Scrapping the two-child cap on benefits is a “no-brainer” say Oldham Liberal Democrats ahead of council vote

The Liberal Democrats will present a motion to Oldham Council next week calling for the two-child cap on universal credit to be scrapped by the new government.  The cap, which prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in a household, was introduced by the Conservatives in 2017.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “In Oldham, more than 11,000 children are living in poverty.  The single most effective step the government could take to tackle child poverty is to scrap the two-child cap.  It is a cruel policy and one that is pushing more and more families into hardship during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”

“Some people will argue that we can’t afford to do things like this.  But the Liberal Democrats say we cannot afford not to.  It is estimated that child poverty costs the UK economy £39 billion each year, whereas scrapping the two-child cap will cost £1.3 billion.  This is a no-brainer.” 

The Liberal Democrats campaigned against the cap in the last three General Elections and have criticised the Labour Party for u-turning on plans to scrap the cap as it became clear they would likely win power earlier this year. 

Saddleworth West and Lees representative and Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said, “It was Labour Party policy to scrap the cap until late last year.  In government, so far there has been little difference between Labour and the Conservatives.”

“As Oldham councillors it is our job to stand up to the government in the interest of all of Oldham.  The fact is this cap on universal credit is harming the families we all represent.  That’s why every councillor, regardless of political party, should vote for our motion and send a message to Keir Starmer’s government that it is time to think again.”  

Oldham Council will vote on the Liberal Democrat motion at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday September 11^th.

Liberal Democrat Motion in full:

Full council 11 Sept 2024 – Notice of Opposition Motion

Scrap the two-child benefit cap

Proposed by: Councillor Howard Sykes
Seconded by: Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani

The Two Child limit to benefit payments was introduced by the Conservative Government in 2017 and is supported by the current Labour Government.  It prevents families from claiming Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for more than two children in the household.

Council notes the recent research conducted by the End Child Poverty Coalition which has found that:

• 1.5 million children in the UK live in households subject to the two-child limit on benefit payments. That is roughly one-in-ten children in the UK.
• In 2023/24 the two-child limit cost families up to £3,235 per child each year.
• There is a strong correlation between families affected by the two-child limit and those who are living in poverty.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would lift 250,000 children out of poverty overnight, and significantly reduce the level of poverty that a further 850,000 children live in.
• Scrapping the two-child limit would cost £1.3 billion, however it is estimated that child poverty costs the economy £39 billion each year.
  

In Oldham 11,340 children in 3,160 households are currently affected by the two-child limit to benefit payments.  That is 18% of all children in the authority area.  At the same time 27,760 local children are living in poverty.

Council strongly believes that the two-child limit to benefit payments is a cruel and harmful policy that should be scrapped.  Research from the University of York has shown its introduction has had no positive impacts on employment and earnings. Instead, it has dragged thousands of local families into poverty.

Council notes the Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed the two-child limit to benefit payments since it was introduced – calling for it to be axed in their 2017, 2019 and 2024 manifestos.  Council notes with concern the stance of the Labour Government who are committed to keeping the cap – going as far as suspending the whip from MPs who rebel against this position.

Council resolves to:

1. Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Prime Minister outlining Oldham Council’s strong belief that the two-child limit to benefit payments should be scrapped – which would help more than 11,000 children across Oldham.
2. Further instruct the Chief Executive to write to all of Oldham’s MPs, asking them to commit their public support to the campaign to end the cruel two child limit to benefit payments.
3. Ensure the number of children a family has is considered when a hardship grant is given out by the council.
4. Explore ways to support families impacted by the two-child limit across Oldham Borough, including through free school meals.

Sykes welcomes government decision to reinstate “vital cost-of-living support”

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed the government decision to reinstate the Household Support Fund, the funding that is made available through councils to support those worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund was scrapped by the previous Conservative government in March but following pressure from hard pressed councils across the country, new Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP has announced a temporary renewal of the scheme. 

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The Household Support Fund has been quite literally a lifeline for some people in Oldham Borough, so I am relieved that the Chancellor has made the decision to extend the funding.”

“It’s disappointing that she has not offered a full 12-month extension.  This will unfortunately lead to us being in the exact same position in six months’ time.  The Liberal Democrats will continue to push Labour to support people during the continuing cost-of-living crisis” 

More from councillor Sykes on the Household Support Fund (Aug 2024)
“Chancellor must reinstate cost-of-living support axed by Conservatives” say Oldham Liberal Democrats    – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

“Chancellor must reinstate cost-of-living support axed by Conservatives” say Oldham Liberal Democrats.   

Oldham Liberal Democrat councillors have called on the government to reinstate the Household Support Fund, the funding that is made available through councils to support those worst affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund was scrapped by the previous Conservative government in March, but new Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP has until the end of September, when cash for the scheme runs out, to announce a renewed scheme. 

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “No one should have to choose between heating and eating in modern Britain.  The Household Support Fund has been quite literally a lifeline for some people in Oldham Borough.”

“The Chancellor must reinstate the find so that local authorities like Oldham can get help to the people who need it most.” 

Pressure is building on the new Labour government to extend cost-of-living support ahead of what is expected to be another tough winter.  Earlier in August, the Local Government Association (LGA) said that six in 10 councils will be unable to provide extra support when funding runs out.  This news comes at a time when the Labour government is also planning substantial cuts to winter fuel support for pensioners. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The loss of the Household Support Fund would be catastrophic for the people most in need.  The government still has time to reverse this decision and if they do, councils will need clarity as to how much support we will be able to offer and for how long.”  

https://www.oldham.gov.uk/info/100001/help_with_benefits_and_money/2883/household_support_fund

LGA statement on the Household Support Fund (Aug 2024)
LGA: 6 in 10 councils will be unable to provide extra local welfare support when fund ends | Local Government Association

Liberal Democrats call on Oldham Council to cut engine idling with new campaign.  

Liberal Democrat councillor Alicia Marland has written to Oldham Council pushing for a new campaign to combat engine idling outside Oldham’s schools. 

Councillor Marland, who represents Saddleworth West and Lees Ward, said, “Air pollution threatens our health and our environment.  The impacts of poor air affect our health from cradle to grave, with research showing that children, pregnant women and pensioners are among those most impacted.”

“Leaving your engine idle, even for 30 seconds, causes more pollution than turning it off and back on again.  This is a big problem at the school gate.”

Research conducted by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Select Committee has noted the association of air pollution with health implications such as complications in pregnancy, increased risk of respiratory infections in children, increased risk of cardio-vascular conditions, as well as increased rates of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. 

According to Transport Research Laboratory, an engine left idling for 30 seconds produces nearly twice as much pollution as switching off and then restarting an engine.  

Councillor Marland called on Oldham Council to follow other local authorities like Stockport and Sheffield and launch a campaign to combat engine idling at the school gate. 

Councillor Marland said, “The council should be doing more to tackle this problem.  This is our children’s health and wellbeing after all.  There are lots of ideas out there.  In Stockport, schools are given a banner to hang outside the school to raise awareness.  In Sheffield, signs are used alongside digital campaigning tools to get the message out.  Oldham Council should learn from what is working elsewhere and put it in place for our schools.” 

Councillor Marland writes to Oldham Councils Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Place – Emma Barton

23/08/24

Dear Ms Barton

You will be aware that many residents across Oldham Borough are concerned about air pollution and its impact on health and wellbeing.

Poor air quality has been classified as the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Public Health England.  The impacts of poor air affect our health from cradle to grave.  Research conducted by the DEFRA Select Committee has noted the association of air pollution with numerous health implications such as complications in pregnancy, increased risk of respiratory infections in children, increased risk of cardio-vascular conditions, as well as increased rates of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. 

One of the largest contributing factors to poor air quality is engine idling.  Research conducted by Transport Research Laboratory found that idling for 30 seconds produces nearly twice as much pollution as switching off and then restarting an engine.

Councils in the north of England are making progress in tackling engine idling.

In 2020, Stockport Council launched its ‘Turn it Off’ campaign urging parents and guardians to turn off their engines at school pick up and drop off times, providing schools with a free banner highlighting the campaign. 

Sheffield City Council’s ‘Air Aware’ campaign makes use of digital communications alongside signs at every school to encourage parents and guardians in the same way. 

I am writing to ask you to look into what can be done in Oldham to tackle air pollution and specifically to address the issue of engine idling in the proximity of our schools.  Attached is the copy of picture I took recently when out of the Borough – have we considered such signs and if not why not?

Please outline what steps Oldham Council will take and how we will seek to learn from and replicate best practice from across the country in order to achieve an effective anti-idling campaign.  

I look forward to your considered response.

Kind regards 

Councillor Alicia Marland

Transport Research Laboratory report
TRL | Idling Action Research – Review of Emissions Data

Sheffield City Council – ‘Air Aware’ campaign
Air Aware campaign | Sheffield City Council

Stockport Council – ‘Turn it Off’ campaign
‘Turn it Off’ anti-idling campaign relaunches for 2023 – Stockport Council

Pension fund continues to ignore fossil fuel questions.

Greater Manchester Pension Fund has continued to stall on answering questions about its investment in fossil fuels – refusing to answer questions from an Oldham Councillor, and having not responded to a motion from Oldham Council for over 18 months.

The Pension Fund, run from Tameside, is the largest of its kind in the UK. The motion, passed in early 2023 called on the fund to divest from fossil fuels, and to produce an annual report detailing its influence on changing the behaviour of fossil fuel companies in which it invests – which it claims is the reason it continues to invest in the environmentally damaging companies.

Liberal Democrat councillor Al-Hamdani said: “There has been deafening silence from the Pension Fund.

“This is a publicly run pension fund, investing millions of pounds of public sector workers’ money into companies which continue to damage the environment. I want to know why they are simply refusing to even talk to an elected councillor about these investments. Not responding is simply not good enough.”

Fallen Tree near Road Knowl (rear of N Brown’s) has now been cleared.

Make sure you claim – Pension Credit.

Liberal Democrat councillor Howard Sykes says: “Please check if you are eligible or if a relative is as many who are do not claim. As well as losing out on benefits pensioners are entitled to they will also now lose the £200-£300 winter fuel payment unless claiming pension credits.”

Nearly 1.4 million elderly individuals across Great Britain, including over 126,800 residing in Scotland, are currently benefiting from the means-tested benefit that could offer an average of £3,900 in support for the upcoming year. Despite this, recent data from the DWP indicates that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.

There’s a common misconception among some elderly people that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for the means-tested benefit. This benefit can also provide assistance with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

Even an award as small as £1 per week can unlock additional support.

Pension Credit supplements weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment.

The quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit

Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.

Alternatively, pensioners can reach out to the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Expert help and advice is also available from:

• Independent Age
• Income Max
• Citizens Advice
• Age UK

Below is a summary of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could potentially receive.

Pension Credit breakdown

Pension Credit is a benefit that provides additional funds to help with living expenses for those over the State Pension age and on a low income. It also opens up access to a variety of other benefits.

The benefit boosts income to a minimum of £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples – more if an individual has a disability or caring responsibilities.

Additional assistance if you receive Pension Credit

If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:

• Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
• Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
• Council Tax discount
• Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment
• A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house

Mixed-aged older couples and Pension Credit

In May 2019, legislation was altered so that a ‘mixed age couple’ – a pair where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not – are deemed to be a ‘working age’ couple when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits.

This implies they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this DWP alteration, a mixed-age couple could have been eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age.

How to use the Pension Credit calculator

To use the calculator on GOV.UK, you will need details of:

• earnings, benefits and pensions
• savings and investments

You’ll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented with a series of questions with multiple-choice answer options.

This includes:

• Your date of birth
• Your residential status
• Where in the UK you live
• Whether you are registered blind
• Which benefits you currently receive
• How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
• Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
• How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
• Any employment earnings
• Any savings, investments or bonds you have

After answering the required questions, a summary screen will display your responses, giving you the opportunity to review and amend any answers before final submission. The Pension Credit calculator will then reveal the potential weekly benefit you could be entitled to.

Following this, simply click on the link that directs you to the application page to discover exactly what you could receive from the DWP, including access to other financial support.

For convenience, there’s an option to print off your responses from the calculator tool. This can assist in speeding up the application process as you won’t need to recall the same details again.

The Pension Credit calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:

• are deferring your State Pension.
• own more than one property.
• are self-employed.
• have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit.

How to make a claim

To make a claim, you can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. Claims can be made any time after reaching State Pension age but can only be backdated for three months.

This means you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.

You will need your National Insurance number to proceed with the application.

Details about your income, savings and investments, as well as your bank account details if you’re applying by phone or post, are required. If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need to provide information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.

You can apply online if you have already claimed your State Pension and there are no children or young people included in your claim. To verify your entitlement, ring the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or utilise the GOV.

To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.

Fallen Tree on footpath from Road Knowl rear of N Brown’s.

One of the many impacts of storm Lilian, this tree fall has been reported.

Victoria station – welding works are taking place on 15 and 29 September:

The work over these two Sundays will begin at 02:00 and finish at 10:00, meaning Metrolink services will not pass through Victoria until after 10:00 on these days.

Further information on service patterns is available on the TfGM website.

https://tfgm.com/

I Need Your Help to Get Action from Greater Manchester Police!

Shaw and Crompton has become a hotspot for anti-social with the use of motorbikes and electric bikes.

There has become a national spike in this type of behaviour, and we are seeing more and more of it on our roads. There is a myth that the Police can’t do anything which is NOT TRUE! The Police will act even when riders are not wearing helmets but only in a targeted approached by trained officers. In fact, Greater Manchester Police has a dedicated team of Officers. 

Criminals are also using these modes of transport to commit further crimes, including drug supply, burglary, and theft. The anti-social use of these vehicles causes misery within communities, impacting on quality of life and posing a danger to those using the region’s roads and open spaces.

Most motorbike, e-bike, and quadbike riders, use their vehicles in a safe and considerate manner and abide by the law. But sadly, there are those that don’t, and this poses a serious risk to not only themselves, but other road users also. 

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations Branch which includes units such as Roads Policing (RPU), Drone and Motorcycle Unit and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) will join neighbourhood teams in turning out to those specific hotspot areas to deter, detect and disrupt offences from taking place.

Working closely with partners across Greater Manchester Police, officers will use up-to-date intelligence to help direct them to areas of concern.

That’s why I need your help! The Police have asked for any instances of this type of anti-social behaviour are reported so that GMP can target Shaw and Crompton like they did in Derker recently.

Please report using 101 or the Live Chat function on GMP’s Website, advice from the Police is to avoid busy times such as Friday and Saturday nights. Ring 999 if danger to life or property.

Contact us | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

I want to help make an example of individuals who continue to use our areas as if it was their own playground.

If you have any information that may help, then please pass it on to the Police.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and if you can help, please report it.