Agenda item - NO CUTS TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT - LET FAMILIES KEEP THE £20 INCREASE

Proposed by Councillor Brennan, as an Independent Member.

75.1      The Notice of Motion as listed on the agenda was proposed by Councillor Brennan as an Independent Member and formally seconded by Councillor Knight who reserved her right to speak later in the debate.

75.2      Councillors Fishleigh, Gibson, Evans, Nemeth and Knight spoke on the motion and Councillor Brennan thanked those for their supportive comments.

75.3      The Mayor then put the motion as listed to the vote:

This Council resolves to:

·           Request the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, imploring the Government to take necessary steps to ensure that the £20 increase to Universal Credit is made permanent and extended to claimants on legacy benefits; and

·           To request that the Chief Executive and officers work with other local government organisations, such as the LGA to form a coalition to pressure the government to make the £20 increase to Universal Credit permanent.

75.4      The Mayor called on each of the Group Leaders to confirm their position as well as the Groups in turn and each of the Independent Members:

Councillor Mac Cafferty stated that the Green Group were in favour of the motion and this was confirmed by the Members of the Green Group;

Councillor Platts stated that the Labour Group were in favour of the motion and this was confirmed by the Members of the Labour Group;

Councillor Bell stated that the Conservative Group wished to abstain from voting on the motion and this was confirmed by the Members of the Conservative Group;

Councillor Brennan confirmed that she was voting for of the motion;

Councillor Fishleigh confirmed that she wished to abstain from voting on the motion;

Councillor Janio confirmed that he was voting against the motion;

Councillor Knight confirmed that she was voting for the motion.

75.5      The Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried.