Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To inform the Executive of the Council’s roles and responsibilities relating to modern slavery.

Decision

That the Modern Slavery Statement and Charter Against Modern Slavery be adopted.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reason for Decision

Modern slavery was a broad term which could include any of the following:

·         forced labour;

·         debt bondage or bonded labour;

·         human trafficking;

·         descent-based slavery;

·         child slavery;

·         forced and early marriages.

The City Council had a role in stopping modern slavery by:

·         ensuring staff had a clear understanding of modern day slavery and knew how to recognise and report signs;

·         communicating and promoting materials highlighting modern day slavery as an issue within Lincolnshire;

·         ensuring the Council’s procurement procedures were in line with the Modern Day Slavery Charter.

The Council’s proposed Modern Slavery Statement was as set out in Appendix A of the report, with the Charter Against Modern Slavery attached at Appendix B of the report which included ten commitments for local authorities to attain. It was reported that the City of Lincoln Council was already very close to complying with all ten commitments.

It was noted that the Corporate Plan reference in the Modern Slavery Statement would be amended to reflect the most up to date version.