Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Following the reading of the Notice convening the meeting by the Chief Executive, there then followed prayers by the Mayor’s Chaplain.  Apologies were received from Councillors S. Ali, S. Brookfield, K. Fielding, M. Gibson, A. Kapadia, V. McGurk, J. Rigby and M. Russell.

No declarations of interest were submitted.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd October 2024 be agreed as a correct record.

The Mayor informed Council of a number of engagements he and his Mayoresses had attended since the last meeting:

·            Reopening of St. John’s Ambulance in Darwen

·            CVS Community Awards

·            Numerous Remembrance Services within the Borough

·            Duke of Lancaster Regiment Service at the Cathedral

·            Festival of Diwali

·            Light switch on events at Darwen and Blackburn

·            Council Staff Awards and the Gritter Naming Competition

·            Lancashire Fire and Rescue Princes Trust Blackburn Team 109

·            WEC Annual Apprentice of the Year Awards

The Mayor thanked all the young people and the Salvation Army Band who attended the Remembrance Concert; thanked Council staff who had helped out on Remembrance events and in particular Andrew Thompson for his guidance and organising skills; and all those who had attended the Mayoresses Charity Fashion Show in October.

The Mayor advised Council of two upcoming events, the first being the Christmas Experience on 12^th December in the Town Hall where refreshments would be available along with a raffle for the Mayor’s Chairty.  The second was a Charity Curry Night on 15^th December at Waheed’s restaurant and tickets were available from Councillor Shaukat Hussain.

Finally, the Mayor thanked the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress for helping to cover engagements during this busy time and wished everyone a happy Christmas and New Year.

To consider any questions from members of the public under Procedure Rule 10.

The Chief Executive announced that one questions had been submitted by a member of the public under Procedure Rule 10:

Rick Moore said with the many areas of responsibility that this Council has as a Unitary Authority, those areas of responsibility do not include International Affairs.  There are so many areas the council, could, should, and needs to use it’s time productively, so why is it instead wasting its time, and taxpayers money on performative political gestures that will have absolutely no influence on the situation in Gaza whatsoever.

In response the Leader said this was part of the democratic process of the Borough and this issue of Gaza and Palestine was one that was of great importance to many residents and had been very exercised over it over the last twelve months.  The Leader also said that Members spent a large amount of time on issues that reflected the interest of the people of the Borough.

In a supplementary statement Mr. Moore said he had noticed that in the Motion   (minute number 58(a)) there was no mention of trying to establish a safe return of the hostages that were still being held by terrorists in Gaza, including a British hostage.  He also referred to other areas where acts of terrorism were taking place and asked when motions relating to these would be before the Council.

In response the Leader said if any members wished to bring a motion to a future meeting then this would be debated in the usual way.

To consider any questions from Members under Procedure Rule 11.

No questions from members had been received under Procedure Rule 11.

To consider any motions received under Procedure Rule 12.

(a)  Ban on Arms Sales to Israel, immediate Unconditional Ceasefire 

      and Compliance with International Criminal Court and

      International Court of Justice Rulings

For nearly a year, Blackburn with Darwen residents have gathered in solidarity, protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.  Many have expressed deep concerns to their local representatives, urging action to stop arms sales to Israel and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The trauma from witnessing the devastation in Palestine has deeply affected our communities, leading to a rise in Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism.  As a Council, we must listen to our residents and press the government to work towards lasting peace and justice.

Airstrikes have continued and intensified the humanitarian crisis, causing significant civilian casualties, including children, and further escalating the situation.  These actions are part of what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and global human rights organisations have confirmed as genocide, with Israel’s policies in occupied Palestinian territories violating international law, including illegal settlements and systematic oppression.  The humanitarian crisis demands urgent international intervention.

This Council calls on the government to:

Revoke all arms export licenses to Israel and suspend future sales.

Advocate for an unconditional ceasefire and prioritise the protection of civilians.

Increase diplomatic pressure to halt illegal settlements and resume peace talks, in line with the ICJ rulings.

Support international investigations into human rights violations, including the confirmed genocide and war crimes.

Welcome and comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif.

Facilitate peace talks that respect the security and rights of both Palestinians and Israelis, while holding all parties accountable to international legal standards.

The Council further requests that:

The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to halt arms sales, call for an immediate ceasefire, and ensure adherence to international law, including compliance with ICJ and ICC rulings.

The Council resolves to support humanitarian aid efforts, foster local dialogue to counter hate, and back peaceful initiatives that promote justice and long-term peace for both sides of the conflict.

Additionally, the Council urges the government to review trade agreements with companies involved in illegal activities in the region, ensure no complicity in acts of genocide, and increase humanitarian support for Gaza’s civilians.

To be moved by Councillor Salim Sidat

Seconded by Councillor Mustafa Desai

(b)  Council Tax

At Prime Ministers Questions on 13^th November Keir Starmer was non-committal when asked by the Leader of the Opposition to confirm if he would keep the cap on Council Tax.

This failure to rule out changes came amid fiscal reforms rolled out by the Chancellor during the Autumn Budget.

Downing Street has since said that the 5% cap will remain, this is three times the current rate of inflation; and if fully enacted by councils will add to the financial pressures being felt by households.  Whilst this was a definite statement of intent it will not inspire public confidence given  ...  view the full agenda text for item 26.

(a)        Ban on arms sales to Israel, immediate unconditional ceasefire         and compliance with the International Criminal Court and      International Court of Justice rulings

            For nearly a year, Blackburn with Darwen residents have gathered in       solidarity, protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.  Many have    expressed deep concerns to their local representatives, urging action      to stop arms sales to Israel and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

            The trauma from witnessing the devastation in Palestine has deeply        affected our communities, leading to a rise in Islamophobia and Anti-        Semitism.  As a Council, we must listen to our residents and press the       government to work towards lasting peace and justice.

            Airstrikes have continued and intensified the humanitarian crisis,   causing significant             civilian casualties, including children, and further       escalating the situation.  These actions are part of what the          International Court of Justice (ICJ) and global human rights             organisations have confirmed as genocide, with Israel’s policies in           occupied Palestinian territories violating international law, including      illegal settlements and systematic oppression.  The humanitarian     crisis demands urgent international intervention.

            This Council calls on the government to:

            Revoke all arms export licenses to Israel and suspend future sales.

            Advocate for an unconditional ceasefire and prioritise the protection of     civilians.

            Increase diplomatic pressure to halt illegal settlements and resume          peace talks, in line with the ICJ rulings.

            Support international investigations into human rights violations,    including the confirmed genocide and war crimes.

            Welcome and comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif.

            Facilitate peace talks that respect the security and rights of both    Palestinians and Israelis, while holding all parties accountable to   international legal standards.

            The Council further requests that:

            The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to halt arms sales, call for an immediate ceasefire, and ensure adherence to international law,     including compliance with ICJ and ICC rulings.

            The Council resolves to support humanitarian aid efforts, foster local        dialogue to             counter hate, and back peaceful initiatives that promote      justice and long-term peace for both sides of the conflict.

            Additionally, the Council urges the government to review trade       agreements with companies involved in illegal activities in the region,    ensure no complicity in acts of genocide, and increase humanitarian       support for Gaza’s civilians.

            Moved by Councillor Salim Sidat

            Seconded by Councillor Mustafa Desai

            Following debate, an Amended Motion was circulated to Members as      follows (amendments in italics and bold):

Amendment to the Motion on the ban on arms sales to Israel, immediate unconditional ceasefire and compliance with the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice rulings         

            For nearly a year, Blackburn with Darwen residents have gathered in       solidarity, protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.  Many have    expressed deep concerns to their local representatives, urging action      to stop arms sales to Israel and calling for an immediate cease fire.

            The trauma from witnessing the devastation in Palestine has deeply        affected our communities, leading to a rise in Islamophobia and     Antisemitism.  As a Council, we    must listen  ...  view the full decision text for item 26.

(a)        Ban on arms sales to Israel, immediate unconditional ceasefire   and compliance with the International Criminal Court and         International Court of Justice rulings

            For nearly a year, Blackburn with Darwen residents have gathered in     solidarity, protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.  Many have   expressed deep concerns to their local representatives, urging action      to stop arms sales to Israel and calling for an immediate ceasefire.

            The trauma from witnessing the devastation in Palestine has deeply         affected our communities, leading to a rise in Islamophobia and Anti-    Semitism.  As a Council, we must listen to our residents and press the         government to work towards lasting peace and justice.

            Airstrikes have continued and intensified the humanitarian crisis, causing significant   civilian casualties, including children, and further      escalating the situation.  These actions are part of what the          International Court of Justice (ICJ) and global human rights     organisations have confirmed as genocide, with Israel’s policies in occupied Palestinian territories violating international law, including             illegal settlements and systematic oppression.  The humanitarian           crisis demands urgent international intervention.

            This Council calls on the government to:

            Revoke all arms export licenses to Israel and suspend future sales.

            Advocate for an unconditional ceasefire and prioritise the protection of      civilians.

            Increase diplomatic pressure to halt illegal settlements and resume peace talks, in line with the ICJ rulings.

            Support international investigations into human rights violations,     including the confirmed genocide and war crimes.

            Welcome and comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC)           arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and     Mohammed Deif.

            Facilitate peace talks that respect the security and rights of both           Palestinians and Israelis, while holding all parties accountable to        international legal standards.

            The Council further requests that:

            The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the Prime      Minister and Foreign Secretary to halt arms sales, call for an      immediate ceasefire, and ensure adherence to international law,     including compliance with ICJ and ICC rulings.

            The Council resolves to support humanitarian aid efforts, foster local   dialogue to    counter hate, and back peaceful initiatives that promote   justice and long-term peace for both sides of the conflict.

            Additionally, the Council urges the government to review trade agreements with companies involved in illegal activities in the region,       ensure no complicity in acts of genocide, and increase humanitarian     support for Gaza’s civilians.

            Moved by Councillor Salim Sidat

            Seconded by Councillor Mustafa Desai

            Following debate, an Amended Motion was circulated to Members as        follows (amendments in italics and bold):

Amendment to the Motion on the ban on arms sales to Israel, immediate unconditional ceasefire and compliance with the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice rulings  

            For nearly a year, Blackburn with Darwen residents have gathered in     solidarity, protesting the ongoing conflict in Gaza.  Many have   expressed deep concerns to their local representatives, urging action      to stop arms sales to Israel and calling for an immediate cease fire.

            The trauma from witnessing the devastation in Palestine has deeply         affected our communities, leading to a rise in Islamophobia and Antisemitism.  As a Council, we             must listen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

(1)      That the report be noted.

(2)      That the core missions in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2023/27 be reaffirmed and it be noted how the missions were aligned to government priorities.

(3)      That plans to widen out the outcomes in the Corporate Plan be        progressed to incorporate partnership activity and ensure there was no       one left behind in the borough.

(4)      That 2^nd April 2025 be agreed as the date for the next Partnership   Conference and themes highlighted within the report for discussion be   noted.

(5)      That the commissioning of a new residents’ survey within the next 12         months be agreed.

(6)      That the performance of the Council between April to September 2024      be noted.

A report was submitted which provided progress and key achievements on the Council’s Corporate Plan 2023/2027 and requested Council reaffirm the core missions within it.

The Plan identified some of the key national and local policy drivers impacting on the Council and how those missions were contributing to delivering the government’s priorities.  Also included were updates on work to widen out the outcomes in the Corporate Plan to incorporate partnership activity and articulate how the Council was working to ensure there was no one left behind in the borough.  There was also an update on performance against the Corporate Plan’s core missions over the last six months.

RESOLVED

(1)      That the report be noted.

(2)      That the core missions in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2023/27 be   reaffirmed and it be noted how the missions were aligned to      government priorities.

(3)      That plans to widen out the outcomes in the Corporate Plan be         progressed to incorporate partnership activity and ensure there was no          one left behind in the borough.

(4)      That 2^nd April 2025 be agreed as the date for the next Partnership   Conference and themes highlighted within the report for discussion be     noted.

(5)      That the commissioning of a new residents’ survey within the next 12    months be agreed.

(6)      That the performance of the Council between April to September 2024     be noted.

The meeting then moved out of Committee.

To consider the attached Year Planner for 2025/26.

That the draft Year Planner fofr 2025/26 be noted.

The draft Year Planner for 2024/25 was submitted ahead of submission of the final version to Council Forum on 30^th January 2025.

RESOLVED

That the draft Year Planner fofr 2025/26 be noted.