, we would like Cambridge City Council to make clear it's wish for the UK to participate in such a process and the City Council’s willingness to receive refugees from the camps in Greece, in addition to refugees resettled from other places. The mayor and city council of Berlin have already committed to receive 15,000 people in this manner.

We would like to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 20/84/CNLb

Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

 

Question 1

i.               They drew attention to The Tree Charter, developed by the Woodland Trust, and launched in 2017 and asked for Cambridge City Council to commit to uphold it’s 10 principles and values.

ii.             The 10 principles included:

a.    to sustain landscapes rich in wildlife

b.    to Plant for the Future

c.    to Celebrate the power of trees to inspire

d.    to grow forests of opportunity and innovation, supporting tree-based careers and industries

e.    to protect irreplaceable trees and woods, promoting the protection of Ancient woodlands and our cultural, historic and future tree heritage.

f.     To plan greener local landscapes

g.    to recover health, hope and wellbeing with the help of trees

h.    to make trees accessible to all

i.      to combat the threats to our habitats through promoting resilience to pests, diseases and climate change

j.      to strengthen our landscapes with trees and support the wider benefits of trees by growing our urban forest

iii.            Commented that The Tree Charter was in line with the strategic objective of the new Local Plan, and was in line with the Council’s Tree strategy vision and with the Nature Conservation Strategy which sought to protect and enhance, raise awareness of biodiversiy. It also chimed with the wider work of the mental health charities in Cambridge.

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces responded:

           i.              Confirmed the Council would commit to uphold The Tree Charter’s 10 principles and values as it aligned with existing council policies, aims and objectives, to make Cambridge a greener city and address the Cambridge climate and biodiversity emergencies.

          ii.              Confirmed the commitment to work with communities to address the current climate and biodiversity emergencies and protect and enhance the city’s canopy cover.

 

The member of the public made the following supplementary points:

               i.               Wanted to highlight Tree Charter Day which was on the 28 November and which also marked the start of National Tree Week.

             ii.               Commented that it would be good if the City Council’s commitment to the Tree Charter was also marked on the 28 November.  The commitment from the council would be a city-wide focus for ongoing action unity, and celebration.

 

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces responded:

               i.               Wanted to promote the tree canopy project and the tree mapping project and would liaise with the public speaker about the events around the Tree Charter Day and National Tree Week.

 

Question 2

               i.               The Chair of CamSkate spoke and said he was representing Cambridge skateboarders; CamSkate was formed in August 2020 to provide a voice for skateboarders.

             ii.               Expressed frustration with the facilities in Cambridge which were becoming overcrowded and noted that a lot of different people were becoming interested in skateboarding.

            iii.               Noted current facilities were inadequate and in a poor state of repair. There was a lack of covered facilities for skateboarders in winter months.

           iv.               Asked how CamSkate could work with the council to establish an indoor or a covered facility so that skateboarding could continue for 12 months of the year. 

 

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces responded:

      i.         Welcomed the public speakers to the meeting and thanked them for bringing CamSkate to the Council’s attention.

    ii.         Thought skateboarding was a great recreational activity

   iii.         The Council would be investing a further £20,000 for a new skate ramp at Chesterton Recreation Ground adding to the £50,000 allocated in 2019 for repairs at Jesus Green.

  iv.         An options report was expected soon for Coldham’s Common BMX track.

    v.         A meeting had taken place with councillors at Donkey Common to discuss improvements to facilities there.

  vi.         Wanted to meet with CamSkate and discuss a 5 year plan for skateboarding facilities.

 

The member of the public made the following supplementary points:

      i.         They were pleased with the impact CamSkate had made in the short period of time that CamSkate had been going.

    ii.         Would be great to see the Chesterton facility improved so that it could be used.

   iii.         Wanted to discuss short term and long-term fixes as unfortunately those who had become interested in the sport over the summer months would have to travel outside of Cambridge to find facilities that they could use during the winter months. 

  iv.         CamSkate would love to be involved in long term planning about open spaces.

 

Question 3

        i.       The problems with Cyclepoint persisted. Theft seemed out of control and it was no longer safe to leave a bike there for any length of time.

      ii.        Despite Greater Anglia’s claims, it was clear there was no efficient process for the police to receive CCTV from Greater Anglia. 

    iii.        Asked what councillors and/or the Council were doing to ensure Greater Anglia complied with the original planning condition regarding cycle parking and asked what the Council was doing to make sure that CCTV footage from Greater Anglia was reviewed and submitted to the police in a timely and useful manner.

 

The Executive Councillor for Transport and Community Safety responded:

      ii.        Cycle crime was of high concern.

    iii.        Had met with staff at Greater Anglia three times to discuss the problems of cycle crime and possible solutions and had also attended the site with Councillor Thornburrow and had had a further meeting with officers from Planning Team and CCTV Team to discuss the issue.

    iv.       Greater Anglia had employed a private security firm to routinely patrol Cyclepoint for up to 8 times a day.

      v.       There were still issues with CCTV monitoring and signage.

    vi.       The Council’s CCTV Team were in talks with Greater Anglia about incorporating their CCTV into the council’s CCTV.

  vii.        Believed that Greater Anglia were failing to provide CCTV to the police in a timely manner.

 viii.        During the pandemic, site visits at Cyclepoint had been undertaken to view the state of the internal parking areas, signage and abandoned bicycles. Warning letters had been issued to Greater Anglia requesting details of the management and interior of Cyclepoint. Greater Anglia had submitted details and these were with the Planning Department for consideration.

    ix.       In conjunction with the Community Safety Partnership a cycle crime reduction task group had been convened.

      x.       The police were continuing with education and enforcement work over the autumn period following the return of students to Cambridge.

 

Question 4

        i.       Cambridge was an open and welcoming city but a clear message needed to be sent that hatred would not be tolerated. In the light of rising antisemitism across Europe, will the council be adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism.

 

The Leader responded:

      ii.        Committed to the adoption of the Internal Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

        xi.       Noted that there had been a number of hate crimes towards members of the Jewish community in Cambridge.

      xii.       Committed to taking a report to the Civic Affairs Committee so the council’s commitment could be stated clearly.

 

The member of the public made the following supplementary points:

        i.       Thanked the Leader for the swift and positive response and hoped this could be followed up by condemning all forms of hate and islamophobia.

 

The Leader responded:

           i.    Noted incidences against Cambridge’s Jewish community and also incidences against Cambridge’s Muslim community following the construction of the new mosque on Mill Road.

          ii.    Would work with communities to defend the rights of Muslim communities.

        iii.    Committed to the adoption of the Internal Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

Resolved (by 25 votes to 0) to:

 

      i.         Approve proposals for changes in existing housing capital budgets, as introduced in Sections 6 and 7 and detailed in Appendix E of the officer’s report with the resulting position summarised in Appendix H.

    ii.         Approve the revised funding mix for the delivery of the Housing Capital Programme, recognising the latest assumptions for the use of Devolution Grant, Right to Buy Receipts, HRA Resources, Major Repairs Allowance, Section 106 Funding and HRA borrowing.

   iii.         Extend the existing delegated authority to the Strategic Director in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing to approve use of Council land as sites for rough sleeper next steps POD’s on an individual basis based on the criteria as set out in the Housing Development Options for Homeless People report to Housing Scrutiny Committee in January 2020.

 

 

Resolved (unanimously) to:

 

      i.         Approve the Council’s estimated Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2020/21 to 2023/24 as detailed in Appendix A of the officer’s report

 

Resolved (by 25 votes to 0):

 

i.      Agree the budget strategy and timetable as outlined in Section 1 [pages 5 to 7 refer] of the MTFS document.

ii.    Agree the incorporation of changed assumptions and specific, identifiable Covid-19 pressures, as presented in Sections 3 and 4 respectively [pages 18 to 23 refer]. This provides an indication of the net savings requirement, by year for the next five years, and revised projections for General Fund (GF) revenue and funding as shown in Section 5 [page 27 refers]  and reserves [section 7 pages 32 to 35 refer] of the MTFS document.

iii.   Note the changes to the capital plan and funding as set out in Section 6 [pages 28 to 31 refer] and Appendix A [pages 40 to 44] of the MTFS document and agree the new proposals.

 

 

iv.  Agree changes to GF reserve levels, the prudent minimum balance being set at £6.33m and the target level at £7.59m as detailed in section 7 [pages 32 to 35 of the MTFS refers] and Appendix B [pages 45 and 46 of the MTFS refers].

 

 

Question 1

From: Cllr Grace Hadley

To: Executive Councillor for Communities

Can the executive councillor provide an update on the results of the Cultural Recovery Fund applications for the Corn Exchange and the Folk Festival.

 

The Executive Councillor responded:

Cambridge City Council had put in two bids to the Cultural Recovery Fund for the Corn Exchange and the Folk Festival. The Arts Council awarded the Council just over £500,000 in the Culture Recovery Fund bid. Called on the Government to put in place plans now in case we were still in the same position in April 2021. Bids for funding could only be made until April 2021. Arts organisations needed assurance funding would continue if needed beyond April 2021.

 

Question 2

From: Cllr Martinelli

To: Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment & City Centre

Two years ago this Council agreed that we would  make Cambridge's market fur free - has this been achieved?

 

The Executive Councillor responded:

This issue was raised at the February Council where it was confirmed that the council had not been been able to sign up to being a fur free market. The pandemic followed and unfortunately officers had to prioritise the safety of market traders and members of the public so that the market was able to continue to trade during the pandemic. The Markets Team and traders were thanked for the service that they had provided during the pandemic. It was noted that the market had continued to operate 7 days a week throughout the pandemic. The council would sign up to being a fur free market by April 2021.

 

Question 3

From: Cllr  Sargeant

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

What is the latest position with Government proposals for local government reorganisation?

 

The Leader responded:

It was surprising that 2 months ago, during the pandemic the Secretary of State for Communties Housing and Local Government took the view that it was the approprate time to consider reorganisation of local government and outlined plans to introduce unitary councils.  The view of Cambridgeshire Councils was that it was not the right time to consider reorganisation of local government. 

 

Question 4

From: Cllr Price

To: Executive Councillor for Planning and Open Spaces

What do Cambridge and South Cambs councils plan to say in response to the Government white paper “Planning for the Future” and the risk that a hasty and ill-considered set of changes to the planning system risking serious damage to the economic recovery in Cambridge and across the UK?

 

The Executive Councillor responded:

There were about 30 questions and agreed with a few.  This included: digitising local plans, the retention of neighbourhood plans and village design guides ring-fencing affordable housing and stronger emphasis on build out. The proposals would not result in more house building but would result in a less democratic planning system, with less community involvement and therefore a less desirable outcome.  Over the last decade over a million homes which had been granted planning permission had not been built. Across the country 90% of planning applications were approved by local councils. A shake up of the housing market was required; the planning system was not the problem. A previous period of high house building was only achieved with public sector building. Overall opposed the proposals.

 

Question 5

From: Cllr Chadwick

To: Executive Councillor for Transport and Community Safety

I recently received a worrying report from a resident that a leaflet full of coronavirus misinformation and scare stories had been posted through her door. From talking to other members who have heard similar reports this resident is clearly not alone in receiving such leaflets and they are cropping up around the city. As cases rise it is critical our public health messaging is not undermined. What can the city council do to help combat coronavirus misinformation?

 

The Executive Councillor responded:

They had heard about a couple of residents getting scam Covid-19 leaflets via the Environmental Health Team. Thanked Councillor Chadwick for bringing this issue to their attention and was aware of misinformation leaflets being posted around the city including on lamposts and bins. These had been removed by street cleaning operatives and they had been asked to proactively remove these items while they were undertaking their jobs around the city. Flyposting was illegal and enforcement action could be taken against anyone who is caught. Incidences of flyposting could be reported via the city council website https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/report-illegal-advertising or by phoing 01223 458282. The council was working with its partners to support public health messaging. Public Health England needed to be focusing on these scams.

 

Question 6

From: Cllr Gehring

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

Given that the UK Government has announced that a trade deal with the EU is now very unlikely, it seems likely that we all are facing yet another Brexit cliff-edge on 1 January 2020 how is the City of Cambridge preparing for the impact?

 

The Leader responded:

The city had a population of over 20,000 non-UK EU citizens, who would be affected. Have to press the Government for a deal, would have preferred to have stay in the EU. If there is no deal, there would be chaos and the ecomony, jobs and social structures of Britain would be damaged. Britain should be trying to make a deal with the EU.

 

Question 7

From: Cllr Collis

To: Executive Councillor for Communities

Can the executive councillor update us on the support the council is giving to community resilience work in the eventuality of rising Covid-19 cases and an increased tier level.

 

The Executive Councillor responded:

This was a worrying time and the council would continue to do all that it could to support its residents. Work in a number of key areas in the city was on-going. The first was with Anglia Ruskin and the University of Cambridge about testing, prevention and outbreak management and offering advice as far as the council was able to. Acknowledged the work the University of Cambridge had put into its testing programme and noted that work was to begin the following day on a walk-in testing centre in the Abbey overflow car park. Another area included targeted work with vulnerable communities particularly with rough sleepers, people at risk of financial hardship and food poverty and communities particularly at risk of catching Covid-19. The council was also investigating what it could do to assist with loneliness. Further work sought to encourage appropriate behaviours, for example signage in parks, communications to get public health messages out there and management of the city centre. 

 

The following oral questions were tabled but owing to the expiry of the period of time permitted, were not covered during the meeting. The Mayor asked Executive Councillors if a written response could be provided to those questions that had not been covered.

 

Question 8

From: Cllr Dryden

To: Executive Councillor for Housing

Last week was Street Aid Week. Can the Executive Councillor report back on how that went, as well as updating council of efforts made to make it easier for the public to contribute to the fund?

 

Question 9

From: Cllr Page-Croft

To: The Executive Councillor for Communities.

In light of significant delays, could th Excutive Councillor provide an updated schedule for delivery of the new Nightingale Recreation Ground Pavillion?

 

Question 10

From: Cllr Barnett

To: Executive Councillor for Planning and Open Spaces

What is the executive councillor’s view of Government plans to end the requirement for affordable housing to be included in developments of between 11 and 49 homes?

 

Question 11

From: Cllr Matthews

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

We welcome the news that a COVID testing site will be available at the Abbey Leisure Centre—but will the Council Leader join us in making clear our support for the Director of Public Health to lobby for walk-in, 7-day-a-week sites in other parts of the city (the centre, for example) to avoid people without cars having to use public transport while exhibiting symptoms, and be nearer to various student populations?

 

Question 12

From: Cllr Porrer

To: Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces

Could the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces update members on whether or not the city council have now stopped using herbicides under our contract with the county council, as raised in oral questions at the council meeting on 28th May 2020?

 

Question 13

From: Cllr Todd-Jones

To: Executive Councillor for Housing

Can the Executive Councillor provide an update to the council on progress made in building the new council homes this city desperately needs?

 

Question 14

From: Cllr Payne

To: The Executive Councillor for Communities

The work of the mutual aid groups across the city has been of vital importance throughout the lockdown, and this has received cross-party recognition and thanks.  As the second wave begins, many people will still be in need of support.  Could the Executive Councillor please confirm what support the Council will offer to the mutual aid groups on a longer term basis?

 

Question 15

From: Cllr Dave Baigent

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

What is his view on the Government now proposing “No Deal” on Brexit and its impact on Cambridge - after Boris Johnson earlier said that the chances of getting no deal were a million to one?

 

Question 16

From: Cllr Baiju Thittala

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

What is the current position on coronavirus cases in Cambridge?

 

Question 17

From: Cllr Ashton

To: Executive Councillor for Housing

Could the Executive Councillor inform council of what work has been done since its last meeting in supporting homeless people affected during the coronavirus pandemic?

 

Question 18

From: Cllr Dalzell

To: Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces

Due to the excellent work by the Streets and Open Spaces team, our play parks have remained open during the summer months and have been a huge help to  many families across the city, especially those with little or no access to gardens and open spaces at home.  Will the Exec Councillor commit to doing everything possible within Government guidelines to keep these vital play spaces open to our residents over the winter months, including providing hand sanitisers on site where possible, and continuing to provide guidance notes for users about how to access these spaces safely?

 

Question 19

From: Cllr Robertson

To: Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment & City Centre

What work has the Council done linked to the recent return of our two Universities to keep students, University staff and the wider community safe during the pandemic?

 

Question 20

From: Cllr O'Reilly

To: Executive Councillor for Transport and Community Safety

What is the executive councillor doing to tackle cycle crime in the city?

 

Question 21

From: Cllr Tunnacliffe

To: Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment & City Centre

Does the Executive Councillor believe she has done as much as possible to facilitate social distancing for people using the pavements in the city centre?

 

Question 22

From: Cllr Bird

To: Executive Councillor for Transport and Community Safety

What is the executive councillor’s view of the electric scooter trial in Cambridge?

 

Question 23

From: Cllr Bick

To: Executive Councillor for Strategy & External Partnerships

 

Is the Leader content that the eventual plan for the redevelopment of the Park Street car park is going to adequately safeguard unrelated activities within the city?

 

Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary individuals are non-binary.

 

The Council notes that despite 3 years of promises and consultations by successive Conservative governments that have created a storm of anti-trans disinformation, hatred, and violence, the Government has scrapped its plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act. It now suggests that those reforms aren’t a priority for the transgender community despite overwhelming support to de-medicalise the process, removing the spousal veto, and allowing non-binary individuals to gain legal recognition. 

 

The Council thanks the representatives and campaigners from the Kite Trust, Dhiverse, and the Encompass Network, that met with cross-party councillors and officers—and expresses its optimism that despite the Government, ongoing talks will reinforce and develop empathy and inclusivity in Cambridge.

 

The Council will—alongside this continuing work to push for local progress—show solidarity that Cambridge will always be inclusive to transgender people by:

• Flying the Progress Pride flag as soon as possible, and at every occasion where the Pride flag would previously have been flown; the progress pride flag also represents LGBT+ communities of colour in line with our commitment to support the BLM movement.
• Stating publicly that trans rights are human rights.
• Facilitating and strongly encouraging all Councillors to attend Safer Spaces training.

The Council also recommits to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful relationship with all groups recognised under The Equality Act.

 

 

Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary individuals are non-binary.

 

The Council notes that despite 3 years of promises and consultations by successive Conservative governments that have created a storm of anti-trans disinformation, hatred, and violence, the Government has scrapped its plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act. It now suggests that those reforms aren’t a priority for the transgender community despite overwhelming support to de-medicalise the process, removing the spousal veto, and allowing non-binary individuals to gain legal recognition. 

 

The Council thanks the representatives and campaigners from the Kite Trust, Dhiverse, and the Encompass Network, that met with cross-party councillors and officers—and expresses its optimism that despite the Government, ongoing talks will reinforce and develop empathy and inclusivity in Cambridge.

 

The Council will—alongside this continuing work to push for local progress—show solidarity that Cambridge will always be inclusive to transgender people by:

• Flying the Progress Pride flag as soon as possible, and at every occasion where the Pride flag would previously have been flown; the progress pride flag also represents LGBT+ communities of colour in line with our commitment to support the BLM movement.
• Stating publicly that trans rights are human rights.
• Facilitating and strongly encouraging all Councillors to attend Safer Spaces training.

The Council also recommits to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful relationship with all groups recognised under The Equality Act.

 

Councillor Smith proposed and Councillor Davies seconded the following amendment to motion (deleted text struck through and additional text underlined):

 

Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary individuals are non-binary. We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive[1].

 

The Council notes:

1.    That despite 3 years of promises and consultations by successive Conservative governments that have created a storm of anti trans disinformation, hatred, and violence, the Government has scrapped its plans to reform the Gender Recognition Act. The failure of the Tory Government to keep its promise to reform the gender recognition act, claiming that these reforms are not a priority for the trans community,It now suggests that those reforms aren’t a priority for the transgender community despite overwhelming support  from that community to de-medicalise the process, removeing the spousal veto, and allowing non-binary individuals to gain legal recognition.

2.    The concerning number of reported hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people, with hate crime against trans people having quadrupled in the last 5 years[2].

3.    The strong partnership the council has had with LGBTQIA+ groups in the city, including the Kite Trust, Dhiverse, the Encompass Network and Cambridge Pride and the desire to continue to build and develop these relationships as part of our equality work.

4.    Council’s support for LGBTQIA+ initiatives including:

                i.         participation in schemes such as the Encompass Network Safe Spaces initiative,

               ii.         financial support to LGBTQIA+ groups through the grants programme, with grants of £23,500 in the period 2020/21,

             iii.         LGBT+ History Month and Cambridge Pride,

             iv.         arranging awareness training for staff and councillors.

 

5.    That despite many positive initiatives there is always more to do to ensure that we are a genuinely supportive, inclusive and welcoming city.

6.    Our commitment to the Black Lives Matters movement, and our recognition that LGBT+ people of colour face particular challenges and prejudices.

 

·      The Council thanks the representatives and campaigners from the Kite Trust, Dhiverse, and the Encompass Network, that met with cross party councillors and officers and expresses its optimism that despite the Government, ongoing talks will reinforce and develop empathy and inclusivity in Cambridge.

The Council will alongside this continuing work to push for local progress show solidarity that Cambridge will always be inclusive to transgender people by:  

 

This Council therefore resolves to:

·    Flying the Progress Pride flag as soon as possible, and at every occasion where the Pride flag would previously have been flown; the progress pride flag also represents LGBT+ communities of colour in line with our commitment to support the BLM movement. Recognising that it should be up to LGBTQIA+ groups to decide what flag is flown to represent them, continue to consult with all LGBTQIA+ community support and voluntary groups within the city about flying the Progress Pride Flag, at every occasion where the Pride flag would previously have been flown. This also represents LGBTQIA+ people of colour, in line with our commitment to supporting the BLM movement.

·    Stateing publicly that trans rights are human rights, and affirm the legal rights of all protected groups under the 2010 equality act.

·    Facilitateing and strongly encourageing all Councillors to attend Safer Spaces training relevant training, such as Safer Spaces and trans awareness training.

·      Fly the trans flag on international trans day of visibility (March 31^st) and international trans day of remembrance (November 20^th)

·      Look into what we can do as a council to further promote our equality pledge and to raise awareness of the community grants fund amongst LGBTQIA+ groups.

·      The Council also recommits.Recommit to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful relationship with all groups recognised under The Equality Act as having protected characteristics[3], and to reviewing what additional work can be done to support all these groups as part of the upcoming review of the Single Equalities Scheme. And recommit to doing this in an environment of kindness, compassion and mutual respect.

 

On a show of hands the amendment was carried by 30 votes to 0.

 

Resolved: (by 31 votes to 0)

 

Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary individuals are non-binary. We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive[4].

 

The Council notes:

1.    The failure of the Tory Government to keep its promise to reform the gender recognition act, claiming that these reforms are not a priority for the trans community, despite overwhelming support from that community to de-medicalise the process, remove the spousal veto, and allow non-binary individuals to gain legal recognition.

2.    The concerning number of reported hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people, with hate crime against trans people having quadrupled in the last 5 years[5].

3.    The strong partnership the council has had with LGBTQIA+ groups in the city, including the Kite Trust, Dhiverse, the Encompass Network and Cambridge Pride and the desire to continue to build and develop these relationships as part of our equality work.

4.    Council’s support for LGBTQIA+ initiatives including:

i.               participation in schemes such as the Encompass Network Safe Spaces initiative,

ii.             financial support to LGBTQIA+ groups through the grants programme, with grants of £23,500 in the period 2020/21,

iii.            LGBT+ History Month and Cambridge Pride,

iv.           arranging awareness training for staff and councillors.

5.    That despite many positive initiatives there is always more to do to ensure that we are a genuinely supportive, inclusive and welcoming city.

6.    Our commitment to the Black Lives Matters movement, and our recognition that LGBT+ people of colour face particular challenges and prejudices.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·    Recognising that it should be up to LGBTQIA+ groups to decide what flag is flown to represent them, continue to consult with all LGBTQIA+ community support and voluntary groups within the city about flying the Progress Pride Flag, at every occasion where the Pride flag would previously have been flown. This also represents LGBTQIA+ people of colour, in line with our commitment to supporting the BLM movement.

·    State publicly that trans rights are human rights, and affirm the legal rights of all protected groups under the 2010 equality act.

·    Facilitate and strongly encourage all Councillors to attend relevant training, such as Safer Spaces and trans awareness training.

·      Fly the trans flag on international trans day of visibility (March 31^st) and international trans day of remembrance (November 20^th)

·      Look into what we can do as a council to further promote our equality pledge and to raise awareness of the community grants fund amongst LGBTQIA+ groups.

·      Recommit to ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful relationship with all groups recognised under The Equality Act as having protected characteristics[6], and to reviewing what additional work can be done to support all these groups as part of the upcoming review of the Single Equalities Scheme. And recommit to doing this in an environment of kindness, compassion and mutual respect.

 

 

 

The Mayor advised that no written questions had been received.