Decision

(A)

WITHDRAW FROM THE LOCAL AUTHORITY OF SANCTUARY AND MIGRATION PLEDGE

After being put to the vote, the Motion was carried.

RESOLVED that:

This Council notes that:

•       Calderdale Council is currently signed up to the Local Authority of Sanctuary framework and associated migration-related pledges, which commit the authority to principles of additional welcoming and support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

•       The Council has statutory duties to provide services fairly and equitably to all residents within its area, while also operating under significant financial pressures.

•       Local authorities continue to face increasing demand on housing, education, social care, and other critical services.

•       Responsibility for immigration and asylum policy rests with central government, not local authorities.

This Council further notes that:

•       The Local Authority of Sanctuary framework involves commitments that may influence policy decisions, allocation of resources, and organisational priorities.

•       There is ongoing national debate about the balance between humanitarian commitments and local capacity to deliver sustainable public services.

This Council believes that:

•       Calderdale Council’s primary responsibility is to deliver high-quality core services to its residents within available resources.

•       Decisions affecting local service provision should be based on local need and capacity, rather than voluntary pledges that create additional expectations.

•       Any additional commitments beyond statutory duties should be carefully evaluated in terms of cost, impact, public accountability and what is best for the residents of Calderdale.

This Council resolves to:

•       Withdraw Calderdale Council’s participation in the Local Authority of Sanctuary scheme.

•       Review and discontinue any non-statutory migration-related pledges that sit outside the Council’s core legal responsibilities.

•       Reaffirm its commitment to:

         Treat all residents with dignity and respect,

         Provide services based on need and within available resources.

(B)

IMPROVING CALDERDALE’S WATER

RESOLVED that:

This Council recognises:

Access to clean, reliable, and affordable water is a fundamental public service wholly under the remit of central Government that should command the confidence of residents across Calderdale and beyond but has sadly been lacking

There are strong concerns about the performance, accountability, governance of Yorkshire Water, particularly in the face of rising bills, persistent leakage, and holding Yorkshire Water to account on their failures that impact our environment.

Members also recognise the Labour Government have been in power two years and it is their responsibility along with the Mayor of West Yorkshire and the MP’s for Calder Valley and Halifax to push for improvements with Yorkshire Water.

This Council notes:

Resident’s bills from Yorkshire Water rose on average by 29% for the 2025/26 year with a further increase of 6% this year from April despite Government announcing Ofwat would be scrapped one year ago

Yorkshire Water is a private company beyond the remit of Calderdale Council

A scrutiny detailed review resulting in recommendations took place last year into Pollution in Calderdale’s Rivers and Waterways

This Council resolves to:

Express concern that, despite repeated commitments by the Labour Government to reform the water industry, residents continue to face rising bills, ongoing sewage discharges, significant leakage rates and increasing pressure on household finances.

Request the Leader of the Council write to the MP for Calder Valley and the MP for Halifax asking they demand the Labour Government fully explain how its proposed reforms and replacement of Ofwat will deliver tangible improvements for customers, the environment and local communities within a clear and measurable timeframe.

(C)

CONDEMNATION OF EHRC GUIDANCE 

After being put to the vote, the Amended Motion was carried.

RESOLVED that:

This council notes that:

•         Council notes that in May this year, the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a new draft guidance to their Code of Practice for services, public functions, and associations after withdrawing a previous temporary update to the guidance.

•         That the UK affords all rights to minority groups as opposed to numerous countries across the world.

•         That hate crimes against trans people have increased by 60% from the years 2020/1 to 2024/5 and that people who advocate for Women’s rights and Women only spaces have also been subjected to unacceptable levels of crime and abuse.

•         That business now have guidance that they can work from which is clear.

This council believes:

•         That it is not the place of a Local Authority to go against a ruling made by the EHRC

This council resolves that:

•         This council agrees to abide by the guidance set out by the EHRC.

•         To ensure that Women’s rights as defined by the guidance from the EHRC are at the forefront decisions made.

•         Calderdale continues to be a welcoming and safe place for all that live in the borough.

•         This Council affirms its support for single sex spaces.