Council - Thursday, 7th November, 2024 7.00 pm - Agenda

To confirm the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 25th July 2024 (copy attached) and the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 15th August 2024 (copy attached).

To receive any questions by Members submitted in pursuance of Standing Order 8 (3).

(1)            Winter Fuel Payments 

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Sue Carter pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“Noting:

·       The Government’s decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners in receipt of benefits like Pension Credit.

·       Criticism from AgeUK which says 2 million pensioners needing the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.

·       The significant role the payments play in helping many older people in Rushmoor afford heating.

·       The additional strain this will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit, for reasons including administrative barriers and perceived stigma.

·       The short notice and lack of adequate compensatory measures.  

Council resolves to:

• Write to the Chancellor urging review and asking Government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners not claiming Pension Credit are protected.
• Sign the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment’ petition being run by AgeUK.
• Promote Pension Credit through council services and partnerships including a special meeting of the Senior Citizens Forum.
• Urgently review options for our Hardship Fund and council tax support to help those hardest hit.
• Explore keeping council buildings including the Council Offices and Princes Hall open for older people who may not have anywhere warm to go and maintaining a directory of local facilities where people can stay warm.”

(2)        Sustainability 

To consider the following Notice of Motion which has been submitted by Cllr Jules Crossley pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“Recognising the urgent nature of the challenges confronting Rushmoor in terms of the climate crisis, the financial situation, the economic environment, and the inequity that some of our residents continue to face.

Further recognising how challenging it will be to achieve the targets that Council set after declaring a climate emergency in 2019.

Council therefore resolves to:

-    Support and deliver sustainability across Council’s policies, projects, operations, and estate, where sustainability includes, but is not limited to, sound financial management, fair and equitable treatment of residents, staff, and organisations within Rushmoor, and have a positive impact on our environment and biodiversity.

-    Introduce climate impact assessments for Council Decisions on all new projects.

-    Encourage residents, businesses and organisations working within the borough to be responsible and sustainable.

-    Be open and transparent in communications with residents and those working or operating in the borough.

-    Foster relationships of mutual respect and collaboration with other councils, public authorities, and businesses to ensure sustainability.”

To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.

To receive and ask questions on the Reports of the following Meetings (copy reports attached):

To note the Reports of the following meetings (copy reports attached):