Cost of living crisis: Lewes District Council accused of 'posturing' after announcing emergency

Conservatives on Lewes District Council stated at a cabinet council meeting on Monday (July 18) that the council was ‘grandstanding’ after leader James MacCleary announced he would write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask for a reduction in the rate of VAT to 17.5% from 20%.

Isabelle Linington, Lewes Conservative group leader, said: “It is such a pity that the Lib-Dems and their alliance partners are more interested in using local council meetings for grandstanding and national campaigning than finding practical, local solutions for our residents.”

The deputy leader of the council, councillor Zoe Nicholson, said the Conservatives claims were ‘absolute nonsense’.

Councillor Nicholson said: “Councillor Linington is spouting absolute nonsense.

“We have just agreed £750,000 for residents who need support. Every proposal we put forward to give people practical help, the Conservatives have voted against it.

“They voted against a 100% council tax discount for the most in need, they voted against creating a support fund for our tenants, they voted against a fund for foodbanks and they voted against £350,000 for some of the most vulnerable people in the district.”

The Conservatives sought to amend two Notices of Motion put at the meeting – but their efforts were voted down.

Councillor Linington said: “There is much we can and should be doing to help residents, rather than posturing.

"It’s a great shame that this council does not recognise what is being done nationally and work alongside this to further enhance the lives of those in the district.”

Lewes District Council has declared a cost-of-living emergency on Monday, a motion proposed by councillor Robert Banks, who described the current price rises and inflation as a ‘perfect storm’ for local residents.

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As well as a VAT reduction, councillor MacCleary will also ask for an immediate return of the £20 Universal Credit supplement and the reversal of cuts to Working Tax Credit.

Councillor Nicholson continued: “The only people playing politics with the lives of residents is Isabelle Linington and her Conservative colleagues.

“They clearly have no idea what the cost-of-living crisis means for local families.”