Green councillors have welcomed the unanimous decision of Stroud District Council last night (October 20) to declare a cost-of-living emergency.
The Council meeting agreed a motion by Cllr Beki Aldam (Green, Brimscombe & Thrupp) and Cllr Natalie Bennett (Independent Left, Nailsworth), which recognised the serious cost of living concerns facing people and businesses in Stroud District this winter and called on the Government to provide:
- Immediate financial support to help people to manage the cost-of-living emergency, with most support provided to low income households, and
- A fully funded nationwide commitment to improve the energy efficiency of homes (and consequently reduce energy bills), noting that this initiative is also required to deliver on the Government’s own commitment to net zero carbon by 2050.
The motion also confirmed the Council’s support for the Great Homes Upgrade campaign, for an upgrade of 19 million homes by 2030 to make sure that everyone can have a well-insulated home, heated by clean, green energy.
Finally, councillors are calling on the Government to produce and make public a plan to deal with the crisis and alleviate the burden on our residents and local businesses.
Cllr Aldam said: “No one in Stroud District should go hungry; none of our residents should have to choose between food or warmth, or not be able to have either.
“The cost-of-living emergency is the top priority for all of us at Stroud District Council this winter. We’re working hard to support community groups and organisations to help people in need.
“It was great to see all councillors support our motion and I was particularly pleased that even the Conservatives joined us in calling on the Government for immediate financial support to help people in need, and for a fully funded nationwide commitment to improve home energy efficiency.
“However, this challenge is bigger than just Stroud District and we need the national Government to step up.
“It is shocking that at this time of crisis for so many people and businesses, Tory ministers are looking to further cut back on public services.”
Cllr Chris Jockel (Green, Chalford), added: “With higher energy bills and increasing prices, people are very aware of the fall in their household income, as pay and benefits fail to keep pace with the increase in the cost of essential items. This is not just about the food and energy cost crises (critically important as they are) but also about a housing, wider inflation and wage stagnation crisis.
“Those on the lowest incomes will be hardest hit, and the support offered to them by Government so far is completely inadequate to bridge the cost-of-living gap.”
The full motion can be seen in the meeting agenda here
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash