Issue - meetings

To consider the following Motion in the names of Councillors Scott, Anwar, H Zaman, Masood Ahmed, A Zaman, Darwan and Daji;

“Council notes that:

1.    Fireworks are an important part of many celebrations and can be enjoyed safely when used responsibly.

2.    However, councillors across Kirklees continue to receive reports of fireworks being used irresponsibly — late at night, in residential streets, and outside recognised celebration periods — causing significant distress to residents, pets, wildlife and people with sensory or health conditions.

3.    The sale and use of fireworks for private use remains permitted nationally, though many safety and animal-welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, RoSPA and the National Fire Chiefs Council, have called for tighter controls.

4.    Kirklees Council already has Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in place to restrict fireworks in certain public areas, but local powers over retail sales are limited without national legislation.

Council therefore believes that:

1.    Fireworks should primarily be used at organised, licensed public displays and community events.

2.    Restricting general retail sales for private use would help reduce nuisance, distress and risk, while allowing communities to continue celebrating safely.

3.    Stronger local enforcement, clearer public information and national legislative reform are all necessary to improve public safety and wellbeing.

Council resolves to:

1.    Write to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Secretary of State for the Home Department to request consideration of tighter national controls limiting the retail sale of fireworks to licensed organisers of approved public events.

2.    Ask the Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety to review local licensing and trading-standards arrangements to ensure all available powers are being used to regulate sales and prevent nuisance.

3.    Work with West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, and local animal-welfare organisations to promote a public awareness campaign each autumn on the safe and considerate use of fireworks.

4.    Encourage town and parish councils and community groups to host and promote organised displays as safer, inclusive alternatives to private use.

5.    Request that the relevant Scrutiny Panel consider the inclusion of a review on the local impact of fireworks misuse within its workplan, and report back to Council with recommendations within six months.”

Motion approved (unamended).