To consider the following motions submitted by members in accordance with Standing Order 5:
(1) Conservative Motion – Paper free meetings
This Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. Despite this we have continued to print and post out large agenda packs to support Council meetings and committees. The Council has now completed the digital update for members with the use of Surface Pros.
Therefore this Council welcomes the positive impacts for the climate and resources, provided by this motion and;
1. agrees to operate all public meetings and task and finish group meetings without printed papers, instead distributing them to Members and relevant Officers by electronic digital means
2. will work towards operating all functions, involving all members of staff and associated contractors, without the need for or with minimised use of printed papers
3. will offer appropriate training to Members and Officers to enable them to use electronic digital alternatives to printed papers effectively
4. recognises that exceptions and reasonable adjustments for those who require them will need to be made (for example as a result of legal or regulatory requirements or due to the document size and/or images or content concerned).
Proposer: Councillor Piers Daniell
Seconder: Councillor Adrian Warwick
(2) Labour Motion – Integrated Care Systems
This Council supports the establishment of Integrated Care Systems and identifies the patient route from hospital to home as one of the priorities for Warwickshire. This Council commits to exploring closer links between the services commissioned and delivered by the NHS and the Council and lobbying the Government for suitable funding for Councils in regard to such services.
Proposer: Councillor John Holland
Seconder: Councillor Caroline Phillips
(3) Support for Ukraine
Warwickshire County Council is disturbed by the horrific devastation in Ukraine, and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine;
This Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Warwickshire.
b. Stands ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.
Proposer: Councillor Isobel Seccombe
Seconder: Councillor Jerry Roodhouse
Minutes:
Paper free meetings
Councillor Piers Daniell proposed the following motion as set out on the agenda:
This Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. Despite this we have continued to print and post out large agenda packs to support Council meetings and committees. The Council has now completed the digital update for members with the use of Surface Pros.
Therefore this Council welcomes the positive impacts for the climate and resources, provided by this motion and;
1. agrees to operate all public meetings and task and finish group meetings without printed papers, instead distributing them to Members and relevant Officers by electronic digital means
2. will work towards operating all functions, involving all members of staff and associated contractors, without the need for or with minimised use of printed papers
3. will offer appropriate training to Members and Officers to enable them to use electronic digital alternatives to printed papers effectively
4. recognises that exceptions and reasonable adjustments for those who require them will need to be made (for example as a result of legal or regulatory requirements or due to the document size and/or images or content concerned).
In moving the motion, Cllr Daniell stated that, upon election in May 2021, he had been impressed with the high level of technical abilities the council possessed. He noted the high volume of paper the council used for council, committee and board meetings through external printers for non-exempt paperwork and internal staff for exempt papers. He noted that the cost of printing over the previous financial year had been circa £16,000 but that this could increase to pre-pandemic levels and he considered that the time had arrived when printing and posting papers was an exception rather than a rule. He considered it was counter to the declaration of the climate emergency if policies that were resource hungry and wasteful were not reconsidered. He explained that the motion made provision for those who needed papers to continue to receive them upon request. In time, Councillor Daniell hoped that modernisation of the chamber would further allow for a reduction in paper.
Councillor Adrian Warwick seconded the motion and reserve his right to speak.
Amendment 1
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers proposed an amendment to add a point 5 stating “recognises that IT equipment also has a significant carbon and resource footprint particularly in the manufacturing process and requests that a paper be brought to Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee detailing these impacts and how they could be minimised.”
In moving the amendment, Councillor Chilvers advised that the addition sought to provide context in terms of carbon emissions. He advised that the paper used by the organisation equated to about 26 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. In terms of laptop and device manufacture (not including usage) for the whole organisation, this equated to 1784 tonnes of carbon emissions over four years. This meant that even when factoring in the life of the device, the manufacture of electronics was about 20 times more carbon intensive than paper use and, therefore, if the life of the Council’s IT could be extended by 5% this was equal to the elimination of paper in the organisation. 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted on Warwickshire's roads per year. If journeys could be reduced by 1% that would equate to 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to the 26 tonnes produced through the organisation’s paper use.
This was seconded by Councillor Tracey Drew who reserved her right to speak.
Councillor Daniell did not accept the amendment, stating that the proposed amendment covered a big topic which warranted a debate of its own. He noted that the Council had already invested in technology and transport was not the intended subject of the motion. His intention was to send a message that the Council was seeking to be as efficient as possible.
Amendment 2
Councillor John Holland tabled an amendment that deleted points 1 and 2 of the original motion and replaced them with “that the presumption is that councillors will opt in to receiving printed versions of papers rather than opting out as is currently the position.” He considered that this was the original aim of the motion and recognised that making reasonable adjustments was not enough, since this could lead to disagreements between staff and councillors, and failed to recognise that there were legislative requirements around the use of display screens.
Councillor Caroline Phillips seconded the amendment.
The amendment was circulated by email.
Debate
As a point of order, Councillor Adrian Warwick sought to clarify that legal advice been sought on the motion and he did not consider that there was any issue with regard to its legality.
Councillor Sarah Boad noted that paper use had reduced significantly since her election when there was no email or internet. She considered that it had been difficult to engage in virtual meetings during the pandemic without a second device. She also considered that there were other practices that had a greater impact on the carbon footprint of the council, for instance car journeys to Shire Hall and single-use plastics. She noted that Royal Leamington Spa Town Council had not issued paper packs for over two years so this was not an unusual practice to introduce, but that complex documents such as the budget paperwork should still be provided in hard copy. In considering the amendment, she considered the point was valid in terms of lengthening device life and that it was key to use devices sensibly rather than recycle and reuse them. However, she considered that the proposed amendment from the Green group needed a separate debate. She suggested that printing contracts and devices would also require some reconsideration if the motion was agreed.
Councillor Jenny Fradgley supported the principle of the motion, noting that Stratford-on-Avon District Council had a similar approach. However, she noted that there were some issues with paperless meetings for those with disabilities that needed consideration. She welcomed the offer of more training and the bundling of documents delivered electronically in a clear and transparent way.
Councillor Peter Butlin considered that the Council’s carbon footprint was only a minor part of the motion and he welcomed the financial savings that could be made. He noted that use of electronic devices did not come easily to all and that support, along with a personal desire, to use them was required. He also considered that the amendment from the Green group was a separate debate and that the simplicity of the original motion was a strength as its primary focus was on efficiency and saving money. He welcomed the motion’s recognition that people with disabilities would be accounted for and did not consider that the Labour group amendment was required as a result.
Councillor Tim Sinclair supported the motion and welcomed the changes that it would deliver. He also concluded that the Green group amendment was a topic that required separate debate.
Councillor Tracey Drew expressed the view that it was important to look at the motion in context and the wider carbon footprint of meetings, not focussing on elements of the process in isolation.
Councillor Caroline Phillips considered that the original motion was contradictory and considered that proper provision needed to be made for those individuals who needed to continue to use paper copies. She did, however, welcome further training on electronic devices.
Councillor Adrian Warwick emphasised that the motion did not attempt to remove paper from those who needed it and he recognised that there would always be exceptions to the rules. However, he considered that computers were a part of life, but paper was becoming less so. He referenced the Council’s successful community computer scheme which saw products recycled and reused in the community. Whilst he recognised that the move to paperless meetings did not have a big environmental impact, small actions added to the bigger picture. He also considered that the motion would have an impact on saving officer time as well as money spent on resources.
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers supported the opt in system proposed. In response to Council Boad, he advised that the carbon dioxide emissions from the use of a small car was equivalent to 61 sheets of paper. In terms of the climate emergency, the motion provided for a very small impact so he considered that there was a wider context, as he had set out in the amendment, and he looked forward to future debate on the topic.
Councillor John Holland considered that the chamber was in favour of reducing paper use and avoiding unnecessary expenditure. However, he considered the point in the original motion about reasonable adjustments required more clarity to avoid disputes in the courts, and a presumption from opting out to opting in would solve the problem.
Councillor Piers Daniell considered that the motion had both financial and environmental benefits and set the right tone. He considered that the challenges of the Green group amendment had been adequately addressed in the debate and considered that the wording for the making of reasonable adjustments was suitable. Furthermore, he considered that it was clear that the Council was moving towards a paperless way of working and this reflected the approach of town, district and borough councils.
Vote
A vote was held on the Green group amendment which was lost. A vote was held on the Labour group amendment which was also lost. A vote was held on the original motion was carried by a majority.
Resolved
This Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. Despite this we have continued to print and post out large agenda packs to support Council meetings and committees. The Council has now completed the digital update for members with the use of Surface Pros.
Therefore this Council welcomes the positive impacts for the climate and resources, provided by this motion and;
1. agrees to operate all public meetings and task and finish group meetings without printed papers, instead distributing them to Members and relevant Officers by electronic digital means
2. will work towards operating all functions, involving all members of staff and associated contractors, without the need for or with minimised use of printed papers
3. will offer appropriate training to Members and Officers to enable them to use electronic digital alternatives to printed papers effectively
4. recognises that exceptions and reasonable adjustments for those who require them will need to be made (for example as a result of legal or regulatory requirements or due to the document size and/or images or content concerned).
Integrated Care Services
Councillor John Holland moved the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Caroline Phillips:
This Council supports the establishment of Integrated Care Systems and identifies the patient route from hospital to home as one of the priorities for Warwickshire. This Council commits to exploring closer links between the services commissioned and delivered by the NHS and the Council and lobbying the Government for suitable funding for Councils in regard to such services.
Amendment
Councillor Margaret Bell proposed a friendly amendment which was seconded by Councillor Andy Jenns. The amendment stated:
This Council supports the
establishment of Integrated Care Systems and identifies the patient
route from hospital to home as one of the priorities for
Warwickshire. This Council commits to exploring closer links
between the services commissioned and delivered by the NHS and the
Council and lobbying the Government for suitable funding for
Councils in regard to such services.and the continued review of
the funding required for Councils in regard to such services;
lobbying the government as necessary.
Councillor Margaret Bell highlighted the motion as considering an important development facing all bodies looking at health and adult social care, with the direction being one of integration of the pathways between the organisation. The integration of systems provided a focus on heath inequalities and improving outcomes for residents. It was important to keep stays in acute hospitals as short as possible, but with the smooth extension of care to the community and to the home. There was some way to go to make the pathway as smooth as possible. There were many challenges, including data sharing, which were being addressed in the background. Funding was not yet topping the agenda, but in the future some reassessment of the configuration of funding would be required.
Councillor Andy Jenns seconded the amendment and reserved his right to speak.
The amendment was accepted as friendly by Councillor Holland as a friendly amendment.
Debate
Councillor Sarah Feeney expressed the view that she did not think the community understood what was happening and what it meant for them. She highlighted what she considered to be a major gap between the NHS and care, and hoped that the integration of care services would bring about better outcomes for the elderly and disabled. She considered that it was important that health services were joined up and delivering outcomes for residents.
Councillor Boad highlighted the Hospital to Home Service which was successfully provided by Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service and she hoped that this work would continue to find support.
Councillor Caroline Phillips noted that data sharing was seen as a stumbling block and expressed her hope that such challenges could be swiftly overcome so that outcomes for residents could be improved.
Councillor John Holland expressed the view that health and care services disproportionately supported elderly residents who required support. He considered that the joining up of services would not be easy but it was a prize worth working for. He considered that there had been a change in committees towards delivering services in the way residents wanted to receive them and he understood that there were significant costs involved and that the case for funding was being raised through the Local Government Association and elsewhere.
Vote
A vote was held on the new substantive motion that incorporated the friendly amendment and Council agreed the motion unanimously.
Resolved
This Council supports the establishment of Integrated Care Systems and identifies the patient route from hospital to home as one of the priorities for Warwickshire. This Council commits to exploring closer links between the services commissioned and delivered by the NHS and the Council and the continued review of the funding required for Councils in regard to such services; lobbying the government as necessary.
Support for Ukraine
The following motion as set out on the agenda was proposed by Councillor Isobel Seccombe:
Warwickshire County Council is disturbed by the horrific devastation in Ukraine, and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine;
This Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Warwickshire.
b. Stands ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.
In proposing the motion, Councillor Seccombe stated that world events had moved apace over the previous three weeks, and she felt that no-one in the chamber would fail to be moved by the plight of the people of Ukraine, who were previously living very similar lives to those of the people in the United Kingdom. She was moved by the photographs, videos and stories that were coming from the war zone, expressed her horror that 80 years of peace in Europe was at an end and she supported the continuation of peace talks. She considered that the motion expressed the Council’s feelings of support, empathy and consideration for the Ukraine and she was in no doubt that chambers all over the country were doing the same. She expressed the view that bullies and dictators thrived when people did not stand up to them and silence would condone and support the behaviour. She stated that the motion supported democratic freedom, a process which Ukraine had possessed since 1991 when the Soviet Union had ended. The Council was looking forward to what it could do to support the people fleeing Ukraine, largely women and children, and recognised that Warwickshire residents wanted to support them.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.
Amendment
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers proposed an amendment which sought the addition of the word “government” to point ‘a’ of the motion, so that it read: “a) condemns the unprovoked Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Warwickshire.”
In proposing the amendment, Councillor Chilvers stated that the people of Ukraine were facing the invasion and destruction of their own homes and towns in an unimaginable way. He believed that the chamber stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and were ready to support and welcome Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Warwickshire. He was disappointed to bring the amendment, having suggested various versions to try and get agreement, before needing to submit a formal amendment to indicate that not all Russians were in support of the Russian government’s actions. He did not consider that the situation would get any easier and that everyday Russians in the county might face hostility and abuse. He, therefore, sought the amendment as an important nuance that the Russian government was not the same as all Russians. He did not believe that this amendment detracted from the overall thrust of the motion that the Council stood with Ukranians at this horrific time.
This was seconded by Councillor Tracey Drew who reserved her right to speak.
Councillor Seccombe did not accept the amendment, stating that the focus of the motion was support for the people of Ukraine.
Debate
Councillor Bill Gifford expressed his disappointment that there had been any amendment to the motion and he considered that the original motion had been carefully thought through to show support for the people of Ukraine. The amendment made little difference to the context of the motion but the fact that an amendment was being debated was lamented as he had hoped for a single motion with cross-party support. He applauded the efforts of people in Warwickshire who were sending donations and aid to the Ukraine and noted that he had received many emails from residents asking how they could provide support and what support the Council was providing. He welcomed the commitment from the Council to support communities to help the people of Ukraine.
Councillor John Holland reflected on the attack on the Ukraine and how it was important to stand together and do whatever was possible to provide support. He noted that refugees, mainly women and children, would be arriving in the county, not just in shock at their loss, but also filled with worry for family and friends. He welcomed the motion which demonstrated Warwickshire was ready to welcome them.
Councillor Jan Matecki noted that his own family had benefited from the generosity of the United Kingdom when they had been displaced during the second world war. The motion was about showing compassion and support to the people of Ukraine and he urged that the motion be supported unamended.
Councillor Tracey Drew stated that the Green group supported the motion but wanted to acknowledge that there were two countries involved and it was the government of one, rather than its people who were creating the conflict.
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse reflected on conflicts in Chechnya, Aleppo in Syria, and now Ukraine which had seen images of death and destruction and the indiscriminate use of weapons and the prospect of nuclear war. He considered that the unamended motion allowed the chamber to unite and speak as one voice. He was saddened by the amendment as he felt the sentiment could have been reflected in a speech. He wished to register his disappointment at the way the Home Office had been dealing with refugees and hoped that a message could be shared with MPs. He noted that the Council would be asked to take responsibility for refugees entering the county but that the funding support would be unlikely to match the responsibility but that the motion acknowledged that the Council was ready to support them nonetheless. He reflected on a conversation he had had with his mother about war and her experiences of war, and it was clear to him that standing together, demonstrating compassion and love, would be a force to beat evil and that was how to support Ukraine at this point. He urged the chamber to stand as one behind the motion.
Councillor Jonathan Chilvers did add to the debate further.
Councillor Isobel Seccombe stated that Warwickshire was a friend to Ukraine, that the Ukrainian people would find warmth and support here, and that the Council would do its utmost to help, and would do it despite the challenges it would create. In the wider sense, this was a stand in support of democracy, and that the loss of democratic freedom for the people of Ukraine would not be tolerated
Vote
A vote was held on the Green group amendment which was lost. A vote was held on the original motion which was agreed unanimously.
Resolved
Warwickshire County Council is disturbed by the horrific devastation in Ukraine, and the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Country. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine;
This Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Warwickshire.
b. Stands ready to provide support to those affected by this War and will open our arms to people displaced and affected.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help and comfort to those in need.