Agenda item

To consider the attached motion from Cllrs Brian Mathew and Ian Thorn.

At the invitation of the Chairman Councillor Brian Mathew, seconded by Councillor Ian Thorn, moved and presented his motion entitled ‘EU Citizens are welcome here’. The motion was concerned with communicating to and with EU citizens regarding the EU Settlement Scheme and proactively encouraging them to sign up, referencing concerns raised with him by some of his constituents. He noted efforts which had already been undertaken to advertise the scheme but suggested additional or further measures should be taken to maximise take up of the scheme. He asked Members to support the motion to demonstrate the Council’s support for the contributions of EU citizens to the county, and their encouragement for those who had not already signed up to the scheme to do so.

Councillor Philip Whitehead, Leader of the Council, responded to the motion. He stated he was very happy to support the motion, although he noted that many measures had been taken to communicate with EU citizens, and significant numbers had registered. He stated any additional measures that would further assist the message would be welcomed. He also noted that whilst the motion was specifically in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme, he hoped that Wiltshire would be a welcoming place for those from any other places who wished to make their lives in the county.

Following a vote, it was agreed that Council debate the motion.

Comments were then received from Group Leaders as follows:

Councillor Ian Thorn supported the motion, and emphasised it was important to support EU citizens at the time, and hoped the communication methods already employed could be expanded further to advance the message

Councillor Ernie Clark supported the motion, and endorsed comments about welcoming those from beyond the EU as well.

Councillor Ian McLennan on behalf of the Labour Group, supported the preceding comments.

Members then debated the motion.

Comments included that as much outreach as possible was needed to ensure everyone was aware of the settlement scheme, and there was support for making a gesture to demonstrate the Council’s support of its EU citizens, alongside advancing the communication of the Scheme. The support for citizens from other countries through military and other connections was noted, and some comments considered the motion could be expanded to be clear on support for all residents, but it was stated that the motion was in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme specifically, and did not indicate a lack of support for any other residents or particularism to another group, but was to ensure communication of that government scheme, which applied to a specific group whose arrangements were being affected by the process to leave the EU, was appropriately notified.

Other comments included noting the impact of social media on discussion of these issues, and the need for action to back up the supportive words at the meeting.

Responding to comments in debate, Councillor Mathew thanked the words in support of the motion including from the Leader.

It was then,

Resolved:

To support the motion as set out below

Introduction

EU citizens resident in Wiltshire of whom there are in excess of 7,500 registered to vote, make an invaluable contribution to the life of our County and Country including our businesses, the delivery of our public services, and to wider public life, estimated in purely financial Terms at £17.25 Million per year*. They are very welcome here and should be encouraged to stay

*https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/741926/Final_EEA_report.PDF

Proposal

That Wiltshire Council investigates and initiates further and enhanced communication with EU residents living in Wiltshire stating that they are welcome, acknowledging and congratulating the 8,590 that have already signed up and encouraging those who have not yet done so to stay, by applying for settlement or pre-settlement status and setting out how they can do that by going to www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families.

In accordance with the Constitution this was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (56)

Votes against the motion (1)

Votes in abstention (6)

Details of each vote are attached to the minutes.