Issue - meetings

Councillor Tom Dyer moved the following motion:

“The City of Lincoln Council notes:

          “The Labour government's reckless decision to slash the Winter Fuel Payment for the vast majority of pensioners, including the 170,000 in Lincolnshire and 12,875 in Lincoln without consideration for the devastating consequences.

“The shocking impact of this cut, with Age UK warning that 2 million pensioners who desperately need the money to keep warm this winter will be left out in the cold – among them, thousands in Lincoln.

          “The critical importance of Winter Fuel Payments in helping older residents in Lincoln and across the UK afford basic heating during the harshest months, preventing catastrophic ‘heat or eat’ scenarios and safeguarding lives.

          “The scathing condemnation from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance, and numerous charities, which have exposed the gross social injustice and the severe health risks that this ill-conceived policy change will inflict on the nation’s elderly.

          “The additional burden this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further driving them into poverty and leaving them to suffer in silence.

“This Council believes:

          “That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for countless older people in Lincoln, and the government’s decision to rip it away from all but those on Pension Credit will drive many pensioners into severe financial hardship, undermining their health and well-being.

“That this reckless decision will force many thousands across Lincoln, who sit just above the Pension Credit cut-off, into an unforgiving position, leaving them struggling to survive as their energy costs increase.

“The government’s decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially at such short notice and without providing adequate alternative support, is heartless and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the lives of our most vulnerable older residents.

“That the government has utterly failed to address the barriers and stigma which prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving countless elderly people stranded without vital support at a time when they need it most.

“Council resolves to:

“Immediately launch a Council-led local awareness campaign to inform those eligible for Pension Credit, which in turn could offer some access to Winter Fuel Payments, though this falls far short of addressing the broader crisis caused by the government's decision.

“The Council Leader writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lincoln’s MP, condemning this heartless cut to the Winter Fuel Payment, and urging an immediate reversal of the decision to means-test the payment. The Council also calls on the government to provide immediate relief to vulnerable pensioners on low incomes, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit but are struggling with fuel poverty.

“Publicly support Age UK’s ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners’ petition and urge every Council member to sign and actively promote the petition, as well as calling on other councils across the country to do the same.

“Step up efforts within the Council to promote Pension Credit uptake by engaging directly with local charities, community groups, and other  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27

Councillor Natasha Chapman moved the following motion:

“This Council notes:

• The poor state of many of the bus shelters in our city, with badly damaged shelters being removed rather than repaired.

• That bus shelters provide many benefits, including protecting people from bad weather, making them feel safer while waiting for the bus and allowing those less confident on their feet to access bus travel more easily.

• Converting bus stop roofs into plant-covered habitats would help combat air pollution and provide food and shelter to pollinators who are at risk due to habitat loss, as well as being visually appealing and improving the appearance of our city.

• The Council has committed to address the climate crisis by aiming for carbon Net Zero by 2030.

• Hull Council have achieved this quite recently, using a grant from the UK shared prosperity fund and supported by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, demonstrating the feasibility of this proposal.

This Council believes:

• That maintaining the existence and good repair of our bus shelters would promote the use of public transport in Lincoln, which will play a vital role in our strategy to reach Net Zero by 2030.

• That making our bus shelters bee-friendly would bring benefits to biodiversity, public health, and the character of our city itself.

This Council resolves to:

• Investigate the feasibility and implementation of bee-friendly bus shelters in Lincoln.

• Explore partnership opportunities with local businesses, gardening groups, and environmental charities (such as the Wildlife Trusts) to obtain funding through grants and sponsorship for bee-friendly bus shelter installation and maintenance and leverage expertise and community engagement in the design, planting, and upkeep of the bee-friendly shelters.”

The above motion was seconded by Councillor Martin Christopher, who reserved his right to speak.

During discussion of the motion, the following points were noted:

·       The current state of bus shelters across the City was a concern and improvements were required, of which some were branded with the City of Lincoln Council’s logo and therefore reflected badly on the Council. The motion sought to improve the visual nature of the bus shelters; remedy any defects; introduce wild flowers for insects; and would overall improve the City’s open spaces. Maintenance visits for the shelters would consist of 1 – 2 times per year. 

·       The seconder of the motion, having reserved his right to speak was invited to speak by the Mayor, who reiterated that the motion sought to improve the visual appearance of the bus shelters and make them a more welcoming and comfortable environment while waiting for a bus service. The proposal would bring both environmental and visual positive impacts; and the motion sought to explore funding options to make it possible. The shelters could also be used to display community information or news.

The Leader of the Council was invited to speak. She advised that the motion was premature, as the Council was in discussions with the County Council on the responsibility of bus shelters. However, the Leader advised that she appreciated the spirit of the motion and this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15