Agenda item

To consider three Motions on Notice submitted in accordance with Rule 4a.14 of the Council’s Constitution:

(a)   To consider the attached Motion regarding the Cost of Living Crisis, proposed by Councillor Sam Raby

(b)  To consider the attached Motion regarding a proposed right-to-buy scheme for housing association tenants, proposed by Councillor Martin Boffey

(c)   To consider the attached Motion regarding the Cost of Living Crisis, proposed by Councillor Billy Greening

Three motions had been received, as set out in the agenda. 

(a)   Motion Proposed by Councillor Sam Raby and seconded by Councillor Clive Trott

‘This Council notes that:

·           On the 1 April 2022, Ofgem increased the energy price cap by 54 per cent and this is predicted to rise again in October.

·           In light of the increased energy price cap, the average standard tariff energy bill is rising by £693 per year the average pre-pay meter energy bill is increasing by £780 per year. This is expected to rise again in October.

·            The Consumer price index (CPI) shows twelve-month Inflation is now at 10.1%   up to July 2022. Inflation is predicted to rise further next year.

·           Evidence shows that food bank use has increased dramatically in Horsham.  In July 2021, the Horsham Matters food bank fed 213 people, of whom 84 were children. This year those figures have already more than doubled – in July 2022, 483 people were fed of whom 187 were children.

‘Council therefore resolves to:

·           Declare a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’

·           Organise a Horsham Cost of Living Emergency Summit in the autumn, inviting a wide range of stakeholders such as Horsham Matters, Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Red Cross, to plan and co-ordinate support for Horsham residents, especially those in the most vulnerable households. Local MPs will also be invited to attend.’

The proposer and seconder spoke in support of the Motion.

Councillor Liz Kitchen, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, proposed an amendment to the Motion, which was to ADD the following before ‘Council therefore resolves to:’

‘This Council recognises the enormous pressure and unprecedented situation of the costs of living crisis, the rising energy costs caused by the ongoing effects of the COVID-10 pandemic and the war in Ukraine which are affecting residents in our district but especially those who are most in need.

This Council records that earlier this year the Council announced a package to help those most in need which included:

·           £90,000 for Housing Payments support helping those on benefits;

·           £35,000 Hardship Fund to help people with debt;

·           £15,000 grant to Horsham Matters so they can expand their fuel crisis support.

·           £60,000 funding for two additional full-time posts at Citizens Advise to meet increased demand;

·           £80,000 a mentoring scheme for young people in partnership with West Sussex County Council; and

·           £15,000 increase in young people intervention training courses to better understand teenage behaviour.’

And to DELETE the resolution of the Motion and REPLACE it with:

‘The Council, in recognising the cost of living crisis facing this Country, resolves to continue to deliver support to those most in need and to continue to work with partner authorities and with third sector organisations to support all those in our community.’

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Billy Greening.

The Monitoring Officer advised that the amendment did not negate the motion and was valid under the rules set out in 4a.16 (f) of the Constitution.

After debate, the amendment to the Motion was put to the vote and was CARRIED.

(b)   Motion Proposed by Councillor Martin Boffey and seconded by Councillor John Milne

‘This Council notes that:

·           The Government has re-announced plans to introduce a right-to-buy scheme for housing association tenants;

·           As the Council no longer operates a Housing Revenue account, we rely heavily on housing associations for the provision of homes to residents on our housing waiting list. 

This Council believes that:

·           Any further extension of right to buy to housing association properties will further deplete the number of properties available to those on our housing waiting list;

·           This policy will have an extremely detrimental impact on our affordable housing strategy;

·           The Government should instead fund local authorities and housing associations to deliver a step change in the delivery of new social rented and affordable homes, rather than force them to sell off their existing housing stock;

·           The assurances given thus far that all properties sold will be replaced on a one-for-one basis are both unfunded and unachievable, as the government has no direct power over how housing associations build and replace properties.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

·           Write to the government minister expressing our opposition to these plans and ask for them to be halted immediately;

·           Make a public statement against the policy change and in support of more funding for social rented and affordable rented homes from the Government;

·           Write to our local MPs asking them to oppose the extension of right-to-buy and to give public support to this council’s efforts to protect our district’s affordable housing stock.’

The proposer and seconder spoke in support of the Motion. 

Councillor Tricia Youtan, Cabinet Member for Housing & Public Protection, agreed that any extension to the current right to buy arrangements would have a detrimental impact on affordable housing stock in Horsham District.  She confirmed that, should further advances be made in rolling out right to buy legislation, she would contact local MPs and relevant government ministers to make the Council’s views on this clear.

She therefore proposed to REFER the Motion to the Housing & Public Protection Policy Development Advisory Group for consideration, without further debate (under rule 4a.16(f) of the Constitution).  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Claire Vickers.

The proposal to refer the Motion was put to the vote and was CARRIED.

(c)   Motion Proposed by Councillor Billy Greening and seconded by Councillor Karen Burgess

Councillor Greening agreed to withdraw the Motion, and Members consented without discussion.