Proposed by Cllr Goddard

Liberal Democrat member motion

This Council notes:

·       that in the absence of public firework displays, private use of fireworks seems anecdotally to have been more widespread this Bonfire Night and at New Year than in most years;

·       that both public and private use of fireworks can have harmful effects on the welfare of vulnerable people and domestic and wild animals;

·       that it is necessary to strike a balance between the enjoyment fireworks can provide and the harm they can cause.

This Council resolves that in time for next Bonfire Night, November 5th 2021, it will:

·       require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people;

·       actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks;

·       ask the Leader to write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays;

·       encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.

Proposed by Cllr Goddard

Liberal Democrat member motion

This Council notes:

·       that in the absence of public firework displays, private use of fireworks seems anecdotally to have been more widespread this Bonfire Night than in most years;

·       that both public and private use of fireworks can have harmful effects on the welfare of vulnerable people and domestic and wild animals;

·       that it is necessary to strike a balance between the enjoyment fireworks can provide and the harm they can cause.

This Council resolves that in time for next Bonfire Night, November 5th 2021, it will:

1.     require all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people;

2.     actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people — including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks;

3.     write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy  urging him to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays;

4.     encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

This motion was not taken as the time allocated for debate had finished.