This report seeks endorsement of the Annual Action Plan for 2019 following Tonbridge successfully securing Fairtrade Town status in October 2018.

(Report of Chief Executive)

The report sought endorsement of an Annual Action Plan 2019 following the success of Tonbridge in securing Fairtrade Town Status in October 2018.  In addition, the Fairtrade resolution approved by the Borough Council in February 2018 had been reviewed and it was proposed that this was updated to reflect that Fairtrade status had been achieved, a Steering Group was in operation and Fairtrade products had been used at some Borough Council events. 

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

(1)     the Annual Action Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed; and

(2)     the resolution, set out in full in paragraph 1.3.1 of the report and summarised above, be approved.

Decision Notice D190019MEM

The report sought endorsement of an Annual Action Plan 2019 following the success of Tonbridge in securing Fairtrade Town Status in October 2018.  In addition, the Fairtrade resolution approved by the Borough Council in February 2018 had been reviewed and it was proposed that this was updated to reflect that Fairtrade status had been achieved, a Steering Group was in operation and Fairtrade products had been used at some Borough Council events. 

The Chairman of the Tonbridge Fairtrade Steering Group (Councillor Tombolis) indicated that significant progress had been made and a number of objectives had already been achieved.  It was also important to note that there were multiple benefits to the town for tourism and improved engagement and co-operation between various organisations based in Tonbridge. 

Members welcomed the progress made so far, recognised that the initiative had to be consumer driven and commented on the feasibility of relevant Chamber of Commerce organisations introducing Fairtrade into their towns.

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)     the Annual Action Plan, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be endorsed; and

(2)     the resolution, set out in full in paragraph 1.3.1 of the report and summarised above, be approved.