Issue - meetings

To consider the attached Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor S Jones, in accordance with Procedure Rule 12.

Consideration was given to the following Notice of Motion, submitted by Councillor Shirley Jones :-

Fairtrade is an alternative approach to international trade.  It is a trading partnership which aims at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers.  It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions  by awareness raising and by campaigning.

Cheshire East Council has already resolved to support Fairtrade in principle, but must develop a strategy, if it wishes to formally acquire Fairtrade status for the Borough. This would be achieved by :-

i) continuing to offer Fairtrade marked food such as tea, coffee and sugar internally for meetings and functions.

ii) promoting the Fairtrade Mark using Fairtrade Foundation materials in refreshment areas keeping our commitment to value for money in mind.

ii)  promoting the Fairtrade Towns initiative in internal communications and external newsletters.

iv)  encourage  towns,  schools, businesses, faith groups and voluntary organisations in the Borough to promote  Fairtrade

v) use its influence to urge local retailers to provide Fairtrade options for the residents of the borough

vi) participating in community activities during Fairtrade Fortnight .

vii)   setting up a Steering Group in partnership with Fairtrade organisations in the Borough, representatives of businesses, not for profit organisations , schools and other public bodies to oversee this strategy.

Therefore, Council is requested to consider taking these steps in order to acquire Fairtrade status.

RESOLVED

That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.