Agenda item

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

Cabinet

            RESOLVED

            That the actions taken to date be noted.

The Chairman, as Leader of the Council, introduced this report explaining that it provided the most recent collation of issues around the Council and the District’s position on the Coronavirus pandemic.  It related particularly to the 4 January 2021 Lockdown and since the last cabinet meeting on 11 January 2021.

It was reported that Officers had again set up a weekly Emergency Management Team to oversee issues that arose quickly, and thanks were extended to the sterling work of that team of Officers, who were working over and above their normal duties.  The Chairman outlined that he and the Chief Executive had continued with the weekly briefings to all Members and the Council’s partner organisations, which he hoped were still helpful.  Any feedback on how to improve the briefings would be most welcome.  At this point and in view of some emails received from Councillors, the Chairman provided some further information on the Community Champions Fund.

Finally, the Chairman confirmed that locally, Arun’s Covid prevalence remained high, but it was slowly improving, and he thanked the public for their diligence.  The Chief Executive then added some additional points – these were that:

·         The Council had had to change its position on skateparks when the guidance changed overnight;

·         It continued to look after rough sleepers, who were very vulnerable anyway, and that the Council would be proactively working with them to assist them;

·         Environmental Health had been working with businesses that remained open to ensure the safety of their staff and customers;

·         That the report included an update on the numerous grants that the Council continued to administer for the Government; and

·         To re-emphasise that pressure on staff remained very high as they managed the demands of Covid-19 whilst undertaking the day to day job.

A range of questions were asked.  Firstly, in providing some feedback, a request was made for the report to provide more information on Covid Marshalls in terms of where they operated which was provided by the Chief Executive.  Looking at Appendix A, and the grants received by the Council, it would be helpful to know how much had been paid out on top of what had been received.  It was felt that this might urge those who were entitled to grants to apply for them when perhaps they had not claimed in the past to avoid missed opportunities.

The Chairman responded confirming that the weekly report issued to all Councillors jointly from him and the Chief Executive did indicate how much had been paid out by each grant headline.  Councillors were reminded that the rules on closing dates for entitlement were not set by the Council but by Central Government and so flexibility could not be applied if a deadline had been missed. The Chief Executive confirmed that on the issue of grants, he would look to see if any changes could be made in terms of showing the most accurate picture. On the issue of Covid Marshalls, an update was provided by the Group Head of Technical Services.  Returning to the Covid grants [Appendix A] a request was made to provide more commentary and for those that contained no details. The Chairman confirmed that he would liaise with the Chief Executive to ensure that information would be provided.

Following some further questions regarding the 3D street art at Littlehampton and where the funding for this project had come from, the Cabinet

            RESOLVED

            That the report and actions to date be noted.

The Cabinet confirmed its decision as per Decision Notice C/054/0802021, a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of the Minutes.