Agenda item

Notice of Opposition Business

Meeting of Council, Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 6.00 pm (Item 11.)

(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:

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.
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.

Minutes:

Motion 1: Stop the Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

Councillor Bishop MOVED and Councillor Marland SECONDED the following Motion:

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.

This Council believes that:

This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

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:

AMENDMENT

Councillor Dean MOVED and Councillor Aftab Hussain SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

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. In addition, Labour is keeping the triple lock which increased a full state pension by £902.20 PA in April 2024 and will rise again by £470.60 PA in April 2025.

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance. However, those on the full state pension who aren’t now entitled to Winter Fuel Allowance are receiving just £41.40 a year less than someone on Pension Credit who is also in receipt of the Winter Fuel Allowance of £200 a year – a difference of 79p a week.

This Council believes that:

The criteria for Winter Fuel Payments that the Labour Government is using will exclude too many pensioners who need help. The standard minimum guarantee has been raised to £227.10 a week meaning pensioners earning up to £11,809 PA can now claim 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. Oldham Council is working with partners 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.

Universal Winter Fuel Payments has been a neglected and overlooked benefit payment during the period of the last Conservative Government having sat statically at £200 and £300. Between 2010 and 2023 state pensions have risen from £97.65 a week to £221.20, and average combined energy bills have risen from £1076 to £1,834. The effective spending power of the Winter Fuel Allowance due to this has been greatly eroded.

This Council resolves to:

1. Reconfirm the Council’s resolution to launch a targeted Awareness Campaign to maximise the uptake of Pension Credit; collaborate with local organisations to inform and assist residents with applications; identify and prioritise staff to help residents complete application; monitor and report on the effectiveness of the campaign.

2. Instruct the Acting Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express Council’s view that the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt should be reviewed and a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments be considered. Council further requests the Acting Chief Executive write to Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments be considered.

A vote was taken on the AMENDMENT which was CARRIED.

On being put to the vote the MOTION as AMENDED was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

1. Council agrees to re-confirm its resolution to launch a targeted Awareness Campaign to maximise the uptake of Pension Credit; to collaborate with local organisations to inform and to assist residents with applications; to identify and prioritise staff to help residents complete application; and to monitor and report on the effectiveness of the campaign.

2. Council request that the Acting Chief Executive be authorised to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express Council’s view that the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt should be reviewed and a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments be considered. Council further requests the Acting Chief Executive write to the Borough of Oldham’s three MPs asking them to give their formal support to a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments be considered.

Motion 2: The Budget Challenge

Councillor Lancaster MOVED and Councillor Woodvine SECONDED the following Motion:

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 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.
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.

1^st AMENDMENT

Councillor Lancaster MOVED and Councillor Woodvine SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

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

This Council notes that:

· Following the coronavirus pandemic and pressures caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War in recent years, this Labour Government assumed a stable inheritance from the previous Conservative Government – inflation at the 2% target, mortgage rates being cut, low unemployment, lower borrowing than other major economies, second lowest debt across the G7, and the fastest growing advanced economy.

· The supposed ‘£22 billion black hole’ is entirely fictious, has failed to be evidenced, and is simply a political pretext to raise taxes.

· Despite pre-election promises to the contrary, the UK Government are set to significantly raise taxation to a new historic high point.

· The Budget sets a concerning, high risk increase in state borrowing of £32 billion additional per annum.

· The Budget represents a return to tired ‘tax and spend’ policies which will stifle long-term economic growth, as the Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast.

· With a £25 billion raid through employers’ National Insurance contributions, this Budget is bad for business, and will inevitably lead to higher consumer costs, supressed wages, and lower employment.

· This Budget will cause further hardship through increases to Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty, energy taxes, inheritance and education taxes, and cuts to agricultural and business reliefs.

· Poorer pensioners will particularly suffer through strict means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment, which will result in around 34,000 Oldhamers losing this vital support provision.

This Council resolves:

1. To instruct the Chief Executive 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 who are struggling paying for winter fuel bills this winter, given that the Energy Price Cap has increased by 10%, also adding £150 to the average fuel bill.

3. To instruct the Chief Executive to write to Oldham’s three MPs, the relevant government departments, and agencies to articulate the adverse impact which the national Budget will Page 9 inflict on residents of our Borough, to express deep concern about the many tax rises, and to invite an alternative policy direction.

A vote was taken on the AMENDMENT which was LOST.

2^nd AMENDMENT

Councillor Jabbar MOVED and Councillor McLaren SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

The first woman to serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, has delivered a budget which will impact the people who live in the Oldham Metropolitan Borough for the better.

Delivering a budget that will restore stability, protect working people, fix the NHS and rebuild Britain.

Fixing the foundations of our economy following fourteen years of failed Conservative austerity.

Restoring fiscal responsibility following Conservative economic mismanagement including Liz Truss’s 2022 mini budget and an inherited £22 billion spending black hole.

This Labour budget invests in Britain and the public services so vital to our residents, the Chancellor has delivered:

· A pay rise for 3 million workers

· A freeze on fuel duty

· New funding to deliver an extra two million NHS operations, scans and appointments a year.

· No tax increases for working people.

· £30million for breakfast clubs.

· £240million package to Get Britain Working again.

· £1.4billion to rebuild 500 schools.

· £500m investment to build thousands of new social homes.

· £1billion boost to the Household Support Fund.

· £1.3billion extra funding for Local Government, including £600m for social care.

· An increase in the state pension by up to £470.

· The biggest increase to Carer’s Allowance eligibility since its introduction.

· 40% relief on business rates for hospitality and leisure sectors.

· Non-dom tax status abolished.

· £500million to fix roads and fill potholes.

· Increased the employment allowance to support small businesses.

· A crack down on fraud, waste and tax avoidance.

This Council notes that:

· Universal Winter Fuel Payment had been a neglected and overlooked benefit payment during the period of the last Conservative Government having sat statically at £200 and £300. Between 2010 and 2023 state pensions have risen from £97.65 a week to £221.20, and average combined energy bills have risen from £1,076 to £1,834.

· The effective spending power of the Winter Fuel Allowance due to this has been greatly eroded.

· Maintaining the Triple Lock means State Pensions will rise further to £235.25 a week in April 2025.

It is regrettable that those over 75 who sit just above the Pension Credit cut-off suffer additional financial hardship due to the Conservative Party’s broken manifesto commitment to protect free TV licences, limiting it instead to just those on Pension Credit.
The government’s approach understands there are barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

This Council resolves:

1. To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to congratulate her on being the first woman to deliver a budget in the history of our country.

2. That the Acting Chief Executive be requested to write to Oldham’s three MP’s asking them to give their support to a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments be considered.

3. 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, including implementing the agreed Awareness Campaign.

A vote was taken on the AMENDMENT which was CARRIED.

On being put to the vote the MOTION as AMENDED was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

This Council resolves:

1. To request that the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to congratulate her on being the first woman to deliver a budget in the history of our country.

Motion 3: Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

Councillor Chowhan MOVED and Councillor Wahid SECONDED the following Motion:

Background:

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.

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:

In light of these developments, the council resolves to: