Declares that the proposal to merge Warwick and Stratford district councils will dilute local power; further that, if the proposal is approved, the number of councillors serving residents in south Warwickshire would be reduced from 80 to 60; further that residents need to feel more connected and less detached from political decision-making, and that could only be achieved if councils are more in touch with residents; further that Warwick District Council was prepared to stage a referendum to decide whether to adopt a climate change levy in Spring 2020 and so is open to referendums in theory; and further that before any decision is made, a citizens assembly should be set up to outline arguments for and against the merger and that this should be followed by a referendum on the final verdict.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to make it a requirement for a range of options to be put to local residents in the form of a referendum in the event that local councillors propose any changes to local governing structures.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Matt Western, Official Report, 8 December 2021; Vol. 705, c. 531 .]
[P002702]
Observations from The Minister for Levelling Up Communities (Kemi Badenoch):
The Government will not impose any top-down Government solutions for restructuring of local government. We will continue, as we have consistently done, to follow a locally-led approach for reorganisation where councils can develop proposals which have strong local support. In this way any reform of an area's local government can most effectively be achieved.
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Ocado Zoom
The petition of residents of the constituency of Ealing Central and Acton.
Declares that Ocado has not followed through on its promise to cease the use of third-party employment and transfer the workforce from 4 October 2021; further that the majority of deliveries are currently carried out by the third-party agency “Job and Talent”; further that Ocado Zoom offers no flexibility despite promises to provide fully-flexible contracts; notes that Ocado Zoom’s business has deteriorated because of the failure to implement the transfer of workers; and notes that Ocado Zoom continues to engage in exploitative practices and anti-trade union behaviour as they continue to prioritise profit over the working conditions of its staff.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to consider the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to ensure that Ocado engage with delivery drivers’ chosen trade union, the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), in order to resolve the current dispute; further that the Government should press Ocado Zoom to avoid further job losses of key workers.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Official Report, 9 November 2021; Vol. 703, c. 288 .]
[P002697]
Transport
Aston Fence School speed limit extension
The petition of residents of the constituency of Rother Valley,
Declares that road safety measures must be strengthened and improved around Aston Fence School; and further that the existing 20mph speed limit, which is currently applicable during peak drop-off and pick-up hours in morning and afternoon, be in force at all times to protect pedestrians and drivers alike.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons call on the Government to urge Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to extend the existing 20mph speeding restrictions around the school so that they are in force at all times, rather than just during peak school hours.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Alexander Stafford, Official Report, 14December 2021; Vol. 705, c. 1028.]