Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which presented the findings from the multi-agency Cost of Living Summit which had been hosted by West Lindsey District Council on 26 September 2022.

In presenting the report the Chairman indicated she was aware some Members would feel disappointed at the lack of financial commitment within the report, but set out her reasoning as to why she considered this the best approach, given the significant unknowns the Council was facing and an ever-changing situation.   The Authority’s current sound financial position was as a result of prudent management over the last 12 years.  Reserves once spent could not be replaced easily and as such it was important that any actions taken were sustainable and addressed real need.  The impact of numerous financial support packages offered by Central Government, many of which were administrated locally, was unknown as yet and would have impact on livelihoods.   Gas and petrol prices had stated to fall and there was a concern, given the risks identified in the report any commitments now would prevent the Council from assisting further if the situation continued to persist.  There was also concern that other Council priorities which had been supported in the Chamber, would not be delivered if resources were diverted without due consideration.  

Reference was made to the already existing funding gap and the unknowns the revised Government settlement presented, as such the Chairman was of the view that it would be more prudent to wait for the outcome of this settlement.  The Council’s core business needed to be secure in the first instance.  It was not being suggested that the Council should not do anything, with the Chairman outlining numerous examples, but that there was a need to ensure the interventions had a longer lasting impact.  It was also highlighted how the Council currently supported Voluntary and Community Groups and how offering greater support to such organisations could have the potential to provide community led support which matched need identified locally.

The Leader of the Council showed his support for the Chairman’s position echoing her comments around increased partnership working and support, ensuring interventions had a real impact and the unprecedented levels and sources of uncertainties the Council and the Country faced at the current time, in respect of its finances, moving the recommendations in the report.  

Debate ensued and Members from across the Chamber commented on the success of the Summit. Engagement from partners had been excellent and the knowledge gained invaluable. Members also spoke of the amount of information they had learned and the evening had made them more informed in terms of the support that currently existed across the District.

That being said, some Members, including Opposition Members, expressed disappointment, given the success of the Summit and the ideas generated, that the report lacked indication of any direct actions to be undertaken, and as such considered the need for urgent delivery had been overlooked.  It was not accepted that all potential actions would incur a cost, and as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44