To receive questions from Councillors in accordance with Standing Order No.19.
Question submitted by Councillor Fordham;
Given the Council’s financial commitment to Chesterfield Football Club (CFC) and our support for inclusive sport articulated through several well-being strategies - what dialogue did the council have with CFC before the start of the Qatar World Cup about concerns over women’s rights, migrant worker labour and lgbt+ inclusion? And to ask what statements did the Council issue (perhaps jointly with CFC) on these matters in advance of the World Cup commencing on 20th November?
Question submitted by Councillor Fordham;
Given the government have different schemes for Ukrainians seeking asylum, accommodation and work, what concerns does the Council have about Ukrainians here in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire being at risk of homelessness?
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No. 19 Councillor Fordham asked the following questions:
· Given the Councils financial commitment to Chesterfield Football Club (CFC) and our support for inclusive sport articulated through several well-being strategies - what dialogue did the council have with CFC before the start of the Qatar World Cup about concerns over women’s rights, migrant worker labour and lgbt+ inclusion? And to ask what statements did the Council issue (perhaps jointly with CFC) on these matters in advance of the World Cup commencing on 20th November?
Councillor Blank provided a verbal response confirming that the Council shared the concerns that were expressed regarding FIFA’s Decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. The values of the Qatari regime were at odds with those of Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Football Club.
No statement was issued by the Council and no conversation took place with Chesterfield Football Club prior to the tournament. The Council instead chose to focus on matters of equality and diversity within Chesterfield borough’s communities, as this is where it would have the greatest impact.
· Given the government have different schemes for Ukrainians seeking asylum, accommodation and work, what concerns does the Council have about Ukrainians here in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire being at risk of homelessness?
Councillor P Gilby provided a verbal response advising that the Council had a proud history of welcoming people to Chesterfield. Chesterfield Borough Council had worked with partners to support Ukrainians to settle in the UK and access public services. The Council had expressed its concerns over the short-term nature of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. The Derbyshire Partnership, of which Chesterfield Borough Council was a member, acknowledged the concerning number of Ukrainians now presenting as homeless. Preventative measures had been put in place.
The Leader assured the meeting that Chesterfield Borough Council would continue to support Ukrainian refugees to avoid homelessness and enable them to fully integrate into Chesterfield’s communities.