Agenda item

Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

The Leader presented the report which provided an update on Wiltshire Council’s response to the pandemic and its plans for recovery, building on previous reports to Cabinet in May and June 2020.

Questions were received from Chris Caswill about the Recovery Plan, Local Outbreak Management Plan and Health Select Committee.

The Leader acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

The Leader explained that as restrictions are lifted in line with the government’s roadmap and based on the latest scientific advice, Wiltshire Council has developed a Local Outbreak Management Plan to support test, track and trace measures and has worked closely with partner agencies to develop a Recovery Plan for the county. The Recovery Plan will ensure the most vulnerable in the community are supported, provide help to local communities and businesses and implement a range of measures to support health and wellbeing. Plans are being put in place to support the reopening of services such as libraries and leisure where it is safe to do so and the Council are providing support and guidance to schools and early years settings to support more children to return safely and adjust to new government guidance.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chair of the Wiltshire COVID-19 Response Task Group reported on the role of the Task Group and its membership. He explained that the Task Group received very detailed information about the Councils response to the COVID-19 situation, and it was hoped that Scrutiny would re-commence from September 2020.  

In response to comments and questions about the costs associated with the recovery plan and PPE; support for family members visiting Care Homes; the impact of COVID-19 on Care Home staffing levels and availability of medication; experiences from Salisbury about economic recovery following the nerve agent incidents; and economic recovery to include consideration of Brexit issues for local businesses; the Leader commented that costs associated with the recovery phase were not clear at this stage, resources would be directed as appropriate and costs would become clearer over time, especially with further funding being announced by government; further government guidance is awaited for the visiting of Care Homes, the impact on Care Home staff and availability of medication; supports a report being prepared on economic recovery in Salisbury to be shared with Town and Parish Councils; assurances received that issues surrounding Brexit would be included in any future recovery plan for Wiltshire.          

Resolved:

1.    Note the development of the Local Outbreak Management Plan;

2.    Note the extensive work undertaken to reopen, reconfigure and develop services; and

3.    Endorse the proposed approach to recovery as set out in the Recovery Plan

Reason for Decision

The Local Outbreak Management Plan and the RCG Recovery Plan represent

important steps forward in our ambition to contain and mitigate the effects of

the pandemic – and build back better. The Plans require the support of a range of partners and the public to ensure the successful delivery of their objectives.