Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Protecting Core Services said the Covid-19 pandemic had impacted upon all the council services and staff had continued to deliver services to the community in exceptional circumstances.  He noted that the public had also been very tolerant when contacting the council and councillors.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Legal Services noted that whilst council services had continued additional work had been undertaken like the Hub delivering food parcels to residents who were shielding, in hardship or vulnerable, supported children entitled to school meals, and, provided shelter to the homeless,  administered £1.7m in discretionary grants to local businesses and £35m grants to businesses.   He also noted the other partnership working which had progressed and the impact which the lockdown had on Council finances as income had fallen by £7,283k and costs had increased by £2,117k. However, the Council had contingency reserves put aside as required for their Prudential Reserve figure, to ensure essential services were provided when income was affected.  Some of the additional work undertaken relating to the setting up of the Hub and assisting the homeless would be refunded by the Government but the overall impact was likely to be £7,396k.

During discussion the following points were made:-

·         Thanks to the staff for their additional work during the Covid-19 crisis.

·         Economic Development had been working with local businesses to re-open high streets safely.

·         Although there was some lost rent on the Council’s commercial  investments it was less than initially thought by staff working with the tenants.

·         The Council now had responsibility for pavement licensing to encourage businesses, particularly those serving food, to operate outside to help their recovery.

The Section 151 Officer confirmed that the Council had mitigating reserves to cover the loss of income and further Government funding was expected shortly.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee advised that the Section 151 officer had attended their meeting earlier that week and answered their questions relating to Tourism, the Hub, Building Control income, the payment of Business Rates to Central Government, Bereavement Services, support for Town & Parish Councils, LED and Westlands and the Octagon Theatre.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to note the contents of the report.