Agenda item

To debate the following motion, submitted by Cllr Duncton, notice of which was given on 28 November 2023.

‘This Council notes the importance of farming, growers and agriculture to the West Sussex economy, and recognises that many West Sussex residents rely on the industry for their livelihoods.

The Council is concerned that initiatives to limit the availability of non-plant based foods, supported by other local authorities, would have a serious detrimental effect on the farming industry in West Sussex, and would impact on the livelihoods of our residents as a result, as well as limiting choice for those residents who eat meals at Council-run establishments.

The Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader and Cabinet to ensure that all commissioned meals served in West Sussex schools, care homes and other establishments where food is provided for users of our services continue to offer the full range of meat, fish, dairy, vegetarian and vegan options, so as to enable the full range of choice and balanced diets to be available to all those residents who use the Council’s services.’

51.1     The following motion was moved by Cllr Duncton and seconded by Cllr Ali.

‘This Council notes the importance of farming, growers, fisheries and agriculture to the West Sussex economy, and recognises that many West Sussex residents rely on these industries for their livelihoods.

The Council is concerned that initiatives to limit the availability of non-plant based foods, supported by other local authorities, would have a serious detrimental effect on the farming and fishing industries in West Sussex, and would impact on the livelihoods of our residents as a result, as well as limiting choice for those residents who eat meals at Council-run establishments.

The Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader and Cabinet to ensure that all commissioned meals served in West Sussex schools, care homes and other establishments where food is provided for users of our services continue to offer the full range of meat, fish, dairy, vegetarian and vegan options, so as to enable the full range of choice and balanced diets to be available to all those residents who use the Council’s services.’

51.2     An amendment was proposed by Cllr Lord which was accepted by the proposer.

‘This Council notes the importance of farming, growers, fisheries and agriculture to the West Sussex economy, and recognises that many West Sussex residents rely on these industries for their livelihoods.

The Council is concerned that initiatives to limit the availability of non-plant based foods, supported by some other local authorities, could would have a serious detrimental effect on some parts of the farming and fishing industries in West Sussex, and may would impact on the livelihoods of some of our residents as a result, as well as potentially limiting choice for those some residents who eat meals at Council-run establishments.

The Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader and Cabinet to ensure that all commissioned meals served in West Sussex schools, care homes and other establishments where food is provided for users of our services continue to offer the full range of meat, fish, dairy, vegetarian and vegan options, preferably using West Sussex produce, so as to enable the full range of choice and balanced diets to be available to all those residents who use the Council’s services.’

51.3     The amended motion, as set out below, was carried.

‘This Council notes the importance of farming, growers, fisheries and agriculture to the West Sussex economy, and recognises that many West Sussex residents rely on these industries for their livelihoods.

The Council is concerned that initiatives to limit the availability of non-plant based foods, supported by some local authorities, could have a detrimental effect on some parts of the farming and fishing industries in West Sussex, and may impact on the livelihoods of some of our residents as a result, as well as potentiallylimiting choice for some residents who eat meals at Council-run establishments.

The Council therefore resolves to ask the Leader and Cabinet to ensure that all commissioned meals served in West Sussex schools, care homes and other establishments where food is provided for users of our services continue to offer the full range of meat, fish, dairy, vegetarian and vegan options, preferably using West Sussex produce,so as to enable the full range of choice and balanced diets to be available to all those residents who use the Council’s services.’