Bromsgrove to End Fairtrade Town Status

Bromsgrove District Council has announced that the Fairtrade Town status for Bromsgrove will be coming to an end

Fairtrade is one of the most recognised ethical labels in the world and the UK has over 200 Fairtrade Towns.

The information was revealed at the final full council meeting of 2024 on 4th December.

Councillor James Clarke, the Council's newest member who won the Sidemoor seat for the Liberal Democrats off Labour in September, asked if action will be taken to ensure that Bromsgrove retains its Fairtrade Town status.

The Council confirmed that it will not review its status, however it remains "committed to supporting where possible, the Fairtrade concept along with other consumer choices."

Liberal Democrat councillors are now calling for Bromsgrove's status to be renewed after more than a decade of being a Fairtrade Town.

Councillor Clarke commented: "Fairtrade provides a range of benefits for both producers and consumers, offering a high ethical quality. Renewing our status will help ensure that Bromsgrove continues to offer high quality and ethical produce and goods."

His comments were echoed by Councillor Sam Evans, who represents Slideslow ward. 

Councillor Evans added: “Fairtrade Status helps to put Bromsgrove on the map, showing that we are standing up for farmers and workers. The Council should renew our status to send a message that we support our local farmers, fair prices and decent working conditions.”