Issue - meetings

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor David Tutt

(Non-key decision):

To note the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, updating them on the establishment and operation of a Community Hub and other changes in business operation to respond to community needs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Cabinet paid tribute to council staff, councillors, the business and voluntary sector and wider community for their response to the pandemic.

An array of council schemes had been rapidly implemented with positive impact for residents and businesses, such as setting up a community hub to distribute thousands of food parcels to vulnerable people, the Business Grants Portal going live and undertaking daily welfare calls to tenants in sheltered accommodation and calls to all tenants over the age of 69.

The Director of Service Delivery updated the Cabinet, confirming that at present, 1,444 businesses had taken advantage of the small businesses grant scheme, equating to over £18 million. In addition to this, £25 million of business rate relief had been delivered to businesses since March.

Further details of the response, including support for council staff and redeployment during the pandemic were contained in the report.

Thanks were conveyed to the District Councils’ Network and Local Government Association for their continued representation to central government on behalf of local authorities across the United Kingdom.

Councillor Shuttleworth declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item. He remained present and took part in discussions during this item.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note the report

Reason for decision:

The Community Hub has been an important part of the council’s response to the Covid 19 pandemic locally and the report updated the Cabinet on progress, performance and next steps in this work. The report also provides a summary of the impact of the pandemic across the council’s business, focusing on the support provided to staff and on those areas most affected by current circumstances.