to consider the following motions received (if any) in accordance with Council Procedure Rules
a. From Cllr Hopwood and Cllr Baldry
“This Council is concerned about the effect the cost of living is having on the residents of South Hams and notes that domestic electricity and gas prices are predicted to rise even further in October this year and although capped at £2,500 this is still beyond the affordability of many of our residents. Increased energy costs will impact prices of many other products and services. This Council notes that HM Government is expected to announce £150 billion package of intervention measures targeted to the most vulnerable households to alleviate the impact of energy prices. In addition, it continues to deliver the Levelling Up initiative to provide opportunities for all, both locally and nationally. Within South Hams, this Council continues to deliver key services thought Better Lives for All to identify and target those most vulnerable and at risk.
This Council resolves to:
1. Write to the Prime Minister to make sure she realises the serious impact the Cost of Living crisis is having on residents of not only the South Hams but the United Kingdom.
2. Work closely with HM Government to deliver South Hams share of the £500m Household Support Fund on a timely basis.
3. Continue to develop and support Better Lives for All to identify and help those most in need or at greatest risk of hardship to ensure they are fully aware of the help and assistance that is available and to ensure they receive that assistance.”
b. From Cllr Brazil and Cllr Thomas
“The precarious financial position of Devon County Council means that Central Government may have to intervene. If this does occur, local government reorganisation in Devon is most likely to follow. Given this scenario, this Council looks to safeguard its assets for the benefit of our local communities.”
Minutes:
43/22
It was noted that two Motions on Notice had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rules
a. From Cllr Hopwood and Cllr Baldry
“This Council is concerned about the effect the cost of living is having on the residents of South Hams and notes that domestic electricity and gas prices are predicted to rise even further in October this year and although capped at £2,500 this is still beyond the affordability of many of our residents. Increased energy costs will impact prices of many other products and services. This Council notes that HM Government is expected to announce £150 billion package of intervention measures targeted to the most vulnerable households to alleviate the impact of energy prices. In addition, it continues to deliver the Levelling Up initiative to provide opportunities for all, both locally and nationally. Within South Hams, this Council continues to deliver key services thought Better Lives for All to identify and target those most vulnerable and at risk.
This Council resolves to:
1. Write to the Prime Minister to make sure she realises the serious impact the Cost of Living crisis is having on residents of not only the South Hams but the United Kingdom.
2. Work closely with HM Government to deliver South Hams share of the £500m Household Support Fund on a timely basis.
3. Continue to develop and support Better Lives for All to identify and help those most in need or at greatest risk of hardship to ensure they are fully aware of the help and assistance that is available and to ensure they receive that assistance.
In discussion, Members highlighted that residents might not be aware of the support and assistance that was already available from the Council and from other sources and that the practical help the Council could provide on aspects such as insulating homes and offering wider energy efficiency advice should be advertised widely.
It was then:
RESOLVED
That the Council:
1. writes to the Prime Minister to make sure she realises the serious impact the Cost of Living crisis is having on residents of not only the South Hams but the United Kingdom;
2. works closely with HM Government to deliver South Hams share of the £500m Household Support Fund on a timely basis; and
3. continues to develop and support the ‘Better Lives for All’ strategy to identify and help those most in need or at greatest risk of hardship to ensure they were fully aware of the help and assistance that was available and to ensure they received that assistance.
b. From Cllr Brazil and Cllr Thomas
“The precarious financial position of Devon County Council means that Central Government may have to intervene. If this does occur, local government reorganisation in Devon is most likely to follow. Given this scenario, this Council looks to safeguard its assets for the benefit of our local communities.”
In his introduction, the proposer outlined that the intention behind the Motion was to protect the Council’s assets and to keep control over them at the most local level possible and that, with the possibility of local government reorganisation in the future, such action should be taken as soon as possible.
In discussion, particular reference was made to:
(a) the budgetary pressures facing Devon County Council (DCC). Some Members felt reassured that DCC would be able to resolve its budget gap. As a result, Members were of the view that the motion was somewhat pre-emptive, but that it should be re-considered in the event of local government reorganisation becoming a reality;
(b) devolving assets. The point was made by some Members that, in some areas across the South Hams, assets had already been devolved to local town and parish councils.
When put to the vote, the motion was declared LOST.