Report of Strategic Director, Resources and Digital

The Committee received a report and presentation to provide an update on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on areas related to its remit.

Whilst we are currently sill in the responding phase we are also looking at the recovery phase.  All services are undertaking Business Impact Assessments to identify risk with weekly reports on pressures and a Winter review will also take place and provide assurance that all critical activities will continue to be delivered in a prioritised way.

Volunteering numbers have increased, the demand for IT and new technology has increased and accelerating the Council’s IT plans.  Resilience planning has changed following lessons learned to minimise risks to response during an incident.

Demand from local people for financial support continues to be a priority.  The council has been proactive with contact to residents and businesses to provide advice and support.  The Council don’t know the unknown potential impact of the end of the furlough scheme and changes to universal credit.  We are working with Citizen’s Advice Gateshead to support residents.

We have spoken to 11000 residents who are classed as being extremely clinically vulnerable and delivered 18000 emergency food parcels.  Thousands of volunteers have been connected to help.  The Council has co-ordinated the issuing of vouchers for children on free school meals over school holidays.  12 vaccination pop ups have been arranged in areas of Gateshead with a low vaccine take up.

A Household support fund has been announced with funding up to 31 March 2022 to provide support for people most in need this winter.  50% of the funds are to be focussed on families with children.

Support is continued to be provided to businesses and those who are self-employed.  Advice has been provided on business compliance and safe trading.  A support hub with dedicated web pages, online resource and a newsletter.

The Councill are continuing to provide support for employees with a focus on managing and maintaining mental wellbeing.   Officers are continuing to respond to new and evolving health and safety requirements through continual review of risk assessments.  The Council is looking at the rollout of a hybrid working offer for office based staff and developing a protocol for this offer.

Face to face training has been re-instated where necessary and appropriate with Covid safe measures in place.  HR are working collaboratively with IT colleagues to make sure IT needs are met.

In summary we are still learning and responding but we have seen some positive relationships built and will continue working together with others and developing ways of working to make best use of and target resources to deliver Council priorities.

RESOLVED -  That the information presented be noted.