Decision details

The Leader introduced the report of the Chief Officers Executive (previously circulated) informing Members on the response of the Council to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to note decisions taken by officers, in consultation with Cabinet during the pandemic.

The submitted report outlined the background to the report; a number of key dates; partners and work of the Local Resilience Forum (LRF); the impact on the Council’s employees; financial implications; work in establishing the Darlington Community Support Hub; public health response; children and adult social care provision; support to businesses; hardship relief and the role of the voluntary sector; neighbourhood, housing, homeless and lifeline services; recovery planning; and decision making throughout the pandemic.

In presenting the report, the Leader acknowledged the support of Cabinet, Members and staff at all levels of the organisation, highlighting in particular those staff who worked in the ‘hub’ and those who provided front-line services.  It was reported that sadly there had been 84 reported deaths, to date, as a result of COVID-19 in the Borough and it was proposed to purchase and plant 84 locally sourced trees, across the Borough, to commemorate each of those lives.

References were also made to others that had contributed to caring and helping people through the pandemic including care home staff, volunteers and neighbours; lack of capacity within the early years provision; the lessons learnt from managing the pandemic; and the importance of adhering to public health guidelines.

RESOLVED - (a)  That the actions and decisions taken to date in respect of the Council’s response to the pandemic, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

(b)  That all staff, partners and volunteers be thanked for their significant contributions during the pandemic so far.

(c)  That the tragic loss of life in the Borough and across the Country, be acknowledged.

(d)  That further reports on the response to the pandemic and recovery plans, be reviewed. 

(e)  That free car parking in the town centre be retained until the end of September 2020 at an anticipated cost of £342,000 and receive a further report be submitted to the September Cabinet meeting.

REASONS - (a)  To enable Cabinet to formally receive an update and to pass on thanks to key players in the response and acknowledge the loss of life in the Borough. 

(b)  To support the town centre economy by encouraging more visitors to the town.