Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the following Notices of Motion :-

1          Blacklisting of Workers

Proposed by Councillor R Cartlidge and Seconded by Councillor S Corcoran

The following Notice of Motion had been submitted by Councillor R Cartlidge, with support from by Councillor S Corcoran.

Cheshire East Council deplores the practice of blacklisting carried out by some building and construction companies, which have denied employment to workers who were carrying out legitimate trade union activities such as health & safety representatives.  In noting the Prime Minister’s comments that blacklisting is ‘a completely unacceptable practice, and the previous government were right to bring in legislation to make it unlawful.’

Council resolves:

• To make clear to all construction companies bidding for Council contracts that any unlawful blacklisting of workers will not be tolerated; and

• To ask Legal Services to explore how to enable the Council to not contract with companies that have engaged in blacklisting and haven’t paid compensation to workers.

In moving the motion, Councillor Cartlidge amended it to delete the second bullet point, the motion to now read:-

Cheshire East Council deplores the practice of blacklisting carried out by some building and construction companies, which have denied employment to workers who were carrying out legitimate trade union activities such as health & safety representatives.  In noting the Prime Minister’s comments that blacklisting is ‘a completely unacceptable practice, and the previous government were right to bring in legislation to make it unlawful.’

Council resolves:

To make clear to all construction companies bidding for Council contracts that any unlawful blacklisting of workers will not be tolerated.

RESOLVED

That the motion, as amended, stand referred to Cabinet.

2          Withdrawal of Reasons for Refusal

Proposed by Councillor D Brickhill and Seconded by Councillor A Moran

In view of the fact that planning officers have withdrawn reasons for refusal, given and voted upon by councillors at planning committees, without the consent of the members, before the matter comes to the relevant appeal hearing, Council instructs the Director to ensure that any future withdrawals are authorised before they are signed by the relevant planning committee in full session.

RESOLVED

That the motion stand referred to the Strategic Planning Board.

3          Council Tax Single Person Discount

Proposed by Councillor S Corcoran and Seconded by Councillor M Sherratt.

This Council supports the proposals of the Local Government Association for reforming the single person discount. Under the plans, councils would have the flexibility to adjust the discount for working people living alone in large homes – rated council tax band E and above. Discounts for single people in smaller homes and all pensioners would remain protected.

RESOLVED

That the motion stand referred to Cabinet.