IF ever there was an hour that showed the wide gulf between Conservatives and Labour in Harlow then it was their disagreement over the wording of a cost of living motion on Thursday night.

Harlow Labour leader, Cllr Chris Vince tabled the motion (see below).

However, the Conservatives tabled a number of amendments.

There followed a number of bitter exchanges. However, the Tories won out as they had a majority of councillors.

Proposed by Councillor Chris Vince and seconded by Councillor Tony Edwards:

“This Council recognises the impact high inflation, particularly of food and fuel prices, is and will continue to have on the people of Harlow.

This Council notes:

                      i)        The strong strategic lead other councils across the country are providing in practically addressing fuel and food poverty issues;

                     ii)        That Harlow has some of the most deprived wards in Essex;

                   iii)        That the cost-of-living crisis is also hitting the wider Harlow community particularly hard, with people worried as to how they will pay their food, fuel, rent or mortgage bills; and

                   iv)        That winter is weeks away.

This Council will:

                      i)        By use of its own resources and through working closely with others, ensure that easily accessible places are available where people can be warm and get advice and support this winter;

                     ii)        Ensure that all residents are aware of what support is available by the end November; and

                   iii)        Write to the Rt. Hon. Robert Halfon MP, and the appropriate Secretary of State to request any additional government funding required to enable the Council to fund “warm spaces” and address fuel and poverty issues strategically and practically within the Town.”