Agenda item

To consider the following Motions in accordance with Council Rules of Procedure No. 13

Motion G

 

Green Socialist Alliance Motion

 

Proposer: Cllr  Mary Mason

Seconder: Cllr Mark Blake

[1]Motion: Tackling Poverty in Haringey

This Council notes:

  • That Haringey is a vibrant and diverse borough.
  • That it also has the 4th highest unemployment rate in London and the 3rd highest rate of bailiff-led repossessions.
  • That while this is a borough where many people thrive, 60% of residents do not eat a healthy diet and over 60% are overweight or obese, with continuing concerns about infant mortality.
  • That Haringey has a thriving cultural sector, yet the poorest residents spend 25% of their income on food and energy, and five out of six people on Universal Credit are unable to afford basic essentials.
  • That inequalities are worsening, impacting health and wellbeing, and systemic racism means 36% of Black residents live in poverty.
  • That life expectancy has fallen, and the number of residents earning below the London Living Wage has increased.
  • That approximately 3,000 families are living in temporary accommodation — 29% higher than the London average.
  • That Haringey is now the 4th most deprived local authority area in London, despite also containing areas of significant wealth.
  • That these conditions are neither fair nor acceptable, as recognised by the Haringey Fairness Commission (2020).

This Council believes:

  • That poverty and inequality in Haringey are urgent issues that require focused, resident-led action.
  • That those with lived experience of poverty must be central to shaping solutions.

This Council therefore resolves to:

  1. Appoint a Poverty Commissioner who will convene an elected and representative group of residents with lived experience of poverty to:
    i. Report on current issues affecting people experiencing poverty in Haringey.
    ii. Identify the changes required to address the borough’s inequalities and improve outcomes.
    iii. Bring their findings and proposals to a dedicated Full Council meeting focused on driving poverty out of the borough.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion H

 

Support for the Together Alliance

Proposer: Cllr das Neves

Seconder: Cllr Chandwani

 

This Council notes -

  • The voices of division in our country are growing louder. The divisive and racist rhetoric of extremism is an increasingly common presence online and on our streets.
  • Their false promises seize on the very real economic problems people face, in order to scapegoat migrants, asylum seekers, refugees, Muslims, Jews, and other faith and global majority communities.
  • It is, therefore, incumbent upon every tier of government to deliver policies and investment that address the many challenges our communities face, tackling wealth inequality and rejecting all forms of racism and discrimination.
  • A new campaign, the Together Alliance, supported by UK charities, trade unions, civil society organisations and politicians is offering a platform of “love, unity and hope” to oppose the far right and the politics of division.

This Council believes -

  • London is the greatest, most diverse city in the world. Our progressive, inclusive agenda has the full backing of London Mayor, Sadiq Khan.
  • We can change things together. We must show that strength lies in solidarity with our communities, and that the change we need comes from us working together.

·       Together we can reject narratives of division and racism.

·       Together we can build solidarity across communities.

·       Together we can unite against the far right.

 

This Council resolves to –

  • Renew our commitments as a Borough of Welcome, and work with residents to develop our new Welcome Strategy – ensuring anyone who calls Haringey home is treated with dignity and respect.
  • Endorse the Together Alliance’s message of “hope over fear” ahead of their planned demonstration in London on 28th March 2026.
  • Continue to work with our community networks and Multi-Faith Forum to challenge national narratives: building unity and tackling xenophobia, antisemitism, islamophobia, anti-black racism and all forms of discrimination.
  • Work with anti-racist and human rights campaign groups opposing hate groups assembling in our city.