Agenda item

To consider motions from councillors in accordance with Council procedure rule 38. 

Motions:

A.   Motion to be proposed by Councillor George Levy, seconded by Councillor Peter Dragonetti

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government report entitled The Future Homes Standard 2019 Consultation on changes to Part L (conservation of fuel and power) and Part F (ventilation) of the Building Regulations for new dwellings states that:

We propose introducing in 2020 a meaningful but achievable uplift to energy efficiency standards as a stepping-stone to the Future Homes Standard. The intention is to make new homes more energy efficient and to future-proof them in readiness for low carbon heating systems.

The consultation sets out two options to uplift energy efficiency standards and requirements:

• Option 1: 20% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the current standard for an average home. We anticipate this could be delivered by very high fabric standards (typically with triple glazing and minimal heat loss from walls, ceilings and roofs).
• Option 2: 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the current standard. We anticipate this could be delivered based on the installation of carbon-saving technology such as photovoltaic (solar) panels and better fabric standards, though not as high as in option 1 (typically double not triple glazing)

This Council asks that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State requesting clarity on when local authorities will be able to use either option or stronger measures to ensure developers create better homes.

B.        Motion to be proposed by Councillor Alexandrine Kantor, seconded by Councillor David Rouane

Council notes that Trans people face significant disadvantage in society.

Council believes that:

1. Trans men are men, Trans women are women, and that non-binary genders are just as valid.
2. Trans people deserve respect and autonomy.
3. Transphobia has a hugely detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of trans individuals.
4. It is our duty as community leaders who seek to create an open and tolerant society to speak out against transphobia and make clear it will not be tolerated.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Ensure that all Council services, both directly provided and through partners, are fully accessible to all, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
2. Work to provide at least one gender neutral toilet where possible in every public building owned or operated by the Council, and encourage partners to do likewise.
3. Ensure that the Council’s constitution, policies, forms, and all internal and external communications are gender neutral.
4. Encourage and support a network of informal LGBTQ+ allies across officers and councillors to support all members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

C.        Motion to be proposed by Councillor Stefan Gawrysiak, seconded by Councillor David Turner

Council supports the application for a 7.5T Environmental weight limit for Henley-on-Thames and a five-mile radius to include villages along the B481. This Environmental Traffic Regulation Orderaims to protect historic buildings, enhance safety for people on narrow pavements, improve air quality in Henley and reduce pollution. It will also protect the surrounding villages by ensuring HGVs stay on the strategic road network.

A.        Councillor George Levy withdrew his motion set out on the Council agenda.

B.        With the agreement of Council Councillor Alexandrine Kantormoved, and Councillor David Rouane seconded an altered motion as set out below with the deleted word shown by a strikethrough and the additional word shown in bold.

Council notes that Trans people face significant disadvantage in society.

Council believes respects that:

1. Trans men are men, Trans women are women, and that non-binary genders are just as valid.
2. Trans people deserve respect and autonomy.
3. Transphobia has a hugely detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of trans individuals.
4. It is our duty as community leaders who seek to create an open and tolerant society to speak out against transphobia and make clear it will not be tolerated.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Ensure that all Council services, both directly provided and through partners, are fully accessible to all, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
2. Work to provide at least one gender neutral toilet where possible in every public building owned or operated by the Council, and encourage partners to do likewise.
3. Ensure that the Council’s constitution, policies, forms, and all internal and external communications are gender neutral.
4. Encourage and support a network of informal LGBTQ+ allies across officers and councillors to support all members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

A councillor expressed the view that, whilst well intentioned motion, Council should not spend time discussing matters beyond its remit.

RESOLVED: That Council notes that Trans people face significant disadvantage in society.

Council respects that:

a.    Trans men are men, Trans women are women, and that non-binary genders are just as valid.

2. Trans people deserve respect and autonomy.
3. Transphobia has a hugely detrimental impact on the mental health and well-being of trans individuals.
4. It is our duty as community leaders who seek to create an open and tolerant society to speak out against transphobia and make clear it will not be tolerated.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. Ensure that all Council services, both directly provided and through partners, are fully accessible to all, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
2. Work to provide at least one gender neutral toilet where possible in every public building owned or operated by the Council, and encourage partners to do likewise.
3. Ensure that the Council’s constitution, policies, forms, and all internal and external communications are gender neutral.
4. Encourage and support a network of informal LGBTQ+ allies across officers and councillors to support all members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

C.        Councillor Stefan Gawrysiakmoved, and Councillor David Turner seconded the motion as set out in the agenda at agenda item 10.

Mr David Dickie, a local resident and member of Clean Air for Henley, addressed Council in support of the motion. He stated that action needed to be taken on heavy polluted vehicles travelling through Henley to tackle air pollution in the town.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 67, which provides for a recorded vote if three members request one, the Chairman called for a recorded vote on the motion which was declared carried with the voting as follows:

RESOLVED: That Council supports the application for a 7.5T Environmental weight limit for Henley-on-Thames and a five-mile radius to include villages along the B481. This Environmental Traffic Regulation Orderaims to protect historic buildings, enhance safety for people on narrow pavements, improve air quality in Henley and reduce pollution. It will also protect the surrounding villages by ensuring HGVs stay on the strategic road network.