Issue - meetings

As we move into a period of easing restrictions and existing lockdown in line with the Government’s Spring 2021 Plan, the purpose of this report is to set out the latest Public Health information about Covid-19 and update Cabinet on the strategic and sensitive issues arising from the extensive response and recovery work going on across Surrey.

[Where necessary a waiver for call-in will be sought from the relevant Select Committee Chairman]

RESOLVED:

1. That the latest public health situation with regard to Covid-19, nationally and in Surrey be noted;
2. That the actions being delivered through Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plan, including the vaccination roll out, and the ongoing support to vulnerable residents, including through the council’s Community Helpline and the Covid Winter Support Grant scheme be noted and endorsed;
3. That the latest impacts on Adult Social Care and Children’s, Families, Lifelong learning services be noted;
4. That the ongoing preparation for the local elections in May 2021 and associated risks be noted and endorsed;

5. That the work and planning going on in respect of the transition into recovery from the pandemic be noted and endorsed;

6. That the allocation of a £500,000 grant to Community Foundation for Surrey, of which a half of the funding will be placed into an endowment to create a lasting legacy for groups working on priorities for the county be endorsed.

Reason for decision:

The county and council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 crisis. We are simultaneously managing response activity and work with our partners to enable recovery within the county, looking ahead to a return to day-to-day life for communities following the end of national lockdown.

The recommendations set out in this report ensure Cabinet are appraised of the most recent work going on across the council to protect, sustain and support residents and communities and the economy of Surrey.

[Where necessary a waiver for call-in will be sought from the relevant Select Committee Chairman]

The update was introduced by the Leader who thanked schools for setting up Covid testing processes for children and young people and re-opening the schools. The vaccination programme was progressing well and to date, over 90% of all eligible citizens over the age of 70 have been given at least one vaccination. Vaccinations amongst the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) population was still low and members were asked to encourage residents to take up the vaccine.  

The Cabinet Member for Communities explained that an allocation of a £500,000 grant had been given to Community Foundation for Surrey, of which a half of the funding would be placed into an endowment to create a lasting legacy for groups working on priorities for the county. The volunteer sector was thanked for all the support provided during the pandemic.

RESOLVED:

1. That the latest public health situation with regard to Covid-19, nationally and in Surrey be noted;
2. That the actions being delivered through Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plan, including the vaccination roll out, and the ongoing support to vulnerable residents, including through the council’s Community Helpline and the Covid Winter Support Grant scheme be noted and endorsed;
3. That the latest impacts on Adult Social Care and Children’s, Families, Lifelong learning services be noted;
4. That the ongoing preparation for the local elections in May 2021 and associated risks be noted and endorsed;

5. That the work and planning going on in respect of the transition into recovery from the pandemic be noted and endorsed;

6. That the allocation of a £500,000 grant to Community Foundation for Surrey, of which a half of the funding will be placed into an endowment to create a lasting legacy for groups working on priorities for the county be endorsed.

Reason for decision:

The county and council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 crisis. We are simultaneously managing response activity and work with our partners to enable recovery within the county, looking ahead to a return to day-to-day life for communities following the end of national lockdown.

The recommendations set out in this report ensure Cabinet are appraised of the most recent work going on across the council to protect, sustain and support residents and communities and the economy of Surrey.

[Where necessary a waiver for call-in will be sought from the relevant Select Committee Chairman]