Agenda item

This report sets out notices of motions ruled in order.

The Council received five Motions submitted under FCR 14 of Appendix 4 of the Constitution.

Motion 1

The Council resolved by a majority vote (with 8 votes for dealing with the motion at the meeting, 18 votes to refer the motion to the relevant committee and 1 abstention) to refer the Motion to the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee for consideration. In accordance with FCR 4.61 of Appendix 4 to the Constitution, a recorded vote was taken on this matter as detailed below, there being 8 councillors in support of a recorded vote.

Motion 2

The Council resolved by a majority vote (with 8 votes for dealing with the motion at the meeting, 18 votes to refer the motion to the relevant committee and 1 abstention) to refer the Motion to the Strategy and Resources Committee for consideration. In accordance with FCR 4.61 of Appendix 4 to the Constitution, a recorded vote was taken on this matter as detailed below, there being 8 councillors in support of a recorded vote.

Motion 3

The Council resolved by a majority vote (with 4 votes for dealing with the motion at the meeting and 23 votes to refer the motion to the relevant committee) to refer the Motion to the Environment Committee for consideration. In accordance with FCR 4.61 of Appendix 4 to the Constitution, a recorded vote was taken on this matter as detailed below, there being 8 councillors in support of a recorded vote.

Motion 4

The Council resolved by majority vote to debate the Motion at the meeting.

In pursuance of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, Councillor Alan Williamson MOVED and Councillor Clive Woodbridge SECONDED the following Motion.

Motion

“The dangers of lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire have been well documented, and the speed and fierceness of such fires has already proven to have devastating effects on people’s lives and businesses. 

These effects also have had an impact for this Council, for example, a battery fire in one of our refuse lorries, damaged the vehicle, caused disruption to services and had a knock-on financial impact. Thankfully no one was injured.

With increasing ownership of e-bikes and e-scooters, this is a problem that is likely to increase.

E-bikes and e-scooters are often stored and charged in places in such as communal areas, hallways or garages where they may not be monitored and the warning signs of overheating are missed, increasing the danger of a fire, which may block the escape route or be close to other combustibles. 

Legislation to require safety standards for the batteries, chargers and their components could significantly reduce the risks of fires, injury, loss of life and loss of property.

This council welcomes the news that pressure will be put on Central Government to pass a Bill to:

·                     introduce safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used for e-bikes and e-scooters;

·                     introduce safety standards for conversion kits and components of the batteries;

·                     control the disposal of such batteries.

As part of any Bill, this Council agrees that it will:

1.         Respond to consultations –

·                     Supporting the introduction of proportional safety standards and controls

·                     Opposing any Bill which proposes to impose additional financial burdens on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

2.         Lobbying our MP and other interested parties, such as Surrey Fire and Rescue.”

Upon being put the Council RESOLVED by majority vote:

The dangers of lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire have been well documented, and the speed and fierceness of such fires has already proven to have devastating effects on people’s lives and businesses. 

These effects also have had an impact for this Council, for example, a battery fire in one of our refuse lorries, damaged the vehicle, caused disruption to services and had a knock-on financial impact. Thankfully no one was injured.

With increasing ownership of e-bikes and e-scooters, this is a problem that is likely to increase.

E-bikes and e-scooters are often stored and charged in places in such as communal areas, hallways or garages where they may not be monitored and the warning signs of overheating are missed, increasing the danger of a fire, which may block the escape route or be close to other combustibles. 

Legislation to require safety standards for the batteries, chargers and their components could significantly reduce the risks of fires, injury, loss of life and loss of property.

This council welcomes the news that pressure will be put on Central Government to pass a Bill to:

·                     introduce safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used for e-bikes and e-scooters;

·                     introduce safety standards for conversion kits and components of the batteries;

·                     control the disposal of such batteries.

As part of any Bill, this Council agrees that it will:

1.         Respond to consultations –

·                     Supporting the introduction of proportional safety standards and controls

·                     Opposing any Bill which proposes to impose additional financial burdens on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.

2.         Lobbying our MP and other interested parties, such as Surrey Fire and Rescue.

Motion 5

The Council resolved by a majority vote (with 4 votes for dealing with the motion at the meeting, 18 votes to refer the motion to the relevant committee and 5 abstentions) to refer the Motion to the Licensing and Planning Policy Committee for consideration. In accordance with FCR 4.61 of Appendix 4 to the Constitution, a recorded vote was taken on this matter as detailed below, there being 8 councillors in support of a recorded vote.

Recorded votes

The tables below provide a record of the voting for each Motion for which a recorded vote was held.