Annual Report 2016-2017: Cllr Marielle O'Neill

As a Councillor I engage with residents to learn about local concerns and help resolve community issues. Being able to mediate fairly between different organisations and sections of the community is crucial to this role.

Partnership working is another important aspect of this position. The ability to build good relationships by working collaboratively is needed to achieve shared goals.

I use my communication skills across different settings. I have the ability to listen sensitively and use appropriate language with different groups. I communicate regularly and effectively with all parts of the community using different forms of media.

Constituent casework makes up a large part of my Councillor role. I deal with queries from constituents by phone, email, or in person and provide advice and support on a range of issues. I log all cases; monitor progress and ensure all identified actions are taken.

I have attended many local events such as Batley Vintage Day and Batley Festival and support local charities and groups such as Batley Food Bank.

I am heavily involved with The Friends of Wilton Park group and have helped organise and take part in many events in the past year including the summer charity day and the Halloween fancy dress event.

As Chair of Kirklees Fairtrade Forum, a local platform which exists to raise awareness for and advocate the use of Fairtrade products, I work across Kirklees. I organised and ran a Fairtrade stall where we gave out free Fairtrade bananas at the Run For Jo event at Oakwell Hall in Birstall in June. I organised and ran a Fairtrade stall at Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival in Huddersfield in August where we gave out free Fairtrade bananas and energy bars.

I am passionate about encouraging more women to get involved in Politics. With this in mind, I organised a workshop in Bradford on how women can enter politics for The Parliament Trust, attended by Paula Sherriff MP.

I work closely with my ward colleagues to best represent the people of Batley West.

Community’s tribute to beloved councillor

A lime tree and plaque were unveiled at the Pakistan and Kashmir Welfare Association (PKWA), Batley, on Monday 1^st August in honour of late Batley West Councillor Peter O'Neill.

The plaque which read, ‘In loving memory of Councillor Peter O’Neill, Community Champion and Friend. Gone but will Never be Forgotten’ was placed in a prominent area near the front door of the PKWA.

The lime tree which was kindly grown by Feroze Syed of Manor Way Gardens gardening project was placed in the grounds of the PKWA.

There was also a community lunch which was attended by a cross-section of the community which reflected Cllr Peter O’Neill’s hard work to strengthen community cohesion.

The tributes were in honour of Peter’s many years of hard work and dedication on behalf of the whole community in Kirklees.

Fiaz Rashid, Manager of PKWA said, ‘I have known Peter for over 12 years & I have always found him to be principled, warm, hardworking and compassionate advocate for the people. He passionately campaigned for local, national and international causes as a community activist to make our society a better place for all. His inspiration and selfless service to the community will remain with us.'

Cllr Marielle O’Neill, Peter’s daughter who has followed in her father’s footsteps as a Batley West councillor said, ‘My father was a man of the highest moral character and a tireless advocate for those in need. He would go out of his way to go the extra mile to help people. This is a very fitting tribute. It’s lovely to see the community come together to honour him in this way.’

The O’Neill family would like to thank Fiaz Rashid and Mr Sadiq of PKWA for organising and hosting the event and Feroze Syed of Manor Way Gardens for donating the lime tree.

Cllr Marielle O'Neill: Annual Report 2015-2016

Last May I was elected as a Labour and Co-operative councillor representing Batley West. My first year as a councillor has been both rewarding and challenging. Due to the Government’s cuts to local government, local government is changing and can no longer provide many of the services it once has. I have played a full role in full council meetings, speaking on such varied subjects as the proposed cuts to tax credits and mental health. I have championed transgender rights and improving equality and diversity within the Council.

 

I have been active within the local community and have attended many meetings and community events with my ward colleagues, Cllr Shabir Pandor and Cllr Gwen Lowe. I have undertaken much casework and am always available for constituents to get in touch with.

I have taken a lead on policy issues within the Council. I chaired the Policy Committee’s Task and Finish Group on Equality and Diversity. I enjoyed chairing this bi-partisan group. We were able to work well together, listening to experts and officers to update the Council’s policy framework on equality and diversity. I was proud to move a motion in full council on this in March 2016 and was delighted that it was unanimously approved.

In November 2015, with Cllr Sheikh Ullah, Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cllr Cathy Scott and Cllr Mus Khan I protested the Government’s proposed cuts to tax credits. I moved the motion on this in full council and my speech was covered in the local press.

A moving event I attended was the Transgender Vigil at Huddersfield Parish Church in November 2015 which marked the deaths of all the transgender people who had died this year and stressed the discrimination transgender people still face.

A highlight of my first year as a councillor was Batley Vintage Day in 2015 which showcases the community spirit within our town and is a great day for all the family.

Another highlight from my first year as a councillor was my in-depth interview on Radio IMWS in November, 2015 where I was grilled on many important local issues.

I am an active member of The Friends of Wilton Park to promote and protect this beautiful Victorian Park which is a jewel in Batley’s crown. I am committed to promoting healthy lifestyles within Kirklees.

Being passionate about Fairtrade, I became the Chair of Kirklees Fairtrade Forum which working with the Council, business and community organisations promotes Fairtrade across the borough through community and educational events.

Alongside my ward colleagues I have undertaken casework on a wide range of issues such as housing, anti-social behaviour and fly tipping. I urge people to get in touch with their local councillors if they have any issues they need help with.

Being on many committees and outside boards I have been able to develop a deep insight into how the council and local government works. In my first year as a councillor I sat on the Policy Committee, Licencing Committee, Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee and the Batley and Spen District Committee.

The outside bodies I sat on were the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which was particularly interesting considering devolution is such a hot topic at the moment, the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation, Calderdale and Kirklees Careers and the School Organisation Advisory Group.

The Labour councillors in Batley West campaign throughout the year as well as at election time and I played an active role in Cllr Shabir Pandor’s successful re-election campaign.

As someone who is committed to peace, in December 2015, I attended the anti-war demonstration in London to protest military action in Syria.

My priorities as a councillor are promoting social justice and equality, improving community cohesion, undertaking casework on behalf of constituents and attending community events, all of which I have been able to do successfully this year. I attend many local events and meetings each week in Batley. I will undertake training opportunities to further develop my skills and expertise. I hope to build on the work I have done this year and to continue to represent the people of Batley West to the best of my ability. I will remain a committed councillor who serves everyone in Batley West.

Changes to the Welfare System: A clear attack on the lowest paid families

At the meeting of Full Council, 11 November 2015, Kirklees Labour tabled a motion asking all political groups to act against Governments proposed changes to the welfare system, concerned as we are about the serious impact these changes would have on families throughout Kirklees. 

“This Council is concerned by the effects the Government’s proposed changes to the welfare system, particularly but not exclusively to tax credits, as it demonstrates a clear attack on the lowest paid families. 

Of particular concern is the effect these cuts will have on many of the low paid, hardworking families across Kirklees and the wider impact this will have on the diverse communities across the district.

We therefore request the following:

1. That Cabinet ask the Director of Resources to produce a report as to the effects of this attack on working families in Kirklees.

2. This Council therefore asks that the Chief Executive writes a letter to Government requesting it seriously reconsiders implementation of these changes, so as to not enforce further undue financial suffering to many already hard working families of Kirklees." 

Two of Kirklees Labour's newest councillors delivered speeches to Council, highlighting the effects Governments proposed changes to the Welfare System, would have on hardworking families.

 

Councillor Marielle O'Neill, Batley West Ward, proposed the motion:

"I would like to propose this motion as the Government’s cuts to the Welfare system, especially cuts to tax credits will have a devastating impact in Kirklees. Kirklees Labour believes the tax credit changes would penalise hard working parents who are doing the right thing and taking responsibility for their families. The cuts to tax credits amount to a work penalty and will hit families on middle and lower incomes.

"As a young woman I am concerned about the effect these cuts will have on women and children. The Fawcett Society said there is no doubt women would be hit hard by the changes. Women are more likely to be on low incomes, relying on tax credits. The non-partisan Resolution Foundation found that the tax and benefit measures announced in the Summer Budget will push 200 thousand children into poverty next year. Most of these will be in working families.

"The cuts to tax credits hit the most vulnerable in our society. In my own constituency, Batley and Spen there are 13 thousand children in working families currently receiving tax credits. A staggering 60 per cent of families in Batley and Spen receive tax credits. I know a family in Batley West that will be over a thousand pounds worse off because of these cuts. I am proud to propose this motion. As politicians we should be fighting to ensure every child in Kirklees has a fair shot in life."

 

 Councillor Sheikh Ullah, Greenhead Ward:

"I am very concerned about the impact on Kirklees residents of cuts to tax credits. 

There are 16,800 families in Kirklees receiving Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits. These families are going to be negatively affected by these cuts. 

It is expected that on average, families are likely to be worse off by £1,300 next year. 

I know a family, who, if these cuts go ahead, will have to choose between the very basics, such as eating or heating.

Within those 16,800 families in Kirklees there are 33,700 children 

33,700 children who will be living in Kirklees families and will be worse off next year if tax credits are cut. 

Do we care about children in Kirklees? I Care, this is why I fully support this motion."