Agenda item - ACTION TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FIREWORKS

Proposed by Councillor Fowler on behalf of the Labour Group.

76.1      The Notice of Motion as listed on the agenda was proposed by Councillor Fowler on behalf of the Labour Group and formally seconded by Councillor Grimshaw.

76.2      Councillors Hugh-Jones, McNair, Janio and Peltzer Dunn spoke on the motion and Councillor Fowler thanked those for their supportive comments.

76.3      The Mayor then put the motion as listed to the vote:

The Council notes and welcomes the RSPCA campaign which calls for action to reduce the impact of fireworks on animals and vulnerable people, and;

The Council calls for;

1)     organisers of all public firework displays within Brighton & Hove advertise them in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people;

2)     officers to actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks; and

3)     to encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display;

The Council further asks the Chief Executive to write to the Government urging;

1)  the introduction of legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels for those sold to the public for private displays; and

2)  The Council also asks that any Government response is shared at a future Council meeting.

76.4      The Mayor 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 motion and this was confirmed by the Members of the Green Group;

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

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

Councillor Brennan confirmed that she was voting for of the motion;

Councillor Fishleigh was not present for the vote;

Councillor Janio confirmed that he was voting for the motion;

Councillor Knight confirmed that she was voting for the motion.

76.5      The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried.