Agenda item

(1)          Fuel Poverty -

 

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

 

“The Resolution Foundation think-tank’s research shows that over 3,000 Rushmoor households are in fuel poverty, which has been exacerbated since the price cap increase on the 1st April. The cost-of-living crisis is spiralling out of control for many in our Borough and hardworking families are now requiring intervention and support.

 

We call on Rushmoor Borough Council to support these families struggling by setting up a cross party Emergency Task & Finish Group to identify ways in which residents can be supported, including: review of available budget, amalgamating all charitable support, increasing awareness of all government funding and encouraging those who do not need their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate to those who are suffering the most from high fuel prices and offering a dedicated helpline to those in fuel & food poverty”

 

 

(2)       Ukraine -

 

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr J.B. Canty pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

 

“Rushmoor Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine, this Council;
 
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Rushmoor.

 
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression.

 
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need."

The Council was asked to consider two Motions which had been submitted in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 9 (1).

 

(1)        Fuel Poverty

 

It was MOVED by Cllr. Nadia Martin; SECONDED by Cllr. Sarah Spall – That

 

“The Resolution Foundation think-tank’s research shows that over 3,000 Rushmoor households are in fuel poverty, which has been exacerbated since the price cap increase on 1st April.  The cost-of-living crisis is spiralling out of control for many in our Borough and hardworking families are now requiring intervention and support.

 

We call on Rushmoor Borough Council to support these families struggling by setting up a cross party Emergency Task and Finish Group to identify ways in which residents can be supported, including: review of available budget, amalgamating all charitable support, increasing awareness of all government funding and encouraging those who do not need their Winter Fuel Allowance to donate to those who are suffering the most from high fuel prices and offering a dedicated helpline to those in fuel and food poverty.”

 

During debate, it was MOVED by Cllr A.R. Newell; SECONDED by Cllr P.G. Taylor that the Motion be amended as follows:

 

“That the Motion be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration at its next meeting, but that the Committee be requested to review the Terms of Reference of the Council Tax Support Group, rather than set up a new group, to enable it to carry out a detailed examination of the issues in the Motion so that it can advise the Cabinet accordingly.”

 

In seconding the Amendment, Cllr. P.G. Taylor stated that the issue of fuel poverty had exercised all Ward Councillors, with residents going to find things difficult in the weeks and months ahead.  He urged Members to support the Amendment.

 

During debate, Members spoke of the need for urgent action to help the Borough’s residents who were in fuel poverty and reference was also made to the help already being provided to support residents most in need.   

 

The Amendment was put to the meeting.  On a Recorded Vote, there voted FOR:  Cllrs. Jessica Auton, Mrs. D.B. Bedford, J. Belbase, J.B. Canty, Sue Carter, M.S. Choudhary, A.K. Chowdhury, D.E. Clifford, R.M. Cooper, P.I.C. Crerar, P.J. Cullum, M.Hope, L. Jeffers, Prabesh KC, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, Marina Munro, K.H. Muschamp, A.R. Newell, M.L. Sheehan, M.D. Smith, C.J. Stewart, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, N. Thapa, Jacqui Vosper and the Deputy Mayor (Cllr. J.H. Marsh) (27); AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: Cllrs. Gaynor Auston, T.D. Bridgeman, K. Dibble, Christine Guinness, A.J. Halstead, Nadia Martin, T.W. Mitchell, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Sarah Spall and the Mayor (Cllr. B.A. Thomas) (11) and the Amendment was DECLARED CARRIED.

 

Following further debate, the Substantive Motion was put to the meeting.  On a Recorded Vote there voted FOR:  Cllrs. Gaynor Austin, Jessica Auton, Mrs. D.B. Bedford, J. Belbase, T.D. Bridgeman, J.B. Canty, Sue Carter, M.S. Choudhary, A.K. Chowdhury, D.E. Clifford, R.M. Cooper, P.I.C. Crerar, P.J. Cullum, K. Dibble, Christine Guinness, A.J. Halstead, M.Hope, L. Jeffers, Prabesh KC, Mara Makunura, Nadia Martin, S.J. Masterson, T.W. Mitchell,  Marina Munro, K.H. Muschamp, A.R. Newell, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, M.L. Sheehan, M.D. Smith, Sarah Spall, C.J. Stewart, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, N. Thapa, Jacqui Vosper and the Deputy Mayor (Cllr. J.H. Marsh) (37); AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: The Mayor (Cllr. B.A. Thomas) (1) and the Motion  was DECLARED CARRIED.

 

(2)      Ukraine

 

It was MOVED by Cllr J.B. Canty and SECONDED by Cllr P.J. Cullum - That

 

“Rushmoor Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected.  In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who ties with Ukraine, this Council:

 

(a)      Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Rushmoor.

 

(b)      Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression.

 

(c)       Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need.”

 

In introducing his Motion, Cllr. Canty referred to the atrocities being carried out in Ukraine and to the plight of Ukrainian refugees who were fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Poland where Rushmoor had the partner towns of Sulechow and Rzeszow. Cllr. Canty paid tribute to the incredible charitable support being extended to the people of Ukraine.

 

During debate, Members spoke of the United Kingdom’s long history of helping refugees and the need for the Borough to welcome refugees from Ukraine and to make sure they were resettled until such time as they could return to their homeland.  Members referred to the atrocities being carried out in Ukraine by the Russian army.   The Democracy, Strategy and Partnerships Portfolio Holder (Cllr. A.R. Newell) referred to the work of Hampshire County Council in matching refugees to local families who had volunteered to open their homes to refugees.  He also referred to the work of Rushmoor Voluntary Services and Citizens Advice and what support could be given by way of local networks and partners, including counselling for those suffering with trauma. The Council was also liaising with Rushmoor International Association over contact with the Borough’s partner towns in Poland over the situation there and also working closely with a Ukrainian charity in the Borough.    

 

Following further debate, the Motion was put to the meeting.  On a Recorded Vote there voted FOR: Cllrs. Cllrs. Gaynor Austin, Jessica Auton, Mrs. D.B. Bedford, J. Belbase, T.D. Bridgeman, J.B. Canty, Sue Carter, M.S. Choudhary, A.K. Chowdhury, D.E. Clifford, R.M. Cooper, P.I.C. Crerar, P.J. Cullum, K. Dibble, Christine Guinness, A.J. Halstead, M.Hope, L. Jeffers, Prabesh KC, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, T.W. Mitchell,  Marina Munro, K.H. Muschamp, A.R. Newell, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, M.L. Sheehan, M.D. Smith, Sarah Spall, C.J. Stewart, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, N. Thapa, Jacqui Vosper, the Deputy Mayor (Cllr. J.H. Marsh) and the Mayor (Cllr. B.A. Thomas)  (37); AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 0 was DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.