Report of the Group Head of Transformation

This report provides information about the council’s planning and response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cabinet received a report of the Group Head of Transformation which provided an update on the council’s planning and response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Mayor thanked the council’s officers for carrying out a difficult job.  Their response had been very impressive.  Some officers had been redeployed to other roles to support the response to the pandemic.

The Managing Director presented the report.  She advised that the council was at the forefront of support for the town’s community.  She had held regular meetings with Cabinet and the leader of the opposition.  The council was starting to focus on the new ‘normal’.  She said that she was incredibly proud of the staff and their achievements, showing a diligence and commitment to hard work and supporting the local community during a challenging period.

The portfolio holders highlighted some of the work being carried out by the services under their responsibilities.  The portfolio holders and Councillor Bell thanked the services and paid particular tributes to Veolia, Housing and the Head of Community Protection.  It was noted that other services in the council, although not directly impacted by the response to Coronavirus, continued to progress their work.

Councillor Bell referred to the objectives that had been set out in paragraph 7.6 of the report.  He asked whether these had changed or if any more would be added.  In addition he enquired about the support provided to vulnerable people.

Members were advised that the objectives set out in the report had been established at the outset.  As the council moved forward those objectives changed or were flexed.  As the council continued more focus would move now to recovery. It was important to ensure they were flexible and responded to daily government advice and the community’s needs.

The vulnerable members of the community were supported through two different cells.  The county council predominantly supported those who had been shielded.  District councils provided additional support and had contacted people on the list to discover if the individual needed support.  Other vulnerable people were supported with a range of activities with the council working in partnership with the Watford and Three Rivers Trust.  Over 1,000 people had volunteered to support the vulnerable.  The council had developed an evidence base to ensure all those who needed support were given that support.  The members had recently been sent a guide that provided information to enable them to signpost their constituents to the support available.

Councillor Bell was concerned about adverse community impacts, for example the impact on the BAME community, those over 70 or with underlying health issues.

The Mayor referred to the leaflet the council had distributed to every household in the borough.  The Group Head of Corporate Strategy and Communications added that it was nationally recognised that the BAME community appeared to be suffering disproportionately.  A breakdown was not available for those in Watford with the virus.  The council had worked closely with the Muslim community, with help from Councillor Khan.  Information had been distributed and materials translated.

RESOLVED –

that the contents of the report be noted.