Agenda

To receive apologies for absence.

To agree the minutes of the Annual Meeting of Full Council held on 15^th July 2024.

To receive the draft Minutes from the meeting held on 8^th July 2024.

(A report by Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate Development & Section 151 Officer)

(A report by Christine Marshall, Deputy Chief Executive & S151)

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director - Corporate)

To consider the following motions in accordance with procedure rule 14:

1.    We the undersigned hereby request that the following Motion be submitted to the meeting of the Council on the 16th of September in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14:-

Rural Strategy

·         Boston Borough Council approved the Boston Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027.

·         The population of Boston Borough in 2021, according to the census, was 70,500.

·         On November the 13th 2023 at Full Council Councillor Cantwell asked the Portfolio Holder for Parish Councils that he ‘looks forward to new policies, initiatives and strategies on the matter appearing’.

·         That criticism from Parish Councils and Rural Residents about Boston Borough Council’s support for Rural Communities is increasing.

Council believes:

·         Areas outside the BTAC remit are entitled to as much support and engagement from Boston Borough Council as the Town is.

·         Parish Council’s want Boston Borough Council to do more, and it is important we continue to engage with them on issues.

·         That a bold undertaking should be started by the council to support our Rural Communities.

Council resolves to: 

·         Bring forward a Council-led Rural Strategy, similar in format to the Boston Town Centre Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2027 within 1 year of the 16th of September 2024.

·         Boston Borough Council create this strategy in consultation with Borough Councillors, Parish Council’s, relevant Rural Voluntary/Residents’ Groups, and Rural Residents on issues/action points in these communities.

Proposer: Councillor James Cantwell Seconder: Councillor Claire Rylott

2.    We the undersigned hereby request that the following Motion be submitted to the meeting of the Council on the 16th of September in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14:-

Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and Protecting Pensioners from Fuel Poverty

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 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.

·         The significant role that Winter Fuel Payments play in helping older residents of Boston Borough and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.

·         The criticism from Age UK, the Countryside Alliance and other charities, highlighting the social injustice and potential health risks posed by this sudden policy change.

·         The additional strain this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship.

Council believes:

·         That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.

·         While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, residents across Boston Borough that sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

·         The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.

·         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.

Council resolves to: 

·         Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.

·         Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.

·         Commit the Council to signing 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.

·         Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through partnerships with local charities and community organisations to that all eligible pensioners in Boston Borough are supported in claiming their entitlement.

Proposer: Councillor James Cantwell Seconder: Councillor Stuart Evans