Agenda

To note that Beth Gardiner-Smith was elected to office for Romsey Ward on 12 September 2024.

Council notes:

·      the dire state of public finances left by the outgoing Government.

·      the unfulfilled promise to build 40 new hospitals across the country.

·      the new Government’s announcement of a reset of the new hospitals scheme which could jeopardise progress on the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital at Addenbrooke’s.

Council believes the new hospital is essential, recognising the deficit of health facilities across Greater Cambridge, the importance of Greater Cambridge as a regional centre for healthcare and the international importance of our area’s life sciences sector.

Council resolves:

·      to direct the leader to write to the Secretary of State underlining this Council’s view that the government should not abandon the commitment to developing this hospital.

·      To direct the leader to write to the new MP for the area of the proposed Cancer Research Hospital, expressing our support for her recent efforts to secure the future funding for it and to request she work further with MPs across the area it would serve to secure funding for the Hospital and other local health facilities.

Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits.

Though many agree that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary for them, Council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes who need the payments will now not receive them. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In Cambridge the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 13,468. That means 89.7% of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the Living Wage.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of Pension Credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving it – and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we as a local authority have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people get access to the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which, combined with the removal of Winter Fuel Payments, will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

Council resolves to:

·      Request the Leader write to both MPs covering Cambridge outlining our position in favour of halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

·      Request all group leaders within the council sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the cutback in Winter Fuel Payment to be suspended and reviewed, and also to consider what support can be given to help people reduce their energy bills and consumption.

·      Urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits, including using the Low-Income Families Tracker (LIFT) to identify those who are eligible.

Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in many household products, including e-bikes and e-scooters, but they can pose a significant fire risk. The recent increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries demands that proactive steps are taken to address these risks and ensure the safety of our community.

This Council notes:

1.    Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly prevalent in a range of household products, including e-bikes, e-scooters, smartphones and laptops.

2.    The number of fires in the UK caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes has increased by four times since 2020.

3.    In July 2023, three people tragically lost their lives in a fire at Sackville Close, which was likely caused by a faulty e-bike battery.

4.    Battery fires in waste disposal are at record levels, with over 1,200 fires at UK waste sites and bin lorries in 2023, an increase of 71% from 2022.

5.    As of the beginning of August 2024, there had been seven bin lorry fires in Greater Cambridge in 2024, likely caused by batteries or electrical products.

6.    In September 2023, Cambridge City Council wrote to the government requesting an increased focus on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters, advocating for improved legislation, safety guidelines, and a public awareness campaign.

7.    Cambridge City Council continues to work with the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to raise awareness of the risk of, and prevent, battery fires.

This Council issues the following advice to residents in relation to battery safety:

-         Always use manufacturer approved chargers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storage and maintenance

-         Charge batteries while awake and at home

-         Do not overcharge batteries

-         Store e-bikes and e-scooters in a safe, cool place with a closed door and a smoke alarm if possible

-         Buy e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable dealers, and check they meet British or European standards

-         Check batteries for signs of damage and replace if damaged

-         Do not dispose of batteries in household waste or normal recycling

-         Do not attempt to extinguish a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery but get out, stay out, and phone 999.

This Council resolves:

1.    To write to Electrical Safety First and Lord Ron Foster to express its support for The Safety of Electric-Powered Micromobility Vehicles and Lithium Batteries Bill, introduced to the House of Lords by Lord Ron Foster. This Bill is promoted by Electrical Safety First, and supported by, among others, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and the Royal Society for Public Health.

2.    To work through the Community Safety Partnership to gain a deeper understanding of data relating to fire risks from lithium-ion batteries in Cambridge, and to use this understanding to work together to mitigate risks.

3.    To develop comprehensive safety guidance for Cambridge City Council staff on battery safety, including guidance on the safe use, storage, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

4.    To work with the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 8c