Motion submitted by Councillor Pullin
To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor Pullin:
“Following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower and the discovery of many of the nation’s high-rise homes being covered in non-fire resistant cladding, The Council recognises:
• That the concerns and worries of the residents must be met and homes must be made safe.
• That many residents who live in our nations tower blocks rely on social housing, many of which are on low incomes and are some of most vulnerable in society.
• That, if the cost of re-cladding tower blocks are to be met by their owners (Councils, housing associations or private landlords) then these costs are likely to be passed on to residents or will mean cutting of other services.
• That the passing on of costs or cutting services adversely affect the poorer and most vulnerable more.
• That landlords, through the lack of resources or an inability to raise resources, may do nothing and thus leave residents living in potentially dangerous homes.
• That the government’s own figures estimate the number of tall residential buildings which potentially have similar cladding as Grenfell Tower to be around 600.
• The Council acknowledges that it has neither the financial or human resources to respond to this issue.
Therefore this Council:
• Instructs the Chief Executive to write on the Council’s behalf to the Prime Minister and Communities Secretary, with a copy to local MPs constituencies within the Borough, expressing that the government should consider this as a civil emergency and express the Councils wish that where housing within a local authority area proves to be of concern and where there are no immediate funds to rectify the issues are available, that the Government (the SoS for Communities and Local Government) sets aside sufficient funding for capital works and also for local authorities to access to deal with any homelessness issues that may arise.”
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Pullin, seconded by Councillor Marianne Welsh:
“Following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower and the discovery of many of the nation’s high-rise homes being covered in non-fire resistant cladding, The Council recognises:
• That the concerns and worries of the residents must be met and homes must be made safe.
• That many residents who live in our nations tower blocks rely on social housing, many of which are on low incomes and are some of most vulnerable in society.
• That, if the cost of re-cladding tower blocks are to be met by their owners (Councils, housing associations or private landlords) then these costs are likely to be passed on to residents or will mean cutting of other services.
• That the passing on of costs or cutting services adversely affect the poorer and most vulnerable more.
• That landlords, through the lack of resources or an inability to raise resources, may do nothing and thus leave residents living in potentially dangerous homes.
• That the government’s own figures estimate the number of tall residential buildings which potentially have similar cladding as Grenfell Tower to be around 600.
· The Council acknowledges that it has neither the financial or human resources to respond to this issue.
Therefore this Council:
• Instructs the Chief Executive to write on the Council’s behalf to the Prime Minister and Communities Secretary, with a copy to local MPs constituencies within the Borough, expressing that the government should consider this as a civil emergency and express the Councils wish that where housing within a local authority area proves to be of concern and where there are no immediate funds to rectify the issues are available, that the Government (the SoS for Communities and Local Government) sets aside sufficient funding for capital works and also for local authorities to access to deal with any homelessness issues that may arise.”
An amendment was moved by Councillor Hardy, seconded by Councillor Roscoe that the Motion be amended as follows:
Add the following words:
“That, should it happen, the passing on of costs or cutting services adversely affect the poorer and most vulnerable more.”
And after “Therefore this Council:” add:
· “This Council congratulates the fast response of Sefton Council Officers, Elected Members, Merseyside Fire Brigade and OVH Officers in inspecting clad tower blocks in Sefton, speaking to residents to allay their concerns and arranging for cladding to be removed.
· Their coordinated and informative response was in stark contrast to the delayed uncommunicative reaction of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council.”
In accordance with Paragraph 71 in Chapter 4 of the Council Constitution, Councillor Pullin indicated that he accepted the amendment as a ‘friendly amendment’ to his Motion.
Following debate on the Substantive Motion, it was unanimously
RESOLVED:
Following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower and the discovery of many of the nation’s high-rise homes being covered in non-fire resistant cladding, The Council recognises:
• That the concerns and worries of the residents must be met and homes ... view the full minutes text for item 36