Agenda item

The Leader of the Council acknowledged the exceptional situation, thanking both Members who were able to attend in order to carry out essential business and those who stayed home. He emphasised that everyone was trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

He reported that the vast majority of council meetings have been cancelled, and arrangements have been made for staff to work from home wherever possible. The reason for this meeting still taking place was that there was essential business on the agenda, including the Treasury Management Strategy, which was legally required to be agreed by the end of March.  Members were also required to consider the council’s procedures regarding emergency decision making.

He added that Members had considered taking forward reports due to go to the Extraordinary Council meeting scheduled on the 22^nd April, relating to the Local Plan, but this was not deemed practical.

He reported that as the council cannot legally take remote decisions, this meeting still had to go ahead, but with the minimum quorum of members required for its decisions to be legally binding. It was also ensured that only essential officers were present. He thanked the Cabinet Member Housing for co-ordinating Members and ensuring that the right number were present.

There may well be amendments to local government legislation during the week that allow for remote decision making. He suggested that this would be helpful, but the situation is still developing.

He placed on record his thanks to the council’s staff for their hard work in ensuring that essential services continue. The council has been working closely with the Local Resilience Forum for Gloucester, and the Gloucestershire Community Health Hub was launched last week. CBC is also working closely with the county council.

He added that recent government decisions regarding the definition of ‘shielded’ groups of people are particularly important, as the borough council plays a key role in supporting these groups. Councillors may be asked to help contact people in their area and keep track of what they need.

The provision of food is another key issue. This is the responsibility of food retailers rather than the council, but the council can play a significant role in assisting and enabling this process.

He emphasised that it is a fast-moving situation, and reiterated his thanks to those involved. Children’s play areas have been closed, and this may be spread to cover further council-owned areas in the coming days.

He acknowledged the economic effect of the crisis and drew attention to the financial support provided by the national government, including changes to business rates. The council is compiling a list of those entitled to small business grants of £10,000-£25,000. These payments will be made as soon as the funds are released by the Treasury, which is expected in early April.

The council is working across the board with its local partners to understand their situations and concerns, including the Trust and the Lido. He concluded by stressing that there is no quick way through this crisis, and the council is in for the long haul.