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.

The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept the report as urgent so that cabinet could agree and put in place the necessary next steps on policy and resource direction for the council with regards the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the borough.

Cabinet members each presented an outline and response to the issues arising in respect of their portfolio/areas of responsibility.

Cabinet also heard representations from Mike Wilson from Pembroke House, on the community response to the Covid situation; Deborah Hayman from Community Southwark, on the challenges facing the new community hub; Sarah Thurman from United St Saviours, on the impact on socially and economically vulnerable residents; and Sam Hepplewhite from the Clinical Care Commissioning Group (CCG), on the NHS and GP surgeries’ responses.

Councillor Ian Wingfield, chair of overview and scrutiny committee was present and provided comments and an outline of the main areas to be discussed at the overview and scrutiny committee on 7 May 2020.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the update on the council’s overall response to COVID-19 pandemic, working together with all our communities as part of our #SouthwarkTogether response be noted.

2.  That residents, staff, partners, volunteers, providers, suppliers and all in our community be thanked for their continuing hard work and dedication in supporting our residents through this crisis safely.

3.  That the remarkable response by Southwark residents in staying at home and observing social distancing and lockdown restrictions despite the challenges this brings to daily lives be noted.

4.  That condolence be expressed to all those who have lost loved ones at this time and that it be noted that the humanitarian aspect of this pandemic will take some time to recover from.

5.  That plans to hold an interfaith service at Southwark Cathedral to pay our respects to those who have lost their lives in Southwark due to COVID-19, once the country has come out of lockdown be supported.

6.  That the council’s work to support local people mentally and emotionally as we work towards recovery will be taken forward through a Humanitarian Assistance Steering Group (HASG) be noted, reporting back to cabinet on progress.

7.  That national government continue to be lobbied to make good on their promise to councils that they would cover the cost of additional council spending required to support people through COVID-19.

8.  That officers be instructed to review the council plan and medium term resources strategy in the light of the pandemic’s impact on the borough and bring forward, where necessary, updated proposals to cabinet by September 2020.

9.  That the head of the chief executive’s office post be revised to provide director level oversight of the council’s approach to recovery and renewal.

10.  That officers be instructed to consider the wider policy and resource implications of recovery and its impact on the borough including humanitarian assistance, engagement with communities, wider ways of working; and any review of governance arrangements in the light of these implications.

11.  That the council continue to work with voluntary and community sector partners to explore ways in which to take forward the work that has been delivered in partnership during this crisis.