In accordance with Standing Orders, the following motions have been received for consideration:
(1) Establishing a Lasting and Sustainable Commitment to Age Friendly Communities and Dementia-Friendly Action in Stevenage
To be moved by Councillor Myla Arceno
This Council recognises the rising prevalence of dementia in Stevenage and Hertfordshire, and the profound impact on people, families, and the wider community. We affirm the need for an inclusive borough where people with dementia are understood, respected, and supported to live well. Around 1,100 residents aged 65+ in Stevenage live with dementia—higher than many other Hertfordshire districts*.
Older adults in Stevenage face above-average emergency admissions for falls and frailty, straining health and care services. Women’s life expectancy is below the national average, and the gap between the most and least deprived men is 4.8 years. Nearly 40% of older adults with severe frailty, dementia, or end-of-life needs live in the town’s most deprived areas, highlighting the link between deprivation and poor health.
Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to the following services and initiatives:
• Community Support Service: For council tenants aged 55+, offering regular contact, emergency help, and support accessing care and social activities. Independent living schemes and “Extra Care” housing provide safe, supported environments.
• Housing for Older People Strategy (2020–2030): Joint work with HCC to ensure suitable housing options for ageing residents.
• Care Connect: A 24/7 personal alarm and response service run by SBC.
• Dementia-Friendly Status: Achieved in 2023, with ongoing review by the Alzheimer’s Society and partnership work through Healthy Stevenage and the Dementia Sub-Group. SBC co-produced a booklet of dementia-friendly activities.
• Age-Friendly Recognition: Stevenage is nationally recognised as an Age-Friendly Community, with health, leisure, and social opportunities delivered in partnership to reduce isolation and promote active ageing.
Council Resolves:
To build on this foundation and maintain Stevenage’s Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly status, the Council commits to:
1. Dementia Training: dementia awareness training to be added to mandatory training for all SBC staff and elected members to support inclusive service delivery.
2. Annual Awareness Event: Host a public Dementia-Friendly Stevenage and International Day for Older People event with partners and carers, aligned with Age-Friendly work to promote awareness and celebrate progress.
3. Ongoing Accreditation: Work with the Alzheimer’s Society and stakeholders to ensure council and partner premises pursue dementia-friendly accreditation. Maintain registration with the Centre for Better Aging.
4. Inclusive Design: Ensure all council-led developments incorporate dementia- and age-friendly design principles—clear signage, accessible layouts, appropriate lighting, and calm public spaces.
5. Transport and Business Engagement: Require all licensed taxi and private hire drivers to complete dementia awareness training. Encourage local businesses to gain Age and Dementia-Friendly accreditation.
6. Action Plan: Co-produce a Stevenage Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Action Plan with businesses and community stakeholders, setting clear goals and measures of success.
7. Continue Key Services: Maintain the Housing Strategy, Community Support Service, health and wellbeing initiatives, and Care Connect 24/7.
With this motion, the Council reaffirms its commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and foresight—ensuring Stevenage remains a borough where older people and those with dementia are supported, empowered, and welcomed.
* Source: HCC Public Health, 2024
(2) Our national flags – a source of pride and unity in Stevenage
To be moved by Councillor McGuinness
This Council believes that the heart of the Town does lie in its people, no matter what their background, and acknowledges and celebrates its founding motto, reflecting a vibrant and diverse community. The Council further believes that our national flags are a source of pride and unity and should not be used to seek to sow disharmony and disunity. Therefore, this Council resolves to:
1. Seek to work collaboratively with the County Council to respectively take down and store all national flags that are being displayed illegally on local authority land or assets.
2. Work with local arts and community organisations to use these flags, where possible, to create artworks, flag displays and murals in appropriate places which celebrate our national flags, the cultural diversity and history of our town, and our long and deep national pride.