DECISION

1.    To approve the approach to reconstitution and recovery set out in this report.

2.    To note the estimated impacts on the Council's financial position and recognise the need to ensure that budget sustainability underpins the proposed actions in this report.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (W. TUCKLEY)

(Procurement and Programme Manager (A. Walters)

The Mayor introduced the report setting out the Council’s initial planning around reconstituting and recovery of services. A lot had been learned on new ways of delivering services but equally there were significant financial challenges. It was likely that the Council would look different at the end of the process with increased partnership working, making use of new technological solutions and adapting to new service demands.

During discussion a number of points were noted including that:

·       Schools were thanked for the key role they had played in support vulnerable children and families as well as providing online learning for all pupils.

·       As Council services were restarted, safety would be the Council’s watchword and work was ongoing with staff and unions around safe working practices.

·       The Council was taking care to monitor staff wellbeing.

·       The pandemic was ongoing and would require careful management.

·       The Council was supporting businesses where possible and had worked hard to distribute government grant funding with over 4,700 receiving support.

·       A project was ongoing to enable the area’s Markets to open safely.

·       A large number of ideas were being evaluated to help support pedestrians and cyclists including by widening pavements and improving cycle lanes.

·       The pre-decision scrutiny questions and officer responses were noted.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their hard work and contribution to the debate and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the approach to reconstitution and recovery set out in this report.

2.    To note the estimated impacts on the Council's financial position and recognise the need to ensure that budget sustainability underpins the proposed actions in this report.