Issue - meetings

To consider the adoption of a Wokingham Borough Council Anti-Abuse Charter, which is part of the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021-2024.

RECOMMENDATION:  That Council approve the adoption of a local Anti-Abuse Charter.

The Council considered a report which proposed the adoption of a local Anti-Abuse Charter. The report stated that the Council had worked with the local domestic violence charity Kaleidoscopic UK, to develop a Charter for all Members and Officers. The proposed Charter set out the Council’s commitment to foster a deep-rooted culture and step change on violence and abuse.

Laura Blumenthal introduced the report and stated that the proposed Anti-Abuse Charter had the support of all the political groups on the Council.

Sarah Kerr expressed thanks to Vickie Robertson (founder of Kaleidoscopic UK) for her support in developing the Charter and nominated her for the Mayor’s Role of Honour Award.

It was proposed by Laura Blumenthal and seconded by Sarah Kerr that the recommendation in the report be amended to read:

“That the Council approve the adoption of a local Anti-Abuse Charter and produces a report on progress to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee at least twice a year”.

Upon being put to the vote, the proposed amendment was approved.

It was proposed by Laura Blumenthal and seconded by Sarah Kerr that the recommendation in the report, as amended, be approved.

Upon being put to the vote, the amended recommendation was approved.

RESOLVED: That the Council approve the adoption of a local Anti-Abuse Charter and produces a report on progress to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee at least twice a year.