Issue - meetings

To receive such reports as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council.

The Leader reflected on the difficult and challenging impact of the pandemic over the last year but was encouraged by the vaccination programme and this week announcement setting out a roadmap for recover.  The County Council together with public and private sector partners have worked hard to contain the virus and extended thanks to all partners.  He highlighted the community testing partnership that had a significant effect in containing the South African variant outbreak in Bramley and emphasised the importance of continuing to follow the rules to ensure the current lockdown is the last. The task ahead would be to continue to work together on recovery to revive the economy in Hampshire, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors. Pupils would be returning to school in two weeks’ time and arrangements in place for relatives to resume visiting loved ones in care homes was welcomed.

In conclusion, the Leader recognised that a number of Councillors would be retiring from the Council in May and that this would be their last Council Meeting.  In light of the current circumstances, the Leader proposed that when it was safe to do so, all retiring Councillors would be invited to an event to properly thank them for their service.

To receive such reports as the Leader of the Council may wish to bring before the Council.

The Leader added his thanks to all who had received awards or recognition.

With regards to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Leader identified the three key priorities of: keeping the objective in sight, working together and looking after each other. Noting that Hampshire had recently been placed in Tier 2, he confirmed that infection rates were falling and that the County Council was working with partners to try to achieve a move to Tier 1. Progress on the vaccine was positive, and the Leader encouraged support for a high uptake, but cautioned that seeing its impact would still take some time.

The Leader highlighted the support that had been given to Hampshire schools and noted that attendance at both primary and secondary level was 6% above the national average.