Agenda item

The following notices of motion have been received:

 

1.   Public Firework Displays

 

Proposed by Cllr J Rest, seconded by Cllr N Housden:

 

This Council resolves:

·         To require all public firework displays within the local authorities boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people-including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

·         To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display ( as currently used in Italy and France)

                                            —————————————————

Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. While they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant problems and fear for other people and animals.

 

They can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise

 

The unpredictable loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear. For example studies have found fireworks to be the most common causes of fear in dogs according to the   (Applied Animals Behaviour Science) 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

 

Debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can also pose a hazard to animals such as horses, farm animals and wildlife.

 

The short lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action. In fact the RSPCA believes that a licensing system would help with better enforcement by allowing enforcement bodies to know where licensed events are being held.

 

There is a real need to raise awareness amongst owners of animals and the general public about firework phobia. This phobia can be treated (in dogs at least) in the long term, if owners prepare themselves and their pets sooner rather than just before the fireworks are let off.

 

This motion is NOT intended to deter properly authorised public firework displays from going ahead.

 

We would like to thank the RSPCA for some of the content in this motion.

 

2.    Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism

 

Proposed by Cllr G Mancini-Boyle, seconded by Cllr T FitzPatrick:

 

‘That this council accepts the request from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (letter attached) to adopt the following non-legally binding working definition of anti-semitism:’

 

‘Anti-semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’.

 

3.    Support for the Local Electricity Bill and community-scale renewable energy

 

Proposed by Cllr N Lloyd, seconded by Cllr S Butikofer:

 

That North Norfolk District Council

(i) acknowledges the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii) recognises that councils can play a central role in creating sustainable communities, particularly through the provision of locally generated renewable electricity;  

(iii) further recognises  

• that very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so, 

• that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

• that revenues received by councils that became local renewable electricity providers could be used to help fund local greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures and to help improve local services and facilities;

(iv) accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, currently supported by a cross-party group of 115 MPs, and which, if made law, would make the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate by establishing a Right to Local Supply; and  

(v) further resolves to  

• inform the local media of this decision,

• write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and

• write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeole.org.uk) expressing its support.

 

The following Notices of Motion had been received:

 

1.    Public Firework Displays

 

Proposed by Cllr John Rest, seconded by Cllr Nigel Housden

 

This Council resolves:

·         To require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

·         To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people-including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

·         To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display ( as currently used in Italy and France)

                                            —————————————————

Fireworks are used by people throughout the year to mark different events. While they can bring much enjoyment to some people, they can cause significant problems and fear for other people and animals.

They can be a source of fear and distress for many animals (including pet animals, farm livestock and wildlife). Animals affected not only suffer psychological distress but can also cause themselves injuries, sometimes very serious ones, as they attempt to run away or hide from the noise

 

The unpredictable loud and high intensity noises that many fireworks make can cause fear. For example studies have found fireworks to be the most common causes of fear in dogs according to the   (Applied Animals Behaviour Science) 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.

 

Debris produced by fireworks, if found on the ground, can also pose a hazard to animals such as horses, farm animals and wildlife.

 

The short lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action. In fact the RSPCA believes that a licensing system would help with better enforcement by allowing enforcement bodies to know where licensed events are being held.

 

There is a real need to raise awareness amongst owners of animals and the general public about firework phobia. This phobia can be treated (in dogs at least) in the long term, if owners prepare themselves and their pets sooner rather than just before the fireworks are let off.

 

This motion is NOT intended to deter properly authorised public firework displays from going ahead. We would like to thank the RSPCA for some of the content in this motion.

 

Cllr Rest introduced the motion and explained that it was supported by the RSPCA and Grove Veterinary Clinic in Fakenham.

 

The Chairman invited Members to comment:

 

1.    Cllr A Fitch-Tillett said that she wholeheartedly supported the motion. She had previously been involved in the successful campaign to ban balloons and Chinese lanterns. The use of fireworks should be limited to 5^th November, public holidays and New Year. In addition to the distress caused to animals there was also significant damage to the environment through litter.

2.    Cllr T Adams said that he understood the reasons behind the motion, however, he felt that he could not support it. He said that he had looked into it and had been advised by officers that it was not something that could be regulated and there were no resources available to monitor firework displays. In addition, there were no powers to act if any requirements were not abided by. He said that he accepted that more could be done to limit the impact of firework displays – particularly on animals, in the same way that the plastic beach rings and Frisbees could be reduced. He concluded by saying that he suggested the use of social media to encourage friendly firework displays.

3.    Cllr G Perry-Warnes proposed that the first resolution should be amended to read ‘require to advise all public firework displays to be advertised’ and that the word ‘actively’ should be removed from the second resolution.

 

The Monitoring Officer advised Members that they could refer the motion to the Licensing & Appeals Committee for consideration. The Committee could then explore the options available for monitoring and overseeing firework displays.

 

It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by Cllr A Fitch-Tillett and

 

RESOLVED

 

To refer the above motion to the Licensing & Appeals committee for consideration and reporting back to Full Council with findings and recommendations.

 

Cllr J Rest abstained.

 

2.    Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

 

Proposed by Cllr G Mancini-Boyle, seconded by Cllr T FitzPatrick

 

‘That this council accepts the request from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (letter attached) to adopt the following non legally binding working definition of anti-semitism:’

 

‘Anti-semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities’.

 

Cllr Mancini-Boyle proposed that the motion was adopted as stated. Cllr Fitzpatrick reserved his right to speak.

 

The Chairman invited Members to comment:

 

1.    Cllr E Seward thanked Cllr Mancini-Boyle for bring the motion forward. He said that as we approached the 75^th anniversary of the second world war ending and the discovery of the concentration camps, it was shocking that Members were even debating anti-semitism. He said that a climate of aggressive behaviour and loose remarks led to abuse and it was not surprising that this ultimately led to hatred because of religion. Cllr Seward said that the Council’s Diversity & Equality Policy had not been reviewed since 2006 and he proposed that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considered the motion, together with the policy so that it could be updated and reviewed accordingly. He concluded by saying that it was easy to point fingers and ignore challenging decisions and now was the time to stand firm.

2.    Cllr S Butikofer said that she supported the motion but felt that it needed to go further. It was not just about Jewish people but anyone affected by hatred and aggression due to their beliefs. She said that she seconded Cllr Seward’s proposal to refer the motion to Overview & Scrutiny Committee for further work to be undertaken. She concluded by saying that she was appalled by the recent comments by some parliamentary candidates about refugees.

3.    Cllr T FitzPatrick said that he accepted the points about wider issues, however, the motion as it stood had been adopted by local authorities and other organisations across the country. He said that anti-semitism was the oldest form of racism and that this was not just about religion but about race. He said that the Council was being asked to adopt the non-binding definition at the current meeting. It was important that Members showed leadership in this. He was supportive of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviewing the Diversity & Equality Policy but this should not prevent the motion from being supported now.

 

Cllr Mancini-Boyle agreed to accept the amendment.

 

It was proposed by Cllr G Mancini-Boyle, seconded by Cllr T FitzPatrick and

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To adopt the definition as outlined in the motion

2.    To request that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviews the Council’s Diversity and Equality Policy

 

3.    Support for the Local Electricity Bill and community-scale renewable energy

 

Proposed by Cllr N Lloyd, seconded by Cllr S Butikofer:

 

That North Norfolk District Council

(i) acknowledges the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii) recognises that councils can play a central role in creating sustainable communities, particularly through the provision of locally generated renewable electricity;  

(iii) further recognises  

·       that very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so, 

·       that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

·       that revenues received by councils that became local renewable electricity providers could be used to help fund local greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures and to help improve local services and facilities;

(iv) accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, currently supported by a cross-party group of 115 MPs, and which, if made law, would make the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate by establishing a Right to Local Supply; and  

(v) further resolves to  

• inform the local media of this decision,

• write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and

• write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeole.org.uk) expressing its support.

Cllr Lloyd said that one of the most significant causes of climate change was mankind's reliance on fossil fuels. The Council understood this and believed the science behind climate change and was working towards a carbon neutral position by 2030. An important tool in combating increasing CO2 levels was by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.

However, community-scale renewable energy was being blocked by unfair regulations and hugely disproportionate costs. So lots of renewables that could and should be being built were not. He concluded by saying that if the Local Electricity Bill was made law it would give community-scale renewable energy a massive boost by enabling local generators to sell their energy to local people.

Cllr S Butikofer, in seconding the motion, said that there was wide cross-party support from a number of MPs for the Bill and support for the motion would help lobby for change and push for regulation.

It was proposed by Cllr N Lloyd, seconded by Cllr S Butikofer and

RESOLVED

(i) To acknowledge the efforts that this council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy;  

(ii) to recognise that councils can play a central role in creating sustainable communities, particularly through the provision of locally generated renewable electricity;  

(iii) to further recognise  

·       that very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers result in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so, 

·       that making these financial costs proportionate to the scale of a renewable electricity supplier’s operation would create significant opportunities for councils to be providers of locally generated renewable electricity directly to local people, businesses and organisations, and

·       that revenues received by councils that became local renewable electricity providers could be used to help fund local greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures and to help improve local services and facilities;

(iv) accordingly resolves to support the Local Electricity Bill, currently supported by a cross-party group of 115 MPs, and which, if made law, would make the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate by establishing a Right to Local Supply; and  

(v) further resolves to  

• inform the local media of this decision,

• write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill, and

• write to the organisers of the campaign for the Bill, Power for People, (at 8 Delancey Passage, Camden, London NW1 7NN or info@powerforpeole.org.uk) expressing its support.