Decision details

Motion One.  Proposed by Cllr. Ron Tindall

1. This motion calls upon the Council to address the present Cost of Living Crisis which is a complex problem which may be with us for some years.  The Ofgem energy price cap has risen by 54%, the pension’s triple lock has been suspended, and food and petrol price rises have contributed to the highest levels of inflation for nearly 30 years.

2. Whilst the opportunities for action at local level are limited, it is important this council does what it can to ease the pressures on our residents.  Therefore, this Council resolves as a matter of urgency to

a.         instruct officers to look at and improve the current support mechanisms available to residents,

b.         arrange discussions with all concerned organisations across Dacorum including food banks and the voluntary sector, and 

c.         initiate discussions with Council Tax Preceptors regarding 2023/2024

With the purpose of enabling proposals to be brought forward in a timely manner to provide assistance and support for those most in need in our communities.

Cllr Williams proposed an alternative motion, which was accepted by Cllr Tindall.

Alternative Motion :

1            This motion calls upon the Council to recognise the present cost of living crisis which is likely to be with us for some years causing challenges for many in our community. The Ofgem price cap has risen by 54%, the pension’s triple lock has been suspended and food and fuel price rises have contributed to the highest level of inflation for nearly 30 years.

2          The Council welcomes the 37 Billion pounds of support the government has already committed to help families through the crisis but recognises that many will require more support whilst the opportunities for action at local level are limited it is important that we do what we can. Therefore this council resolves to

a.         Work with the Community and Voluntary sector partners to hold a Cost of Living Symposium to fully understand the extent of local issues and discuss potential solution

b.         Instruct officers to review current support mechanisms available to residents following the symposium.

c.         Work county-wide to ensure that collectively we ensure that we maximise the support available.

With the purpose of enabling proposals to be brought forward in a timely manner to provide assistance and support for those most in need in our communities.

The alternative motion was put  to a vote.

The Council voted unanimously in favour of this alternative Motion proposed by Cllr Williams.

Motion Two.  Proposed by Cllr., Garrick Stevens

1. While acknowledging that home ownership is an aspiration for many, this Council also recognises that many in the community will, for various reasons, be unable or unwilling to be other than a lifetime tenant of a Registered Social Landlord [‘RSL or Housing Assn’].

In this Borough approximately 5,000 dwellings are owned by RSLs and they make a vital contribution to the provision of affordable housing in the rental sector.

2. The Government has made a proposal to introduce the Right to Buy to tenants of Housing Associations. Until now this has been restricted to tenants of public sector housing stock.

3. To safeguard the property and other assets of Housing Assns/RSL,  which are independent corporate bodies, and to maintain the stock of local housing for rent [or shared ownership], this Council -

Calls upon the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister  at DLUHCG, [with copies to the respective MPs, -

a. requesting that the Government proceeds with its proposals only with an unequivocal commitment to ensure that any dwelling so removed from the RSL Housing stock in the Borough shall be replaced on a 1 -for- 1 basis, and

b. the Government provide the additional funding to meet the full  replacement costs to include provision for the supply of land within the Borough.

Cllr England proposed an alternative motion, the motion was as follows

1. While acknowledging that home ownership is an aspiration for many, this Council also recognises that many in the community will, for various reasons, be unable or unwilling to be other than a lifetime tenant of a Registered Social Landlord [‘RSL or Housing Assn’].

In this Borough approximately 5,000 dwellings are owned by RSLs and they make a vital contribution to the provision of affordable housing in the rental sector.

2. The Government has made a proposal to introduce the Right to Buy to tenants of Housing Associations. Until now this has been restricted to tenants of public sector housing stock.

3. To safeguard the property and other assets of Housing Assns/RSL,  which are independent corporate bodies, and to maintain the stock of local housing for rent [or shared ownership], this Council -

Calls upon the Leader of the Council to write to the Minister at DLUHCG, [with copies to the respective MPs,

a. requesting that the Government proceeds with its proposals “and forthcoming consultation” only with an unequivocal commitment to ensure that any dwelling so removed from the RSL Housing Stock in the Borough shall be replaced on a 1 -for- 1 basis, and

b. the Government provide the additional funding to meet the full  replacement costs to include provision for the supply of land within the Borough.

The Council voted on the Alternative motion

For  13      Against   20   Abstain 3

The motion failed

The Council voted on the substantive motion

For  13      Against   20   Abstain 3

The substantive motion also failed