Minutes:
Councillor James Brown to Councillor Joshua Wells
Question
“Can the Portfolio Holder please list how many empty stalls at Lincoln Cornhill Market there have been per month since it opened in May?”
Answer
From May to September, there had been six vacant stalls in the market, not including the pop-up stalls.
Since September, this had increased to nine as two businesses, as reported at the last Council meeting, had moved into their own premises or had altered their business plans.
The stall formerly occupied by Bradford Plants had now been leased to a new business, Just Because Gifts. The Council was working with a number of businesses who had expressed an interest in the market, but they were not quite ready to make the leap.
The Council had been working with those expressing interest and existing stall holders on their business plans, making sure they could sustain trading in the market.
Supplementary question
“Why are bookshops banned from the Lincoln Central Market?”
Answer
The Portfolio Holder advised this was not the case but would consult officers.
Councillor Clare Smalley to Councillor Donald Nannestad
Question
“Can the Portfolio Holder provide an update on the situation of homelessness in Lincoln with an assurance that no one will be homeless on the streets this Christmas?”
Answer
The Council was actively engaging with those that were currently rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping, and temporary accommodation was provided to those that were in priority need or under a rough sleeping power. It was noted that some people had complex needs and chose to rough sleep. The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) would also be put in place when required but this was weather dependent.
The team was currently gathering data about the services that were available in the voluntary and faith sectors so that people could be signposted to these services. This information could also be made available to councillors if they wish to receive it.
The Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Teams would continue to provide a full service on working days and on the days/hours when the Council buildings were closed. The Out of Hours Service within Housing could be contacted and people requiring assistance or accommodation could be offered accommodation (this was the same service that was available overnight and at weekends).
Councillor Natasha Chapman to Councillor Naomi Tweddle
Question
“At the last Full Council meeting my colleague Councillor Brown proposed a motion on tackling the impact of the two-child benefit cap on Lincoln residents, which was then amended and passed. Could the Portfolio Holder please provide an update on what actions have been taken so far to implement the amended motion?”
Answer
A letter was sent, on 22nd November 2024, to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding both Winter Fuel Payment and Two Child Benefit Cap motions. The text in the letter regarding Two Child Benefit Cap, read:
Two Child Benefit
Cap:
At a recent meeting of the Council it was noted:
Lincoln faces some real challenges in relation to child poverty. Latest data shows Lincoln’s employment rate is 73.5% and over 22,000 residents are in receipt of Universal Credit. We are continuing to conduct a publicity campaign with partners to assist families who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis to claim the full amount of benefits they are entitled to. We are also carrying out an assessment of child poverty and its effect on Lincoln families in a refresh of the Authority’s anti-poverty strategy. The Council is helping to mitigate impacts of cost-of-living challenges through vital local welfare funds such as Household Support Fund, Discretionary Housing Payments, Council Tax Support and UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
As Leader of City of Lincoln Council, I hereby urge prioritising the lifting of the Two Child Benefit cap, when the financial position allows.
A copy of this letter had also been sent to the office of the Member of Parliament for Lincoln.