Councillor L Davenport-Ray to move –
This Council notes that
v We are experiencing the highest inflation in 40 years. Energy is costing more, directly threatening household budgets and the viability of local businesses.
v Historical evidence suggests that increases in food poverty and fuel poverty will lead directly to increased health problems and winter deaths.
v Poor insulation, inefficient heating and the effects of climate change are intensifying the impact of energy prices, increasing pressures on families and businesses.
v As the cost of living increases, people and businesses are less able to finance adaptations to improve energy efficiency and to prepare for extreme weather events.
v More families are in need of help. Yet steeply increasing inflation means this Council’s ability to mitigate impacts and provide essential services is increasingly challenging.
v As the cost of living increases and the effects of climate change take hold, our residents also face the potential loss of local bus routes. Many families are now challenged with finding alternative transport to work and school. This places added strain on family finances, increases carbon emissions and drives up air pollution.
The Council agrees to:
1. Recognise that the Cost of Living and Climate Crisis are interlinked and jointly require attention to ensure the wellbeing of local people and businesses.
2. Make decisions on investment and delivery that, wherever possible, contribute to environmental and social benefits across Huntingdonshire.
3. Adopt a Climate Strategy that acknowledges the personal and financial impact that climate change has on our most disadvantaged residents.
4. Advocate for more robust, affordable public transport that connects employees with work, links students to education and reduces carbon emissions.
5. Work with social landlords operating in Huntingdonshire to review the energy efficiency of their housing stock, recognising that poor insulation and inefficient heating are key factors in the rising cost of living.
6. Request that Leadership write to the Prime Minister, our local MPs and the relevant government ministers to call for:
a. Increased financial support for residents, with most support provided to low-income households.
b. More funding for small and medium local businesses, helping them manage the challenge of increasing energy costs and rising inflation.
c. A more ambitious nationwide commitment to fund improvements in the energy efficiency of homes, resulting in energy bill reductions and environmental benefits.
d. Increased grant opportunities for community groups, housing providers and public sector partners to improve energy efficiency in their buildings.
e. Insulation schemes and renewable energy generation programmes funded by fossil fuel profits.
Minutes:
Councillor L Davenport-Ray moved and it was duly seconded by Councillor T D Sanderson that
This Council notes that
· We are experiencing the highest inflation in 40 years. Energy is costing more, directly threatening household budgets and the viability of local businesses.
· Historical evidence suggests that increases in food poverty and fuel poverty will lead directly to increased health problems and winter deaths.
· Poor insulation, inefficient heating and the effects of climate change are intensifying the impact of energy prices, increasing pressures on families and businesses.
· As the cost of living increases, people and businesses are less able to finance adaptations to improve energy efficiency and to prepare for extreme weather events.
· More families are in need of help. Yet steeply increasing inflation means this Council’s ability to mitigate impacts and provide essential services is increasingly challenging.
· As the cost of living increases and the effects of climate change take hold, our residents also face the potential loss of local bus routes. Many families are now challenged with finding alternative transport to work and school. This places added strain on family finances, increases carbon emissions and drives up air pollution.
An amendment to 6. (e) of the motion as set out below was moved by Councillor P J Hodgson-Jones and duly seconded by Councillor J A Gray that –
6. (e) A strategic plan that delivers UK energy security from renewable, nuclear, green hydrogen and other alternative energy generation programmes which, together with insulation schemes, is partly funded by taxation polices that disincentivise the use of fossil fuels.
Following debate, the amendment on being put to the vote was declared to be LOST.
The Council therefore RESOLVES to
1. Recognise that the Cost of Living and Climate Crisis are interlinked and jointly require attention to ensure the wellbeing of local people and businesses.
2. Make decisions on investment and delivery that, wherever possible, contribute to environmental and social benefits across Huntingdonshire.
3. Adopt a Climate Strategy that acknowledges the personal and financial impact that climate change has on our most disadvantaged residents.
4. Advocate for more robust, affordable public transport that connects employees with work, links students to education and reduces carbon emissions.
5. Work with social landlords operating in Huntingdonshire to review the energy efficiency of their housing stock, recognising that poor insulation and inefficient heating are key factors in the rising cost of living.
6. Request that Leadership write to the Prime Minister, our local MPs and the relevant government ministers to call for:
(a) Increased financial support for residents, with most support provided to low-income households.
(b) More funding for small and medium local businesses, helping them manage the challenge of increasing energy costs and rising inflation.
(c) A more ambitious nationwide commitment to fund improvements in the energy efficiency of homes, resulting in energy bill reductions and environmental benefits.
(d) Increased grant opportunities for community groups, housing providers and public sector partners to improve energy efficiency in their buildings.
(e) Insulation schemes and renewable energy generation programmes funded by fossil fuel profits.
Following further debate, response from the Executive Leader and having been put to the vote, the Motion was declared to be CARRIED.