Issue - meetings

[That Council consider the motion received by the Leader Councillor Ian Brookfield, Councillor Wendy Thompson and Councillor Simon Bennett.]

1.     That the motion on Covid-19 Resolution be agreed.

2.     That the following amended motion on re-opening libraries be agreed:

‘That this Council’s priority is to its citizens’ safety and will return the Library service to full operation on the advice of the Director of Public Health. The service is constantly under review. The Council notes the importance of libraries in providing, but not limited to, the loaning of book, audio books, large print items as well as free computer and internet access.’

The Deputy Mayor informed Council that the second motion on Covid-19 Tribute had been withdrawn.

a.        COVID-19 Resolution

The Leader of the Council moved the following motion:

That the City of Wolverhampton Council welcomes and is immensely grateful for the hard work and commitment of its many frontline and key workers, from health and social care staff, to refuse workers and council officers, who have and continue to maintain essential services and support during the current pandemic.

This Council also commends the response of many Wolverhampton residents who have selflessly given their time and support to their neighbours and families during this crisis.

COVID 19 in the City has taken its toll both in personal and financial losses, and we urge the Government to keep to their word and commit to extra funding to cover the funding gap caused by the pandemic. They must ensure that local councils have everything they need to overcome this crisis.

Furthermore we call on Government to trust and respect local councils and give us the powers we need to support our communities as it becomes increasingly clear that the responsibility of preventing a second wave will be through local lockdowns borne by local government.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield outlined the rationale for the motion. Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the motion and paid tribute to all those involved in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The motion was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the motion on Covid-19 Resolution be agreed.

c.  Reopening of libraries

Councillor Simon Bennett moved the following motion:

That without delay, the Council agrees to fully reopen the City’s libraries incorporating Covid secure measures similar to the processes already established in neighbouring authorities, following a change to government guidance 4^th July.

That this Council also notes the importance of libraries in providing, but not limited to, the loaning of book, audio books, large print items as well as free computer and internet access.

Councillor Simon Bennett outlined the rationale for the motion. Councillor Wendy Thompson seconded the motion.

Councillor Stephen Simkins moved the following amendment to the motion:

This council’s priority is to its citizens’ safety and will return the Library service to full operation on the advice of the Director of Public health. The service is constantly under review.

This Council notes the importance of libraries in providing, but not limited to, the loaning of book, audio books, large print items as well as free computer and internet access.

Councillor Stephen Simkins outlined the rationale for the proposed amendment. Councillor John Reynolds seconded the amendment to the motion.

The amended motion was debated by Council.

Resolved:

That the following amended motion on re-opening libraries be agreed:

‘That this Council’s priority is to its citizens’ safety and will return the Library service to full operation on the advice of the Director of Public Health. The service is constantly under review. The Council notes the importance of libraries in providing, but not limited to, the loaning of book,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10