Agenda item

To consider, in accordance with Full Council Procedure Rule 1.1-H, the following Notice of Motion to be moved by Councillor Sudan and seconded by Councillor Fiveash.

The Council considered the Notice of Motion 1 - ‘Crawley’s Peoples Future’ as set out in the Full Council’s agenda. The Motion was moved and presented by Councillor Sudan in do so gave further explanation behind the reasoning behind the Notice of Motion. Councillor Fiveash then seconded it.

Councillor Crow then moved and presented the Conservative amendment, (as shown in Supplementary Agenda Order Paper). The amendment was seconded by Councillor McCarthy.

Councillor Lamb then moved a Procedural Motion in relation to FCPR 11.1 (m) That the item/issue now be voted upon. The Procedural Motion was then seconded by Councillor Lunnon.

Clarification was provided to the Full Council on what the moved Procedural Motion meant in practical terms, namely if it was carried, then there would be no further debate on the Notice of Motion and the associated Amendment and voting then commence, on both.

The Mayor then invited the Democratic Services Manager to commence the voting process on the Procedural Motion.

For the Procedural Motion: Labour block vote of 14 votes, and Conservative block vote of 17 votes. (31)

Against the recommendation: Councillors Fiveash and Sudan (2)

Abstentions: Councillor Pickett (1)

The Mayor declared the Procedural Motion was carried – votes in favour 31, and votes against 2 with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

That the Full Council approves Procedural Motion in relation to FCPR 11.1 (m) That the item/issue now be voted upon, namely that the vote commence immediate on the Notice of Motion and the related Amendment

The Mayor asked the Democratic Services Manager to commence the voting process on the proposed Conservative Amendment on the Notice of Motion, as moved by Councillor Crow and Seconded by Councillor McCarthy.

For the Amendment: Conservative block vote of 17 votes. (17)

Against the Amendment: Labour block vote of 14 votes, Councillors Fiveash and Sudan (16)

Abstention: Councillor Pickett (1)

The Mayor declared Amendment was carried – votes in favour 17, and votes against 16 with 1 abstention.

The Mayor asked the Democratic Services Manager to commence the voting process on the proposed Substantive Notice of Motion as amended.

For the Substantive Notice of Motion: Labour block vote of 14 votes, Conservative block vote of 17 votes, Councillors Fiveash and Sudan. (33)

Against the Substantive Notice of Motion: None (0)

Abstention: Councillor Pickett (1)

The Mayor declared Substantive Notice of Motion as carried – votes in favour 33, and votes against 0 with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

Crawley’s economy has been hit hard throughout the pandemic, largely (but not wholly) due to the hit taken by Aviation and related businesses. This council has done all it can to support the Town’s economy in securing a thriving future – perhaps, for better or worse, less reliant on aviation.

Difficult decisions have had to be made and the need to focus on Crawley’s economic recovery is justified. Difficult decisions will no doubt need to be made in the future and it is right that the focus has been on economic recovery because the well-being of Crawley’s residents depends on it.

There is no dispute that Crawley has been severely affected by the pandemic and we know that the highest cost, both socially and financially, will be borne by the ordinary people of our Town.

Just as the well-being of the people of our town depends on its economic well-being, our Town’s economy needs Crawley people. Difficult decisions have been taken and will need to be taken in the future. Budgets are about prioritising, and this council resolves to ensure that the needs of Crawley people – those of us who live here and whose council tax has paid, and will continue to pay, the bills – remain paramount at every stage and at every level. We recognise that, in our efforts to make Crawley a nice, attractive place to work and do business, there is a danger of widening the divide between those who live here and those who come here to work.

This Council resolves to ensure that, whatever the future holds, the interests of Crawley people will continue to be paramount and reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and public consultation.