Agenda item

Motion 1 – Single Use Plastics

Moved by Councillor Achilleos and seconded by Councillor Worby

“This local authority believes that single use plastics (referred to as SUP’s from here onwards) are one of the biggest threats to environmental sustainability globally. This includes their widespread availability and their improper disposal which is leading to an increase in landfill and waste incineration, the two most environmentally damaging forms of waste disposal.

It is difficult to quantify the damaging impact SUP’s have on our local area, but we need look no further than the litter on our streets and in our green spaces which poses a threat to wildlife and biodiversity. Our waterways and ponds are frequent victims of SUPs, and our air quality is inadvertently affected by the mass disposal of such plastics.

This is a global issue, but it is one that requires action. This Council recognises it’s responsibility to address this problem and aims to lead by example, seeking to phase out the use of SUP’s across all services provided by the local authority where practical and economically viable. In some areas this may not be possible due to the financial constraints placed on us by central government, but we believe it is our duty to explore all options.

This Council aims to begin the process in-house by limiting the availability of SUP’s in all our buildings and by staff leading to reducing the use of SUP’s to zero as soon as practicable. Specifically, this Council recognises SUP’s as plastic bags, disposable utensils, beverage containers, plastic drinks bottles, food wrappers, straws, stirrers and plastic lids. We aim to investigate launching a public ‘Plastic Free LBBD’ campaign in order to extend the reduction of use from staff and commissioned services, contractors, suppliers and local authority schools where feasible.

This may affect the products we buy and use such as bottles, cutlery, food packaging, stationary and the use of straws. As the second biggest employer locally, it is our belief that by raising awareness in this way will help inform our residents on the matter, collectively reducing SUP’s across the borough and bringing us one step closer to becoming the Green Capital of London.

We aim to work alongside the Chamber of Commerce, schools, voluntary organisations, businesses, and our community to help make ensure that the eradication of SUP’s is high on the agenda. We believe that the local authority has an obligation to protect the environment for future generations. It is because of this obligation that we show leadership in this issue today”.

Councillor Achilleos urged the Assembly to support the motion which, if agreed, would help create a more environmentally responsible ethos across sectors and throughout the borough. He stated that as Labour politicians a lot is spoke about the need to build more social housing, protecting the NHS, eradicating poverty and creating a more fair and equal society. These are noble causes but ultimately will count for nothing if the environment that sustains us is destroyed.

Barking and Dagenham has a proud history of leading the way for other councils across the country on a range of issues. By taking the lead on environmental responsibility, the Council can pave the way for others to do the same. Supporting this motion would make Barking and Dagenham one of the first boroughs in London to outline such a commitment.

The impact of SUP’s can be seen all around, not least in the litter found across the country parks, open spaces, streets, front gardens, and waterways, and plastics will take over 400 years to biodegrade. They were quite literally poisoning the environment and contributing to a decline in biodiversity. Phasing out SUP’s and replacing products with more responsible alternatives where feasible would be groundbreaking.

Councillor Achilleos concluded that by leading on this today, he was confident that the Council could deliver a greener tomorrow for Barking and Dagenham for future generations.

Members of the Assembly spoke in support of the motion proposing that representations need to be made to the new Environment Secretary.

The motion was carried unanimously.

Motion 2 – Public Health Funding

Moved by Councillor P. Robinson and seconded by Councillor Keller

“The public health grant funds vital services and functions that prevent ill health and contribute to the future sustainability of the NHS. Local authorities are responsible for delivering most of these services, but their ability to do so is compromised by public health grant reductions and the broader funding climate.

In 2018/19 and 2019/20 every local authority will have less to spend on public health than the year before. Taking funds away from prevention is a false economy. Without proper investment in public health people suffer, demand on local health services increases and the economy suffers. Poor public health costs local businesses heavily through sick days and lost productivity. Unless we restore public health funding, our health and care system will remain locked in a ‘treatment’ approach, which is neither economically viable nor protects the health of residents.

The Government is looking to phase out the Public Health Grant by 2020/21. Thereafter, they plan to fund public health via 75% business rates retention. Whatever the model, it is vital that local authorities have enough funding to deliver the functions and services they need to provide. Deprived areas often suffer the worst health outcomes, so it is also vital that areas with the greatest need receive sufficient funding to meet their local challenges. This Council notes that around four in ten cancers are preventable, largely through avoidable risk factors, such as stopping smoking, keeping a healthy weight and cutting back on alcohol.  In addition, in Barking and Dagenham we have the highest rate of death from cancer considered preventable in London. Smoking accounts for 80,000 early deaths every year and remains the largest preventable cause of cancer in the world. Smoking-related ill health costs local authorities £760 million every year in social care costs. Additionally, obesity and alcohol account for 30,000 and 7,000 early deaths each year respectively. All three increase the risk of: cancer, diabetes, lung and heart conditions, poor mental health and create a subsequent burden on health and social care.

This Council believes that the impact of cuts to public health on our communities is becoming difficult to ignore. This case becomes more pressing given the Government’s consideration of a 10-year plan for the NHS. For this reason, we support Cancer Research UK’s call for increased and sustainable public health funding.

This Council calls on the Government to deliver increased investment in public health and to support a sustainable health and social care system by taking a ‘prevention first’ approach. In turn, Barking & Dagenham Council will continue to support and fund public health initiatives to the best of our abilities - to prevent ill-health, reduce inequalities and support a health and social care system that is fit for the future.”

Members of the Assembly spoke in support of the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously.