Agenda item

To consider any motions on notice

Consideration was given to Motion No. 180 moved by Councillor Rush and seconded by Councillor Morrish of which notice had been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rules Nos, 4.28-4.34 as follows:

“National Colour Coded Recycling Packaging System, to include accessible labelling such as Braille or raised tactile markings.

Many residents wish to recycle responsibly but often face confusion due to inconsistent and unclear packaging labels. This confusion can lead to recyclable materials being placed in general waste or non-recyclable materials contaminating recycling collections.

Recycling instructions are frequently printed in very small text, making them difficult to read, particularly for blind and visually impaired residents, older residents, or those with reading difficulties. As a result, residents may unknowingly dispose of recyclable items incorrectly.

Both Government and local councils are encouraging residents to recycle more. This is reflected in the increasing number of recycling bins and collection streams now provided to households. If residents are being asked to recycle more, it is only reasonable that the information on packaging is clear, consistent and accessible. A clear and consistent national approach would make recycling easier for residents and help improve recycling rates. It would also support the UK’s wider environmental objectives, including increasing recycling levels and reducing waste sent to landfill.

A simple colour coded system displayed clearly on packaging would allow residents to quickly identify how an item should be disposed of. Such a system could help residents recycle correctly, reduce contamination in recycling collections, and provide clearer guidance for households across the country.

I therefore request that, if this motion is passed, the Chair of Council writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs within 28 days of the decision, urging the UK Government to consider introducing a national traffic light style colour coded system on packaging to clearly indicate recyclability, alongside accessible labelling such as Braille or raised tactile markings.

This would help ensure recycling information is accessible to everyone and allow residents to independently identify how items should be disposed of. A clear colour coded, and tactile system would therefore promote greater inclusivity while supporting improved recycling outcomes.

The proposer of the motion will work with the Chair to include in the letter the benefits such a system would bring to residents, councils and national recycling targets.”

Councillors Rush and Morrish spoke in support of the motion.

The Chair invited Members to speak to the motion.

In response to a query by Councillor Rush in respect of her efforts to secure a seconder for the motion, the Mayor explained that any requests to second a motion from opposition Members were agreed by the Labour Group rather than individual Labour Councillors.  As such, sufficient notice would be required for the Labour Group to give such a matter consideration, which the Mayor indicated the Group would be happy to do.

On a vote being taken the motion was CARRIED.

Consideration was given to Motion No. 181 moved by Councillor Clynch and seconded by Councillor Gavigan of which notice had been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rules Nos, 4.28-4.34 as follows:

“Supporting scrapping of two-child benefit cap

This Council supports the decision of the Government to scrap the two-child benefit cap.  It has been estimated that 2 million children across the country will see increases in their household income thanks to the decision to lift the cap. This will help tackle child poverty and meet the government’s aim to give all children the best start in life.

We know child poverty effects children’s physical and mental health, their educational attainment and future employment opportunities. In Middlesbrough, we have some of the highest levels of child poverty in the country. This includes in some wards where 6 out of 7 children are growing up in poverty.

Currently excellent work is being undertaken by Middlesbrough Council including: 10x10 programme, the HAF programme (Holiday Activities and Food programme) and other support under the Council’s Welfare Strategy such as auto-enrolment of free school meals, the Household Support Fund and the amazing work of our Welfare Rights Team. The ending of the two-child cap will help to lift more children out of poverty and improve the lives of children across Middlesbrough.

This Council commits itself to continuing to support families and tackle child poverty. 

This Council therefore resolves to: Request that the Chair of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education and recommit ourselves to working together to improve the lives of all of Middlesbrough’s young people.”

Councillor Mason raised a point of order, citing Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 4.8.24 (a) that motions on notice would not be accepted as valid if CPR 4.8.7 (b) applied.  Councillor Mason expressed the view that Motion 181 appeared to be an expression of opinion on a national policy matter and therefore CPR 4.8.7 (b) (vi) applied and that the motion should not be put to the meeting as it contained expressions of opinion. 

The Chair adjourned proceedings for consideration of the point of order raised by Councillor Mason.

The meeting was reconvened and the Chair of Council stated that the main purpose of the motion was not to give opinion or a speech, instead the motion was a request for Full Council to restate its intent to support families and to tackle child poverty and also a request for the Chair of Council to recommit for Council’s efforts to improve the lives of young people.  The Chair declared that the motion was valid.

The Chair invited Members to speak to the motion.

Councillors Gavigan, Branson, Kabuye, Walker, L Young, Henman and The Mayor spoke in support of the motion.

Councillors Morrish, Coupe, Rush and Mason spoke against the motion.

Responding to a point of clarification raised by Councillor Morrish, the Chair confirmed that he had elected to take the advice of the Monitoring Officer on Council Procedure Rules.

Councillor Mason proposed an amendment to the motion as follows:

“We know child poverty effects children’s physical and mental health, their educational attainment and future employment opportunities. In Middlesbrough, we have some of the highest levels of child poverty in the country. This includes in some wards where 6 out of 7 children are growing up in poverty.

Currently excellent work is being undertaken by Middlesbrough Council including: 10x10 programme, the HAF programme (Holiday Activities and Food programme) and other support under the Council’s Welfare Strategy such as auto-enrolment of free school meals, the Household Support Fund and the amazing work of our Welfare Rights Team.

This Council commits itself to continuing to support families and tackle child poverty. 

This Council therefore resolves to: Request that the Chair of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education and recommit ourselves to working together to improve the lives of all of Middlesbrough’s young people.”

The proposed amendment was seconded by Councillor Coupe.

The Chair invited Members to speak to the proposed amendment to the motion.

Councillor Clynch spoke against the proposed amendment to the motion.

On a vote being taken, the amendment was LOST and the debate returned to the substantive motion.

The Chair invited Members to speak to the substantive motion.

Councillor Clynch exercised his right of reply and spoke in support of the motion.

On a vote being taken, the motion was CARRIED.

In respect of the time permitted for consideration of motions on notice at a Council meeting, and in accordance with CPR 4.8.26 (u), the remaining motion on notice, Motion 182,  was deferred to the next ordinary meeting of the Council and would be dealt with at that meeting in the same order and before any other motions of which notice was given.