Motion by Councillor Glynis Phillips
“Local Government has endured central government cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Oxfordshire County Council staff have been at the forefront of continuing to provide a range of services and support during the COVID pandemic. Our staff have worked to keep our communities safe, our schools open, cared for vulnerable and older people and continued to safeguard children.
A 1.75% pay increase (2.75% for those on the lowest pay point) is not enough and with inflation at 3.8% this is real terms pay cut.
This Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to all Oxfordshire MPs requesting that they contact the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide the necessary funding for a substantial and fairer pay offer.”
Decision:
The Amendment by Councillor Reeves was lost by 35 votes to 19.
The substantive Motion was carried by 35 votes to 17.
Minutes:
Councillor Glynis Phillips moved and Councillor Neil Fawcett seconded the following Motion:
“Local Government has endured central government cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Oxfordshire County Council staff have been at the forefront of continuing to provide a range of services and support during the COVID pandemic. Our staff have worked to keep our communities safe, our schools open, cared for vulnerable and older people and continued to safeguard children.
A 1.75% pay increase (2.75% for those on the lowest pay point) is not enough and with inflation at 3.8% this is real terms pay cut.
This Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to all Oxfordshire MPs requesting that they contact the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide the necessary funding for a substantial and fairer pay offer.”
Councillor Eddie Reeves moved and Councillor David Bartholomew seconded the following Amendment to the Motion as shown in bold italics below:
“Local Government has endured central government cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Oxfordshire County Council staff have been at the forefront of continuing to provide a range of services and support during the COVID pandemic. Our staff have worked to keep our communities safe, our schools open, cared for vulnerable and older people and continued to safeguard children.
A 1.75% pay increase (2.75% for those on the lowest pay point) is not enough for our lower paid staff and with inflation at 3.8% this is real terms pay cut.
This Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to all Oxfordshire MPs requesting that they contact the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide the necessary funding for a substantial and fairer pay offer to those members of staff who are (i) not already paid the Oxford Living Wage and/or (ii) who earn less than the median wage in Oxfordshire and cannot work from home.”
Following debate, the amendment by Councillor Reeves was put to the vote and was lost by 35 votes to 19.
The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and was carried by 35 votes to 17.
RESOLVED: (by 35 votes to 17)
“Local Government has endured central government cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Oxfordshire County Council staff have been at the forefront of continuing to provide a range of services and support during the COVID pandemic. Our staff have worked to keep our communities safe, our schools open, cared for vulnerable and older people and continued to safeguard children.
A 1.75% pay increase (2.75% for those on the lowest pay point) is not enough and with inflation at 3.8% this is real terms pay cut.
This Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to all Oxfordshire MPs requesting that they contact the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide the necessary funding for a substantial and fairer pay offer.”