Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor House addressed Cabinet. He asked how other County Councillors would be engaged in the proposals; asked what the position was on elected mayors and questioned what red lines would lead to devolution rather than levelling up.

In response the Leader clarified that there would be increased engagement with County Councillors as the process developed. He confirmed his historic opposition to elected mayors but confirmed that on this and any red lines it was important to first see the White Paper, however, the County Deal should be an opportunity to work more efficiently to deliver services and an agency delivery scenario would not be acceptable.

Key elements of the report relating to both the public health situation and the delivery of council services were set out. Increasing infection rates in younger age groups across the county were highlighted and it was suggested that this was a result of increased mixing and reducing immunity. It was clear that the vaccine was working and making a difference and the County Council was working with NHS partners on delivery. There had been a small number of instances of the omicron strain in Hampshire and work was underway to understand the impact. With reference to the priority of keeping children in school, it was noted that attendance in Hampshire was above the national average and the corporate priority of managing a return to office working was detailed.

The report was welcomed by Cabinet. Rising infections in schools were highlighted as a cause for concern and it was confirmed that vaccines were available for eligible children via both schools and GPs. The importance of pro-active communications in the recent omicron outbreak was recognised.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision

record is attached to these minutes.