Decision - LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S UPDATE

Decision details

LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S UPDATE

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

The Leader of the Opposition asked about the Council’s plans to contribute towards the Labour Party’s 2019 general election pledge to plant two billion trees by 2040.  In response, the Leader of the Council acknowledged that planting trees across the world was one of the most effective means of tackling the climate crisis.  Councillor Taylor indicated that the Council would work with communities, business and other partners on the climate change agenda.

 

In light of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Leader of the Council invited Strategic Director (RP) to give Members an update on global and local perspectives of the outbreak.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern and the UK had raised the risk to from low to moderate.   Central government and local authorities were planning for all scenarios.

 

The Herts Strategic Co-ordinating Group was now holding weekly meetings to monitor the situation and agree actions to be taken.  Resilience officers across Hertfordshire were monitoring the situation daily.  An officer working group had been established to co-ordinate the Council’s response to a potential coronavirus outbreak within the town.  General advice had already been issued to Members and SBC staff.  Regular updates based on the latest Public Health and government travel advice would be provided.

 

The Leader of the Council welcomed the announcement by the Health Secretary that staff self-isolating due to coronavirus should get sick pay.  Members recommended that links to government advice on the coronavirus outbreak be added to the Council website.

Publication date: 26/02/2020

Date of decision: 26/02/2020

Decided at meeting: 26/02/2020 - Council