Issue - meetings

Black Lives Matter

Meeting: 10/11/2020 - Cabinet (Item 5)

5 Black Lives Matter PDF 315 KB

Report of the Cabinet Member Healthy Lifestyles

Decision:

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The requests set out in the motion be noted, namely:

· To support the organisation of a conference for BAME communities

· To carry out a review of the council’s policies and practices

· To explore how we can support other councils via the LGA

· To raise the issues of racism with the Council of Europe

2. Updates to these requests be received as set out in section 1.

Minutes:

The Cabinet Member Healthy Lifestyles presented the report, reminding Members that a motion on the topic had been moved at Council in June. The motion sought to build on recent events in the USA and ensure that the authority took racism seriously and treated all citizens fairly, equally and without bias. She reported that a conference on the topic of Black Lives Matter would be held on the 30^th November, and its conclusions would form the basis of a future report. She added that Cllr. Angie Boyes had raised these issues with colleagues at the Council of Europe, and intended to report back in due course.

The Cabinet Member Economy and Development praised the report, stressing the council’s responsibilities to offer equality of opportunity, eliminate discrimination and harassment, and to foster good relations between all individuals in the town.

The Leader of the Council agreed that it was an important report, and added that member training on equality and diversity was underway. The Cabinet Member Climate and Communities added that this training was very useful, as it helped members to understand how to best reflect and represent their constituents.

The Leader moved to a vote, where it was unanimously: