(a) Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit
Proposed by: Cllr Stephen Murray
Seconded by: Cllr Steven Neville
“That Epping Forest District Council notes that:
(1) The Government has, as from 6th October 2021, cut universal credit and working tax credit by £20 a week;
(2) This weekly cut is equivalent to £1,040 a year;
(3) Epping Forest Food-bank estimates that here in Epping Forest this decision is likely to have a serious impact on more than 9,000 people; and
(4) That Epping Forest District Council resolves to ask our three local MP’s to actively seek the reinstatement of this £20 cut as soon as possible.
Minutes:
(a) Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit
Moved by Councillor S Murray and seconded by Councillor S Neville
That Epping Forest District Council notes that:
(1) The Government has, as from 6th October 2021, cut universal credit and working tax credit by £20 a week;
(2) This weekly cut is equivalent to £1,040 a year;
(3) The Epping Forest Food-bank estimates that here in Epping Forest this decision is likely to have a serious impact on more than 9,000 people.
(4) That Epping Forest District Council resolves to ask our three local MP’s to actively seek the reinstatement of this £20 cut as soon as possible.
Amendment moved by Councillor S Kane and seconded by Councillor N Avey
That Epping Forest District Council notes that:
(1) The Government has, as from 6th October 2021, withdrawn the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit- a temporary measure brought in to help people on lower incomes during the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) There are currently over 8,000 claimants of Universal Credit in the District, some of whom may experience difficulties as a result of the decision to withdraw the uplift to UC;
(3) Epping Forest District Council welcomes the increase in the minimum wage to £9.50 an hour and the cut in the Universal Credit taper by 8% by 1 December, bringing it down from 63% to 55% - allowing claimants to keep more of the money they earn; and
(4) That Epping Forest District Council resolves to continue to support affected residents, providing access to:
· Household Support Fund, Small grants worth up to £500 million intended to help struggling families meet costs for daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities;
· Free school meals;
· The provision of half term holiday camps from Essex County Council delivered by Active Essex and school meal vouchers;
· Food bank vouchers;
· EFDC Hardship Fund;
· Support and assistance in returning to work through schemes such as:
o The Kickstart scheme - this is funding to encourage employers to take on 16 to 24 year olds who receive Universal Credit, with the government covering the cost of 25 hours of work per week for a total of 6 months, as well as the employer's national insurance contributions. This will be extended until the end of January.
o Job Entry Targeted Support scheme - people who have been on Universal Credit for more than 13 weeks can get employment support for 6 months, which includes a personal careers adviser.
o Apprenticeship Incentives - this encourages employers to take on apprentices, with a payment of £3,000, in addition to the £1,000 already on offer.
o Working in partnership – with local organisations including Voluntary Action Epping Forest, Epping Forest Food Bank and Citizens Advice to ensure that the most vulnerable receive the support they require.
· Ensuring advise and support is accessible – enhancing delivery of such services through technology and the new ‘Civic Hub.’
Carried
Motion as amended ADOPTED
RESOLVED:
That Epping Forest District Council notes that:
(1) The Government has, as from 6th October 2021, withdrawn the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit- a temporary measure brought in to help people on lower incomes during the coronavirus pandemic;
(2) There are currently over 8,000 claimants of Universal Credit in the District, some of whom may experience difficulties as a result of the decision to withdraw the uplift to UC;
(3) Epping Forest District Council welcomes the increase in the minimum wage to £9.50 an hour and the cut in the Universal Credit taper by 8% by 1 December, bringing it down from 63% to 55% - allowing claimants to keep more of the money they earn; and
(4) That Epping Forest District Council resolves to continue to support affected residents, providing access to:
· Household Support Fund, Small grants worth up to £500 million intended to help struggling families meet costs for daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities;
· Free school meals;
· The provision of half term holiday camps from Essex County Council delivered by Active Essex and school meal vouchers;
· Food bank vouchers;
· EFDC Hardship Fund;
· Support and assistance in returning to work through schemes such as:
o The Kickstart scheme - this is funding to encourage employers to take on 16 to 24 year olds who receive Universal Credit, with the government covering the cost of 25 hours of work per week for a total of 6 months, as well as the employer's national insurance contributions. This will be extended until the end of January.
o Job Entry Targeted Support scheme - people who have been on Universal Credit for more than 13 weeks can get employment support for 6 months, which includes a personal careers adviser.
o Apprenticeship Incentives - this encourages employers to take on apprentices, with a payment of £3,000, in addition to the £1,000 already on offer.
o Working in partnership – with local organisations including Voluntary Action Epping Forest, Epping Forest Food Bank and Citizens Advice to ensure that the most vulnerable receive the support they require.
· Ensuring advise and support is accessible – enhancing delivery of such services through technology and the new ‘Civic Hub.’