Agenda and minutes

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Restart, Recover, Renew: Next steps for Cardiff

The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader and Paul Orders, Chief Executive to the meeting.

The Chairperson noted that the Chief Executive had asked the following officers to be available for this item, to answer any operational matters arising: Chris Lee, Corporate Director, Resources; Sarah McGill, Corporate Director, People & Communities; Richard Portas, Programme Director, School Organisational Plan; Neil Hanratty – Director of Economic Development and Andrew Gregory, Director of Strategic Planning, Transport and Environment.

The Chairperson invited the Leader to make a statement in which he said that he was grateful to the Panel for convening stating it was important to carry out the business of Council and that includes Scrutiny.  He added that all Members would be aware of the Council’s strategic approach to the pandemic, based on a vital services model, on a crisis footing, delivering front line services.  Members were advised that the report sets out the critical challenges to restart and repurpose services effectively; there would be 3 stages – Restart, Recover, Renew.  Restart would be based on a Health and Safety approach managed on phased service in consultation with the Trade Unions; Risk Assessed, Social distancing and infection control requirements.  This agreement with the Trade Unions is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding.  Restart would build on the successful adaptations and innovations.  The Leader paid tribute to Staff and Members in continuing to deliver essential services, which has been widely recognised and realised by messages of thanks from Cardiff citizens.

The Chairperson invited the Chief Executive to make a statement in which he explained that Restart was the next phase in the pandemic.  Working from home would need to continue alongside social distancing in an ongoing drive to reduce infection.  He added this challenge cannot be underestimated but commended the ability to move to essential services only in just 2 weeks at the outset.  The next phase would be a gradual coordinated approach reflecting National Guidance.  Health and Safety would be the central principal behind the restart approach, looking at a range of issues including the safety of buildings, PPE etc.  Working from home is central to the model going forward, if this is protracted it is important to accept the implications and support measures required for staff.  Work is underway on contact tracing already.  He added that there is a need to lock-in transformation.  The appendix to the report is a point in time assessment, and further details would be added following guidance.

The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members;

It was noted that mortality and infection were higher in deprived and BAME communities and members asked what measures were being considered with regard to this, including where staff are involved.  Officers explained the data they have analysed has shown that there is no correlation with regards to BAME in Cardiff; with deprivations this could be explained by the large number of care homes in those areas.  However it was recognised that this was a Wales  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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14 July 2020 at 2.00pm