Decisions

Councillor Gillespie proposed and Councillor O’Connell seconded the following motion: 

 

Cambridge City Council notes:

·        That the government has tried to take away free school meals for 1.1 million children while subsidising parliamentary bars and restaurants by £4 million in the last year.

·        That public demand for reducing plastic waste has soared, forcing the government to bring in a bottle deposit scheme.

·        That soil degradation now means we have only 30 to 40 years of soil fertility left, which was acknowledged at the parliamentary launch of the Sustainable Soils Alliance.

·        That Scotland is considering enshrining the right to food in law, after the recommendation was made by an Independent Working Group on Food Poverty.

·        That Cambridge Sustainable Food have done superb work engaging with businesses and residents, and the new Food Poverty Alliance comes at a time when it is much needed.

·        That the University of Cambridge in 2016 launched its sustainable food policy.

·        That food security is put at critical risk by the economic consequences of Brexit, because of the volume of food which we currently import, and the food footprint of Cambridge.

·        That the councils excellent work promoting recycling champions risks being undermined by the development of a new incinerator near Waterbeach.

·        That there is a UK health epidemic due to unhealthy eating.

·        The introduction of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.

·        That Iceland have banned palm oil from all own-brand products, realising that there is no such thing as sustainable palm oil.

·        That Waitrose will ban all disposable coffee cups this year.

·        That 3.5 million UK residents (7%) currently identify as vegan according to new research by comparethemarket.com and Gresham college.

·        The activities of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vegetarianism and Veganism. 

·        That the German government has banned meat and fish from being served at government functions, and insisted on food which is seasonal, regional, produced on organic farms, and sourced from Fair Trade providers if available.

·        The many benefits that the Cambridge Sustainable Food Hub project would bring to the region, including increased scope for food waste innovation and sustainable food startups.

·        That climate change, mass extinctions, and ocean dead zones are being caused by human activity.

 

Cambridge City Council resolves:

·        To draft and begin consultation on a Sustainable Food Policy, which can incorporate the Food Poverty Action Plan being worked up by the Food Poverty Alliance. To include the following points as items within the draft (amendments are very welcome):

·        To reduce catering and hospitality spend on food where possible by offering simple plant-based food from a local social enterprise rather than lavish fare, and donate any savings found this way to the Food Poverty Alliance.

·        To pledge to seeking gold standard accreditation from Sustainable Food Cities.

·        To reaffirm its commitment to being a fair trade city, and examine whether the resolutions made regarding fair trade in 2002 have been fully held up.

·        To support the Refill scheme to encourage reusing bottles for drinking water, to provide drinking water fountains in city parks to support this, and to ask Visit Cambridge, Cambridge Live and Cambridge BID to assist with this.

·        To adopt a framework for food and cafe procurement, like Preston Council, which asks questions about food sustainability and fairness. (current ITT framework is not detailed or strong enough: "The successful operator will be encouraged to provide “healthy eating”, locally produced, Gluten Free and Fairtrade options.")

·        To adopt a strategy for community centres, which ensures all new kitchens have adequate cooking facilities for local community groups to prepare food and teach cooking skills.

·        To consider planting more fruit-bearing trees in sites where they would help to relieve hunger.

·        To appraise the sustainability of food in the city market stalls, and close the loophole which allows disposable cardboard cups with polyethylene linings to be used.

·        To ask Cambridge Live and the events team to introduce a sustainable food framework, which aims to guide event organisers toward sustainable food procurement, offering healthy options, and minimising plastic use. Biodegradable food packaging should only be encouraged when there is a waste pathway in place for it to actually biodegrade. (current guidance: "All events should minimise waste, maximise recycling, use where possible sustainable resources and manage and mitigate ecological/biodiversity impacts with clear guidance on how these will be achieved set out in the Event Management Control Document" - however, many MCDs are highly vague and superficial).

·        To empower environmental health officers to award a sustainable food rating to food outlets which they can choose to display alongside their food hygiene rating, and to warn outlets about the environmental consequences of food waste and over-packaging.

·        To offer support to local businesses in reducing their waste overhead and environmental damage from food and packaging, and seek to build more partnerships around sustainable food.

 

Cllr Bick proposed under Council Procedure Rule 13.8(f)(i), that the motion be referred for decision to the Executive Councillor for Environmental Services and City Centre.

 

Resolved by (by 39 votes to 1) that the motion be referred for decision to the Executive Councillor for Environmental Services and City Centre and reported to either the next, or the next but one, subsequent ordinary meeting of the Council.

 

 

Councillor Smart proposed and Councillor Ratcliffe seconded the following motion: 

 

This Council notes the following points.

 

Evidence shows that Fixed Odds Betting Terminals are one of the most addictive forms of gambling available to Cambridge residents. Casework from worried residents has already caused Daniel Zeichner MP to call for action to lower the maximum bet to £2.

 

There are 64 Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in Cambridge in 16 betting shops. The legal maximum is four terminals per shop and every shop has the maximum.

 

It is possible to bet up to £100 every 20 seconds on a Fixed Odds Betting Terminal, making payment with cash or a card.

 

Because more than 80% of money spent in betting shops comes from Fixed Odds Betting Terminals the gambling industry lobbies, supports and promotes their continued usage.

 

Over the past decade the amount of money lost on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in the UK has doubled to £2bn per year and continues to grow.

 

The government appointed industry regulator, the Gambling Commission, has continued to allow Fixed Odds Betting Terminals to be increasingly used whilst at the same time the government receives £400m every year in betting duty tax from this form of gambling, and indeed, has increased the percentage of tax. 

 

Daniel Zeichner MP and many others have called for the maximum bet to be set at £2 on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. This, together with a package of other sensible measures, would at least help to limit the damage done to the lives of vulnerable people, to their families and friends; indeed to society as a whole.

 

This Council believes that the maximum bet should be set at no higher than £2 for every 20 seconds of use of a Fixed Odds Betting Terminal.

 

This Council requests that the Leader will write to the following.

 

The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to call for the maximum bet on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals be set at £2.

 

The Chair of the Gambling Commission and the interim Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission to call for the maximum bet on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals be set at £2.

 

The two Cambridge MP’s, Daniel Zeichner MP to support him in his resolve to champion this issue, and to Heidi Allen MP to ask her to put pressure on government to call for the maximum bet on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals be set at £2.

 

Resolved (unanimously) to support the motion.

Councillor Cantrill proposed and Councillor Gehring seconded the following motion: 

 

With less than a year to go before the UK leaves the EU it’s now plain to see that Leave campaigners told the British people a set of falsehoods.

 

We were told the negotiations would be easy but the Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, described Brexit being “as complicated as moon landing”.

 

We were told that by leaving the EU, we would save “£350 million a week” which would then be given to the NHS but instead we now see the madness of a government spending more of our taxes on Brexit than it is on our NHS or dealing with the horrendous increases in child and pensioner poverty. 

 

People were told that Brexit would cut immigration, but the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP stated that Brexit could see Britain accept more immigrants albeit from outside of the EU.

 

Meanwhile:

·        The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and of Cambridge residents;

·        Cambridge businesses, in particular those that are international in outlook and related to the knowledge economy, are cutting or delaying investment because of the continued uncertainty;

·        Both private business and public-sector organisations such as Addenbrookes hospital are facing major labour shortages;

·        New investment in Cambridge is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost;

·        Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for Cambridge residents, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet in our city.

 

The Council agrees that the current rights of EU citizens living in the UK should always be fully protected.

 

At the Referendum over 73% of Cambridge residents voted to remain in the European Union and that nobody voted to spend £50 billion of tax payers’ money on Brexit.

 

This Council calls on the government to abandon any plans for a hard Brexit and to give the people of Cambridge a vote on whatever deal it ends up getting along with the opportunity to vote on keeping the many benefits Britons currently enjoy by staying in the European Union.

 

Councillor Herbert proposed and Councillor R. Moore seconded the following amendment to motion (deleted text struck through and additional text underlined):

 

With less than a year to go before the UK leaves the EU it’s now plain to see that Leave campaigners told the British people a set of falsehoods.

 

We were told the negotiations would be easy but the Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, described Brexit being “as complicated as moon landing”.

 

We were told that by leaving the EU, we would save “£350 million a week” which would then be given to the NHS but instead we now see the madness of a government spending more of our taxes on Brexit than it is on our NHS or dealing with the horrendous increases in child and pensioner poverty. 

 

People were told that Brexit would cut immigration, but the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP stated that Brexit could see Britain accept more immigrants albeit from outside of the EU.

 

Meanwhile:

·        The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and of Cambridge residents;

·        Cambridge businesses, in particular those that are international in outlook and related to the knowledge economy, are cutting or delaying investment because of the continued uncertainty;

·        Both private business and public-sector organisations such as Addenbrookes hospital are facing major labour shortages;

·        New investment in Cambridge is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost;

·        Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for Cambridge residents, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet in our city.

 

The Council agrees that the current rights of EU citizens living in the UK should always be fully protected.

 

At the Referendum over 73% of Cambridge residents voted to remain in the European Union and that nobody voted to spend £50 billion of tax payers’ money on Brexit.

 

This Council calls on the government to abandon any plans for a hard Brexit and fully supports the actions of our MP Daniel Zeichner who has campaigned against Brexit and repeatedly challenged the Government’s shambolic handling of Brexit, and stood up for the interests of Cambridge and all its residents including to secure full rights for all our non-UK EU citizens.

The Council supports his demand for a meaningful vote on the final deal in Parliament and to give the people of Cambridge a vote on whatever deal it ends up getting along with the opportunity to vote on keeping the many benefits Britons currently enjoy by staying in the European Union.

 

On a show of hands the amendment was carried by 25 votes to 13.

 

Resolved (by 38 votes to 1) that:

 

With less than a year to go before the UK leaves the EU it’s now plain to see that Leave campaigners told the British people a set of falsehoods.

 

We were told the negotiations would be easy but the Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, described Brexit being “as complicated as moon landing”.

 

We were told that by leaving the EU, we would save “£350 million a week” which would then be given to the NHS but instead we now see the madness of a government spending more of our taxes on Brexit than it is on our NHS or dealing with the horrendous increases in child and pensioner poverty. 

 

People were told that Brexit would cut immigration, but the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP stated that Brexit could see Britain accept more immigrants albeit from outside of the EU.

 

Meanwhile:

·        The UK economy is now the slowest growing economy in Europe, reducing the prosperity of the UK and of Cambridge residents;

·        Cambridge businesses, in particular those that are international in outlook and related to the knowledge economy, are cutting or delaying investment because of the continued uncertainty;

·        Both private business and public-sector organisations such as Addenbrookes hospital are facing major labour shortages;

·        New investment in Cambridge is being jeopardised and new job opportunities are being lost;

·        Inflation caused by Brexit-related depreciation of the pound is driving up living costs for Cambridge residents, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet in our city.

 

The Council agrees that the current rights of EU citizens living in the UK should always be fully protected.

 

At the Referendum over 73% of Cambridge residents voted to remain in the European Union and that nobody voted to spend £50 billion of tax payers’ money on Brexit.

 

This Council calls on the government to abandon any plans for a hard Brexit and fully supports the actions of our MP Daniel Zeichner who has campaigned against Brexit and repeatedly challenged the Government’s shambolic handling of Brexit, and stood up for the interests of Cambridge and all its residents including to secure full rights for all our non-UK EU citizens.

The Council supports his demand for a meaningful vote on the final deal in Parliament on whatever deal it ends up getting along with the opportunity to vote on keeping the many benefits Britons currently enjoy by staying in the European Union.

Councillor Bick proposed and Councillor Tunnacliffe seconded the following motion: 

 

Council calls on the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport to immediately withdraw and reconsider the charges for the use of Shop Mobility which were introduced on 1 April.

 

On a show of hands the motion was lost by 13 votes to 24.

Councillor Roberts proposed and Councillor Sarris seconded the following motion: 

 

The council notes:

·       The passing of world-leading scientist and author Professor Stephen Hawking, who died aged 76 at his Cambridge home on 14 March 2018.

·       That, as an academic, Hawking made an outstanding contribution to theoretical physics and theoretical cosmology, leading to widespread recognition, including being made a Fellow of the Royal Society, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and becoming the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.

·       That, beyond academia, Hawking promoted scientific discovery and complex ideas to millions through his best-selling book 'A Brief History of Time' and a wide range of other popular books, documentaries, films and children's literature.

·       That, politically, Hawking was a staunch defender of universal and well-funded healthcare, nuclear disarmament and efforts to prevent climate change.

·       That, through a public poll in the UK in 2002, Hawking was ranked 25th in a list of the 100 Greatest Britons, with many voters citing his ability to inspire others, break down barriers and encourage free thinking.

·       That Hawking lived and worked in Cambridge for nearly all his adult life, helping both intentionally and coincidentally to promote the University of Cambridge and our city.

·       That there is a small statue of Hawking by the late artist Ian Walters at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology, which was unveiled in 2007, and that Trinity Hall named a conference/seminar room after Professor Hawking in 2015 – neither of which is a publicly accessible tribute to his work and life.

 

The council believes:

·       That Professor Stephen Hawking was a proud resident of Cambridge.

·       That Cambridge gained from our city's association with Professor Stephen Hawking.

·       That – judging by the messages from the public, people-lined streets and media reaction following his death – the University of Cambridge, the scientific community and our city have lost a much-loved and respected ambassador.

·       That for someone who did so much to promote science among the public, challenge stereotypes and inspire others, it would be remiss not to have a public and lasting tribute to Professor Hawking.

 

The council resolves:

·       To work to put in place a lasting public tribute to Professor Stephen Hawking, taking into account the wishes of the Hawking family, Gonville and Caius College, his department and the University of Cambridge

·       To engage with Cambridge residents through the local media and other outlets, to ensure that the eventual project carries with it the widest possible support

·       To ask the Executive Councillor for Streets and Open Spaces to lead on the project, alongside the appropriate council committees

 

Resolved (unanimously) to support the motion.

Councillor Gillespie proposed and Councillor Cantrill seconded the following motion: 

 

This Council believes that the UK’s immigration detention system is not fit for purpose and the Government must end indefinite detention.

 

Therefore, this Council:

·                 Endorses the These Walls Must Fall Campaign and the declaration.

·                 Calls on the Government to implement the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Inquiry into detention.

·                 Asks our local MPs to support the spirit of the motion, to raise the matter in the House of Commons, and to support changes in current laws and procedures to introduce alternatives to detention.

·                 Seeks further support for the motion via the Local Government Association, and by encouraging other Councils in the UK to show their support on this issue.

 

Resolved (unanimously) to support the motion.

 

Unanimously resolved:

 

i.      To approve a submission on Council Size to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England of 42 councillors as set out in the officer report.

 

Unanimously resolved:

 

i.      To approve the changes to Part 3 section 6 of the Constitution as set out in Appendix A (Appendix B shown with tracked changes for reference) of the Officer’s report.

ii.     To agree the new scrutiny committees keep to the already agreed 2018/19 programme of meetings as referred to in paragraphs 3.7 and 3.8 of the Officer’s report.

 

Unanimously resolved:

 

i.        To appoint Mr Rob Bennett as the Council’s Independent Person and Judge David Pearl as the Deputy Independent Person.

ii.       That both posts be for a three year fixed term with a further option to extend the appointment for a two year period subject to annual ratification at the Annual Meeting of the Council.

 

To consider a draft Pay Policy Statement 2018/19 and a proposal for a Cambridge Weighting to bring pay rates to the equivalent of a minimum of £10 per hour.

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Officer Record of Decision

 

What decision(s) has been taken:	To implement the National Joint Council Pay Award for 2018-20
Who made the decision:	Head of Human Resources
Date decision made:	12 April 2018
Matter for Decision /Wards affected	Decision delegated from Civic Affairs Committee
Reason(s) for the decision including any background papers considered Any alternative options considered and rejected:	To implement the nationally agreed pay award for staff on Bands 1-11 following receipt of notification by circular from the National Joint Council for Local Government Services dated 10 April 2018.       Pay awards for staff on Bands 1-11 are agreed by national level collective bargaining between the national employers and trade unions. Once agreed at a national level the City Council implements the pay award in accordance with the terms of staff contracts of employment.
Conflicts of interest and dispensations granted by the Chief Executive:	None.
Other Comments:	This decision is taken in accordance with the delegated authority from Civic Affairs Committee to the Head of Human Resources, as follows:   To implement any award of a joint negotiating body so far as it concerns rates of salary, wages, car allowances or other allowances payable to officers and other employees of the Council except where the terms thereof involve the exercise of a discretion by the Council provided that when any action is taken in pursuance of this paragraph members are advised by the Head of Human Resources and a record of that advice be made available to the public.
Reference:
Contact for further information:	Deborah Simpson, Head of Human Resources.

 

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL

Record of Executive Decision

 

Garage Rent Increase Transitional Protection

 

Decision of:	Councillor Price, Executive Councillor for Housing
Reference:	18/URGENCY/HS/2
Date of decision:	23/4/18	Recorded on:	23/4/18
Decision Type:	Key Decision
Matter for Decision:	Garage Rent Increase Transitional Protection
Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):	A report to Housing Scrutiny Committee in January 2018 approved the introduction of higher rental charges for garages in city centric locations. Transitional protection was approved for tenants of council homes who rent garages in these areas as the garages were originally built for the use of council tenants, Following a number of representations, it has been agreed to extend this transitional protection to other city residents.
The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):	The Executive Councillor for Housing has decided to extend the transitional financial protection offered to council tenants who rent garages in the higher value area of the city to other city residents who rent garages in this area. The protection will ensure that garage rents go up by no more than inflation plus £2.00 per rent week, plus the prevailing rate of VAT until the full charge is achieved.
Reasons for the decision:	Review of policy approved following receipt of a number of representations from those in financial hardship about the value of the rent increase in one go. As it is Impossible to determine who will suffer financial hardship, the transitional protection will be offered to all city residents for whom the significant increase will apply.
Scrutiny consideration:	The Chair and Spokesperson of Housing Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.
Report:	A report detailing the background and financial considerations for the original policy was approved at Housing Scrutiny Committee on 17 January 2018. The financial impact of providing the additional transitional financial protection is estimated to be £57,925.92 in 2018/19, and will be incorporated into the 2018/19 budget as part of the HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy.
Conflicts of interest:	None known
Comments:	This decision would be reported to the Housing Scrutiny Committee on 19 June 2018.