Resolved –

For many residents across the district, the anti-social use of fireworks is a blight on their lives. Despite changes to regulations governing the sellers, times of use and types of fireworks available it is still common to hear fireworks used beyond the curfews set down in law.

Many families enjoy the use of fireworks to celebrate significant family events, religious and cultural celebrations in addition to November 5th and New Year's Eve. The overwhelming majority of residents in the district act within the regulations this motion seeks to tackle the few who do not. 

This Council welcomes the work carried out in the run-up to the 2018 bonfire night that saw the Council officers, Police, Trading standards and many members of the public working in partnership to disrupt any nuisance, protect people and property for harm and resulted in lower levels of disturbance to many residents.

This Council Notes

·         Over the years there has been a tightening of restrictions around the sale, storage and use of fireworks through both acts of parliament and regulations.

·         In 2018 two petitions to Parliament with over 400,000 signatures needed to trigger a debate on further changes to regulations. The November petition was signed by almost 300,000 over 2500 residents in Bradford district amongst them.

·         Over the 2018 bonfire night period, there were 30 attacks on police and fire service detailed in a recent council report to councillors.

·         There are various means by which the anti-social use of fireworks can be tackled including Penalty Notices for Disorder, ASBO, ABC's and Various offences with sentences up to £5000 fines or 6-month imprisonment.

The Council Resolves to

·         Extend the partnership working in place over the whole year to tackle the anti-social use of fireworks throughout the year with a particular focus on the use of fireworks beyond the 11 pm curfew and sale of fireworks by unlicensed traders.

·         Lobby Government to amend the regulations on labelling fireworks so that each firework is bar-coded to aid investigation and prosecution of those who misuse fireworks.

ACTION:        Chief Executive/Strategic Director Place