Issue - meetings

To consider the most recent report on the Council’s response to Covid-19 as prepared and presented to the Council’s Corporate Policy Committee.

Jane Burns, Executive Director of Corporate Services and presented the report to the Committee.

The Committee were advised that the report was retrospective and had been presented to Corporate Policy Committee.  The key highlights included the fact that Cheshire East had extremely high infection rates, which is worrying, although there had been positive vaccination and booster uptake in 80% of the borough with some low pockets of younger people in Crewe.  Pop up clinics and walk in vaccination centres had been scheduled for areas within Crewe to address this point.  There had been business grants made available to support eligible business in hospitality and leisure sector.  The Contain Outbreak Management Fund had now been extended into 2022/23.

The Committee reflected on comments in the report on known issues with delays within the planning department.  The Finance, risk and governance issues were of concern to this Committee.  Currently the Executive Director of Place was leading a deep dive review of the Planning Department, in tandem with a Member Advisory Panel chaired by Councillor Tony Dean reporting to the Environment and Communities Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the ongoing implications of Covid-19 and Cheshire East Council’s response be received and noted.

To receive a Covid-19 update report.

The Committee considered an update report on the Covid-19 pandemic and the response of Cheshire East Council.

The Executive Director of Corporate Services advised that the report had been published before the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, had become a variant of concern. The Government had since announced new restrictions including the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops, some other settings, and on public transport. Pupils in secondary schools were  being advised to wear face coverings in communal areas, an approach that Cheshire East Council had already taken locally. There had also been new requirements as regards self-isolation, new restrictions on international travel, and an extension of the vaccination booster programme.

Infection rates in the Borough remained high. The Council continued to provide public messaging around the need for vaccination and testing, and the need to exercise caution in public places.

The Executive Director drew attention to the new household support fund to which members were able to make referrals. She also advised that there were no major issues with staff absences. The report also provided an updated financial position and included details of the ongoing support for local businesses.

The information on the Council’s website would be updated regularly to reflect the developing situation.

Members asked about the continuing backlog of planning applications. The Chair drew attention to the relevant section of the report. A number of measures were being taken to address the issue but it was likely to take about 12 months to resolve.

Concern was expressed that applications for recovery and growth grant were to close after 17^th December. The Chief Executive undertook to arrange a written response to members regarding the take-up and capacity of the grant. The Chair asked that further publicity for the grant be arranged.

RESOLVED

That the ongoing implications of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Council’s response be noted.