Agenda

The Council meeting to be opened with prayer.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17th July 2024.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

To note that Barry Chapman has been elected to the Office of Councillor for the St Neots Eatons Ward on 19th September 2024.

To note the Chair’s engagements since the last Council meeting.

To answer any questions submitted by the public in accordance with the Constitution.

The deadline for the receipt of public questions is five days prior to the meeting and must be submitted to the Monitoring Officer.

Councillor R Martin to move –

This Council Notes: 

The Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. 

The estimated impact of this decision, which Age UK says will mean 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it. 

The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Huntingdonshire and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health. 

The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change. 

The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship. 

This Council believes: 

That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship. 

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Huntingdonshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance. 

The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents. 

The government’s approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need. 

This Council resolves to:  

Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty. 

Commit the Council to signing the ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves. 

Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Huntingdonshire are supported in claiming their entitlement.

In accordance with the Council Procedure Rules, all questions –

v  Must be relevant to an item which the Council has powers or duties;

v  Must not relate to an item which is included elsewhere on the Agenda

v  Should be limited to obtaining information or pressing for action; and

v  Should not exceed two minutes in duration.

Questions should not divulge or require to be divulged, confidential or exempt information.

Councillors T D Sanderson and S L Taylor, Executive Councillors for Planning and Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene to present a report regarding the priority landscapes identified in the Nature Recovery Network for Huntingdonshire.

(The report was considered by the Cabinet at their meeting on 15th October 2024).

Councillor S Conboy, Executive Leader of the Council to present on progress that has been made to date in response to the Corporate Peer Challenge and the preparation of an Action Plan.

(The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) at their meeting on 2nd October 2024).

This item provides an opportunity for District Council Members to ask questions on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority issues.

If Members wish to raise questions or issues requiring a detailed response, it would be helpful if they can provide prior notice so that the necessary information can be obtained in advance of the meeting.

An opportunity for Members to raise any issues or ask questions arising from recent meetings of the Council’s Committees and Panels.

A list of meetings held since the last Council meeting is attached for information and Members are requested to address their questions to Committee and Panel Chairs.

Following the recent by-election in the St Neots Eatons Ward, to consider a report by the Elections and Democratic Services Manager on the representation of political groups on Committees and Panels in accordance with Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act and the District Council’s Constitution. (TO FOLLOW).

Group Leaders to report on variations to the Membership of Committees and Panels if necessary.