Decision details

The following motions had been submitted, due notice of which had been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12:

A.      Governance Review

RESOLVED: That, in order to meet the Administration’s commitment to a more inclusive and open approach to decision making, Council agrees to ask officers, in consultation with an all party working group, to review its governance arrangements and constitution and report back to Council in due course.

B.      Pets as Prizes

RESOLVED:

This Council:

·                Is concerned about the number of cases reported to the RSPCA each year, regarding pets given as prizes via fairgrounds, social media and other channels;

·                Is further concerned for the welfare of those animals being given as prizes;

·                Recognises that many cases of pets being given as prizes may go unreported each year; and

·                Supports a move to ban the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on North Herts District Council Land.

The Council agrees to:

·                Ban outright the giving of live animals as prizes, in any form, on North Herts District Council Land; and

·                Write to the UK Government, urging an outright ban on the giving of live animals as prizes on both public and private land in England;

·                That officers be requested to prepare an NHDC Land Licences Policy to ensure that Council owned land is only used for proper and fit purposes.

C.      NO DEAL BREXIT AND PROROGATION OF PARLIAMENT:

RESOLVED:

That this council:

1.          In following Government instructions to prepare for a No Deal Brexit is aware of the risk that this could result in impossible demands being placed on this and other Hertfordshire Councils and all other work grinding to a halt.

2.         Is dismayed that the Prime Minister has announced his intention to prorogue Parliament in the midst of a constitutional crisis, with the increasing threat of a catastrophic No Deal Brexit.

3.         Condemns the suspension of Parliament by the Prime Minister and the silencing of elected representatives at a time of such national importance as undemocratic.

4.         Is conscious of the highly damaging effects of a No Deal Brexit on all residents of the District.

5.         Recognises and understands the concerns of its residents who are EU nationals and the threat a No Deal Brexit presents to their stability and wellbeing.

This council resolves to:

1.         Make urgent representations to the Prime Minister urging him to abandon his plan to prorogue Parliament and to ensure that Parliament is fully involved in the decision making process regarding Brexit and any future Withdrawal Agreement.

2.         Communicate to residents the possible outcomes of a No Deal Brexit and advise them of how to prepare for this eventuality, publicising the link to Council website on preparing for Brexit.

3.         Take positive steps to alert residents who are EU nationals to inform them of the importance of applying for Settled Status, providing information about this process and signposting them to the website link and other appropriate support.

4.         Make information available at surgeries and other local events and centres for EU nationals who need support in securing Settled Status