Agenda item

The Leader of the Council to submit a report outlining work undertaken by the Council and other partners to date, in responding to the threat posed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and setting out on-going work being undertaken to ensure that all possible steps are taken to prepare and respond to the challenges arising.

Cabinet CONSIDERED and ACKNOWLEDGED the work undertaken to date by the Council, in response to COVID-19.

Councillor Joe Orson, Leader of the Council introduced the report, which outlined work undertaken by the Council and other partners to date, in responding to the threat posed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and set out ongoing work being undertaken to ensure that all possible steps were taken to prepare and respond to the challenges arising.

Before giving a summary of the report, Edd de Coverly, Chief Executive reiterated the Leader’s comments about Sharon Ward and extended his personal condolences to Sharon’s family, friends and colleagues.

In summarising the report, Mr. de Coverly confirmed that the Council supported the Government’s ‘stay home, stay safe’ message.  Holding ‘remote meetings’ was an example of the Council undertaking its business differently as a result of public health messages.

Mr. de Coverly advised that thoughts were with  those directly effected by the COVID-19 crisis, as well as respect and gratitude to the NHS, carers and key workers.

Mr. de Coverly acknowledged  the work of the Assistant Director for Planning and Delivery in ensuring good preparation and business continuity during the crisis.

Council efforts had been increased on 13 March, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.  To comply with the Government’s ‘stay safe, stay at home’ guidance, 75% of the Council’s workforce were working from home and continued to provide effective service delivery.  Staff who remained at their usual places of work had been subject to risk assessments and personal protective equipment (PPE) was in place for them.  The Council had redeployed a number of staff to assist in priority functions and the vast majority of Council services were operational.  Leisure and community centres had been closed in accordance with Government guidance.  Emergency repairs to council homes were being prioritised and landlord health and safety compliance functions had been adapted, in response to the crisis (in line with the Regulator).  All waste collections were fully operational, with the exception of bulky waste collections.  Playgrounds had been closed but parks were open.  Carparks were free to support NHS and other key workers.

Mr. de Coverly thanked the Director for Governance and Regulatory Services, the Democratic Services Manager and their team for working to maintain the Council’s democratic functions.  The Council’s first remote meeting had been held on 9 April and preparations were underway for the Council’s Annual Meeting on 14 May.

Mr. de Coverly highlighted the work of the Deputy Chief Executive (and Director for People and Communities), the Director for Housing and Communities, the Housing and Neighbourhoods Manager and the People Manager to facilitate direct support to those in the community effected during the crisis.  This included delivery of nearly 500 food parcels and over 100 prescriptions.  The Council had worked in partnership with local community groups and volunteers (Melton Learning Hub, Community Action Melton, Melton Vineyard).

Mr. de Coverly took the opportunity to express special thanks to the Deputy Chief Executive (and Director for People and Communities), advising that sadly, the Deputy Chief Executive’s 30 years of service with the Council was ending but that he left an enviable legacy, which was highlighted by his work during the crisis and which embodied his people-centred approach.

Mr. de Coverly highlighted the work of the Corporate Improvement Manager, the Regeneration Manager and the Revenues and Benefits Manager and their teams to support local businesses.  Approximately £6.6m in grant funding had been issued to 535 businesses and work to identify the remaining 400 local business which may be eligible for funding continued.

The Council had undertaken to maintain regular communication with residents and businesses during the crisis.  It continued to deal with enquiries efficiently and had sent letters to all household in the Borough, detailing the Council’s response and useful sources of information.  The Hr and Communications Manager and Customer Services Lead and their teams had demonstrated great care, professionalism and efficiency in this work.

The Director for Corporate Services and Corporate Services Manager and their team had worked to direct the Council’s resources and ensure Government followed through on its commitment to support the Council.

Mr. de Coverly advised that as well as having focus on its response to the crisis, the Council was considering Melton’s recovery.  The Director for Growth and Regeneration was working to begin this process, looking at how the Council would support the community and economy.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Members commented that for many, the Council was seen as the fourth emergency service.  They were pleased with the work the Council had undertaken and thanked officers and their teams for the incredible team spirit they had demonstrated.

·         Members commented on the public’s positive response to this work in, particular that of the Community Hub, delivery of prescriptions and groceries, sending of letters to every household in the Borough, waste collections and free car parking

·         The Council continued to advocate for local business in respect of Government funding.

·         Inevitably, there would be considerable financial implications for the Council as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the Council’s high level service provision during the emergency.

·         Members thanked Councillor Bindloss for his work on local food parcels.

·         Members commented that Melton’s community and business hubs had been set up very quickly, in response to the emergency and they encouraged those who needed help and support to contact these hubs.  They thanked community volunteers for their work.

·         It was clarified that 91% of eligible businesses who had applied for grant funding had been processed.

Cabinet CONSIDERED and ACKNOWLEDGED the work undertaken to date by the Council, in response to COVID-19.