Decision details

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council regarding the commitment to establish a Fairness Commission for Southampton which was included in the ‘Southampton Transition Plan: The first 100 days (May 16th 2012- August 2012)’. This decision relates to the proposal for an independent, time-limited commission to be established to consider issues of fairness and equality in Southampton.

(i)  To endorse the proposal to establish a Southampton Fairness Commission.

(ii)  To agree the underlying principles and draft Terms of Reference.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director for Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Leader of the Council to determine the final Terms of Reference and membership of the Commission.

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Head of Strategic HR, to undertake work on the introduction of the Living Wage for the Council, following consultation with the Leader, Cabinet Member for Resources, Head of Finance and IT, and formal consultation and negotiation with the unions.

(i)  The commitment to establish a Fairness Commission for Southampton was included in the ‘Southampton Transition Plan: The first 100 days (May 16th 2012- August 2012). The Leader and Cabinet are committed to progressing their aspiration to introduce a Living Wage. This report recommends proposals for the development of a Southampton Fairness Commission to progress these commitments.

(ii)  These proposals are set against a backdrop of austerity. The impact of the introduction of the Welfare Reforms on residents brings a potential risk of increasing poverty and inequalities. The Southampton Fairness Commission would build on the City’s work in tackling poverty, inequalities and community cohesion and bring a new perspective and expertise to this work.

To not develop a Southampton Fairness Commission – however this would mean the administration’s commitment to establish a Fairness Commission would not be met and hence this was rejected.