Issue - meetings

(1)          Motion 564 (Councillors: Miss Wainwright and Miss J Norton – 15 October 2020)

The Council has before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

Council resolves to:

1. Practice equality, fairness and inclusion, and to play its part in creating an equal society for all. There is no place for sexism, racism, bigotry, discrimination or intolerance of any form in our society.

2. Acknowledge that language is a powerful tool for change and inspiration, as well as ignorance, oppression and damaged relationships, and should be used thoughtfully and respectfully. Many people who do not have a voice in the public domain have to suffer the consequences of inaccurate or insulting language.

3. Review and, if needed, update member training, to equip all members with the language and tools needed to actively promote diversity and inclusivity.

4. Ask that the Chair of Scrutiny request a report detailing the options for how Mid Devon District Council can implement the relevant recommendations for Local Authorities (where not already in place) listed in the Fawcett Society/LGiU report: ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ (1). (The population of Mid Devon is around 80,600, and is 49% male and 51% female. This proportion is not reflected in the makeup of MDDC).

5. Ask that the Chairs of the Equality Forum and Community PDG identify and discuss approaches to reaching hard-to-reach communities in Mid Devon.

6. Show leadership by creating a diversity and inclusion strategy, and seek input from residents and local organisations that have expertise, to ensure the council is inclusive towards diverse and hard-to-reach communities in its recruitment, member representation and service provision. As part of this, review and update the MDDC equalities policy. 

7. Explore further opportunities to increase inclusivity, diversity and representation in Mid Devon District Council, including but not limited to amongst women, minority ethnic communities, young people, and carers.

(1)   The Fawcett Society and Local Government Information Unit report, ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ found that structural and cultural barriers hold back women’s participation in local government. The practices and protocols of local government create unnecessary barriers to participation particularly for women with caring responsibilities. https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/does-local-government-work-for-women-final-report-of-the-local-government-commission

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council has decided to allow this motion (if moved and seconded) to be dealt with at this meeting.

(1)          Motion 564 (Councillors: Miss Wainwright and Miss J Norton – 15 October 2020)

The Council has before it a MOTION submitted for the first time:

Council resolves to:

1. Practice equality, fairness and inclusion, and to play its part in creating an equal society for all. There is no place for sexism, racism, bigotry, discrimination or intolerance of any form in our society.

2. Acknowledge that language is a powerful tool for change and inspiration, as well as ignorance, oppression and damaged relationships, and should be used thoughtfully and respectfully. Many people who do not have a voice in the public domain have to suffer the consequences of inaccurate or insulting language.

3. Review and, if needed, update member training, to equip all members with the language and tools needed to actively promote diversity and inclusivity.

4. Ask that the Chair of Scrutiny request a report detailing the options for how Mid Devon District Council can implement the relevant recommendations for Local Authorities (where not already in place) listed in the Fawcett Society/LGiU report: ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ (1). (The population of Mid Devon is around 80,600, and is 49% male and 51% female. This proportion is not reflected in the makeup of MDDC).

5. Ask that the Chairs of the Equality Forum and Community PDG identify and discuss approaches to reaching hard-to-reach communities in Mid Devon.

6. Show leadership by creating a diversity and inclusion strategy, and seek input from residents and local organisations that have expertise, to ensure the council is inclusive towards diverse and hard-to-reach communities in its recruitment, member representation and service provision. As part of this, review and update the MDDC equalities policy. 

7. Explore further opportunities to increase inclusivity, diversity and representation in Mid Devon District Council, including but not limited to amongst women, minority ethnic communities, young people, and carers.

(1)   The Fawcett Society and Local Government Information Unit report, ‘Does Local Government Work for Women?’ found that structural and cultural barriers hold back women’s participation in local government. The practices and protocols of local government create unnecessary barriers to participation particularly for women with caring responsibilities. https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/does-local-government-work-for-women-final-report-of-the-local-government-commission

The MOTION was MOVED by Councillor Miss E Wainwright and seconded by Councillor Miss J Norton.

In accordance with Procedure Rule 14.4, the Chairman of the Council had ruled that  the matter be discussed at this meeting.

Following discussion: Councillor R B Evans MOVED seconded by Councillor C R Slade that in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.1(e) that Item 4 be referred to the Scrutiny Committee and Items 1, 2 3, 5, 6 and 7 be referred to the Standards Committee.

Upon a vote being taken, the referral of the Motion to other Committees was AGREED.