Issue - meetings

This report provides Cabinet with an update on progress on the delivery of the Covid 19 recovery plan and proposals for the future coordination of associated activity.

Portfolio Holder – Councillor Isobel Seccombe

Councillor Izzi Seccombe introduced the report reminding members that the COVID-19 recovery plan had been produced in the summer of 2020. Short life member working groups had been very successful in developing a way forward. Since then, a great deal of work had been undertaken by council staff, communities and partners. A fifth recommendation expressing Cabinet’s thanks to staff was proposed and agreed.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse echoed the comments of Councillor Seccombe. Staff, he said, are now tired and whilst Microsoft Teams has been of great use it has also served to apply greater pressure to staff members. Councillor Roodhouse considered that recommendation 3 is key. COVID will not go away and people need to be prepared for this. COVID needs to be moved from the exception into everyday business.

Councillor Heather Timms welcomed the proposed additional recommendation. She commended the Local Welfare Fund for its achievements especially with regards to free school meals and also the Green Shoots initiative which had been showcased at COP26 by the LGA.

Councillor Kam Kaur thanked staff for their efforts during the Pandemic. The council, she stated, had performed well during a difficult time.

Councillor Judy Falp commended ICT for the timely roll out of Microsoft 365. In addition, she thanked Monica Fogarty (Chief Executive) for the way in which she had kept everyone informed.

Councillor Any Jenns supported the additional recommendation noting how quickly staff were able to adapt to agile working.

Councillor Andy Crump observed how partners displayed a can-do attitude abandoning silos to get the job done.

Monica Fogarty assured Cabinet that their message of thanks will be relayed to staff. She concluded by observing that members’ preparedness to step back and allow the staff to do their jobs was to be commended.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1. Notes the progress made on the implementation of the Council's COVID-19 Recovery Plan;

2. Supports the inclusion of the ongoing themes identified in section 2 of the report below in the development of the refreshed Council Plan 2022-2027;

3. Notes that actions that require a continued focus at Council level will be included in the Integrated Delivery Plan which will accompany the Council Plan (paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5); and

4. Gives approval to the publication of a document that summarises the impact of COVID-19 on Warwickshire and the progress contained in the

report as part of the public communications for the new Council Plan.

5. Recognises and thanks all staff for their tremendous hard work and commitment to the people of Warwickshire during the Covid-19 Pandemic.