Agenda

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2024.

To receive the Lord Mayor’s communications.

Details of questions should be notified to Democratic Services at least three working days prior to the meeting - by 10am on Thursday 10 October 2024.

Details about speaking at Council to be found here: Public Speaking at Meetings.

PROTECTING EXETER’S PENSIONERS FROM FUEL POVERTY

Proposed by: Cllr Michael Mitchell

Exeter City Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many suggest that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, this Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not 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).

20,384 pensioners in Exeter received winter fuel payments in 2022/23. Under the new policy only 2,240 pensioners will receive the benefit this year. 18,144 Exeter pensioners will lose this benefit under the new rules.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Those whose income is less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving pension credit, currently over 880,000 eligible pensioners do not receive this benefit. 

Council recognises the role we must play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push many local pensioners into fuel poverty. 

Council resolves to:

·         Instruct the Leader of the Council and other Group Leaders to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy of linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and to introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

·         Council further requests the Leader of the Council and other Group Leaders to write to both MPs representing Exeter asking them to give their formal support to halting the proposed changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

·         Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits and other benefits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in the local press and working with organisations such as Citizens Advice, Age UK and others.

Source: ALDC - Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors

Proposed by: Cllr Philip Bialyk

Seconded by: Cllr Matt Vizard

“That Exeter City Council calls upon the Devon County Council as the Transport authority for Devon, to take advantage of the package of measures to empower local leaders to take control of their bus services unveiled by the Transport Secretary on 9th September 2024. The expectation is that these measures will be the first stop on the journey to better buses. Exeter City council requests that Devon as the transport authority, gives serious consideration to these powers and how they may be used in Exeter, and elsewhere in Devon, to improve bus services.

Exeter City further requests that the County Council consider creating a report into the feasibility of these proposals for Exeter and Devon. We would also urge that the County Council consider bringing strategic partners such as Exeter City Council into the discussion, as the provision of effective bus services is something that affects us all and does not recognise boundaries.”

To receive questions from Members on any matter for which the Council has powers, duties or affects the City.