To receive the following motion for which the necessary notice has been provided:
This council notes the public outcry against the closure of the public toilets in Caerleon and urges the Cabinet to re instate them as a matter of urgency.
The motion is to proposed by Councillor Joan Watkins and seconded by Councillor David Williams.
Minutes:
The Council considered a motion for which the necessary notice had been provided. The motion was moved by Councillor Joan Watkins and seconded by Councillor David Williams:
This council notes the public outcry against the closure of the public toilets in Caerleon and urges the Cabinet to re instate them as a matter of urgency.
In moving the motion, Councillor Joan Watkins cited the public reaction to the closure, and the need for such facilities to encourage increasing visitors as well as serving local people’s needs.
In seconding the motion, Councillor David Williams cited the example of Bridgend County Borough Council who engaged local businesses to provide alternative facilities before closing any public conveniences.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox moved the following amendment to the motion:
After “This Council notes”:
1. The improved public toilet facilities in Caerleon Town Hall, which included increasing opening hours and the availability of a caretaker.
2. That a very successful joint agreement with the National Roman Legion Museum has enabled the Broadway toilets to be open daily during the time the Cricket Pavilion is being leased. These toilets will remain open until 2019, paving the way for further discussions with future interested parties. This is also the case for other public toilets in Newport.
Furthermore, this Council acknowledges the improved toilet facilities available in Caerleon and supports the ongoing efforts to secure a means of providing permanent availability of the Broadway toilets. It further calls upon the UK Government to reverse its austerity agenda and provide an increase in funding to local government budgets throughout the UK above the rate of inflation, to allow them to provide improved public services which includes public toilets.
In moving and seconding the amendment, the Leader and Deputy Leader both highlighted the continuing pressure of austerity facing the Council, and the difficult decisions and challenges this presented.
The following points were raised against the amendment:
· the relatively small saving made through closing the facility
· the need to prioritise spending and listen to public concerns
· the alternative ideas put forward by scrutiny during the budget process
· the impact on tourism
The following points were raised in support of the amendment:
· the improvement of facilities at the town hall to ensure adequate alternative provision
· the impact of austerity on local government budgets, making difficult decisions necessary
· alternative solutions e.g. The community group re-opening a facility as café with a public toilet in Maindee
Speaking in reply to the amendment, Councillor Joan Watkins questioned the success of arrangements with the Town Hall, and highlighted the impact of the closure on elderly and vulnerable people.
The required number of elected members sought a recorded vote.
The following members voted in favour of the amendment:
Councillors Al-Nuaimi, Berry, Clarke, Cockeram, Critchley, Davies, C Evans, Forsey, Giles, Guy, Harvey, R Hayat, Holyoake, Hourahine, Hughes, Jeavons, Jenkins, Lacey, Linton, Marshall, Mayer, Richards, Spencer, H Thomas, K Thomas, Truman, T Watkins, Whitcutt, and Wilcox - A total of 29 votes
The following members voted against the amendment:
Councillors Cornelious, Dudley, M Evans, Ferris, Fouweather, Jordan, Kellaway, Mogford, Routley, Suller, J Watkins, White and Williams - A total of 13 votes
Abstained from voting: Councillors Cleverly, C Townsend and H Townsend.
The amendment was therefore carried.
It was therefore
Resolved
To adopt the amended motion as set out in full above.