Agenda item
Notice of Motions
Motion proposed by Councillor Gina Blomefield, Seconded by Councillor Tony Berry
Debate not Hate
An LGA survey revealed that seven out of ten councillors at all levels have experienced abuse over the last year. These attitudes, having started on social media, have now become normalised and morphed into the real world - it needs calling out.
Most Councillors, at any level of operation do it in order to make a positive contribution to their local society and ‘make a difference’ – regardless of any political affiliation they believe what they might be suggesting will be of benefit to the residents. It is therefore totally wrong to be either rude or abusive in response to such proposals.
By setting an example to ensure all councillors get better recognition and appreciation as well as protecting them from personal attacks will encourage more people to play their part in local government including at Town and Parish Council level. It is important to have polite yet robust debate, ideally with a free vote at the conclusion.
I would like to introduce a Motion of Debate not Hate at CDC and throughout the Town and Parish Councils in the Cotswold District to remind everyone that whilst democracy thrives on good, frank discussions these should never turn into personal abuse.
Motion proposed by Councillor Joe Harris Seconded by Councillor Nikki Ind
Cost of Living
This Council notes that:
Inflation is predicted to top 10% this year, the highest in 40 years.
The tax burden is the highest today since World War Two and that the Government has consistently increased the direct and indirect tax burden on families.
The increased energy price cap will see the average standard tariff energy bill increase by £693 per year and the average prepay meter energy bill increase by £708 per year.
The Government’s suspension of the pensions triple lock for 22/23 will cost the pensioners in the Cotswolds on the full new state pension an average of £487 and those on the full basic state pension an average of £373.
This Government ended the uplift in Universal Credit and that changes to the taper will not compensate for the reduction in income of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society.
This Council also notes that:
An estimated 11 million people in the UK live in food poverty, with the cost of living crisis predicted to greatly exacerbate this problem. Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit by inflation, the lifting of the energy price cap and increased taxation.
This Council believes that:
No one should go hungry in the Cotswolds.
The cost of living crisis will increase the levels of food poverty and malnutrition in the Cotswolds.
This Council therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’ and calls on the Government to:
Immediately reduce the standard rate of VAT from 20% to 17.5% for one year, saving the average household a further £600 this year.
Immediately use revenue from the windfall tax on energy companies to help Gloucestershire families with their energy bills.
Enshrine the right to food in law.
Council resolves to:
Set up a cross party working group which will report back to full council, in advance of the budget setting process, with steps the council could take to help address the cost of living crisis.