(a) Moved by Councillor S Galton
“The Southampton National Park City Project (SNCP) is a grassroots community initiative that seeks to create more spaces that are safe to play in and where nature can flourish – a city where people, culture and nature work together.
It is affiliated to the National Park City Foundation, a global movement that aims to create 25 National Park Cities (NPCs) by 2025.
Council fully supports the Southampton National Park City Project and its aim of achieving National Park City status for Southampton by 2025and endorses Cabinet signing the Charter on behalf of Southampton City Council. Additionally, where practical and feasible, the Council will assist SNCP as they pursue their objectives.”
(b) Moved by Councillor Fielker
“This council recognises that Southampton residents are in the midst of one of the highest cost of living crisis in 60 years, exacerbated by rising fuel costs made worse by a global oil and gas crisis.
This Council acknowledges that freezing council tax and rents for one year provides a small measure of relief to eligible households but will not themselves prevent people from having to make stark choices.
This Council notes that the SO: Linked contract has made it easier for people to get the support they need, but also notes that there remains a squeeze on many people’s incomes while energy, food, and housing costs continue to rise.
Council therefore resolves to:
1. continue to use available resources to support Southampton residents in times of hardship.
2. call on government to commit to immediate action beyond the proposed £150 advance (for some council taxpayers) whilst considering the longer-term consequences.
3. write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting that the Government takes further steps, including to:
a) Cut VAT on gas and electric to 0%
b) Scrap the proposed National Insurance increase
c) Restore the £20 Universal Credit uplift
d) Properly fund Council to continue payments from the Household Support Fund beyond the 31st March to support those most in need.
e) Implement a one-off windfall tax on energy companies’ record profits to reduce the burden on bill payers.”
(c) Moved by Councillor Fitzhenry
“This council deplores the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, accompanied by the terrible loss of life and horrendous destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Council commends the work of voluntary organisations and individuals in Southampton who are collecting and sending vital relief materials to support Ukrainian refugees.
Council resolves to follow the government’s lead by refusing to engage with any individual, organisation or activity that might support or fund Putin’s war.
Southampton City Council stands with the people of Ukraine and as a City of Sanctuary we will work with government to support refugees and their family members in the city.”
Minutes:
(a) Councillor S Galton moved and Councillor Mitchell seconded
Southampton National Park City Project
“The Southampton National Park City Project (SNCP) is a grassroots community initiative that seeks to create more spaces that are safe to play in and where nature can flourish – a city where people, culture and nature work together.
It is affiliated to the National Park City Foundation, a global movement that aims to create 25 National Park Cities (NPCs) by 2025.
Council fully supports the Southampton National Park City Project and its aim of achieving National Park City status for Southampton by 2025and endorses Cabinet signing the Charter on behalf of Southampton City Council. Additionally, where practical and feasible, the Council will assist SNCP as they pursue their objectives.”
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED
(b) Councillor Fielker moved and Councillor Mitchell seconded
Cost of Living Crisis
“This council recognises that Southampton residents are in the midst of one of the highest cost of living crisis in 60 years, exacerbated by rising fuel costs made worse by a global oil and gas crisis.
This Council acknowledges that freezing council tax and rents for one year provides a small measure of relief to eligible households but will not themselves prevent people from having to make stark choices.
This Council notes that the SO: Linked contract has made it easier for people to get the support they need, but also notes that there remains a squeeze on many people’s incomes while energy, food, and housing costs continue to rise.
Council therefore resolves to:
1. continue to use available resources to support Southampton residents in times of hardship.
2. call on government to commit to immediate action beyond the proposed £150 advance (for some council taxpayers) whilst considering the longer-term consequences.
3. write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting that the Government takes further steps, including to:
a) Cut VAT on gas and electric to 0%
b) Scrap the proposed National Insurance increase
c) Restore the £20 Universal Credit uplift
d) Properly fund Council to continue payments from the Household Support Fund beyond the 31st March to support those most in need.
e) Implement a one-off windfall tax on energy companies’ record profits to reduce the burden on bill payers.”
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED LOST.
(c) Councillor Fitzhenry moved and Councillor Paffey seconded.
Ukraine Refugees
“This council deplores the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, accompanied by the terrible loss of life and horrendous destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.
Council commends the work of voluntary organisations and individuals in Southampton who are collecting and sending vital relief materials to support Ukrainian refugees.
Council resolves to follow the government’s lead by refusing to engage with any individual, organisation or activity that might support or fund Putin’s war.
Southampton City Council stands with the people of Ukraine and as a City of Sanctuary we will work with government to support refugees and their family members in the city.”
UPON BEING PUT TO THE VOTE THE MOTION WAS DECLARED CARRIED.
NOTE: The Mayor also agreed to write to the Mayor of Mariupal indicating the City of Southampton stand with them and invite opportunity to work with them when peace reigns.