Agenda item

This Council:

• Thanks the emergency workers, volunteers and all those who supported Monmouthshire residents during Storm Bert
• Expresses concern that a lack of maintenance of the county’s drainage infrastructure will have exacerbated flood risks
• Calls on the council to reassess its processes to mitigate flood events and evaluate the size and funding of the workforce dedicated to drainage maintenance and environmental management.

County Councillor Jan Butler presented the motion:

This Council:

·         Thanks the emergency workers, volunteers and all those who supported Monmouthshire residents during Storm Bert.

·         Expresses concern that a lack of maintenance of the county’s drainage infrastructure will have exacerbated flood risks.

·         Calls on the Council to reassess its processes to mitigate flood events and evaluate the size and funding of the workforce dedicated to drainage maintenance and environmental management.

Seconded by County Councillor Richard John.

https://www.youtube.com/live/PHi1FvgAtig?si=V-1stVrNCQOny_Vz&t=4813

County Councillor Catrin Maby proposed an amendment to the Motion:

·         Thanks the emergency workers, volunteers and all those who supported Monmouthshire residents during Storm Bert.

·         Recognises the increased frequency of severe weather events related to climate change, and the need for many forms of intervention to mitigate the impact on our communities.

·         Calls on the council to reassess its processes to mitigate flood events and evaluate the size and funding of the workforce dedicated to drainage maintenance and environmental management.

Seconded by County Councillor Chandler.

We proceeded to debate the proposed amendment to the Motion.

County Councillor Jan Butler, the presenter of the original Motion, exercised her right of reply in respect of the proposed amendment to the Motion.

https://www.youtube.com/live/PHi1FvgAtig?si=gZCU_TJ_0DfM9BZd&t=5755

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

In favour of the amendment           -           21

Against the amendment                  -           21

Abstentions                                       -           0

The vote was tied.

Due to the closeness of the vote, a recorded vote was held:

In favour of the amendment           -           21

Against the amendment                  -           21

Abstentions                                       -           0

In light of tied vote, the Chair exercised her casting vote and voted in favour of the amendment. The proposed amendment was carried.

https://www.youtube.com/live/PHi1FvgAtig?si=hl7gYtqcMF10uG4Y&t=9478

Members proceeded to debate the amended Motion.

County Councillor Tomos Davies proposed an amendment to the motion.

County Councillor Jan Butler accepted the amendment.

Amended Motion:

·         Thanks the emergency workers, volunteers and all those who supported Monmouthshire residents during Storm Bert.

·         Recognises the increased frequency of severe weather events related to climate change, and the need for many forms of intervention to mitigate the impact on our communities, including maintenance of the county's drainage infrastructure.

·         Calls on the council to reassess its processes to mitigate flood events and evaluate the size and funding of the workforce dedicated to drainage maintenance and environmental management.

Upon being put to the vote, the following votes were recorded:

In favour of the amended motion              -           36

Against the amended motion                     -           1

Abstentions                                                   -           0

The amended motion was carried.