Issue - meetings

That the report be noted and the work being undertaken to recover from the pandemic be endorsed. 

Cabinet considered a report on actions being taken across the Council to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The report outlined the 5 areas of the Recovery Plan:

Reopening Safe, Successful Retail Centres

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Stephen Sweeney, referred to the successful opening of Newcastle town centre and that positive feedback had been received from the Police.  The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg, noted that the town centre was busy and social distancing was being maintained.

Supporting Health and Wellbeing

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, Councillor Helena Maxfield, explained that support remained for homeless people and rough sleepers.  The service was now making preparations for the winter weather including instances of severe weather when the temperature fell below zero. 

Economic Recovery

Councillor Sweeney outlined the focus on longer term recovery through the Future High Streets Fund and Town Deals.  A separate item on the agenda would give more details.

Stepping-up Council Services

The Leader referred to the successful reopening of both J2 and the Brampton Museum, with Covid secure measures in place and limited access to both facilities.   The pool at J2 was out of use due to an issue which was being looked at.   Councillor Sweeney referred to the reintroduction of some Customer Services facilities at Castle House while still offering phone and online services. 

The Portfolio Holder for Waste and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson, reported that he was pleased that there was now an increase in numbers of mourners able to attend funerals while still maintaining social distancing. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth, Councillor Paul Northcott, referred to the excellent performance of the Planning department in determining 100% of planning applications, both majors and minors. 

The Council had taken on a new responsibility for managing any local Covid outbreaks associated with businesses or high risk premises.  The Council had received £50k of Government funding and was expected to take a proactive approach of visiting high risk premises to identify potential issues and help to address them.

Financial Recovery

The current forecast was for a net revenue overspend of £321k this financial year based on an assumption of no further lockdown measures being imposed.  The financial position would continue to be monitored and work was continuing on the development of a financial recovery plan. 

Resolved: That the report be noted and the work being undertaken to recover from the pandemic be endorsed.