Agenda item

This report sets out notices of motions ruled in order.

The Council received one Motion submitted under FCR 14 of Appendix 4 of the Constitution.

Motion 1

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

In pursuance of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, Councillor Neil Dallen MOVED and Councillor Kate Chinn SECONDED the following Motion.

Motion

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is committed to welcoming asylum seekers and refugees fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries to the Borough of Epsom & Ewell.

EEBC work with, and support, the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network (ERN) which is an enthusiastic group of local people committed to the common goal of helping refugees and asylum seekers who find themselves in this area who need our help.

Although with the shortage of homes for borough residents we cannot currently prioritise housing over and above our own residents needs we will continue to work with ERN in their search for alternative housing options both now and in the future.

ERN aim to help in the following ways:

·                     Helping to build a local network and support for those moving into Epsom & Ewell.

·                     Connecting with people and organisations who can help with English classes, housing, clothing, food and other essential needs.

·                     Organising social events to enable refugees and supporters to meet others and learn from shared experiences.

·                     Working with other charities and organisations who can assist and offer advice and support.

·                     Collecting goods and donations to help refugees in the UK and abroad.

·                     Coming together to try and address some of the greater issues around the current refugee crisis

A welcoming, fair and inclusive environment benefits everyone and builds resistance to the threats of fear, discontent, urban unrest and extremism.

In order to strengthen our commitment to those who face the ordeal of being separated from their families and home, this Council pledges to continue to work with, and support, the ERN in their excellent work and to assist their application to make Epsom and Ewell a Borough of Sanctuary.”

Upon being put the motion was CARRIED with 28 votes for and 1 abstention.

Accordingly the Council resolved that:

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is committed to welcoming asylum seekers and refugees fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries to the Borough of Epsom & Ewell.

EEBC work with, and support, the Epsom and Ewell Refugee Network (ERN) which is an enthusiastic group of local people committed to the common goal of helping refugees and asylum seekers who find themselves in this area who need our help.

Although with the shortage of homes for borough residents we cannot currently prioritise housing over and above our own residents needs we will continue to work with ERN in their search for alternative housing options both now and in the future.

ERN aim to help in the following ways:

·                     Helping to build a local network and support for those moving into Epsom & Ewell.

·                     Connecting with people and organisations who can help with English classes, housing, clothing, food and other essential needs.

·                     Organising social events to enable refugees and supporters to meet others and learn from shared experiences.

·                     Working with other charities and organisations who can assist and offer advice and support.

·                     Collecting goods and donations to help refugees in the UK and abroad.

·                     Coming together to try and address some of the greater issues around the current refugee crisis.

A welcoming, fair and inclusive environment benefits everyone and builds resistance to the threats of fear, discontent, urban unrest and extremism.

In order to strengthen our commitment to those who face the ordeal of being separated from their families and home, this Council pledges to continue to work with, and support, the ERN in their excellent work and to assist their application to make Epsom and Ewell a Borough of Sanctuary.