Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the County Council’s response to the Covid-19 crisis.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor House addressed Cabinet, welcoming the report, thanking HCC staff for their recent efforts and highlighting the common issues faced by all local authorities.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Porter addressed Cabinet, highlighting the challenges of re-opening schools and the pressure on childcare setting. She welcomed the support that had been available for Members to continue to operate in their communities.

The report was introduced and key corporate and departmental issues were highlighted, acknowledging the rapidly changing nature of the crisis. The benefit of Public Health being integrated in the County Council was noted, in particular the relationship with the Isle of Wight Public Health and the development of the track and trace programme. It was confirmed that the pandemic in Hampshire matched the national picture of slowly reducing from the peak.

Cabinet heard that the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment was leading on the recovery phase for the County Council. He provided some initial thoughts on this, noting that it would run alongside the response phase and that the pace of recovery would be governed by the progress of the virus. The split between national and local drivers for recovery was recognised and the importance of strong community engagement and of innovation in areas such as transport detailed. .

Members welcomed the report and acknowledged that the County Council must do everything possible to reduce the spread of the virus. The hard work of HCC officers across all departments was recognised and a number of prominent examples were cited. The role and benefit of partnership working was highlighted and Members noted how communities had come together in tackling the impact of the virus. 

The recommendations set out in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.