Motion 1
“Members
The Household Support Fund was introduced in October 2021 to help struggling households through the Covid Crisis by providing them with additional funds allowing them to afford things like energy, food, clothing and other essentials. Post Covid the Government have kept the fund open to help households cope with the cost of living crisis.
The Government distribute the money through the County Councils and Unitary Authorities. Lincolnshire County Council work closely with the District Councils to ensure that the funds reach those most in need. In this year’s budget speech, the Chancellor announced a 6 month extension to the scheme from March 2024 to October 2024 with no plans or commitment for funding beyond that date.
West Lindsey’s Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027 recognises that levels of fuel poverty and child poverty are on the increase with 27.4% of households experiencing child poverty. The State of the District 2023 states that 20.1% of the children aged 0-15, live in absolute low-income households, defined as below 60% of the median income. This means that around 3000 youngsters could potentially see a further reduction in their already low standard of living and well being after October 2024 when the Household Support Fund comes to an end. This can not be allowed to happen.
This Council instruct the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP for Gainsborough Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP - Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of The Exchequer and The Treasury to petition for the establishment of a further three-year extension to The Household Support Fund from October 2024.
I so move.
Councillor Stephen Bunney”
Motion 2
“Motion to call upon West Lindsey District Council and NHS Commissioners to improve access to health care across the district prioritising the construction of a new GP surgery in Gainsborough.
Purpose: To address the urgent need for improved healthcare services in Gainsborough by establishing a new General Practitioner (GP) service to cater for the growing population and current demand.
Background:
o The population of West Lindsey District has been steadily increasing, leading to higher demand for healthcare services.
o Existing GP services are under significant pressure, resulting in longer waiting times for appointments and limited availability of medical professionals.
o Residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility and quality of current GP services and inconsistent provision across the district.
o Inadequate GP services can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments, negatively impacting on the health and wellbeing of residents.
o Overburdened healthcare professionals may experience burnout, further exacerbating the problem.
o Insufficient medical services can deter new residents and businesses from moving to the area, affecting local development.
Proposal:
o To call on the ICB to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to demonstrate accurate need around GP provision.
o Engage with local health authorities, NHS representatives, and community stakeholders to gather input and support for the initiative.
o Develop a strategic plan for the establishment of a new GP service, including potential locations, required resources, and projected timelines.
o Secure funding and resources through collaboration with local government and healthcare organisations.
o Appoint a working group dedicated to overseeing the establishment of the new GP service, ensuring accountability and progress tracking.
o Launch community awareness campaigns to inform residents of the forthcoming improvements and encourage their participation in the process.
Expected Outcomes:
o Reduced waiting times for GP appointments and improved access to healthcare services for all residents.
o Increased satisfaction and wellbeing among the community due to timely and effective medical care.
o Reduced reliance on A&E services currently used to support GP capacity.
o Alleviation of pressure on existing GP services, allowing healthcare providers to offer better care and maintain their own wellbeing.
o Attraction of new healthcare professionals to the area, creating a more robust and resilient healthcare system.
o Strengthened community health outcomes, contributing to a healthier, more vibrant district.
o Potential economic growth through the attraction of new residents and businesses seeking reliable healthcare services.
Conclusion: The establishment of a new GP service in Gainsborough is crucial to meeting the current and future healthcare needs of our community. We urge the Council to approve this motion and take immediate steps towards its implementation.
I so move
Councillor Trevor Young”
Motion 3
Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.
Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).
In West Lindsey the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 20856. That means 91.3% of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.
Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.
Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.
Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.
Council resolves to:
Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.
Council further requests the Chief Executive write to the local MP covering West Lindsey District area asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
Request all group leaders within West Lindsey District Council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.
Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.
I so move
Councillor Lesley Rollings”