Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the following Notices of Motions, submitted to Council in Accordance with Procedure Rule 12

1.elections

Proposed by Councillor Rachel Bailey and Seconded by Councillor Janet Jackson

Council acknowledges the hard work and commitment of the Elections Team in delivering an important democratic service over the last year or so of electoral activity, including:

• The greatest scale of elections ever seen in May 2015, with all out Borough and Parish Council elections, plus a Parliamentary General Election, the combination of such activity which will not be experienced again until 2035.
• Excellently run Police and Crime Commissioner Elections in May 2016.
• Excellently run EU Referendum in June 2016, in respect of which we experienced a historically high turnout, exceeding many other areas nationally.
• The hugely successful introduction of Individual Electoral Registration which has resulted in a more accurate Register than ever before, with more electors being registered to vote than at any time in the past.
• The honour of hosting an international delegation of elections experts, at the request of the Electoral Commission, enabling Cheshire East’s practice and processes to be passed back to countries such as Canada, Finland, Malta, Romania and Bangladesh.

RESOLVED

That the motion be accepted.

2. Emergency Response

Proposed by Councillor Rachel Bailey and Seconded by Councillor Damian Bailey

Council applauds the work of so many of its officers across different teams who, along with the Council’s emergency planning team, have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months in dealing with the challenges which have faced our communities and the services we provide:

• The devastating circumstances surrounding the Bosley Mill explosion.
• The terrible flash flooding in and around Poynton.
• The recent evacuation of residents who live near to the Bossons Mill in Congleton.

Council sincerely thanks its officers, from so many parts of the organisation, for their true dedication as devoted public servants, working ‘round the clock to ensure the safety of our residents.

RESOLVED

That the motion be accepted.

3. Hate Crime

Proposed by Councillor Brian Roberts and Seconded by Councillor

Nick Mannion

Since the Referendum on 23^rd June, the National Police Chiefs' Council report that hate crimes have increased by 42%.

Around 3,076 alleged offences were reported between June 16 and 30 - 915 more than in the same period last year. Police recorded 289 alleged offences on the day following the result of the poll being revealed - an average of 12 an hour.

The LGA has also reported a significant increase and Members of this Council have also been approached by residents that have been subjected to threats and harassment because of their nationality or race.

Therefore, we urge Council to discuss and adopt the following resolution as a matter of urgency at its meeting today:

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society.  Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.  We Cheshire East Borough Council condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41