The Lord Mayor invited those present to observe a minute’s silence in memory of Ken Eastham, who served as the Member of Parliament for Manchester Blackley between 1979 to 1997 and prior to that, served as a Councillor in Beswick in 1963 until 1982.

The Lord Mayor invited Margo Cornish, Patron of Prevent Breast Cancer, Dr Mary Wilson, Consultant Radiologist to give a presentation on the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In additional the Lord Mayor invited and Dawn-Marie Nicholls to speak about her own experience as a someone with secondary breast cancer and an ongoing battle with the disease.

The presentation highlighted the work of the BooBee Campaign which started in 2019 and is the third campaign within Manchester. The objectives of the campaign are: The bringing together women affected by breast cancer to promote awareness, fundraise for chosen charities and create new support networks. Funds raised from the campaign will be directed to the Prevent Breast Cancer and Nightengale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital which is the only breast cancer prevention centre in the England.

The Leader thanked Margo, Mary and Dawn-Marie for their attendance to raise awareness of the Prevent Breast Cancer charity and the important work of the BooBee Campaign. Reference was made to the importance of being proactive on health matters, talking about and recognising signs in your body and contacting health professionals early. The Leader also highlighted the role of elected members in holding organisations to account and promoting good health by ensuring that local communities across the city are provided with access to health information, education, advice and support.

The Lord Mayor invited Councillor Igbon to introduce the item of special business to highlight the importance of Black History Month in recognising the achievements and contributions of black people in the United Kingdom and to acknowledge and celebrate this all year round. The theme for Black History month in 2024 is “Reclaiming the Narrative” and provides communities in Manchester with the opportunity to share memories and stories that define their culture, contributions and identity. Three council employees addressed the Council about their experiences and the Council’s leadership programme and the Race Equality Network and Councillor Erinma Bell also spoke on communities.

The Lord Mayor invited Councillors Davies and Cooley to address the Council on the work to promote ‘age friendly’ in Manchester following International Older Peoples Day on 1 October 2024.

The Lord Mayor welcomed Councillor Rasul to the meeting, following his election as ward councillor for Baguley on 5 September 2024.

The Lord Mayor informed the Council that he had agreed to the submission of the minutes of the Constitutional and Nomination Committee held on 2 October 2024.

To submit for approval the minutes of the meetings held on 10 July and 4 September 2024.

Decision

The Minutes of the Council meetings on 10 July and 4 September 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Lord Mayor.

(The Lord Mayor adjourned the meeting for ten minutes. The meeting resumed at 11:03am.)

The last Labour government lifted millions of pensioners out of poverty through reform and targeting help to those who needed it most.

Since 2010 almost 2 million extra pensioners are living in poverty, the time has come once again to eradicate pension poverty and reform our out dated pension system.

Pension Credit uptake across the country is worryingly low, with many people currently missing out. We know that in Manchester over 8000 people aren’t claiming the pension credit they are entitled to. If all these people applied this would total an extra £24million in the pockets of our Manchester pensioners.

Consequently, we call for Manchester City Council to:-

(1)       Recommend to the Executive that the Council promotes a dedicated pensioner hardship fund for any older person this winter to access an additional emergency cash payment if they need it.

(2)       Recommend to the Executive that officers contact the 8000 plus residents in Manchester who have not applied for pensioner credit for which they are eligible and to continue the great work of the Older People’s Board, Age Friendly Manchester and Age UK to increase take up.

(3)       Request that Officers explore viable options to ensure that every resident knows about the Cost of Living Support the Council has available and promote the Cost-of-Living Advice Line across the city

(4)       Lead the call for national reform and lobby government to review the eligibility thresholds for Pension Credit and Housing Benefits and to ensure the maximum number of Manchester residents on low incomes can get the support they need.

In addition, the retirement pension in the UK is one of the worst in Europe for value. 

This Council therefore:-

(5)       Agrees to support and lead the Campaign for a Living Pension: A pension that residents can live on.

(6)       Call on all political parties in this Chamber to support and sign up for a Living Pension to ensure that Manchester pensioners benefit from a reformed system that isn’t reliant on top ups.

Proposed by Councillor Davies, seconded by Councillor Cooley and supported by Councillors Karney, Kirkpatrick, Rasul, Rawson and Sadler

Councillor Davies submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Cooley:-

The last Labour government lifted millions of pensioners out of poverty through reform and targeting help to those who needed it most.

Since 2010 almost 2 million extra pensioners are living in poverty, the time has come once again to eradicate pension poverty and reform our out dated pension system.

Pension Credit uptake across the country is worryingly low, with many people currently missing out. We know that in Manchester over 8000 people aren’t claiming the pension credit they are entitled to. If all these people applied this would total an extra £24million in the pockets of our Manchester pensioners.

Consequently, we call for Manchester City Council to:-

·            Recommend to the Executive that the Council promotes a dedicated pensioner hardship fund for any older person this winter to access an additional emergency cash payment if they need it.

·            Recommend to the Executive that officers contact the 8000 plus residents in Manchester who have not applied for pensioner credit for which they are eligible and to continue the great work of the Older People’s Board, Age Friendly Manchester and Age UK to increase take up.

·            Request that Officers explore viable options to ensure that every resident knows about the Cost of Living Support the Council has available and promote the Cost-of-Living Advice Line across the city

·            Lead the call for national reform and lobby government to review the eligibility thresholds for Pension Credit and Housing Benefits and to ensure the maximum number of Manchester residents on low incomes can get the support they need.

In addition, the retirement pension in the UK is one of the worst in Europe for value. 

This Council therefore:-

·            Agrees to support and lead the Campaign for a Living Pension: A pension that residents can live on.

·            Call on all political parties in this Chamber to support and sign up for a Living Pension to ensure that Manchester pensioners benefit from a reformed system that isn’t reliant on top ups.

On the motion being put to the vote, the Lord Mayor declared it carried.

Resolution

This Council:-

(1)       Recommends to the Executive that the Council promotes a dedicated pensioner hardship fund for any older person this winter to access an additional emergency cash payment if they need it.

(2)       Recommends to the Executive that officers contact the 8000 plus residents in Manchester who have not applied for pensioner credit for which they are eligible and to continue the great work of the Older People’s Board, Age Friendly Manchester and Age UK to increase take up.

(3)       Requests that Officers explore viable options to ensure that every resident knows about the Cost of Living Support the Council has available and promote the Cost-of-Living Advice Line across the city

(4)       Leads the call for national reform and lobby government to review the eligibility thresholds for Pension Credit and Housing Benefits and to ensure the maximum number of Manchester residents on low incomes can get the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by nearly 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). Many of these less well off pensioners will end up worse off than pensioners in receipt of pension credit as a result of this cruel policy. Council is shocked that Labour Ministers are so out of touch so soon after securing a huge majority in the House of Commons, that they would propose such a policy that will force many Manchester pensioners to choose between eating and heating this winter.

Council further notes with concern the vote in the House of Commons, where Labour MPs voted to support the removal of the winter fuel allowance, with only 1 Labour MP in Parliament voted against the Government. Council condemns former Manchester Labour Councillors, and current Manchester Labour MPs, Jeff Smith, Mike Kane, Afzal Khan and Graham Stringer along with Manchester Labour MPs Lucy Powell and Andrew Gwynne, who all voted in favour of making pensioners cold this winter, and recognises that the only 2 MPs in Greater Manchester to vote against Labour's plans, were the Liberal Democrat MPs for Cheadle and Hazel Grove.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments, will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty. 

Council also notes with concern that the new Prime Minister and  Deputy Prime Minister have both failed to rule out the possibility of the Labour Government scrapping the 25% Council Tax discount available to single occupiers, and recognises that were the Government to choose to make Council Tax even more regressive, by scrapping the single person discount, there will be a large number of pensioners hit by Labour's double whammy pensioner tax.

Council resolves to:

(1)      Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately scrapped.

(2)      Request that the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 76.

Councillor Leech submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Northwood:-

Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by nearly 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million). Many of these less well off pensioners will end up worse off than pensioners in receipt of pension credit as a result of this cruel policy. Council is shocked that Labour Ministers are so out of touch so soon after securing a huge majority in the House of Commons, that they would propose such a policy that will force many Manchester pensioners to choose between eating and heating this winter.

Council further notes with concern the vote in the House of Commons, where Labour MPs voted to support the removal of the winter fuel allowance, with only 1 Labour MP in Parliament voted against the Government. Council condemns former Manchester Labour Councillors, and current Manchester Labour MPs, Jeff Smith, Mike Kane, Afzal Khan and Graham Stringer along with Manchester Labour MPs Lucy Powell and Andrew Gwynne, who all voted in favour of making pensioners cold this winter, and recognises that the only 2 MPs in Greater Manchester to vote against Labour's plans, were the Liberal Democrat MPs for Cheadle and Hazel Grove.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments, will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty. 

Council also notes with concern that the new Prime Minister and  Deputy Prime Minister have both failed to rule out the possibility of the Labour Government scrapping the 25% Council Tax discount available to single occupiers, and recognises that were the Government to choose to make Council Tax even more regressive, by scrapping the single person discount, there will be a large number of pensioners hit by Labour's double whammy pensioner tax.

Council resolves to:

·            Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Council notes that:

·            From 3 October 1952 until 26 November 1991, the United Kingdom conducted 45 atomic and nuclear weapons tests in Australia, in the Pacific and in the United States.

·            Approximately 22,000 British military personnel participated in these tests. 

·            Some of these participants were from the city of Manchester.

·            Many of these veterans subsequently suffered (and continue to suffer) repeated periods of severe ill-health, including multiple cancers, or had premature deaths, or became fathers to children with life-changing health conditions or disabilities.

·            There are now less than 2,000 surviving nuclear test veterans.

·            British veterans attribute their ill-fortune to exposure to the radiation resulting from such testing.

·            The Australian McClellan Commission in 1984 described the British Government as displaying an attitude of ‘ignorance, incompetence and cynicism’ towards the safety of military personnel in the tests conducted in South Australia.

Council commends:

·            The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association and Labrats International for the emotional and practical support that they provide to nuclear test veterans, family members, and descendants and for their sterling campaigning work which led finally to the issue of a Nuclear Test Medal.

·            The Mirror journalist Susie Boniface for steadfastly highlighting the injustice suffered by the nuclear test veterans’ community and for consistently championing their cause.

·            The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for meeting, as Leader of the Opposition and of the Labour Party, with nuclear test veterans and family members and for making a pledge ‘to do all we can" to win recognition for Britain's Cold War heroes within a year.’

·            The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham for calling for a public inquiry into the injustice meted out to the British nuclear test veteran community.

Council further notes that:

·            The claim by the nuclear test veterans’ community and family members for financial compensation for their suffering, access to medical records and tests, access to specialist medical care, and a real recognition by government of their suffering remains outstanding.

·            Whilst other countries which engaged in atmospheric nuclear testing (China, France, Russia and the United States) have made financial provision for veterans and their families, the UK has not.

Council believes that with the election of a new Labour Government, with at its head a Prime Minister who has pledged to ‘do all we can’ to win recognition for Britain's Cold War heroes within a year’, that now is the time to do just that.

Council therefore resolves to:

(1)      Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans Affairs asking them to provide for a scheme of financial compensation, access to medical records and test results, and access to specialist medical care for Britain’s nuclear test veterans, their family members and descendants.

(2)      Ask the Labour Government to convene a public inquiry into the injustice meted out to the British nuclear test veteran community

Proposed by Councillor Judge, seconded by Councillor Fletcher and supported by Councillors Appleby, Hughes, Karney, T Robinson and Taylor

Councillor Judge submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Fletcher:-

Council notes that:

·            From 3 October 1952 until 26 November 1991, the United Kingdom conducted 45 atomic and nuclear weapons tests in Australia, in the Pacific and in the United States.

·            Approximately 22,000 British military personnel participated in these tests. 

·            Some of these participants were from the city of Manchester.

·            Many of these veterans subsequently suffered (and continue to suffer) repeated periods of severe ill-health, including multiple cancers, or had premature deaths, or became fathers to children with life-changing health conditions or disabilities.

·            There are now less than 2,000 surviving nuclear test veterans.

·            British veterans attribute their ill-fortune to exposure to the radiation resulting from such testing.

·            The Australian McClellan Commission in 1984 described the British Government as displaying an attitude of ‘ignorance, incompetence and cynicism’ towards the safety of military personnel in the tests conducted in South Australia.

Council commends:

·            The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association and Labrats International for the emotional and practical support that they provide to nuclear test veterans, family members, and descendants and for their sterling campaigning work which led finally to the issue of a Nuclear Test Medal.

·            The Mirror journalist Susie Boniface for steadfastly highlighting the injustice suffered by the nuclear test veterans’ community and for consistently championing their cause.

·            The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for meeting, as Leader of the Opposition and of the Labour Party, with nuclear test veterans and family members and for making a pledge ‘to do all we can" to win recognition for Britain's Cold War heroes within a year.’

·            The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham for calling for a public inquiry into the injustice meted out to the British nuclear test veteran community.

Council further notes that:

·            The claim by the nuclear test veterans’ community and family members for financial compensation for their suffering, access to medical records and tests, access to specialist medical care, and a real recognition by government of their suffering remains outstanding.

·            Whilst other countries which engaged in atmospheric nuclear testing (China, France, Russia and the United States) have made financial provision for veterans and their families, the UK has not.

Council believes that wWith the election of a new Labour Government, with at its head a Prime Minister who has pledged to ‘do all we can’ to win recognition for Britain's Cold War heroes within a year’, that now is the time to do just that.

Council therefore resolves to:

·            Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans Affairs asking them to provide for a scheme of financial compensation, access to medical records and test results, and access to specialist medical care for Britain’s nuclear test veterans, their family members and descendants.

·            Ask the Labour Government to convene a public inquiry into the injustice meted out to the British nuclear test veteran community.

On the motion being put to the vote, the Lord Mayor declared it unanimously carried.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

This Council notes:-

·            Manchester is globally renowned for our sporting legacy

·            Being physically active and playing sport improves physical and mental well-being, increases confidence, and is shown to help leadership and communication skills

·            We pride ourselves on our work in getting more people physically active and playing sports. In the Council's latest Active Lives Survey over 60% of Manchester residents said they are regularly active and we are seeing an increasing number of people participating in sport.

·            Across the UK, the last 10 years have increased barriers to participation for people from low-income backgrounds

This Council further notes:-

·            In 2003 as part of its commitment to increase participation in physical activity the last Labour Government established the School Sports Partnership program. It was described by OFSTED as “a family of secondary, primary and special schools working together to increase the quality and quantity of PE and sports opportunities for young people.”

·            Despite the success of this partnership, the Tory / LibDem coalition announced in October 2010 that funding for the School Sports Partnership program would cease In 2013 the cross-party Education Select Committee reported “There is clear evidence that the ending of the school sport partnerships funding has had a negative impact, including on the opportunities for young people to access competitive sporting opportunities in school.”

Despite the savage cuts imposed on us over the last 14 years, Manchester City Council has continued to invest in leisure and sports facilities, seeing the opening of new and improved leisure centres and investing in sporting facilities.

The dedication of volunteers across the City who give up their time to ensure that quality coaching is provided to young Mancunians.

PE and sport are an important part of any school – participation in sport, alongside cultural opportunities, go hand in hand with high academic standards

This Council believes that working with schools, sports bodies and teams, and in partnership with government more can be done to help our young people become healthier, happier and more active.

Council resolves to:

(1)      Promote the benefits of physical activity and participating in grassroots sports to our young people

(2)      Work directly with young people to hear their voices as part of our UNICEF child friendly work

(3)      Call for a city wide task force to increase access and participation in sports across the city

(4)      Work with a new government to make the case for protected curriculum time for PE, enough capacity for schools and to support structures like the schools sports partnership to create a lasting legacy of sport for our young people.

Proposed by Councillor Marsh, seconded by Councillor Olusegun and supported by Councillors Fletcher, Hughes and Reid

Councillor Marsh submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Olusegun:-

This Council notes:-

·            Manchester is globally renowned for our sporting legacy

·            Being physically active and playing sport improves physical and mental well-being, increases confidence, and is shown to help leadership and communication skills

·            We pride ourselves on our work in getting more people physically active and playing sports. In the Council's latest Active Lives Survey over 60% of Manchester residents said they are regularly active and we are seeing an increasing number of people participating in sport.

·            Across the UK, the last 10 years have increased barriers to participation for people from low-income backgrounds

This Council further notes:-

·            In 2003 as part of its commitment to increase participation in physical activity the last Labour Government established the School Sports Partnership program. It was described by OFSTED as “a family of secondary, primary and special schools working together to increase the quality and quantity of PE and sports opportunities for young people.”

·            Despite the success of this partnership, the Tory / LibDem coalition announced in October 2010 that funding for the School Sports Partnership program would cease In 2013 the cross-party Education Select Committee reported “There is clear evidence that the ending of the school sport partnerships funding has had a negative impact, including on the opportunities for young people to access competitive sporting opportunities in school.”

Despite the savage cuts imposed on us over the last 14 years, Manchester City Council has continued to invest in leisure and sports facilities, seeing the opening of new and improved leisure centres and investing in sporting facilities.

The dedication of volunteers across the City who give up their time to ensure that quality coaching is provided to young Mancunians.

PE and sport are an important part of any school – participation in sport, alongside cultural opportunities, go hand in hand with high academic standards

This Council believes that working with schools, sports bodies and teams, and in partnership with government more can be done to help our young people become healthier, happier and more active.

Council resolves to:

·            Promote the benefits of physical activity and participating in grassroots sports to our young people

·            Work directly with young people to hear their voices as part of our UNICEF child friendly work

·            Call for a city wide task force to increase access and participation in sports across the city

·            Work with a new government to make the case for protected curriculum time for PE, enough capacity for schools and to support structures like the schools sports partnership to create a lasting legacy of sport for our young people.

On the motion being put to the vote, the Lord Mayor declared it carried

Resolution

This Council:-

1.    Agrees to promote the benefits of physical activity and participating in grassroots sports to our young people

2. Commits to working directly with young people to hear their voices as part of our UNICEF child friendly work
3. Calls for a city-wide task force  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

On 10 July 2019 this Council stated that there are serious risks to Manchester's people, of climate change/global heating affecting economic, social and environmental well-being, supply chains – including financial systems, among many others.

The Council agreed to declare a Climate Emergency and to continue working with partners across Manchester and GMCA to become a zero-carbon city by 2038, and determine if an earlier target can be possible, through a transparent and open review as well as become carbon neutral by the earliest possible date.

On that day this council also agreed that through our role on the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to encourage divestment in fossil fuels as early as possible.

This Council notes:

·            The Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) has at least £1.3bn of our public sector pension fund money in the fossil fuel industry including Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, Glencore, Legal and General amongst dozens of companies.

·            This constitutes approximately 6% of the GMPF’s fund.

·            The Labour Party manifesto 2024 stated: “... mandating UK-regulated financial institutions – including …pension funds, and insurers… to develop and implement credible transition plans that align with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement.”

·            The Greater Manchester Pension Fund has set a goal of 2050 for reaching net zero carbon emissions, even though the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has set a more ambitious goal of 2038 to reach the same target.

·            The fiduciary duties of the GMPF are compatible with fossil fuel divestment as evidenced by the many public sector and other pension funds, including local government ones, who are performing significantly better than GMPF on reaching zero carbon.

·            GMPF, one of the largest pension funds in the UK, consistently has one of the highest percentages of its funds in fossil fuels across local government pension funds in England.

·            Fossil fuel investments risk becoming stranded assets as decarbonisation efforts intensify.

·            Unison, the public service union, runs a long standing campaign on fossil fuel divestment from local government pension funds and joined this year the campaign for a new international Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to speed up the move away from fossil fuels.

·            That fossil fuel investments should be considered as part of the council’s “carbon footprint” and divesting our pension fund is one of the most impactful steps we can take to reduce our impact on our community and the world.

This Council resolves:

(1)       To ask GMPF to develop and implement a clear transition plan that aligns with the 1.5C goal of the Paris agreement with sign off agreed within the next 12 months.

(2)       To ask GMPF to implement a robust and transparent reporting mechanism to evidence progress on this plan.

(3)       To ask the GMPF to align with the GMCA target of 2038 for achieving net zero carbon emissions, rather than 2050 and to incorporate a clear medium term 2030 target towards achieving net zero.

(4)       To mandate our representative on the GMPF to call for and work towards divestment.

(5)       To write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 79.

In advance of the meeting, Councillor Johnson had written to the Chief Executive informing him of her decision to withdraw this motion owing to her not being able to attend the Council meeting due to illness.

For almost a year, the residents of Manchester have come together weekly in solidarity and protest on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Many of them contacting their local councillors and other elected representatives to take action calling for a ceasefire and to end sales of arms to Israel.

The level of distress, anxiety, and trauma caused by witnessing the destruction and suffering in Palestine has taken a toll on many communities in our city. We have seen rising rates of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism across our city as a result of this crisis. As a council, we have a responsibility to listen to the voices of our residents and to put pressure on our government to end this genocide and work towards a lasting peace.

This Council also notes:

·            The  cross-party statement we issued on November 29, 2023, which condemned the attack by Hamas on 7 October and called for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and the upholding of international law.

·            Since October 7, according to the Gaza health ministry, the present Israeli Government has?killed over 41,000 Palestinians, 16,000 of which are children, with over 90,000?wounded,?and?10,000 feared buried under the rubble?in Gaza.

·            The UN Secretary-General,?Amnesty International,?Human Rights Watch,?and others have stated that Israel has committed grave violations of international law in its assault on Palestine.?The International Court of Justice?has ruled that there was a risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian right to be protected from genocide.

·            Numerous UN Special Rapporteurs?have warned?that any transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel is likely to violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately.

·            In 2009, under a Labour government,?the UK suspended arms licenses for naval guns due to their use against civilians in Gaza. In 2014, under a Conservative-led government, the UK?said it would suspend licenses?if hostilities resumed in Gaza.

·            Since 2015, the UK has licensed?at least?£474 million?worth of military exports to Israel, including components for combat aircraft, missiles, tanks, technology, small arms, and ammunition.

·            On 8 May 2024,?President Biden confirmed that the US had blocked an arms?shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel over fears that they could be used during Israel’s military operation in Rafah.

·            The Labour government has  confirmed their latest restrictions  applied to 30 export licences, only a fraction of our 350 arms export licences to Israel.

·            By providing arms and military support to Israel, the?UK Government could be complicit in this catastrophe and a breach of international law

This Council calls on the  government to:

(1)      Immediately revoke all licenses for arms exports to Israel and suspend arms sales to Israel.

(2)      Continue to press for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel, and the rest of Palestine, the immediate return of hostages, and to make every effort to resume the peace process.

(3)      Work to ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld and that civilians are protected  ...  view the full agenda text for item 80.

Councillor Abdullatif submitted the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Wiest:-

For almost a year, the residents of Manchester have come together weekly in solidarity and protest on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Many of them contacting their local councillors and other elected representatives to take action calling for a ceasefire and to end sales of arms to Israel.

The level of distress, anxiety, and trauma caused by witnessing the destruction and suffering in Palestine has taken a toll on many communities in our city. We have seen rising rates of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism across our city as a result of this crisis. As a council, we have a responsibility to listen to the voices of our residents and to put pressure on our government to end this genocide and work towards a lasting peace.

This Council also notes:

The cross-party statement we issued on November 29, 2023, which condemned the attack by Hamas on 7 October and called for an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages, unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and the upholding of international law.

Since October 7, according to the Gaza health ministry, the present Israeli Government has?killed over 41,000 Palestinians, 16,000 of which are children, with over 90,000?wounded,?and?10,000 feared buried under the rubble?in Gaza.

The UN Secretary-General,?Amnesty International,?Human Rights Watch,?and others have stated that Israel has committed grave violations of international law in its assault on Palestine.?The International Court of Justice?has ruled that there was a risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian right to be protected from genocide.

Numerous UN Special Rapporteurs?have warned?that any transfer of weapons or ammunition to Israel is likely to violate international humanitarian law and must cease immediately.

In 2009, under a Labour government,?the UK suspended arms licenses for naval guns due to their use against civilians in Gaza. In 2014, under a Conservative-led government, the UK?said it would suspend licenses?if hostilities resumed in Gaza.

Since 2015, the UK has licensed?at least?£474 million?worth of military exports to Israel, including components for combat aircraft, missiles, tanks, technology, small arms, and ammunition.

On 8 May 2024,?President Biden confirmed that the US had blocked an arms?shipment of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel over fears that they could be used during Israel’s military operation in Rafah.

The Labour government has confirmed their latest restrictions applied to 30 export licences, only a fraction of our 350 arms export licences to Israel.

By providing arms and military support to Israel, the?UK Government could be complicit in this catastrophe and a breach of international law

This Council calls on the government to:

Immediately revoke all licenses for arms exports to Israel and suspend arms sales to Israel.

Continue to press for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel, and the rest of Palestine, the immediate return of hostages, and to make every effort to resume the peace process.

Work to ensure that international  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

To submit the minutes of the Executive on 24 July 2024 and 11 September 2024 and in particular to consider:-

Exe/24/59        Wythenshawe Civic - Appointment of a Joint Venture delivery partner (Part A)

The Executive recommend that Council approve an increase to the capital programme budget of £11.942m, to be funded from capital receipts in order to match fund the £20m of Levelling Up Funding.

Exe/24/65     Manchester's Cultural Strategy

The Executive recommend that Council approve the strategy and adopt it as the new Cultural Strategy for Manchester.

Exe/24/71     Capital Programme Update (P4) 2024/25

The Executive:-

Recommend that Council approve the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme detailed as follows:-

·            Private Sector Housing – This City Phase 2a:- A budget increase of £5.1m funded by borrowing.

·            Neighbourhoods – Biffa Vehicle Refresh Programme - A budget increase of £2.702m funded by borrowing.

·            Public Sector Housing - Collyhurst - Future Phases design work and feasibility: A budget increase of £1.560m, funded by Government Grant and a capital budget virement of £1.560m funded by the displaced HRA Reserves

The proceedings of the Executive on 28 July and 11 September 2024 were submitted. The Council was asked to give particular consideration to the following recommendations:-

Exe/24/59 Wythenshawe Civic - Appointment of a Joint Venture delivery partner (Part A)

The Executive recommend that Council approve an increase to the capital programme budget of £11.942m, to be funded from capital receipts in order to match fund the £20m of Levelling Up Funding.

Exe/24/65 Manchester's Cultural Strategy

The Executive recommend that Council approve the strategy and adopt it as the new Cultural Strategy for Manchester.

Exe/24/71 Capital Programme Update (P4) 2024/25

The Executive:-

Recommend that Council approve the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme detailed as follows:-

·            Private Sector Housing – This City Phase 2a:- A budget increase of £5.1m funded by borrowing.

·            Neighbourhoods – Biffa Vehicle Refresh Programme - A budget increase of £2.702m funded by borrowing.

·            Public Sector Housing - Collyhurst - Future Phases design work and feasibility: A budget increase of £1.560m, funded by Government Grant and a capital budget virement of £1.560m funded by the displaced HRA Reserves

Decisions

The Council:-

(1)       Receives the minutes of the Executive 28 July and 11 September 2024

(2)       Approves an increase to the Wythenshawe Civic - Appointment of a Joint Venture delivery partner capital programme budget of £11.942m, to be funded from capital receipts in order to match fund the £20m of Levelling Up Funding.

(3)       Agrees to adopt the new Cultural Strategy for Manchester

(4)       Approves the budget changes to the Council’s capital programme detailed as follows:-

·            Private Sector Housing – This City Phase 2a:- A budget increase of £5.1m funded by borrowing.

·            Neighbourhoods – Biffa Vehicle Refresh Programme - A budget increase of £2.702m funded by borrowing.

·            Public Sector Housing - Collyhurst - Future Phases design work and feasibility: A budget increase of £1.560m, funded by Government Grant and a capital budget virement of £1.560m funded by the displaced HRA Reserves

To receive answers to any questions that councillors have raised in accordance with Procedural Rule 23.

Councillor Rawlins responded to a question from Councillor Connolly regarding how long it took for a CRM request for an inspection of a tree to be undertaken.

Councillor Igbon responded to a question from Councillor Chohan regarding how the work programme for Longsight for litter, fly tipping and street cleansing was being addressed to meet the needs of the ward.

Councillor Rawlins responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding what assessment had been made of the difficulties facing disabled residents in applying for the Bee Network Application for a National Concessionary Travel Pass for England

Councillor Reid responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding what assessment had been made of the number of parents and carers struggling with the cost of school uniforms.

Councillor Akbar responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding what assessment had been made of the likely cost of providing a dedicated pensioner hardship fund for any older person this winter to access an additional cash payment if they needed it.

Councillor Rawlins responded to a question from Councillor Leech regarding Parsonage Road low traffic neighbourhood and the decision to remove all bar two of the filters.

Councillor Igbon responded to a question from Councillor Kilpatrick regarding the ongoing review of the fees and charges for using parks for events, including a review of fees that would apply to community events, and what reassurances to organisers that charges would not be applied to historic community events.

Councillor Craig responded responded to a question from Councillor Kilpatrick regarding clarity on Northern Powerhouse Rail plans to progress with the section of HS2 between Manchester Airport and Manchester and the ability for petitioners to submit representations on the new plans.

Councillor Rawlins responded to a question from Councillor Northwood regarding what due diligence was done to verify the green credentials of the Council's electricity provider.

To note the minutes of the following committees:

·            Economy & Regeneration – 25 June, 16 July and 3 September 2024

·            Communities & Equalities – 25 June, 16 July and 3 September 2024

·            Children & Young People – 26 June, 17 July and 4 September 2024

·            Health – 26 June, 17 July and 4 September 2024

·            Resources and Governance – 27 June, 18 July and 5 September 2024

·            Environment, Climate Change and Neighbourhoods – 27 June, 18 July and 5 September 2024

The minutes of the following Scrutiny Committee meetings were submitted:

·            Economy & Regeneration – 25 June, 16 July and 3 September 2024

·            Communities & Equalities – 25 June, 16 July and 3 September 2024

·            Children & Young People – 26 June, 17 July and 4 September 2024

·            Health – 26 June, 17 July and 4 September 2024

·            Resources and Governance – 27 June, 18 July and 5 September 2024

·            Environment, Climate Change and Neighbourhoods – 27 June, 18 July and 5 September 2024

Decision

The Council agree to receive the minutes submitted.

To submit for approval the minutes of the following meetings and consider recommendations made by the committee:

·            Audit Committee – 23 July 2024

·            Planning and Highways Committee – 28 June, 25 July and 29 August 2024

·            Personnel Committee – 24 July 2024

·            Health and Wellbeing Board – 18 September 2024

·            Constitutional and Nomination Committee – 9 September and 2 October 2024 (to follow)

The minutes of the following meetings were submitted:-

·            Audit Committee – 23 July 2024

·            Planning and Highways Committee – 28 June, 25 July and 29 August 2024

·            Personnel Committee – 24 July 2024

·            Health and Wellbeing Board – 18 September 2024

·            Constitutional and Nomination Committee – 9 September and 2 October 2024.  The Council was asked to give particular consideration to the following recommendations:-

CN/24/??        Appointments and Changes to Council Committee Membership

(1)       The Committee recommend Council approve the amendments to committee membership and outside bodies as follows

(2)       The Committee recommend Council approve Councillor  E Bell is appointed as Chair of Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee

Decisions

The Council:-

(1)       Agrees to receive the minutes submitted.

(2)       Approves the amendments to committee membership and outside bodies as follows:

(3)       Agrees that Councillor E Bell is appointed as Chair of Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee

The report of the City Solicitor is enclosed.

The Council considered the report of the City Solicitor on key decisions that have been taken in accordance with the urgency provisions in the Council’s Constitution.

Decision

The Council note the report.