Minutes:
The Leader and the Chief Executive gave a presentation that detailed the ways that East Herts Council had responded to the ongoing situation regarding Coronavirus. The Leader referred to the pandemic milestones and said that the process of moving into phase three and the exit and into recovery would be the subject of a very long discussion.
The Leader referred in detail to the Council’s phase one response back in March. She congratulated Officers on the transition to homeworking in what for some had been very difficult circumstances. She said that the public had not been aware of any break in service during the transition to full homeworking.
The Chief Executive praised the huge effort that had gone into moving Officers to homeworking at very short notice without any significant drops in service. He referred to the work that had been undertaken with the County Council in supporting vulnerable people during the lockdown. He said that the basic systems held up well and the core services were able to keep running. Members were advised that East Herts Council had arranged for 24 rough sleepers to be accommodated in temporary hotel accommodation.
The Chief Executive commented at length about the support the Council had given to local business in terms of retail reliefs and business grants, as well as advice in respect of operating safely within the government guidance. This had included regular weekend visits to business by Environmental Health Officers and the Police when pubs were allowed to re-open. He said that staff had been asked to complete a Health and Wellbeing Survey and this would be repeated and a range of media was being used to keep in touch with Officers.
The Leader commented on the wider countywide role of the Council and the various operations and forums that were active during the phase one response. She referred in particular to the work of the Community Reassurance Cell and summarised phase two controls and priorities for July to December 2020.
The Chief Executive said that some successful town centre groups had been formed with input from Hertfordshire County Councils, Town Councils, the Police and other groups to create safe spaces for shopping and to support local business. He referred to the economic impact of the current situation for East Herts and local business.
The Leader referred to changing behaviours of customers in terms of increased digital engagement being the biggest legacy of lockdown. She also commented on a number of budgetary pressures including a monthly loss of income of £800,000. The Leader referred to the MTFP budgetary gap of £4m and the need to make net savings of £1m per year for the next two years and £2m for the 2023/24.
The Leader commented on the need for discussions about “agile work” going forward as well the importance of cross departmental working. She presented some facts and figures in terms of the numbers of cases in East Herts as at 2 November 2020. The Chief Executive talked about the Council’s priorities between now and the end of phase two and summarised a number of reflections for the Council from the last eight months.
Following the presentation, Members asked a number of questions of the Leader and the Chief Executive. Members received the presentation.
RESOLVED – that the presentation be received.