To consider Notices of Motion.

Motion 1 – County Athletics Track

Councillor Jim Kenyon proposed the motion.

Councillor Rob Williams seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

In summary, there was widespread support for the motion and the contribution the facility would make to the health and wellbeing of local residents and the promotion of participation in sport. There was concern expressed regarding long term maintenance of the facility, following repair, and the potential precedent that the Council would set for other local fundraising efforts seeking contributions towards projects.

Councillor Kenyon closed the debate.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED – that:

This Council asks the cabinet to reconsider the decision made by council back in February, at the budget meeting, regarding funding for the County Athletics Track in Hereford. Since that meeting they have attracted additional funding from the levelling up government fund and the local community following the initial pump prime funding from Hereford City council of £70k the short fall for the project to be fully funded is £70k the total project cost is £450k.

Motion 2 – Climate and Ecological Emergency

Councillor Ellie Chowns proposed the motion.

Councillor Liz Harvey seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

In summary, there was considerable support for the motion and the importance of accelerating efforts locally to address climate change and move towards net zero. Evidence of the impact of the climate change locally was raised including the increase in the incidence and severity of flooding. It was raised that the motion should not create an impediment to growth and development in the county.

Councillor Chowns close the debate.

The motion was put to the recorded vote and was carried unanimously.

FOR (48) - Councillors: Bruce Baker, Jenny Bartlett, Chris Bartrum, Graham Biggs, Dave Boulter, Harry Bramer, Jacqui Carwardine, Ellie Chowns, Simeon Cole, Frank Cornthwaite, Pauline Crockett, Clare Davies, Barry Durkin, Mark Dykes, Toni Fagan, Carole Gandy, Catherine Gennard, Peter Hamblin, Liz Harvey, Helen Heathfield, Robert Highfield, David Hitchiner, Dan Hurcomb, Terry James, Jim Kenyon, Jonathan Lester, Nick Mason, Bob Matthews, Ed O'Driscoll, Aubrey Oliver, Rob Owens, Justine Peberdy, Roger Phillips, Dan Powell, Philip Price, Ben Proctor, Stef Simmons, Adam Spencer, Louis Stark, Pete Stoddart, John Stone, Elissa Swinglehurst, Richard Thomas, Kevin Tillett, Diana Toynbee, Allan Williams, Rob Williams and Mark Woodall

AGAINST (0)

ABSTAIN (0)

RESOLVED – that:

In March 2019 Herefordshire Council unanimously passed a motion recognising the climate emergency.  This was updated in December 2020 to include recognition of the ecological emergency.

Since that time the scale of the challenge has become greater, and the need for action more urgent. Climate change is driving extreme weather such as heatwaves that cost lives. Wildlife is under extreme pressure, and species loss is accelerating.

Here in Herefordshire we can see the effects of the climate and ecological emergency very clearly at local level.  Climate change contributed to the unprecedented flooding in February 2020 that caused immense damage and disruption.  Pollution has caused a collapse in biodiversity in our precious Rivers Lugg and Wye, to the great concern of local residents, as well as impacting on our county’s reputation and economy.

This motion therefore offers members the opportunity to renew Herefordshire Council’s commitment to taking action to tackle the climate and ecological emergency.

Motion

That this Council resolves to declare its recognition of the climate and ecological emergency, and calls on the executive to:

a)    Integrate consideration of climate mitigation and adaptation, and nature recovery, into all council decision-making; and ensure that all decisions are compatible with the goal of a zero-carbon, nature-rich Herefordshire by 2030;

b)    Commit to further accelerating reduction of the council’s own carbon footprint towards the target of net zero by 2030, including taking every opportunity to reduce use of fossil fuels;

c)    Commit to taking every opportunity to improve wildlife protection and better management of land for nature, including on council-owned land;

d)    Support and strengthen action with partners towards the goal of a zero-carbon, nature-rich Herefordshire by 2030, including through the Herefordshire Climate and Nature Partnership Board;

e)    Provide the necessary resources for officers to deliver on the council’s carbon reduction and nature protection commitments, and to develop evidence based indicators to enable the council to monitor and report annually on the county’s position.