Decision

(A)          Winter Service Reductions   It was
moved by Councillor Dacre, Seconded
by Councillor Courtney   After being put to the vote,
the Amended Motion was carried.   RESOLVED that:   This
Council notes that:   ·        According
to the Cabinet Forward Plan (Key Decision List
1st June to 30th September 2024), a
report on the Winter Service Policy Update was scheduled to be
discussed by Cabinet on 3rd June.   ·        No such
document was discussed at that Cabinet meeting, nor at any
subsequent meeting.   ·        This
document does not appear in any previous or subsequent Forward
Plan.  
·        According
to that Forward Plan “The report gives details of the Winter
Service Policy and Highway Hierarchy and Service Standard for
Calderdale and recommends this is adopted for all existing roads.
This will result in a number of roads,
retained from previous years due to custom and practice, being
removed from the precautionary treatment network.”  
·        The Forward
Plan of Key Decisions is kept under continual review. On reviewing
the Key Decision list prior to the Cabinet Meeting on 3rd June the
Monitoring Officer took the view that the implementation of the
changes to the Winter Service implemented by Budget Council on 26th
February 2024 was not a Key Decision. The item was accordingly
removed from the Forward Plan.  
·        The
implementation of the Budget decision was cancelled on 25th
November.  
·        Governance
and Business Committee is currently engaged on a review of the
Constitution.   This
Council believes that:   ·        The
proposed implementation of the Budget Decision gave rise to
significant concerns from Elected Members and the public both in
relation to timing and the roads affected.   This
Council therefore resolves to:   Request
that the Governance and Business Committee include the key Decision
and Forward Plan Framework as part of its current Constitutional
Review with a view to making any necessary recommendations to
Council to ensure that all policy-making
is conducted in an open and transparent manner.   (B)          Debate not Hate: Civility in Public
Life   It was
moved by Councillor Taylor, Seconded by
Councillor Courtney   RESOLVED that:   This Council notes that:   ·        Members of the Local Government Association have
expressed concerns about the increasing intimidation of candidates
and councillors, the increasing toxicity of public debate and the
impact of this on the democracy of our country, particularly on the
decision-making processes that affect our local
communities.   ·        A concern facing the conduct of public life
at the moment is the increasing
incidents of intimidation and abuse by members of the public
against candidates and councillors. These attacks risk the personal
safety of our councillors and have the potential to undermine local
democracy and decision-making putting off prospective candidates
from standing. Intimidation and physical threats of violence
against councillors are a real and growing concern in every area of
the country. Whilst debate and having different views is all part
of a healthy democracy; abuse, public intimidation and threats are
designed to undermine democratic decision making by generating fear
in those who represent it.   ·        Public abuse and intimidation can be triggered by
particular events, like councils’
decisions, elections, or a misunderstanding of the role and
responsibilities of councils and councillors. Perpetrators can be
anyone; they may be angry residents, disgruntled members of the
public, or activists on a specific issue.   ·        A recent Local Government Association survey found
that there has been a rise in reports of abuse (verbal, online,
email, phone calls) of councillors and that female councillors
receive more abuse than male councillors.   ·        Councillors locally in Calderdale have reported an
increase in personal abuse, in their representative roles.
Councillors want to conduct their representative roles in
safety.   ·        The Jo Cox Foundation’s Civility Commission
has argued that if action is not taken, we risk seeing more
politicians stepping down due to abuse and intimidation, fewer
people putting themselves forward as candidates, and less diversity
and representation in UK politics.   This Council believes that:   ·        Generally, Calderdale Council meetings are civilly
conducted and there is respect between the political parties, even
during the ‘knockabout’ political debate in the Council
Chamber.   ·        Elected representatives have a responsibility
themselves, in their local leadership roles, to model high
standards and good behaviour.   ·        We need a wider discussion with our citizens on how
they involve themselves in public debate. We collectively need to
be clear that abuse, harassment, intimidation, and violence is not
the way for anyone to engage in modern-day politics.   ·        We need to challenge the growing ‘new
norms’ of intimidation, abuse, threats, and aggressive
behaviour by many who engage in political and public discourse and
to demonstrate the impact that intimidation and abusive behaviour
has on our democratic system.   ·        The increasing popularity of social media has made
it easier for people to be abusive, with the distance created by
being online lending a feeling of safety and excitement to those
who use that media for negativity and harassment.   ·        Social media companies should take some
responsibility for the use of their platforms for abuse; there is a
compelling case to be made that there is currently insufficient
regulation of this sector. In addition, social media companies
should acknowledge the democratic significance of local politicians
and provide better and faster routes for councillors reporting
abuse and misinformation online.   ·        The increased polarisation of public debate, as well
as lack of public understanding of the councillor role has led to
increased negative perceptions that ‘they are all the
same’ or’ they are all corrupt’.   ·        If these issues are not addressed, then there is a
risk that incivility can drift towards persistent harassment and
unremitting abuse, and even hate crime; the undermining impact of
this on individuals and communities should not be
underestimated.   This Council therefore:   ·        Pledges to promote a culture of respect,
accountability and zero tolerance for violence and abuse for those
serving in the public sector, whether as councillors or
staff.   ·        Joins the LGA and the Jo Cox Foundation in calling
upon national government to find ways to improve the general
public’s understanding of the decision-making role of
councillors and councils,  and to consider how significant awareness
campaigns for the general public aimed at increasing understanding
of the role of elected representatives and promoting civility might
be developed.   ·        Urges national government to make impartial
political and media literacy a mandatory part of the curriculum,
giving our young people the skills to deal with misinformation.
Young people should be able to be responsible digital
citizens.   ·        Welcomes the Government’s proposal of
dedicated police support for democratically elected members, noting
that more action is needed in order to prevent the negative impact
on our democracy and asks that a central unit is established and
resourced to monitor, assess, and address abuse, intimidation and
the safety of locally elected politicians and candidates at
election times as well as between elections, as recommended by the
Jo Cox Civility Commission.   ·        Asks our local MPs to press for the bringing forward
of the proposed legislation to allow councillors to withhold their
home address from the public register of interests.   ·        Asks our local MPs to join their voices to those
calling for better regulation of social media platforms.   ·        Asks our councillors to commit to visit local
schools and colleges whenever possible, raising awareness of their
roles in the democratic process for our future citizens and
voters.   ·        Asks Governance and Business Committee to begin work
on how policy in this area can be further developed.   (C)          Offender To Rehab: Trying to Break the Cycle of
Addiction and Crime   It was
moved by Councillor Courtney, Seconded
by Councillor Dacre   After
being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was
carried.   RESOLVED that:   This Council notes:   ·        The devastating impact of drug addiction on
residents, families, communities, and local businesses.   ·        The hard work of Council Officers, local
organisations, and emergency services in addressing drug addiction
and related crimes.   ·        The recent public consultation undertaken by the
West Yorkshire Mayor to inform the Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028.
The draft plan included drug and alcohol issues as key areas of
focus.   ·        Our vital role as a local authority in shaping
future policies across West Yorkshire.   This Council believes that:   ·        The current cruel cycle of ‘chasing, arresting
and imprisoning shoplifters who are stealing to feed an addiction
is time consuming for the police, expensive for the taxpayer and
rarely solves the underlying causes of the crime, with the
inevitable outcome that when people are released from prison, the
whole process just ends up happening all over
again.’   ·        Compassion and effective treatment are vital in
addressing the root causes of drug addiction.   ·        The appointments of James Timpson (CEO of
Timpson’s Group) as Prisons Minister and David Gauke (former Conservative Secretary of State) to
lead a review of the prison system, provides both hope for crucial
reform and investment.   ·        Services across Calderdale are having a positive
impact but more can always be done when
resource allows.   This Council notes:   ·        The ‘Offender to Rehab’ program by the
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.   ·        The program provides targeted support through
residential rehabilitation for residents with a history of retail
criminal activity and who are driven by drug addiction, poor
wellbeing, and deteriorating mental health conditions.   ·        Under the Offender to Rehab programme, ‘people
with substance misuse issues are identified and referred to
residential rehab facilities. Once their addiction is treated, they
are highly likely to stop stealing.’   ·        During the pilot in Birmingham, 27 residents
received residential rehabilitation treatment. This resulted in a
reduction in shoplifting saving retail businesses £651,000,
whilst also freeing up police resources worth £185,000. The
program is now expanding across the West Midlands.   ·        Calderdale Officers have reviewed the Birmingham
pilot findings and note that it is too early to conclude that the
programme provides a lasting, cost
effective benefit to clients, local businesses and
communities.   “At the time
of writing, 4 clients completed the 12-week programme, 3 clients
are still in rehabilitation, and 20 discharged early. The O2R
programme could explore options to do more to prepare clients for
reintegration back into the community. This could ensure that needs
relating to, for example, accommodation, mental health,
relationships, and employment were met.” Officers believe the
Calderdale approach is more effective in the long term.   ·        Over the last 15 years Calderdale has focused on and
invested in developing a Recovery Community that helps sustain an
individual’s recovery through connection, peer support and
activities. The focus is on developing a model that demonstrates
that you can get well where you got sick, developing contagious
visible recovery and support beyond the treatment interventions.
Historically, Calderdale had a very small allocation for
rehabilitation (usually only enough to send 5/6 people to out of
area rehabilitation a year). To enable more people the opportunity
of rehabilitation Calderdale has developed a local abstinence-based
programme, a recovery centre, and housing that can both deliver
community detoxification, stabilisation, and longer-term recovery
support.   ·        Calderdale’s aspiration over the next few
years is to reach out and develop easy access community focused
models in all our townships, including the recovery community and
development of further mutual aid meetings that people can access
outside of the treatment system. It is intended to identify
existing community and well used venues to work alongside, and provide services that looks and feel
like the communities they serve.   ·        Tod Kindness is the first permanent access point
trialling a ‘community first’ model but the local team
are currently negotiating with Project Colt in Elland. Whilst the
Council currently have a presence there, the ambition is to deliver
the full programme of interventions there.   ·        Calderdale already deliver groups and facilitate
mutual aid meetings all over the borough; the full range is
outlined in the website ‘Calderdale in Recovery’. The
Council operates satellite clinics in Beechwood and Brig Royd
surgeries and will run other clinics where possible. The team is
looking at developing an off-site prescribing service which can
work directly with drug users in community settings, which aspires
to be a roving service and runs a HOPE team (Health Outreach
Prevention and Engagement) that can be deployed to respond to
identified needs in the community.   This Council resolves to:   ·        Request Place Scrutiny Board to conduct in depth
review of the Council’s current drug treatment provision and
recommend any improvements to Cabinet including, if appropriate,
asking the Council Leader and Chief Executive to write to Alison
Lowe, Deputy Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner of the West
Yorkshire Combined Authority, drawing her attention to the
‘Offender to Rehab’ pilot program, and asking her to
consider whether it could add value to existing West Yorkshire
provision and, if so, to provide funding for a pilot.   ·        Continue our various strands of support for local
businesses generally and work with local businesses where
appropriate to promote a positive and supportive environment for
recovering drug users.   ·        Continue to explore opportunities for expanding the
Council’s current drug addiction services to other areas of
Calderdale.   (D)          Support the Climate and Nature
Bill   The
maximum time allowed for discussion of Motions under Council
Procedure Rule 14.5 having been reached, the Mayor invited Councillor E Hey to advise whether the
Motion should be deferred to the next meeting of Council to be
taken as the first item for Motions submitted under Council
Procedure Rule 14. Councillor E Hey advised that the Green Group
were happy to withdraw their Motion in support of the Amended
Motion and proceed to vote.   It was
moved by Councillor Patient, Seconded
by Councillor Hutchinson   After
being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was
carried.   RESOLVED that:   Climate
change is impacting us all. Calderdale has been directly impacted
by climate change, as we are all aware; as we approach the ninth
anniversary of the Calder Valley floods, in which over 3000
properties were flooded and which caused £150 million
pounds’ worth of damage, we must keep in mind that, despite
the Council’s best efforts, climate change will make such
incidents ever more likely and more severe. Calderdale Council has
previously shown its commitment to this agenda and has already
supported the Climate and Nature (formerly the Climate Ecology
Bill), as demonstrated by the successful Labour motion to Council
in September 2021.   The
average global temperature has already increased by 1.2 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Last year’s soaring
temperatures made it clear that the target of restricting global
warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is slipping away. International
climate officials confirmed that 2023 was the planet’s
hottest year on record, while the impacts of even higher
temperatures this year have been sharply felt across
Europe.   Alongside
this, the natural world has reached crisis point, with 28% of
plants and animals threatened with extinction and thousands of
other species already lost to global warming. The UK is already one
of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in
seven of our plants and animals facing extinction and over 40% in
decline.   The
Climate and Nature Bill requires the UK to take responsibility for
our fair share of greenhouse gas emissions and commit to a carbon
budget that would keep temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius,
while also working to prioritise, restore and protect our unique
and vital natural environment.   The bill
has been introduced to Parliament on five other occasions since
2020, including most recently in May 2024, where the bill’s
name was changed from Climate & Ecology Bill to the Climate
& Nature Bill. The bill is going back to Parliament on Friday
24th January 2025, backed by over 180 cross-party MPs and Peers,
around 237 local authorities, and eminent scientists such as Sir
David King. Over 1100 leading climate scientists, ecologists,
academics and medical professionals have
signed a letter calling on MPs to fast-track this new
legislation.   The
Climate and Nature Bill would require the Government to develop a
new environmental strategy, which would include:   1.      Delivering a joined-up environmental plan, as the
crises in climate and nature are deeply intertwined and require a
plan that considers them both together.   2.      Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5
degrees Celsius to ensure the best chance of meeting the UK’s
Paris Agreement obligations.   3.      Not just halting but reversing the decline in
nature, setting nature measurably on the path to recovery by
2030.   4.      Taking responsibility for our overseas footprint,
both emissions and ecological.   5.      Prioritising nature in decision making and ending
fossil fuel production and imports as rapidly as
possible.   6.      Providing retraining for those currently working in
the fossil fuel industries.   7.      Giving the British people a say in finding ways
forward via a temporary independent and representative Climate
& Nature Assembly, as part of creating consensus and ensuring
that no-one and no community is left behind.   Calderdale Council therefore resolves to:   ·        Continue its strong support for the Climate and
Nature (formerly CEE) Bill as originally stated through a Labour
motion of September 2021.   ·        Inform residents and local press/media of this
continued support.   ·        Write to our new MPs, Kate Dearden and Josh
Fenton-Glynn, to inform them that the motion has been passed and to
urge them to support the Climate & Nature Bill.   ·        Make sure that climate remains a Council priority
given the upcoming 5-year anniversary of Calderdale Council’s
own Climate Emergency declaration.   ·        Write to Zero Hour, the organisers of the
cross-party campaign for the bill, expressing Calderdale
Council’s support.