The motion was moved by Councillor Stringer and seconded by Councillor Kaweesa.

The Liberal Democrat amendment as set out in agenda item 21 was moved by Councillor Fairclough and seconded by Councillor Kohler.

The Liberal Democrat amendment was put to a vote and fell  – votes in favour: 24, votes against: 29, abstentions: 1.

The Conservative amendment as set out in agenda item 21 was moved by Councillor McLean and seconded by Councillor Howard.

The Conservative amendment was put to a vote and fell – votes in favour: 8, votes against: 29, abstentions: 17

As six members of the Council requested that a recorded vote be taken on the vote on the substantive motion, a roll call was taken and the votes were as follows:

Votes in favour (54): Councillors Alambritis, Attawar, Austin, Barlow, Bokhari, Braithwaite, Brunt, Butcher, Charles, Christie, Cooper-Marbiah, Cox, Dollimore, Dresselaers, Fairclough, Flack, Foley, Fraser, Galea, Garrod, Gould, Hall, Hayes, Hicks, Howard, Irons, Johnston, Judge, Kaweesa, Kenny, Kirby, Kohler, MacArthur, Macauley, Manly, McCabe, McLean, Mercer, Mundy, Neaverson, Oliver, Page, Paterson, Pearce, Reiss, Skeete, Stringer, Szczepanski, Whelton, Willis, Williscroft, Wilson, Deputy Mayor Councillor Akyigyina and the Mayor Councillor Henry.

Votes against: (0)

Not Voting: (0)

The Motion was therefore unanimously agreed and it was

RESOLVED: 

This Council notes that:

· The Royal College of Psychiatrists has reported that the cost-of-living crisis “poses a threat of pandemic proportions” to the nation’s mental health.

· On 1st April 2022, Ofgem increased the energy cap by 54%. For a typical household paying by direct debit it's now £1,971/year – up by a massive £693/year, from its previous level. Those on prepay, the price cap has also increased by 54%, from £1,309/year to £2,017/year on typical use – a rise of £708/year.

· Workers have seen their National Insurance contributions increased from 12% to 13.25% on 6 April to fund the response to the Covid NHS backlog and new investment in adult social care.

· Additionally – and in this same timeframe – food prices and fuel are rising caused by global inflation post-pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine.

This Council recognises the unprecedented financial pressures that all our residents will face in the coming year, and notes with serious concern, that for those with low or insecure income, these pressures could prove overwhelming.

The Council, therefore, declares a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’. Recognising that it has a part to play in response, this Council has:

 · Established a £2 million Cost of Living Emergency Fund to target support to residents and voluntary organisations to alleviate the financial burden facing our residents.

· Set up a series of Cost of Living events across the borough to reach those most in need to inform them of resources and support available

 · Maintained one of the country’s most generous Council Tax Support schemes for residents on low incomes

· Created a ‘Cost of Living’ Hub on our website to help residents find services that can support them through financial difficulty

 · Pledged to continue provision of Free School meals to those eligible throughout the school summer holidays

 In addition, this Council will:

· Build on its status as a London Living Wage employer to ensure Merton becomes a London Living Wage Borough

 · Appoint a London Living Wage Champion to drive forward this work

· Convene a summit of voluntary organisations to discuss how best to provide support to those most in need The work of alleviating the Cost of Living crisis is not the Council’s alone.

Therefore, this Council calls on the Government to:

 · Continue funding the provision of Free School Meals during school holidays

· Extend support to schools and sporting facilities to mitigate against the increase in energy prices, so that children and families will not miss out on crucial education and exercise opportunities

· Extend to Merton the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) pilot which joins up the mental health sector with debt advice services for people in mental health crisis to avoid spiralling debt.