This Council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. To achieve this end this Council believes that all people should be paid a “living wage” which will provide ‘adequate income’ to ensure social inclusion for an individual and their family.
This Council also notes that the Welsh Assembly, the London Assembly and many businesses including KPMG have already agreed to pay their employees a living wage.
Therefore, this Council resolves:
K WAKEFIELD
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Wakefield seconded by Councillor D Blackburn
This Council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. To achieve this end this council believes that all people should be paid a “living wage” which will provide ‘adequate income’ to ensure social inclusion for an individual and their family.
This Council also notes that the Welsh Assembly, the London Assembly and many businesses including KPMG have already agreed to pay their employees a living wage.
Therefore, this Council resolves:
1. That Leeds City Council should commit to achieving Living Wage employer status, by paying a living wage to all staff (permanent, temporary, and all staff who work for the council but aren’t employed by it).
2. That the Chief Executive prepare a report to Executive Board which will:
· Outline how Leeds can become a ‘Living Wage City’ where every worker earns a living wage.
· Explain what the financial commitment would be for Leeds City Council to achieving this aim
An amendment was moved by Councillor Brett seconded by Councillor Bale
Delete second sentence of paragraph one and all of paragraph two and replace with
“This council notes the measures taken by the council under narrowing the gap and the progress to providing a living wage for all the people of Leeds. Council however notes the pivotal role played by government in achieving a living wage for all, and in particular notes:
· The fact that the government's minimum wage is significantly lower than living wage levels estimated for Leeds.
· That the removal of the 10% income tax band will create further poverty for some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”
Delete bullet point one after words “this Council resolves:”
Insert after bullet point two:
“Council further resolves to ask the Leader of Council to write to the Prime Minister highlighting the part the government must play if a "living wage" society is to be achieved.”
The amendment was carried and upon being put as the substantive motion it was
RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY - That this council believes that it is vitally important to narrow the gap between rich and poor in this city. This council notes the measures taken by the council under narrowing the gap and the progress to providing a living wage for all the people of Leeds. Council however notes the pivotal role played by government in achieving a living wage for all, and in particular notes:
· The fact that the government's minimum wage is significantly lower than living wage levels estimated for Leeds.
· That the removal of the 10% income tax band will create further poverty for some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”
Therefore, this council resolves:
That the Chief Executive prepare a report to Executive Board which will
· Outline how Leeds can become a ‘Living Wage City’ where every worker earns a living wage.
· Explain what the financial commitment would be for Leeds City Council to achieving this aim
Council further resolves to ask the Leader of Council to write to the Prime Minister highlighting the part the government must play if a "living wage" society is to be achieved.
On the requisition of Councillors Gruen and Taggart the voting on the amendment was recorded as follows:
YES
Anderson, Andrew, Bale, Barker, Bentley, Brett, Campbell, A Carter, J L Carter, Castle, Chapman, Downes, Elliott, Ewens, Mrs R Feldman, R D Feldman, Finnigan, Fox, Gettings, Golton, Grayshon, M Hamilton, Harker, Harrand, Harris, Hollingsworth, K Hussain, W Hyde, Jennings, Kendall, Kirkland, Lamb, Lancaster, Latty, Leadley, Lobley, Monaghan, J Procter, R Procter, Pryke, Rhodes-Clayton, Robinson, Shelbrooke, Taylor, Townsley, Wadsworth, Wilkinson, Wilson
48
NO
Armitage, Atha, Atkinson, Beverley, A Blackburn, D Blackburn, Blake, Congreve, Coulson, Coupar, Davey, Dobson, Dowson, Driver, Dunn, Gabriel, Grahame, Gruen, S Hamilton, Hanley ,Harington, Harper, A Hussain, G Hyde, Illingworth, Iqbal, Jarosz, Langdale, J Lewis, R Lewis, Lowe, Lyons, A McKenna, J McKenna, Morgan, Mulherin, Murray, Nash, Ogilvie, Parker, Rafique, Renshaw, Russell, Selby, Taggart, Wakefield
46
(During the debate on this item Councillor Grayshon declared a personal interest as a member of AMICUS (UNITE))
(The provisions of Council Procedure Rule 3.1(d) were applied from this point in the meeting)