It was moved by Councillor Prendergast, seconded by Councillor Morris:
Supporting Sefton Businesses
At the January full council meeting, it was unfortunate to note that the term “leeches” was used to describe business owners, including those in Sefton, by a Member of the Labour Group.
There are around 5.5 million different businesses in the UK, with around 513,000 located here in the North West. Most people in the UK are employed in the private sector, working for business owners who care passionately about their staff and industries.
Business owners contribute to the generation of wealth, create jobs and contribute billions of pounds in tax revenue to help fund our vital public services.
To describe hard working business owners as “leeches” displays a shocking lack of economic and commercial acumen as well as being deeply offensive to those it was aimed at.
This Council therefore:
· Recognises the valuable contribution of all business owners, large and small, to the economic vibrancy of Sefton;
· Resolves to encourage enterprise and support those individuals who want to improve their own situation by setting up their own business with practical support and training where appropriate;
· Does not recognise the term “leeches” to describe business owners; and
· Resolves to continue to engage with our business community in a constructive manner to encourage investment.
Following a debate on the Motion, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer officiated a vote and the Mayor declared that the Motion was lost by 12 votes to 45 with 2 abstentions.