Agenda

None received for this meeting.

For Decision

“This Council notes with concern the recent changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria, which now require pensioners to not only have reached State Pension age but also to be in receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit to receive support.

This Council believes that all pensioners should be supported through the winter months ensure they are not left cold or forced to choose between heating and other essentials.

Furthermore, we acknowledge that many pensioners do not claim benefits due to difficulties with the application process or lack of awareness, leaving them particularly vulnerable to the effects of these cuts.

This Council calls on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut the Winter Fuel Payment and requests the South Yorkshire MPs advocate for the full reinstatement of this vital support.

This Council further resolves to:

1. Advocate: Formally lobby South Yorkshire MPs and the Government to reconsider the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, highlighting the impact on pensioners in Doncaster.

2. Provide Local Support: Explore the feasibility of establishing a local emergency fund or grant scheme to assist pensioners ineligible for the Winter Fuel Payment but still in need of support during the winter months.

3. Partnerships: Work with local charities, such as Age UK and Citizens Advice, and energy providers to assist pensioners with navigating the means-testing process and to ensure they access any benefits or grants

4. Promote Energy Efficiency: Develop or expand schemes to provide free or subsidised energy-efficient home improvements, such as insulation, for pensioners in need, to help reduce their long-term heating costs.

5. Winter Support Network: Establish a local volunteer or community support network to check in on vulnerable pensioners during the winter months and refer them to relevant services if they are struggling to heat their homes.

6. Raise Awareness: Launch a public information campaign to inform pensioners about the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, alternative support options, and assistance available in applying for benefits.

7. Heating Hubs: for those who can't get access to the allowances create heating hubs in communities providing a warm place to go during the long cold winter.

By passing this motion, this Council demonstrates its commitment to supporting pensioners in our community, ensuring they are not left behind by recent policy changes, and taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these cuts."

(i)        Questions on Notice to the Executive:-

(a)  Question from Councillor Nick Allen to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Prior to Doncaster Sheffield Airport opening in 2005, TUI signed an agreement to operate from the Airport prior to opening. Will the Mayor confirm how many Airlines have entered into contractual agreements to recommence services in the future?  And how many Airlines have agreed heads of terms?”

(b)  Question from Councillor Jane Cox to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Minutes MCA Board meeting 12/01/22, (six months before Peel’s closure announcement) state that to be eligible for their requested funding and progress towards approval, a net zero target of 2040 should be brought forward to 2030 and that net zero target should include airport emissions. Page 26 of MCA papers for 12/11/24 state there is no such mandated requirement. Can you confirm the bidding process of the new Airport Operator included the submission of a comprehensive net zero strategy and the MCA has not approved funding without this document being reviewed in advance, as was the stipulation levied upon Peel?”

(c)  Question from Councillor Steve Cox to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Will the Mayor specify the exact nature of the accounts she has publicly claimed Peel refused to provide the SYMCA/CDC in respect of a £20 million loan and if/why the requirement differed from other loans already granted at that time?”

(d)  Question from Councillor Glenn Bluff to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“Can the Mayor confirm that she agrees Peel’s audited financial accounts (KPMG/Deloitte), as published on the Government’s Companies House website, accurately reflect her understanding of the operational losses sustained by Peel - exceeding £90 million during her term in office (since 2013) and more than £200 million since 2005 - and, if so, can she explain which aspects of costs and revenue could feasibly turn an average operating loss of £11 million into an operating profit within just five years, as she has stated?”

(e)  Question from Councillor Cynthia Ransome to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones:-

“During the time circa - 2013/14/15 when the Mayor negotiated Doncaster’s share of devolved funds with the SYMCA, what provision did she negotiate in respect of the financial support Doncaster Sheffield Airport (at a time when its cumulative losses had already exceeded £100million) would require in order to stay open and achieve its projected growth of jobs and Gross Value Added (GVA)?”

(ii)          Questions without Notice to the Executive and the Chairs of Committees.

For Information and Not Endorsement

(Please click on links where provided to view minutes)

A.   South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 10 September and 8 October 2024:

SYMCA Board - 10 September 2024

SYMCA Board – 8 October 2024

B.   South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 22 July and 16 September 2024:

SYFRA – 22 July 2024

SYFRA – 16 September 2024

C.   Team Doncaster Executive held on 11 June 2024 (attached).