Agenda item

The Council's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic Situation

This report updates Cabinet on the Council’s response to the pandemic situation and possible proposals for economic recovery.

Decision:

The Cabinet

 

            RESOLVED

 

            That the report be noted.

Minutes:

The Chairman introduced this report confirming that it provided a formal update on progress on Covid-19 related issues since the last meeting of Cabinet held on 19 October 2020. He outlined that just when some may have thought that the virus was easing, on 5 November everything changed with another National Restriction.  

 

The Chief Executive confirmed that the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (previously known as Shielded) response, was again being led by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) with this Council supporting in any way necessary. Furthermore, East and West Sussex, with Kent and Brighton & Hove Councils had requested a local response to the contact part of the test and trace approach (only) by the Government which may involve the Council being involved in some way in the future.

 

Questions asked covered the administration of the Covid enforcement grant of £75k and the local restrictions support grant to assist those not being able to work due to having to self-isolate, an update was requested in terms of how the Council was managing this. The Chief Executive confirmed that the Council was processing grants for those that were self-isolating and that the Council had received a grant of £75k to cover enforcement or guidance for the public.

 

Congratulations were extended to the Council’s Officers who continued to work long hours in processing the various grants for the benefit of residents and businesses as well as dealing with all aspects of the Council.  It was reported that the Council’s Revenues and Benefits section had to date dealt with claims totalling more than £30m in addition to the normal day job.

 

 

Other questions raised by non-Cabinet Councillors related to the work of the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB) in terms of the Arundel Chord and its importance in allowing economic vitality and resilience for the Brighton mainline routes between London and Brighton as such a route would allow trains from Brighton to get to London via the south coast. They have confirmed lobbying for the Brighton man line but not for the Arundel Chord.   As the Council paid to be a member of the Greater Brighton Economic Board assurance was sought that the Council continued to lobby for this vital piece of infrastructure. Reassurance was given that the Arundel Chord had been raised at virtually every meeting. 

 

Further questions raised related to the Covid-19 current grant applications.  Although the work completed to date was acknowledged it was fact that small businesses faced hard challenges and many representations were being forwarded to Ward Councillors on this issue. Was the portal now open for businesses to be able to claim small business grants and when would businesses be able to apply?  Also, what were the timescales for getting applications out, it was felt that this process needed to be speeded up. It was explained that following the Government’s announcement local Councils were putting together the criteria across West Sussex and that the two parts to this process would hopefully go live this week.

 

There was concern that some businesses were flouting lockdown rules by continuing to trade.  It was confirmed that Trading Standards and Licensing Officers were continuing to look into these issues but that their work did rely upon solid information and evidence being provided.

 

The Cabinet

 

            RESOLVED

 

That the actions taken to date be noted.  

 

The Cabinet confirmed its decision as per Decision Notice C/027/16112020, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of the Minutes.

 

Supporting documents: