Agenda item - Anti-slavery pledge

Extract from the proceedings of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee meeting held on the 24 September 2020, together with a report of the Interim Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities.

47.1      Councillor Powell introduced the report which detailed the proposal to sign up to the Anti-Slavery Pledge spearheaded by Birmingham City Council and supported by the Home Office. She wished to thank the officers involved in bringing the report forward and the work that was underway and hoped that it would be supported by everyone in the council.

47.2      Councillors Deane, Appich, Simson, Mears and Brennan spoke in support of the recommendations.

47.3      Councillor Powell noted the comments and stated that it was an important topic and she hoped that a positive change could be made.

47.4      The Mayor then put the recommendations to the vote and called on each of the Group Leaders to confirm their position as well as the Groups in turn and each of the Independent Members:

Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that the Green Group were in favour of the recommendations and this was confirmed by the Green Group Members;

Councillor Platts stated that the Labour Group were in favour of the recommendations and this was confirmed by the Labour Group Members;

Councillor Bell stated that the Conservative Group were in favour of the recommendations and this was confirmed by the Conservative Group Members;

Councillor Brennan confirmed that she was voting in favour of the recommendations,

Councillor Fishleigh confirmed that she was voting in favour of the recommendations;

Councillor Janio confirmed that he was voting in favour of the recommendations;

Councillor Knight confirmed that she was voting in favour on the recommendations.

47.5      The Mayor confirmed that the recommendations had been carried.

47.6      RESOLVED:

(1)      That the council signs up to the Anti-Slavery Pledge and statement of intent as drafted; and

(2)      That an elected Member be appointed to champion the work required under the auspices of the pledge.