Council rejects calls to join Fairtrade fight

Liberal Democrats on West Oxfordshire District Council put forward a motion asking the council to use fairly-traded goods and encourage local businesses, people and organisations to use them.

The motion was rejected by the ruling Conservative group, which said the proposals were too costly and would damage local suppliers.

The Fairtrade mark guarantees producers in the developing world a fair price for their goods.

Oxford and Faringdon were both given Fairtrade status last year.

Proposing the motion, councillor Gareth Epps said: "It's a campaign which has captured the imagination of many people in our local community and local churches -- it's a community issue not a political issue. It is not a particularly radical motion. The costs I believe would be negligible."

Mary Neale, conservative cabinet member for finance, said: "I understand where Mr Epps is coming from but I have a different opinion from him about the resources needed. We want to ensure that local producers don't get isolated by policy."

Mrs Neale put forward an amended motion promising only to look at the council's use of Fairtrade goods and to nominate a member and an officer to "promote the fairtrade campaign where appropriate."

Councillor David McFarlane said: "It's for individuals and markets to decide if a product is good and whether to support it. However, I recognise that West Oxfordshire District Council can set an example by stocking fairtrade products in the meeting rooms."

The Liberal Democrat group voted against the amended motion, which was passed.

Last year all 17 Methodist churches in the district received Fairtrade status.

They held events last week (March 12) to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. Coordinator Wendy Maddison said: "I hope the council will be able to move forward on this. By doing something as simple as switching to Fairtrade, we can give producers in developing countries a real chance to build a better future."