Decision Maker: Andy Brown (Corporate Director Resources & Deputy Chief Executive)
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
To approve the allocation of Contain Outbreak
Management Fund received to the end of December.
This decision would in other circumstances be
taken by Cabinet. However, in circumstances where the Cabinet is
unable to meet to expedite its functions in a timely manner during
the COVID-19 pandemic, this decision is being taken in accordance
with the power referred to in paragraph 1 above in consultation
with the Leader and other members of the Corporate Leadership Team.
This decision will be reported to the next meeting of the
Cabinet.
The Council has received £5m of funding to the end of
December from Government for use to help reduce the spread of
coronavirus and support local public health. Proposals. Further
funding is also expected to follow. The allocation of the £5m
of funding is set out at Appendix 1.
I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the
following in line with Wiltshire Council’s
Constitution:
Key decision requirements: Yes. This is the allocation of £5m
of funding so is a key decision.
Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area
board(s): Yes. Consultation has taken place with the Leader of the
Council who is supportive of the allocation of funding.
Consultation with local members (as appropriate): NA
Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist
for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local
councillors and area boards in decisions about local services:
NA
Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or
procedure: Yes
Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of
consultation with the public: Yes
Range of options available: A range of options have been considered
for the allocation of funding developed with input from Directors
across the council. The use of funding has been prioritised on the
basis of public health advice on reducing infections.
Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes. The proposal has
been developed with input from HR, finance teams and advice from
the monitoring officer. Staff from existing teams working on
project delivery will have time recharged to COMF fund.
Evidence of due regard having been given to the Public Sector
Equality Duty: Yes. The funding is targeted on supporting those in
society who are most vulnerable – for example, provision is
included for facilities on gypsy and traveller sites and laptops
made available to pupils without, many of whom could be
disproportionately from BME backgrounds.
Risk assessment: Yes. The funding has been allocated to target
areas at highest risk of transmission during the latest
lockdown.
Involvement of statutory officers and/or directors: Yes. The
proposal has been developed with input from HR, finance teams and
advice from the monitoring officer – and crucially with the
advice and support of the Director of Public Health.
Regional or national guidance from other bodies: The allocation of
funding is consistent with central government guidance on the
COMF.
The council’s constitution: Yes. This decision is an officer
decision made under emergency powers.
This contract is suitable for execution under the e-signature
process: N/A
6There is no option to withhold funding as
this would be inconsistent with central government advice.
Consultation took place with a range of officers in developing
these proposals and there is scope to fund other projects not
considered in this round in further months.
Conflict of Interest: Not applicable.
Background: Pursuant to paragraph 4 of Part 3 Section D, the Directors of Wiltshire Council are is empowered to take all necessary decisions in cases of emergency. This decision is being taken by Andy Brown, Corporate Director of Resources, using these powers in circumstances where the Director concerned believes that there is a risk of damage to property, a threat to the health or wellbeing of an individual and/or that the interests of the Council may be compromised if this decision is not otherwise taken.
Contact: Andy Brown, Corporate Director Resources & Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Director of Resources, and S151 Officer Email: andy.brown@wiltshire.gov.uk.
Publication date: 27/01/2021
Date of decision: 07/01/2021
Accompanying Documents: