Agenda item

That this Council notes:-

·         With concern that the government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·         That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the north of England).

·         That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·         That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·         That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

That this Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012.

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property.

c)    Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion.

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1, a Motion was submitted by Councillor Dave Shaw and Seconded by the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“That this Council notes:-

·       With concern that the Government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·       That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the North of England).

·       That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·       That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·       That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

That this Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012.

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property.

c)     Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion.

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.”

The Chair afforded all Members present in the Chamber, the opportunity to speak on the Motion.

A vote was taken on the Motion proposed by Councillor Dave Shaw which was declared as follows:-

For - 40

Against - 0

Abstain - 4

On being put to the Meeting, the Motion was declared CARRIED.

          RESOLVED that this Council notes:-

·       With concern that the Government has made fracking a central plank of the UK’s energy policy.

·       That the Government have granted exploratory licenses to allow companies to conduct shale gas testing at a number of sites across the country (mainly in the North of England).

·       That in areas where exploratory drilling is under consideration, local residents have expressed concern.

·       That the Labour Party manifesto at the 2017 General Election included a clear commitment to ban fracking.

·       That all planning applications relating to fracking must be considered on their merits in planning terms, within the rules set out by the Government.

This Council, therefore:-

a)    Regrets the decision of the then Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, to lift the national ban on fracking in 2012;

b)    Commits to not allow any fracking activities, including survey work, on Council owned or controlled land and property;

c)     Regrets that the Government now appear to be determined to force fracking on areas, regardless of local opinion; and

d)    Supports the position taken by the Labour Party calling on the Government to ban fracking and focus on unlocking the jobs and growth that a low-carbon energy infrastructure can provide for our industry, workforce and communities.