Issue - meetings

To consider the Cabinet report on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Committee considered the March 2021 Cabinet report on the Covid-19 Update on Response and Recovery.

The Executive Director Corporate Services and the Director of Finance and Customer Service provided an update at the meeting and reported that there had been a positive start for pupils returning to schools, with an attendance rate of 98% in primary schools and 80% attendance overall.  The infections levels in Cheshire East had continued to fall since the report was written and now stood at around 70 per 100,000.  The Council continued to do well with the processing of the discretionary and mandatory business grants, with the Council being in the top 5% of authorities for mandatory grants and the top 13% for discretionary grants in terms of both the number of payments made and their value.  The Government had announced their budget and the changes in business rates were being implanted. Additional funding had been received included new burden funding which would allow the administration of the changes with financial impact on the Council.

RESOLVED:

That the Covid-19 Update be noted.

To consider an update report on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cabinet considered an update report on the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Leader reported that the rate of cases in Cheshire East had fallen further since the report was written and was now under 70 per 100,000. He also reported that the number of hospital admissions had fallen significantly, which he attributed to the vaccination programme. He thanked all those involved with the vaccination programme, both medical professionals and volunteers.

The Leader also reported that following the throttling back of the vaccination supply in Cheshire East by the Government to enable other areas to catch up, the supply in Cheshire East was once again increasing and the over 55s should shortly be receiving a letter offering them a vaccination.

The Deputy Leader added that the Alderley Park mass vaccination centre was currently delivering 650 vaccinations a day, with an expectation to increase this to 1,000 vaccinations a day by the end of the month.

The Deputy Leader also reported that with regard to support grants to eligible businesses, the Council was in the top 5% of authorities for mandatory grants and the top 13% for discretionary grants in terms of both the number of payments made and their value. He thanked the officers and in particular the Business Support Team.

Councillor A Critchley asked if the Council was issuing fines for non-attendance at school. The Portfolio Holder for Children and Families responded that this had not occurred yet but that it could if the Department for Education directed that such action be taken. She undertook to provide a written response if requested.

Following a request by Councillor J Clowes, the Leader agreed to include information on the care market in future reports.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet notes the issues outlined in the report.