A report of the Mayor had been circulated with the agenda.

The Chairman invited members to indicate whether they wished to ask a question of the Mayor.  Councillors Watling, Trebar, Turmaine, Khan, Dhindsa, Bell, Ezeifedi and Smith indicated that they wished to ask questions.

Before responding to members’ questions, Mayor Taylor paid personal tribute to Alan Garside extending sincere condolences to his wife and family. 

Referring to the government’s decision to ease lockdown restrictions on 19 July, the Mayor underlined the ongoing problems associated with Covid 19.  Acknowledging the considerable efforts of many to tackle the coronavirus locally, he encouraged all those eligible to take up the vaccine to afford themselves maximum protection. 

The Mayor wished everyone a pleasant summer break with their families.

1.      Councillor Watling asked if the Mayor had plans to include Gareth Southgate in his cultural recognition plan.  Mr Southgate, who had been born in Watford, had demonstrated great statesmanship during the recent European football tournament.

             The Mayor acknowledged the contribution made by Gareth Southgate and praised his exemplary leadership as England Manager.  He would be happy to discuss suitable recognition with members, but cautioned that the Freedom of the Borough was awarded specifically to those who had made an exceptional contribution to the life of the town.

2.      Following up her written question, Councillor Trebar asked whether the Mayor had any local plans to tackle the racism exhibited in the aftermath of the European football tournament.

             The Mayor concurred that it was important to be ever vigilant to hate crime and racism.  These issues were also taken extremely seriously by the police.  He was happy to work on a cross party basis and invited input and suggestions from all members.  The Mayor underlined that Watford was an open and tolerant town but there was no room for complacency.

3.      Councillor Turmaine asked about progress to achieve accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation, a commitment made previously by the Mayor.

             The Mayor advised that all staff directly employed by Watford Borough Council were paid at least the national living wage, the importance of which should be recognised by all councillors.  This commitment remained integral to all future contracts.  Indeed, the current contract with SLM went above and beyond the legal minimum requirements.  The Mayor noted that the process to achieve formal recognition had been started by the council. 

4.      Councillor Khan noted that local Covid rates and hospitalisations were on the rise.  There also continued to be a small number of deaths.  He asked the Mayor what advice he would give to local entertainment venues about how people should keep safe.

             The Mayor confirmed that local case rates were on the rise: from 76 cases per 100,000 to over 350 cases per 100,000 over the last month.  He noted that 75% of local residents had received at least one vaccine and 55% had received two.  Ongoing work was required to encourage further uptake.  The Mayor lamented the poor leadership of the government in its lockdown easing and the difficulties this presented to local businesses.

5.      Councillor Dhindsa referred to the government’s Restart Grant scheme for businesses.  He questioned whether there was likely to be a surplus and, if so, what the plans were for this.

             The Mayor advised that there would not be a surplus of funds from the scheme; it was vital that all monies were paid out to local businesses some of whom had missed out on earlier allocations.  Officers continued to work tirelessly to distribute the grants to local businesses, including taxi drivers and market traders. 

6.      Councillor Bell asked the Mayor whether it was responsible for the Pryzm nightclub owner to aspire to welcome some 2,000 people at the club in Watford once Covid restrictions were eased. 

The Mayor stated that criticism should be levelled at the government’s poor leadership rather than at local businesses.  The council’s environmental health officers were working strenuously with businesses to encourage safe behaviours and to mitigate the risks of transmission.  It was important that people exercised caution, particularly 18-30 year olds who as a group were less likely to be fully vaccinated against Covid.

7.      Councillor Ezeifedi thanked the Mayor for his update on progress against the recommendations from the scrutiny task group she had chaired earlier in the year.  In a follow-up question, she asked who would chair the One Watford Equality and Diversity Forum and when councillors would be provided with further information on this grouping.

             Mayor Taylor advised that Councillor Dychton was the relevant portfolio holder for this area, but he was happy to have a discussion with all members about the details.  The Mayor agreed to ensure that an update briefing be provided to members on the council’s equality and diversity work.

8.      Councillor Smith noted that the council was running a number of events over the summer.  He questioned what plans the council had in place to keep people safe.

The Mayor underlined that all the planned events were taking place outdoors where the Covid risks were lower.  Additional precautions would be put in place including, the use of track and trace systems, encouraging people to remain in social bubbles and promoting the use of hand sanitiser.  Against this, the Mayor commented that it was important to focus on the positive benefits of attending events on people’s mental health.