This Council notes:
This Council resolves:
Further details of the proposed policy can be found on pages 97-100.
Minutes:
Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Denham, moved a Notice of Motion in the following terms:-
This Council resolves:
In presenting the Notice of Motion, Councillor Sutton stated that it was important that Exeter City Council decision making was representative of the wider population. She reiterated the support for Councillors in their child bearing years and also for those parents who wished to adopt. She felt the same rights afforded by the Council’s parental policy, which included maternity leave, should be offered to Councillors. It was important to ensure that parents were able to carry out their jobs with the appropriate support.
She sought the support of her fellow Councillors.
In seconding the Notice of Motion, Councillor Denham thanked Councillor Sutton for bringing forward this Motion. She referred to a number of Councils around the country who had expanded their maternity provision. She referred to her own experience as a new mother and although this was also a personal matter, she hoped that all Members would be in favour. The lack of maternity leave particularly over a four year commitment could discourage those seeking to become a Council Member. She felt the public had a right to expect that their elected representatives would be able to carry out their role, and enjoy the same benefits of maternity leave. She also referred to the importance of ensuring additional leave for those mothers with premature babies.
The Notice of Motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.
Supporting documents: