Since raising the question about period poverty, the Labour group have received anecdotal information that it is an issue in Monmouthshire. Therefore, the Labour group requests that the Council works with local comprehensives and foodbanks in order to ascertain the scale of the need in Monmouthshire and to help, where appropriate, provide sanitary products for women and girls. The council should also consider the current strategy of providing vending machines for sanitary products at schools and the cost per unit that it charges. . Additionally, we ask that the council considers the use of sustainable products in the form of reusable and biodegradable products, as the UK produces 200,000 tonnes of oil based waste in the form of discarded sanitary products each year. Finally, that the Council resolutely determines, as a matter of policy and on a cross-party basis, to eradicate period poverty in Monmouthshire.
Minutes:
Since raising the question about period poverty, the Labour group have received anecdotal information that it is an issue in Monmouthshire. Therefore, the Labour group requests that the Council works with local comprehensives and foodbanks in order to ascertain the scale of the need in Monmouthshire and to help, where appropriate, provide sanitary products for women and girls. The council should also consider the current strategy of providing vending machines for sanitary products at schools and the cost per unit that it charges.
Additionally, we ask that the council considers the use of sustainable products in the form of reusable and biodegradable products, as the UK produces 200,000 tonnes of oil based waste in the form of discarded sanitary products each year. Finally, that the Council resolutely determines, as a matter of policy and on a cross-party basis, to eradicate period poverty in Monmouthshire.
Councillor Batrouni presented the motion thanking the Cabinet Member for the response at the previous Council meeting, and stated that following the meeting there had been many messages from the community confirming this to be an issue. He added that he had been told that nurses in secondary schools are handing out sanitary products and have been doing so for years, some paying for them from their own pocket. He questioned if the Council should think about the costs and margins of vending machines in the secondary schools.
Councillor D. Evans seconded the motion
In response, Cabinet Member, Councillor S Jones confirmed that she is absolutely committed to eradicating period poverty and proposed an amended motion:
This Council will continue to work with schools, foodbanks and all relevant agencies to ascertain the scale of the need in Monmouthshire and through working in partnership we will identify how we can support those who are affected by period poverty. As part of this approach we will consider the use of sustainable products in the form of re-useable and biodegradable products and this Council remains committed to working with all of our partners towards eradicating period poverty in Monmouthshire.
Councillor S. Jones explained that she had included ‘all agencies’ in her amended motion referring to primary schools and their growing up programme, housing associations and other charities. She confirmed that she has been in touch with the organisation Wings and hoped to provide confidence that she is following up on this issue. It was explained that reference to vending machines had been removed as that is a Welsh Government Policy and not our strategy to consider. We heard that only one comprehensive school in Monmouthshire has a vending machine, yet all schools offer free sanitary products as part of the welfare rooms. Councillor Jones added she would continue to work on this agenda on behalf of women and girls of Monmouthshire.
Council debated the amended motion:
Councillor Batrouni expressed concern at dropping the terms ‘provide’ and ‘policy’ as this would be seen as enabling but not acting ourselves.
Members were keen to support the motion and welcomed hard data on period poverty.
The Cabinet Member welcomed the suggestion that Members form a sub group to advance work on this issue.
Upon being put to vote, Council carried the amended motion.