This report provides Cabinet with details of the approach we have taken to date and asks for approval of the proposed recovery plan to inform the consolidate and accelerate phases of recovery.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe introduced the item, reminding members that the process had commenced with the June 2020 Cabinet meeting. She commended all those involved in the recovery working groups noting that further input had been provided by members since August. That the recovery plan works with the Council’s corporate plan was noted. The role of communities and partners was stressed and it was announced that surveys and community engagement would soon be commencing.

Councillor Les Caborn thanked officers and staff who had contributed to the working group of which he had been Chair. He observed that priorities 1,2  and 4 were particularly related to the work of his group adding there remains much work to be done.

Councillor Keith Kondakor commended the work of the groups but reminded members that whilst Covid-19 is a major issue, so too is climate change. He added that the work on these two areas should proceed simultaneously.

Councillor Kam Kaur emphasised the need to consider how the Council would work with communities.

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety commended the Fire and Rescue Service for its response to the pandemic. He noted that community groups had provided a great deal of support during this difficult time.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse acknowledged the efforts of those involved in the working groups adding that 94% of members involved with them felt they had been effective. Paragraphs 5.5 and 5.6 of the covering report were singled out as they emphasised the need to align the recovery plan to other core strategies including the child poverty strategy.

Councillor Jeff Clarke reminded the meeting that the list of priorities and actions was not exhaustive. It would be added to as circumstances required.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe closed by recognising that there was some uncertainty around timescales for recovery. This was because the pandemic was changing constantly. She stressed the need to monitor numbers an be sensitive to key moments such as the return to university.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.  approves the Council’s Recovery Plan included as Appendix A, subject to actions being costed and affordability assessed against the available investment funds, with any on-going implications being considered in the Medium Term Financial Strategy refresh for 2021/22 onwards; and

2. approves the next steps for development of the Council Plan for 2021/22.