Agenda item

To consider a Notice of Motion (23/004) proposed by Councillor G Bridge, seconded by Councillor M Tatton, on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group in relation to Disability and Equalities.

Consideration was given to a Notice of Motion (23/04) pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No. 5.7 submitted by Councillor G Bridge and seconded by Councillor M Tatton on behalf of the Tonbridge and Malling Liberal Democrat Group in relation to Disability and Equalities as set out in the annex attached to the Minutes.

The Motion asked Council to:

·        Recognise the difficulties some residents within and visitors to the Borough faced in accessing every-day services and facilities due to disability, additional need, and other disadvantage including financial inequality;

·        Appoint a Councillor as a Disability & Equalities Champion to raise the profile and needs of those with disabilities, additional needs and inequalities within Tonbridge and Malling.  The Disability & Equalities Champion to actively engage with disability and welfare groups and charities and interested individuals to ensure their voice of experience was heard and taken into account in decision making; 

·        If there was no existing mechanism, the Borough Council to develop a Register of disability and welfare groups and charities within the Borough and a system for consulting those groups on matters that affect them and those they represent;

·        Demonstrate its commitment to further developing its understanding and approach to disability and equality needs within the Borough by inviting interested groups from the Register to give presentations and information sessions for Councillors, similar to the Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Tonbridge Community session, to support Cllrs to feel informed and equipped with respect to the challenges faced by those within our community who have disabilities, additional needs or who face inequality.

Members recognised the importance of supporting those with disabilities and experiencing inequality.  However, concern was expressed about the introduction of a register that might prove too prescriptive and remove the Borough Councils flexibility around advocating for those groups not entered onto a formal register.

Councillor M Coffin proposed, seconded by Councillor M Boughton, an amendment to the Motion as follows (removal of bullet point 3 and amended bullet point 4):

·        Recognise the difficulties some residents within and visitors to our Borough face in accessing every-day services and facilities due to disability, additional need, and other disadvantage including financial inequality;

·        Appoint a Councillor as a Disability & Equalities Champion to raise the profile and needs of those with disabilities, additional needs and inequalities within Tonbridge and Malling.  The Disability & Equalities Champion will actively engage with disability and welfare groups and charities and interested individuals to ensure their voice of experience is heard and taken into account in decision making;

·        Demonstrate its commitment to further developing its understanding and approach to disability and equality needs within the Borough by inviting interested groups through the Disability and Equalities Champion to give presentations and information sessions for Councillors, similar to the Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Tonbridge Community session, to support Cllrs to feel informed and equipped with respect to the challenges faced by those within our community who have disabilities, additional needs or who face inequality.

The aim of the proposed amendment was not to diminish the value of the original motion but to offer a practical solution that the Borough Council could deliver.  The Disabilities and Equalities Champion would be encouraged to develop and create effective relationships with relevant groups.

Members signified consent to this amendment and it was

RESOLVED:  That the Notice of Motion (as amended) proposed by Councillor M Coffin and seconded by Councillor M Boughton be approved.