Agenda item

To note the council’s overall response to the Covid-19 pandemic including potential issues emerging for the borough and initial next steps as appropriate.

Caroline Bruce, Strategic Director of Environment and Leisure introduced the report. The strategic director highlighted the impact the Covid-19 pandemic was having on Southwark residents, the disproportionate health impact on BAME communities, and the significant ongoing and long term economic impact - there had been a great increase in people seeking financial support.

The strategic director reported on the council’s response to the pandemic through its Borough Emergency Control Centre, with Gold and Silver arrangements put in place fairly quickly to manage and co-ordinate the emergency response.

Throughout the pandemic the council had maintained core levels of service with more than 80% of staff being available at all times.  There had ben challenges and complexities but the council had been in a very good position throughout.

The committee also heard from David Quirke-Thornton, Strategic Director of Children’s and Adults Services, who highlighted the work being undertaken between departments to support victims of domestic violence, and the service of the community hubs.  Over 20 staff had been redeployed to support activity across the council.  There had also been partnership working with the NHS and other partners.

The committee also heard from Michael Scorer, Strategic Director of Housing and Modernisation who updated the meeting on the work of the seven core community hubs which, amongst other things were providing hot meals for the homeless and vulnerable, and communicating and listening to people who felt isolated.  The committee also received information on the response to homelessness, helping homeless people off the street and working with people who have no recourse to public funds who were waiting for their status to be settled. 

The committee then heard from Duncan Whitfield, Strategic Director of Finance and Governance who reported on the financial situation and the changing position on government funding.

The committee also heard from cabinet members, Stephen Douglass, Director of Communities and Jin Lim, Consultant in Public Health. 

Following questions and discussion the committee deferred consideration of recommendations to cabinet, to the overview and scrutiny committee meeting scheduled for 12 May 2020.