Notice of Motion

GREEN GROUP

SUPPORT FOR EXCLUDED UK AND THOSE EXCLUDED FROM COVID SUPPORT SCHEMES IN THE CITY

This council notes that three million people across the UK have missed out on Government financial support schemes set up in the pandemic (‘the excluded’) due to technicalities such as:

- recently changing job;

- being a director of a limited company;

- earning less than half their income through self-employment;

Council notes that campaigns such as ExcludedUK have asked that the Government close the gaps in its financial support schemes, and explore options to retroactively compensate people and businesses that were ineligible for the Government’s financial support.

Council therefore resolves to:

-   Support the ‘Excluded UK’ campaign and its efforts to support ‘the excluded’;

-   ask all councillors to sign ExcludedUK’s open letter to the Chancellor that calls for such consideration; calling on the government to address the disparities in support, to ensure that all can receive support they need at this time;

-    seek the support of councillors in promoting support available from organisations focused on financial inclusion and support in the city, including by:

-    Requesting that Policy and Resources Committee consider what additional practical steps the Council can offer to offer support and advice wherever possible to those affected;

-    Continuing to promote the council’s community hub that can assist with such matters as help with bills and mental health.

Proposed by: Cllr Osborne                            Seconded by: Cllr Hugh-Jones

Supporting information:

1) ExcludedUK is a grassroots volunteer-run not-for-profit organisation working towards bringing about an end to the exclusions in the UK Government’s Covid-19 financial support measures across all employment statuses, circumstances, professions and industries. 

2) https://www.excludeduk.org/en/newsroom/excluding-millions-is-huge-injustice

3) https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18789673.caroline-lucas-blasts-pm-3-million-excluded-self-employed/