Stockport Council’s first ever Modern Slavery statement has come into force from the start of April, following approval by the Labour Cabinet in December.
The move follows a motion which was brought to the September Council meeting by Labour Councillor for Cheadle Hulme North, David Meller. The Council will now publish an annual ‘Modern Slavery Statement’ which sets out the steps it will take to eliminate anything linked to Modern Slavery linked from Council supply chains.
Modern Slavery is defined as a situation where traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. Although this often involves an international cross-border element, it is also possible for someone to be a victim of modern slavery within their own country. In 2018 in the UK, for example, the largest victim group was UK nationals (15.9% of all reported cases).
Councils are not required to produce such statements. However Stockport’s adoption means the Council must now act to ensure their business and supply chains have no links to Modern Slavery. The Council will now update the statement annually, keeping this up to date and reviewing the progress made.
Commenting, Cllr David Meller said:
“Regrettably, slavery is very much with us in the modern day.
“I do not want one penny of Stockport Council tax payers’ money ending up in the pockets of those who exploit others, and I know residents want to be assured the Council is doing everything it can to prevent this.
“This statement goes a long way in achieving that, taking a fine toothed comb to our supply chains to ensure there are no links to modern slavery.
“The new policy will also ensure council staff are trained appropriately to challenge abnormally low-cost tenders, or even to terminate contracts with those who fail to comply with the Modern Slavery Act.
“Having this statement and embedding it within Council policies represents a significant step forward in the fight against Modern Slavery. I am proud Stockport Labour are leading and delivering change on important issues such as this.”
Officers from a range of Council services contributed to statement, including officers from STAR Procurement the Council’s procurement partner, which covers procurement across Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford Councils.
ENDS