Agenda item

Kathryn Hall, Chief Executive introduced the report.  She highlighted that the report understated the issues faced by the Council and the community over past 12 weeks.  The dynamic and fast-moving pace from the start of the pandemic probably meant the Council and its partners needed to constantly evaluate responses to the crisis.  Members were advised that since the report had been drafted there had been many changes, including the introduction of the new test and trace service, further changes in support to local businesses, and the need to undertake work to comply with Government guidance for safe urban spaces and town centres.  

The Leader confirmed the  significant impact of the pandemic on everyone nationally and sent condolences to the families of those residents of Mid  Sussex who have lost their lives.  He thanked the key workers across the District. He confirmed the role of the Council in the emergency response and thanked all council staff for their part in providing support to the community and for the delivery of key services.  He highlighted key aspects of the work undertaken by the Council (as outlined in the report). He confirmed that the Council has been in regular contact with stake holders and local MPs.  The Leader highlighted the significant challenge in the months ahead given the financial impact of the crisis on the Council.  He stated that the Council was currently experiencing reductions in income of between £600k and £700k per month.

The Deputy Leader noted the future detrimental impact of the pandemic on the Council and highlighted the increased use of the Council’s website and virtual channels for communications.  She asked whether these alternative modes of communication were providing the residents and businesses with all the information they needed. 

Simon Hughes, Head of Digital and Customer Services noted that people were turning more towards on-line services for information by using social media and web sites.  He confirmed the Council is ensuring it is still effective in assisting people who are in crisis and unable to use on line services. 

The Cabinet Member for Community welcomed the report and noted the partnership working with the Sussex Resilience Forum, and West Sussex County Council on the Hub to protect shielded people.  He confirmed ongoing work on the issue of rough sleepers.  He asked about the impact on the Council’s staff and he expressed concern of the financial impact on the pandemic on the Council.   He noted the priority was to protect frontline services, to support businesses and community, and the vulnerable and shielded people.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning noted the work to support rough sleepers during the crisis, and the importance of this work going forwards.

The Leader acknowledged the community spirit in Mid Sussex.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services  noted that all teams had gone above and beyond in these exceptional circumstances.  She expressed concerns for the future impact on the Council’s finances which was unknown.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery highlighted that the pandemic has changed the way the staff work, and they have demonstrated resilience in relation to the challenges. 

Several Cabinet Members praised the officers and staff for their hard work.

The Chief Executive thanked the Members for their comments and noted that all staff had shown their heroic capabilities and the Management Team was very grateful for their commitment.  Staff welfare is always a priority and staff are being supported to adapt to new ways of working through regular contact and communication to prevent isolation.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth highlighted the Council’s communications during the crisis and highlighted the challenges of supporting vulnerable people. He also noted the support given to the local economy.

The Leader confirmed that it is vital that that people have the support they need and noted that many agencies and community groups are currently involved in providing this support.

The Leader took the Members to the recommendations contained in the report, which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet noted the contents of the report.