Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 17, 2024

Purpose:

Content: An amendment to the motion in the names of Councillor J Moss and Councillor L Mitchell was AGREED..   The amended motion in the names of Councillor J Moss and Councillor T James was AGREED   This Council RESOLVES to support the vulnerable elderly in our borough and make sure that Waltham Forest is truly a place to grow old with dignity.    This Council notes the decision by the Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments for people of pension age.In our commitment to supporting older Waltham Forest residents, we recognise that many of pension age who are eligible for Pension Credits or other benefits do not apply for them. The lack of awareness some residents may have concerning the process for obtaining pension credits will be improved through our dedicated communications campaign. We welcome the Government’s confirmation of the Household Support Fund to allow us to support vulnerable residents and the Government’s commitment to maintain the triple lock for pensioners, leading to an increase of £900 this year and over a thousand pounds over this Parliament.     This Council understands the decision of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Careto review the previous Government’s New Hospital Programme which did not allocate funds to deliver Whipps Cross Hospital. Whilst we welcome the enabling phase of the construction, which is now underway, we recognise that many of our elderly residents who rely on our local hospital will be anxious to receive a firm commitment from the Labour Government on their plans. The Council has previously been outspoken on the need to accelerate the pace of the Whipps rebuild and recognises the importance of continuing to do so now, engaging at every level of Government and working across political parties to deliver our shared priority.    This Council recognises that adult social care plays a crucial role in preventing, reducing and delaying the need for more formal care and support, as well as helping older people lead more independent lives. Adult social care is the largest area of spend in our borough, leading to an overspend of £7m.    This Council also notes that extended parking hours and days are being proposed for high streets and other locations, which are necessary to reduce unnecessary short car journeys across the borough and bring us into line with the majority of other boroughs in London. Weappreciate this may impact vulnerable elderly residents who rely on vehicles for mobility and the current free hours to pick up prescriptions and essentials which is why we fund the Freedom Pass (estimated 24/25 cost to Waltham Forest of £9.3m), support our 10,700 Blue Badge Holders including with free CPZ permits where relevant (at an annual subsidy of nearly £190k) and provide our over 60’s households in CPZ’s with 90 one hour free visitor permits at an annual subsidy of £400k.  This Council recognises that by encouraging those who can use other modes of transport to access these locations, we free up more parking spaces for those who can’t - notably our Blue Badge holders.  We therefore request that:    ·         The Leader of the Council write to Government ministers, urging a review of welfare measures across central and local government to better target support to those in need. We will coordinate a campaign to show residents how to check their eligibility and register for Pension Credit and disability benefits. This will include writing directly to those who may be eligible, putting a pamphlet through every residents’ door and providing £40,000 additional funding for the community voluntary sector to run drop ins and outreach sessions.The Council will write again to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care reaffirming our support for the full rebuild of Whipps Cross Hospital and urging him to commit to cross-party agreement on a roadmap for social care reform, pressing for the implementation of the independent Hewitt Review of Integrated Care Systems recommendation that the share of total NHS budgets at ICS level going towards prevention should be increased by at least 1% over the next five years.    ·         This Council fully listens to the voices of our older residents and assesses the impact the proposed changes to parking would have on them andall residents with protected characteristics.  The Council will continue to provide and support the substantial Freedom Pass subsidy, as a means for so many of our most vulnerable residents to get about our borough and maintain their independence for free.  The Council will continue to provide 90 one-hour-free visitors permits to households with a resident aged over 60 in a CPZ, a scheme unrivalled in London.  The Council will continue to support our Blue Badge holders with progressive policies like the free CPZ Permit and use of permit bays that other boroughs don’t allow.