That the motion be supported.

To respond to the motion.

Not to support the motion.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on Tuesday, 19 December 2017 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

At the Meeting of the Council held on 7 December 2017, members received a motion, as set out below, notice of which had been given in accordance with Standing Order A14 by Councillors Ellery and Amil:

This Council notes that the fishing industry is a dangerous industry to work in, with several lives lost across the UK each year.  Such a tragic loss of life has a far reaching impact upon the fisherman’s family, friends and community.  Personal Floatation Devices and Personal Locator Beacons would greatly improve the chances of the fisherman being rescued.  Unfortunately not all fishermen can afford this equipment. 

Therefore this Council requests the Executive Head of Business Services and Assets to make an application to the Marine Management Organisation for funding through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to fully fund the purchase of Personal Floatation Devices equipped with Personal Locator Beacons and to develop a delivery scheme in partnership with the local fishing industry. This would ensure that those local fishermen who would struggle financially to buy one of these potentially lifesaving pieces of equipment can be provided to them at no cost.

This Council also requests the Chief Executive to write to the Local Government Association to request they encourage all other councils with fishing communities to follow suit and support the fishing industry nationally. 

The Mayor considered the motion at the Meeting of the Council and his decision is set out above.

None