Issue - meetings

This report considers whether to recommend to Full Council that the council makes the End Poverty Pledge (EPP) and agrees supporting the general statement and associated commitments.

The Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Recommend to Full Council to sign the End Poverty Pledge, including agreeing the general statement and specific commitments set out in section 4 of the report.

(2)      Recommend to Full Council to nominate and authorise the Chief Executive to sign the Poverty Pledge on behalf of the council.

The Committee received a report considering whether to recommend to Full Council that the council makes the End Poverty Pledge (EPP) and agrees supporting the general statement and associated commitments.

The Committee considered the following matters:

a)            Real Living Wage for Council Staff. In response to a question from a Member, the Chief Accountant confirmed that the Real Living Wage will be implemented for all Council Staff from 1 April 2026, including agency staff.

b)            Venues as Community Hubs. In response to a question from a member, the Head of Housing and Community stated that the report had a particular focus on Bourne Hall, owing to its importance and accessibility as a community hub. He stated that, should the Council agree to sign the pledge, there may be opportunity down the line to explore how other venues, such as the Playhouse, could be made more accessible to those living in poverty.

Following consideration, the Committee unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Recommend to Full Council to sign the End Poverty Pledge, including agreeing the general statement and specific commitments set out in section 4 of the report.

(2)      Recommend to Full Council to nominate and authorise the Chief Executive to sign the Poverty Pledge on behalf of the council.