On Tuesday 15 March 2022, during the Portsmouth City Council Full Council Meeting, Portsmouth Labour Councillors brought motions on pushing for better support for adults with ADHD and introducing a policy to consider insourcing council services.

Labour Councillors also raised a number of questions and held the Liberal Democrats to account on promised action.

In summary from the meeting:

• Cllr Tom Coles’ motion on improving services and support for adults in Portsmouth with ADHD passes
• The Tories and Lib Dem councillors voted against Labour’s motion to provide the opportunity to bring contracts back in house, which would help to invest in local jobs and keep the pound in Pompey
• Cllr Charlotte Gerada held the LibDem Administration to account about why no bike hangars are planned for the north of the city and lobbied for at least one to be trialled in Nelson ward where there were a number of residents who called for them
• Cllr Judith Smyth questioned the LibDem Administration about how the effectiveness of their new approach to tackle graffiti and tagging will be monitored
• Cllr Cal Corkery raised awareness and pushed for greater action around the worsening of working conditions for local firefighters in managing fires in high rise buildings
• Cllr Kirsty Mellor secured a review of the council’s poverty strategy to ensure more is done to tackle poverty in Portsmouth

Cllr George Fielding, Leader of the Labour Group said: “We are very disappointed to see Liberal Democrat and Conservative Councillors vote down our motion that would have developed council policies to consider in-sourcing with contracts that are up for renewal.

“With national scandals relating to private companies collapsing – such as Carillion – this leads to huge job losses and the wasting of precious public money. The move to bring contracts back in house presents opportunities to save money, increase local jobs and keep money in our local economy.”

Cllr Tom Coles, Labour Councillor for Fratton, said: “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness of and support for Adults with ADHD. I know firsthand the difficulties faced when trying to access treatment and I hope this motion passing is a step towards better outcomes for those struggling with the condition.”