Decision details

Councillor Seccombe introduced the published report explaining that it was one of a suite of three for consideration by Cabinet on Covid-19 recovery. Officers across the council were commended for their ongoing hard work and ability to adapt to new ways of working. Particular mention was made of the proposal to establish four short-life member working groups that will focus on how recovery from the current pandemic can be optimised.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) expressed his group’s broad support for the principles and processes set out in the report. The matter, he stated, was complex and pace would be required if the working groups were to achieve their aims. A major concern for Councillor Roodhouse was the impact of the pandemic on learning. There already exist significant gaps around poverty. It would be necessary, he suggested, to review the child poverty strategy in the light of current circumstances.

Councillor Maggie O’Rourke emphasised the need to give thought to health and well-being issues as well as to the economy. Waiting lists at hospitals are already under pressure and a second Covid-19 spike could see a serious further depletion of services.

Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) drew Cabinet’s attention to the diagram on page 16 adding that it illustrated the complexity and interrelationships of the issues to be addressed. She stressed the need for Councillors to make a useful contribution to the ongoing work.

Councillor Helen Adkins (Deputy leader of the Labour Group) thanked the meeting for its comments regarding Councillor Bill Olner and for its support for Councillor Chattaway. She welcomed the proposals as set out in the report and looked forward to contributing to their implementation.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1)             approves the proposed recovery objectives and principles as set out in paragraph 2.2 of the report;

2)             approves the revised Council Change Portfolio as set out in paragraph 2.6 of the report;

3)             supports the approach to partnership working at regional, sub-regional and county level, and approves the joint recovery statement (Appendix A);

4)             authorises the Chief Executive to commence the activity required to develop a recovery plan for presentation to Cabinet in September, with associated delivery plans; and

5)             approves the establishment of four time-limited cross-party Member working groups aligned to the four recovery themes set out in paragraph 2.6.3 and chaired by the relevant Portfolio Holder, with nominations for membership to be sought from Group Leaders.