Decision details

The Chair accepted items of urgent Part I business in respect of an update on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, and on the financial implications for the Council of the outbreak.

1.     Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak

The Strategic Director (RP) gave an update on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

Members agreed that officers be instructed to request the Hertfordshire County Council Public Health Team to send out a communication to all residents expressing concerns that some ethnic groups had been targeted by certain individuals as carrying/being responsible for the spread of coronavirus, and categorically stating that there was no link between the virus and ethnicity.

Members further agreed that officers be asked to write to the Chief Executive of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, stating that the Council was understanding of the increased pressure placed upon him and his colleagues due to Covid-19, and offering the Council’s help to do all it could to support the Trust, as well conveying the Council’s best wishes for the coming weeks.

2.     Financial Implications for the Council of the Coronavirus outbreak

The Accountancy Services Manager gave a verbal report on the financial implications for the Council of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Executive requested officers to provide an assessment of the loss of income to the Council as a result of the measures introduced by the Government due to Covid-19 outbreak, and that a letter be written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government asking what proposals were in place to mitigate against this further loss of income to Councils.

The Chief Executive summarised a briefing note prepared by the Strategic Director (CF) in respect of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget.  He agreed to circulate this briefing note to all Members.