Agenda item

(time limit 30 minutes)

 

Motion 1: Stop the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

To be moved by Councillor Bishop

Seconded by Councillor Marland

 

This Council notes that:

The recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments has restricted eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit, excluding too many vulnerable pensioners.

 

Many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will no longer 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). According to data obtained by the Liberal Democrats from the Department of Work and Pensions, 85% of pensioners in Oldham Borough will lose out. There are an estimated 7,800 pensioners in Oldham over the age of 80 set to lose their winter fuel payment who do not receive pension credit.

 

This Council believes that:

The criteria for Winter Fuel Payments that the Labour Government is using will exclude too many pensioners who need help. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for Pension Credit.

 

This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

 

Take up of Pension Credit has been worryingly low, more than one in three eligible pensioners are not signed up. We have a role to play to increase awareness of welfare support such as Pension Credit to ensure people get the help that they need.

 

This Council further notes that:

The Energy Price Cap has risen by 10% in October, which combined with the

removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

 

This Council resolves to:

1.    Instruct the Council’s Communications Team to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credit. This should include a dedicated advice line, promotion in the local press as well as targeted letters to those who may be eligible.

2.    Instruct the Leader of the Council 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 Leader of the Council write to Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to halting these changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

 

 

Motion 2: The Budget Challenge

To be moved by Councillor Lancaster

Seconded by Councillor Woodvine

 

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has delivered a budget which will impact the people who live in the Oldham Metropolitan Borough.

 

This Council resolves to:

1. To write to Oldham’s three MP’s, the relevant government departments and agencies to reinstate Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners, without any means testing. All pensioners, regardless of income or other financial factors, should receive this payment automatically in recognition of their lifelong contributions to society through taxes.
2. That the Council will do all it can to help alleviate those struggling paying for winter fuel bills this winter, given the Energy Price Cap has increased by 10% also adding £150 to the average fuel bill.

 

Motion 3: Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

To be moved by Councillor Chowhan

Seconded by Councillor Ghafoor

 

Background:

As of October 2024, the situation in Gaza has reached a dire humanitarian crisis, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that over 42,000 individuals have lost their lives due to ongoing military operations. This includes approximately 14,100 children and 9,000 women, indicating a

devastating toll on the civilian population. In addition to the loss of life, the health infrastructure in Gaza has been severely impacted. The

World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that there have been over 516 verified attacks on healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip since the conflict escalated.

 

The attacks have resulted in significant damage to hospitals, disrupting essential healthcare services and leaving many without access to medical care. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. Secretary-General António Guterres stated, on 20^th October 2024, "The violence must stop immediately," emphasising that "the protection of civilians is paramount." Furthermore, world leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron stated on 18^th October 2024, "We must work together to bring about an immediate ceasefire and ensure the safety of all civilians." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed this sentiment on 19^th October 2024, stating, "Canada calls for an end to hostilities and the protection of human rights in Gaza."

 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) raised alarms about the situation on 15^th October 2024, indicating that the ongoing actions in Gaza may constitute violations of international law and could be characterised as genocide. The ICJ noted, "All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect the civilian population."

 

Humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, state that "every child in Gaza is in danger," highlighting the urgent need for safe corridors for aid to reach those in need.

 

Justification:

This motion is brought to the council as a matter of urgency due to the following reasons:

1. Humanitarian Responsibility: As representatives of our community, we have a moral obligation to advocate for the protection of human rights and the welfare of civilians in conflict zones. The ongoing violence in Gaza has led to a humanitarian catastrophe that requires immediate action.

2. International Law: The situation in Gaza poses serious questions regarding adherence to international humanitarian law. By passing this motion, the council can reaffirm its commitment to upholding these principles and advocate for accountability on the global stage.

3. Community Sentiment: There is a growing concern among constituents regarding the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian impact. Bringing this motion forward allows the council to express solidarity with affected populations and demonstrate responsiveness to community concerns.

4. Global Leadership: The motion aligns with the calls from world leaders and international organisations for immediate action. By taking a stand, the council can contribute to a collective global response aimed at de-escalating the conflict and ensuring the protection of civilians.

 

In light of these developments, the council resolves to:

1. Call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging all parties involved to halt hostilities and prioritise the protection of civilian lives.

2. Support the rapid entry of humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of the population affected by the ongoing conflict.

3. Call and enforce a ban on the supply of military equipment specifically used to bomb Palestinian civilians, while allowing for the entry of supplies intended solely for genuine defence purposes.

 

Furthermore, the council requests that the Chief Executive write to the Prime Minister, urging the UK government to:

4.  Call and enforce an immediate ceasefire in international forums.

5.  Facilitate the rapid entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

6.  Meet their moral obligation by suspending all arms sales to Israel until

such time that international humanitarian law is observed and respected.

Through these actions, the council seeks to contribute to the restoration of peace and the protection of human rights in the region.

 

 

Motion 4: Honouring Veterans

To be moved by Councillor Wilkinson

Seconded by Councillor Ball

Our veterans have served King and Country with distinction, honour, and integrity. It is why as we come up to remembrance, that we use this time to recall the sacrifice of those not just who died in service but all those who came home also.

 

For some the change from being a serving soldier to civilian life can be difficult. It is why we ask that the Council do all they can to support our veterans and to make sure that our Borough’s War memorials, war graves and all other assets are kept safe and secure for future generations. We must also remember the sacrifice of those from this Borough who served not just King and Country, but those who made the sacrifice for King and Empire, as well as the Commonwealth.

 

It is why it is imperative that the Council call on the government to do more to protect our veterans from malicious prosecution, especially those from Northern Ireland who served under Operation Banner, where several veterans in their twilight years have faced worry and fear of reprisal. This is also the case with the more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

This Council notes that: 3.4% of Failsworth’s population are veterans, 1.8% of Oldham’s population are veterans, 2.5% of Chadderton, Saddleworth and Lees population are veterans, 3.4% in Shaw and Crompton and 4.1% in Royton are veterans.

 

This Council resolves to:

1.    Support the work of the Royal British Legion and other veterans’ charities to help improve the lives of those who served King and Country.

2.    Maintain up-to-date assets register of all monuments, memorials and other valued objects that relate to the proud history of HM Armed Forces in Oldham.

3.    Continue to fight for our veterans when it comes to providing the necessary support once they have left the service but also for those who currently serve.

4.    Reaffirms its commitment to HM Armed Forces and the Armed Forces Covenant.

This Council further resolves:

5.    To write to Oldham’s Members of Parliament to use their offices to do everything they can to protect veterans, especially those who served under Operation Banner and subsequent conflicts from malicious prosecutions. Asking them to stand by all those that served King and Country.