Decision details

Further to Minute No. 36, 21 July 2021, the Chief Executive submitted a report providing the latest details of the wide ranging activity being undertaken across the multi-agency partnership as part of the response to, and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Key information in the report included details of the work undertaken to increase vaccination uptake, recover backlogs on services, control the number of cases across the city, as well as encouraging continued testing, tracing and isolating within the context of most restrictions being removed and living with the virus.

The Board received an update on the progress being made on the continued vaccination roll out across the city. Also, responding to an enquiry, information was provided on the actions being taken to monitor the relevant data and promote vaccinations in communities where hesitancy remained. 

Regarding Members’ comments on a number of issues, the Board received further information on the actions being taken to progress the response and recovery from the pandemic as set out in the appended plan, with particular discussion around the scale of the challenge faced, the ongoing resumption of services, the establishment of new ways of working and the aim of ensuring that services were delivered in the most effective way. The Board also received further information on the challenges and pressures being faced during the recovery process, not only in Local Government, but across all sectors.

Responding to a specific enquiry regarding officer attendance at site visits, reassurance was provided that where appropriate, such visits would be made, with it being undertaken that any specific concerns that the Member in question had on this issue could be addressed separately. More generally, it was noted that such matters would be considered by the Council’s Silver Group to ensure that a consistent approach was being taken across directorates.

Specifically with regard to the Council’s Planning Service, Members highlighted their willingness for further consideration to be given to the making of representations to Government about providing Local Authorities with greater powers around the setting of planning fees. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the updated Response & Recovery Plan, as detailed at Annex A to the submitted report, which is the summary plan for the period ahead and which also details ongoing response, risks, recovery and service recovery efforts, be noted;

(b)  That the updated Local Outbreak Management Plan for Leeds, as detailed at Annex B to the submitted report, which the report highlights is in-line with the Government’s current Contain Framework, be noted;

(c)  That a summary of national developments since the last meeting of Executive Board (Annex C) and the latest Covid-19 Dashboard detailing information across the seven key themes (Annex D), be noted;

(d)  That it be noted that there are national announcements anticipated which will influence local plans, with it also being noted that the next full update to Executive Board will be in December 2021, with regular Member updates continuing to be provided.