Issue - items at meetings - Recovery Update: Food

Report of the Executive Director Families Children & Learning (copy attached)

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee –

(i)             Noted the work being done across the city around the emergency food response during the Covid19 pandemic, and the consideration of the implications surrounding the provision of emergency food in the longer term;

(ii)            Agreed that the Food Policy Officer continued to work with Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and the wider emergency food network on developing stronger analysis of options for moving to a more sustainable emergency food network, which builds upon the initial analysis outlined in paras 3.7 to 3.28 of this report;

(iii)           Agreed that the Food Policy Officer commenced the longer-term strategic food policy work outlined in paragraphs 3.49 to 3.55 of the report in partnership with city partners, the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and the Greater Brighton Economic Board;

(iv)           Agreed that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and to the Chair of the Government’s National Food Strategy (with the City’s three MPs and the Local Government Association copied in), urging for the ‘Right to Food’ to be incorporated into the government’s National Food Strategy, and into law.

42.1    The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Economy Environment & Culture which updated members on the work that was being done around provision of food during COVID-19, in terms of emergency provision, an update on the winter Covid-19 grant for families, and consideration of a longer-term strategic approach to food.

42.2    The Chair noted that there was an amendment from the Labour Group and asked Councillor Platts to propose the amendment.

42.3    Councillor Platts said that there was a food crisis with many families having to rely on foodbanks. The amendment sought to clarify the Council’s policy on ensuring residents were fed, and the Council needed to decide how funds could be allocated to do that. Councillor Yates formally seconded the amendment.

42.4    Councillor Clare said that it was clear that more work needed to be done on a national as well as local level and therefore the Green Group would be supporting the amendment.

42.5    Councillor Miller thanked everyone who was working with and donating to the foodbanks. However, he would not be supporting the amendment as it was the Conservative Group’s view that the City’s MPs should be lobbying the Government rather than the Chief Executive.

42.6    Councillor Platts asked what the Council’s overall strategy would be to address the issues, and whether things like rent-free premises could be provided for foodbanks or to provide allotments so residents could grow their own food etc. The Executive Director Economy Environment & Culture said that In order to continue to drive the food agenda, the City Council has recently appointed a new Food Policy Officer and they provide strategic leadership on food policy and food economy matters within the Council.

42.7    The Sub-Committee voted on the amendment and it was agreed. Councillor Miller abstained.

42.8    RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee –

(i)             Noted the work being done across the city around the emergency food response during the Covid19 pandemic, and the consideration of the implications surrounding the provision of emergency food in the longer term;

(ii)            Agreed that the Food Policy Officer continued to work with Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and the wider emergency food network on developing stronger analysis of options for moving to a more sustainable emergency food network, which builds upon the initial analysis outlined in paras 3.7 to 3.28 of this report;

(iii)           Agreed that the Food Policy Officer commenced the longer-term strategic food policy work outlined in paragraphs 3.49 to 3.55 of the report in partnership with city partners, the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and the Greater Brighton Economic Board;

(iv)           Agreed that the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and to the Chair of the Government’s National Food Strategy (with the City’s three MPs and the Local Government Association copied in), urging for the ‘Right to Food’ to be incorporated into the government’s National Food Strategy, and into law.