To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

To receive any declarations of interest.

The Mayor to sign the Minutes of the proceedings of the previous Council Meeting.

To receive petitions in accordance with Standing Order 8.

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 9.

Questions in accordance with Standing Order 10.

Report by the Monitoring Officer.

Report by Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhood Services.

Report by Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhood Services.

Report by Executive Director of Economic Growth & Neighbourhood Services.

Report by Chief Auditor.

Report by Monitoring Officer.

Report by Director of Finance.

Report by Director of Finance.

Councillor Ballsdon 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 two million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it because of the Labour Government’s recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit.

·       This Council further notes that individuals no longer receive Pension Credit if they have an income above £11,343, so there are many older people who are on lower incomes who will no longer receive Winter Fuel Payments – meaning that Winter Fuel Payments play a significant role in helping older Reading borough residents afford heating during the coldest months.

This Council believes the criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlights the social injustice, financial hardship and potential health risks posed by the sudden policy change to restrict the availability of Winter Fuel Payments solely to those on Pension Credit.

This Council believes that the decision to impact some of the most vulnerable in society, based on widely contested claims of a financial blackhole, is unjustifiable. In addition, this Council believes 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.

Therefore, this Council:

1.       Will bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit with local charities and community organisations to help with access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need;

2.       Instructs the Leader of the Council to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment to protect vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, from fuel poverty; and 

3.       Will sign 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.’

The Mayor will move the following motion:

“That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following item on the agenda, as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of that Act”.

Report by the Chief Auditor.