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”
Minutes:
The Chairman advised the meeting that three Motions had been submitted pursuant to Council Procedure Rule No. 10 and these were set out on the agenda.
As the mover of the first motion, the Chairman read aloud, his motion to the meeting as follows: -
“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 six 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 cannot 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”
As the mover of the motion and before seeking a seconder, the Chairman took opportunity to update Members of decisions taken by Government Ministers earlier in the day, this being to extend the Household Support fund for a further six months. Whilst this was welcomed by the Chairman, he considered his motion still relevant and pertinent given it sought a three year extension.
Having been duly seconded debate ensued, with seconder indicating that she concurred with all points raised by the motion. Society and residents still faced challenging times and energy costs were due to spiral once again over the winter.
Speakers from across the Chamber spoke in support of the proposed three year extension, noting that Winter Fuel Payments were due to stop, which would likely add to the burden and mortgage rates had not subsided. West Lindsey had previously allocated its Household Support Funding very quickly as there was a real need across communities and the need had not decreased. A six-month extension was simply not considered long enough and without this much needed support, Councils would likely need to find additional funds, if the much-needed service was to continue.
Members spoke at length about the benefits and difference the Fund had made to local communities, citing examples of personal first-hand experiences. Members also acknowledged and praised the wide range of services, our distribution partners offered. Whilst this was a nationally funded fund, Members welcomed how it allowed for the use of local knowledge to identify individuals and areas where support was required.
In bringing comments to a conclusion, the Chairman advised of a recent campaign by the LGA seeking an extension to the Fund, to which he signed up. Whilst this had now closed, he reiterated his support for the campaign.
On being put to the vote it was: -
RESOLVED unanimously that the Leader and Chief Executive write to the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP for Gainsborough Constituency, the Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister, the 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.
Motion 2
Councillor Young, mover of the second motion, was invited to put his motion to the meeting as follows: -
“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:
1. Current Situation:
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.
2. Impact on Community:
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:
1. Immediate Actions:
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.
2. Long-Term Strategy:
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.
3. Implementation:
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:
1. Enhanced Healthcare Access:
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.
2. Support for Healthcare Providers:
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.
3. Community and Economic Benefits:
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”
With the motion duly seconded, lengthy debate ensued.
All Members were supportive of the motion and the need for additional GP surgeries and appropriate health care provision in general. Members spoke of how communities were both growing and aging without adequate healthcare provision being provided, with many citing problems within their own areas.
Opposition Members asked the Chamber to recognise the complexity of the provision of GPs and how these sat outside of the NHS and were in effect private businesses. Lincolnshire as a whole had a recognised GP shortage and attracting them to the area and specifically Gainsborough would not be a simple task. Perceived flaws within the contracting system between the NHS and GPs were also outlined, with some Members feeling this contributed to GPs leaving the profession.
It was also suggested that raising awareness of other similar facilities such as pharmacists and Nurse Practitioners, could go some way to ease the burden on GPs.
The need to retain current service provision was also discussed with Members raising the ever-increasing difficult environment health care professionals operated in and their need for safety and dignity at work.
Whilst fully supporting the Motion some urged the Leader to involve the Health Scrutiny Committee and the County Council, given the complexity of the task and issues which would have to be overcome, to realise a new facility and to move users to more appropriate medical services.
Further debate ensued and many Members commented on increasing community sizes, future planned development and how service provision simply did not match, the need for additional GPs was in no doubt. The Government’s previous decision to close walk-in centres was considered to be false economy and had further negatively impacted on service provision and access.
Many Members spoke of how the rurality of the area often compounded access to services, with there being little public transport. Furthermore, many of the developments in West Lindsey were attracting or aimed at the older generation, which did place additional burdens on already oversubscribed services.
Members also spoke of practices across the District, which were at risk as new owners could not be found, referencing the point of earlier speakers around viable businesses.
Whilst acknowledging GPs may be funded differently, many Members were of the view that ultimately, they were the gateway to the NHS. Limited access to GPs was impacting on A and E services, and potentially detection rates of certain illnesses. Community leaders needed to take action to fight for access to services in the District as whole, but also for Gainsborough where some of the poorest of the community lived, with a well-recognised link between economic prosperity and health.
The Leader thanked all Members for their input, for speaking in support of his motion and for setting out clearly the experience residents were having.
Whilst recognising a more joined up approach with the NHS was something which had been spoken of for many years at both a national and local level, putting this into practice had proven much more difficult. The motion sought to ensure that the District Council had much more improved and direct dialogue with the ICBs and health colleagues, and those discussions would go some way to assist in realising additional facilities in the medium to longer term, it was hoped. The Leader was of the view that the Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire, had to date not delivered for this District and as such felt it imperative that West Lindsey took a more direct approach and tried to drive some of the conversations needed.
The Chairman brought comments to a conclusion, and before moving to the vote highlighted to the Chamber, two consultations being undertaken, one relating to GPS and one relating to pharmacy provision. He undertook to circulate these to all Members and stressed the importance of encouraging residents to complete them, so a true and accurate record of residents’ experiences was captured.
On being put to the vote it is was: -
-
RESOLVED unanimously that the Motion as submitted be accepted, and actioned accordingly, starting with those items referred to as immediate actions: -
(1) To call on the ICB to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to demonstrate accurate need around GP provision; and
(2) Engage with local health authorities, NHS representatives, and community stakeholders to gather input and support for the initiative.
Motion 3
Councillor Rollings, mover of the third motion, was invited to put her motion to the meeting as follows: -
“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”
With motion duly seconded debate ensued.
Members across the Chamber supported the action proposed by the Motion whole heartedly. It was questioned why the Government, if they knew those eligible for Pension Credit were not applying, couldn’t inform those people. Members also recognised the complexity of completing Pension Credit applications.
Members recognised that the District Council did a lot of promotional work already to ensure residents where aware of help available but encouraged that there be an additional focus in the light of the Government’s recent announcement. Members were also encouraged to promote the change. Members requested whether it was feasible for Officers to provide assistance with form completion and a hands-on approach, such support was the approach welcomed across the Chamber, with many Members commenting on the barriers to seeking help. It was suggested promoting not just Pension Credit but the support which could be offered to access the benefit would further encourage people
Members spoke of their concern at the numbers effected by the change in Policy and how quickly it would be implemented, a further reason for additional support to be given to those applying for “pension credit”. It was suggested that Pensioners did not live the lifestyle reported by the media, with many finding themselves in difficult circumstances. If Winter Fuel payments were to be means tested, Members considered a different test needed to be applied but linking this to Pension Credit was simply not appropriate.
The motion mover took opportunity to sum up, and welcomed the suggestion raised through the debate, to provide additional assistance in completing forms. Real concern was expressed for those that would be affected this Winter with a number of 20,000 quoted for the District alone. Again, it was questioned why the Government could not simply apply a top up to those it knew were eligible. Members were encouraged to raise the issue through every opportunity and interaction and to do all they could to ensure their constituents knew where to come for help.
On being put to the vote it was RESOLVED unanimously that
(a) the Chief Executive 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 to introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments;
(b) 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.
(c) all Group Leaders within West Lindsey District Council be requested to sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed; and
(d) a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits be commenced urgently, including use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.
Note: Councillor Tom Smith declared a personal interest in relation to Motion 2 as he was a Member of Lincolnshire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee.