Councillor Jeff Green moved and Councillor Lesley Rennie seconded a motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.

Councillor Liz Grey moved and Councillor Janette Williamson seconded the following amendment, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.3:

Insert after paragraph 1:

‘at a time when they are struggling in the aftermath of the Truss/Kwarteng budget, which estimates wiping billions off the UK economy. Council also notes that this country has some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe and that had the Conservatives continued with the Labour Government’s retrofit policies instead of cutting them in 2013, UK Households would be warmer and richer.’

Insert after first sentence in paragraph 2:

‘by the government’s financial mismanagement.’

In paragraph 3, delete ‘is a lifeline, including’ and replace with ‘includes’.

In the final paragraph, after “the relevant Chief Officer is requested to” insert “continue their hard work to”.

Councillor Allan Brame moved and Councillor Phil Gilchrist seconded the following amendment, submitted in accordance with Standing Order 13.3:

Insert after paragraph 1:

Council recognises that the economic situation in this country has been made even more challenging as a result of the Conservative government’s calamitous Brexit deal and the financial chaos caused by the Truss administration’s disastrous mini-budget.

The Civic Mayor informed the Council that he intended to have a joint debate on the amendments due to the similar nature.

Following a debate, the amendment moved by Councillor Liz Grey and seconded by Councillor Janette Williamson was put to the vote and agreed (45:16) (1 abstention).

The amendment moved by Councillor Allan Brame and seconded Councillor Phil Gilchrist was also then put to the vote and agreed (45:16) (1 abstention).

The substantive motion, as amended, was then put to the vote and it was –

Resolved (45:16) (1 abstention) – That

Council notes that the effects of worldwide inflationary pressures are putting additional strain on household budgets in the UK at a time when they are struggling in the aftermath of the Truss/Kwarteng budget, which estimates wiping billions off the UK economy.

Council recognises that the economic situation in this country has been made even more challenging as a result of the Conservative government’s calamitous Brexit deal and the financial chaos caused by the Truss administration’s disastrous mini-budget.

Council also notes that this country has some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe and that had the Conservatives continued with the Labour Government’s retrofit policies instead of cutting them in 2013, UK Households would be warmer and richer.’

Council thanks those staff working with our vulnerable residents, along with the many voluntary, community and faith groups who are helping those most affected by the government’s financial mismanagement.

For those households which are eligible, the help that has been made available by the UK Government includes:

•  Energy bills support scheme

•  Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

•  Disability Cost of Living Payment

•  Household Support Fund

Council therefore requests that, to ensure more of our residents are able to access the support available, the relevant Chief Officer is requested to continue their hard work to actively promote this support across all the Council’s communication channels on a regular basis.