To receive questions from members of the public in accordance with Standing Order No. 12.
Question submitted by David Widdowson:
“Cuts to benefits and services have disproportionately hit disabled people.
We are a group of disabled people called ‘Disability Campaigners’ running a campaign titled 'Give it Back!' Stop people on benefits paying council tax.
Until April 2013, people on benefits did not have to pay council tax. Since then, the disabled and/or unemployed are required to pay a measure of council Tax, typically £10 - £15 per month, money that they can ill afford to pay. Councils had some discretion about charging people on benefits, but 276 out of 326 councils in England chose to apply the levy. This takes disabled people below the basic living assessment on which benefits are based.
Local councils levy and collect the council tax, but we are aware the County Council gets the lion's share. We appreciate it is a big ask, but this levy is condemning disabled people to living below the basic living allowance and becoming more isolated, feeling persecuted, and having to cut down on food and heating, risking serious health problems.
Could we please have a statement of your support and how you would help disabled people by giving them their basic benefit entitlement back for them to at least have a chance to participate in the community and have access to basic needs? Please lobby your national parties to help change this unjust system.”
Question submitted by Laura Bagley:
"Will Chesterfield Borough Council follow other councils in supporting the 'votes at 16' campaign?
There are currently 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds that are denied the vote in public elections in the UK. Lowering the voting age to 16 would empower young people to better engage in society and influence decisions that will define their future. People who can consent to medical treatment, work full time, pay taxes, get married or enter a civil partnership, and join the armed forces should also have the right to vote.
The Scottish Government took more positive steps towards a more inclusive political system when they passed the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill, which allows all 16 and 17 year olds to vote in all Scottish elections from May 2016. Young people's participation in the Scottish Referendum demonstrates that they are eager to engage. 75% of 16 and 17 year olds turned out to vote in a once in a lifetime opportunity to have their say in shaping the future of their country. Other young people across the UK should have the same democratic right.
A number of other councils have already supported this campaign and have passed motions in support. These include: Oldham, Bristol, Halton, Rotherham, Wolverhampton and Leeds City Council.
Will Chesterfield Borough council follow suit and support the campaign by passing a motion at tonight's council meeting?We must remember that democracy includes young people too.”
Minutes:
Under Standing Order No. 12, the following questions were asked:
(1) by Mr Adrian Rimington:
“Cuts to benefits and services have disproportionately hit disabled people.
We are a group of disabled people called ‘Disability Campaigners’ running a campaign titled 'Give it Back!' Stop people on benefits paying council tax.
Until April 2013, people on benefits did not have to pay council tax. Since then, the disabled and/or unemployed are required to pay a measure of council Tax, typically £10 - £15 per month, money that they can ill afford to pay. Councils had some discretion about charging people on benefits, but 276 out of 326 councils in England chose to apply the levy. This takes disabled people below the basic living assessment on which benefits are based.
Local councils levy and collect the council tax, but we are aware the County Council gets the lion's share. We appreciate it is a big ask, but this levy is condemning disabled people to living below the basic living allowance and becoming more isolated, feeling persecuted, and having to cut down on food and heating, risking serious health problems.
Could we please have a statement of your support and how you would help disabled people by giving them their basic benefit entitlement back for them to at least have a chance to participate in the community and have access to basic needs? Please lobby your national parties to help change this unjust system.”
The Leader provided a verbal response to the question.
(2) by Laura Bagley:
"Will Chesterfield Borough Council follow other councils in supporting the 'votes at 16' campaign?
There are currently 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds that are denied the vote in public elections in the UK. Lowering the voting age to 16 would empower young people to better engage in society and influence decisions that will define their future. People who can consent to medical treatment, work full time, pay taxes, get married or enter a civil partnership, and join the armed forces should also have the right to vote.
The Scottish Government took more positive steps towards a more inclusive political system when they passed the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill, which allows all 16 and 17 year olds to vote in all Scottish elections from May 2016. Young people's participation in the Scottish Referendum demonstrates that they are eager to engage. 75% of 16 and 17 year olds turned out to vote in a once in a lifetime opportunity to have their say in shaping the future of their country. Other young people across the UK should have the same democratic right.
A number of other councils have already supported this campaign and have passed motions in support. These include: Oldham, Bristol, Halton, Rotherham, Wolverhampton and Leeds City Council.
Will Chesterfield Borough council follow suit and support the campaign by passing a motion at tonight's council meeting? We must remember that democracy includes young people too.”
The Deputy Leader provided a verbal response to the question.