Decisions

Request to waive contract procedure rules and agree direct award to extend contract, outside the original contract term for Barnardos in respect of the Missing From Home service.

That the contract procedure rules be waived and direct award to extend the contract, outside of original contract period for Barnardos be agreed for a contract term of 12 months at a contract value of £102,106.66

Reason - Urgent requirement for the statutory service.

Request to waive contract procedure rules and agree direct award to extend and vary the contract, outside the original contract period to Keys Group in respect of statutory provision of supported accommodation for Care Leavers.

That the contract procedure rules be waived and direct award to extend the contract to Keys Group be agreed in respect of statutory provision of supported accommodation for Care Leavers for a contract term of 15 months at a contract value of £155,550.

A procurement exercise, combining a number of contracts will be carried out to procure these services.

Various licence applications/permissions/consents made under the Licensing Act 2003 for the month of November 2020.

Individual decisions made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the attached document.

To agree the Applications for Planning Permission and Other Consents under the Town and Country Planning Act and Associated Legislation for November 2020.

Individual decisions made in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the attached document.

Council Tax recovery – to undertake initial recovery action on Council Tax arrears cases where a liability order has been obtained from the court, but recovery action has not yet commenced.

Normal recovery action on Council Tax arrears has effectively been suspended since March 2020:
Payments on existing payment arrangements have continued to be collected but where payments have stopped attempts have been made to contact the customer to offer support.
Revenues and Benefits telephone lines are open and are receiving approx. 100 calls each day about Council Tax and Business Rates, again offering customers advice and support.
Where customers have indicated they are unable to keep up with payments due to the current lockdown, recovery action is suspended.
All enforcement agent (bailiff) action has ceased and no new referrals have been made.

There are 572 Council Tax arrears cases (totalling £267k), where a liability order was obtained at the Magistrate’s Court in February, where no action has yet been taken. Normally they would be set up on a new payment arrangement and write to them setting out payment instalments – this action was suspended in March 2020.

It is recommended that contact is made with these customers by letter setting out a new payment arrangement to clear the arrears, with the offer of support if they are unable to make payments. If no payments or contact from the customer is received, no further recovery action will be taken at this stage.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Financial – early contact with the customer about arrears is recommended to assist the customer and maximise income for the Council.
Staffing – no impact as staff are in place to take enquiries from customers.
Health and safety – no impact.

Equality Impact:
None.

To contact 574 residents by letter about outstanding Council Tax arrears with the offer of a payment arrangement or support if they are unable to pay at this time.

Reason: Council Tax arrears remain outstanding and due to be paid. The Council has a statutory duty to collect these amounts.

Cabinet have requested that Officers look at the retention of Darlington’s Central Library at Crown Street, following this decision proposals have been developed to improve the current building fabric and visitor experience.

Any works carried out at Crown Street Library will need to address the long term issues with regard to the roof, structural, mechanical & electrical as well as sympathetic refurbishment of the building alongside improved access.

An element of the current development work is a Bat Activity Survey to develop a robust ecological assessment and understanding of bat activity within the building.

The initial survey will involve the installation of Static bat equipment to be deployed within the roof void for a period of 5 days, to include the installation of cameras, following the 5 day survey period ECOSERV will return to site and collect the equipment, data can then be evaluated off site and a written report submitted. 2 No further surveys will then be required at approximately 3 week intervals.

It was considered that this survey work may have not been possible due to the COVID 19 restrictions. However, guidance released by Defra and the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) states that ‘Ecologists and environmental professionals should therefore be able to continue with outdoor work, including ecological surveying and supervision, where they can continue to follow Public Health England guidelines’.

The Ecologists have developed preliminary risk assessments and method statements that would enable the surveys to progress in accordance with Public Health England’s guidance. These would be developed further for approval if surveys are agreed to progress.

The next stage would be to undertake 3 No Surveys approximately 3 weeks apart between May and September.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (including virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Programme - It is anticipated that the work will take up to 5 days, this will include the installation and retrieval of the equipment along with site visits by ECOSERV to carry out visual surveys.
Communications - The building is in the ownership and is also maintained by Darlington Borough Council, all parties have been made aware of the survey times and dates.
Financial - The development work has been commissioned by Darlington Borough Council.
COVID19 - The works can be progressed under the current guidelines with the necessary systems in place. Access to the attic space will be limited to ECOSERV personnel for the duration of the survey period.

Equality Impacts:
Not applicable.

That the Bat Activity Surveys are progressed as soon as practicably possible.

Reason: To ensure project development continues on programme and to ascertain the features and characteristics of the roost, Bat Activity (size, perching points, aspect, orientation, temperature, humidity and lighting) and the surrounding area (proximity of vegetation to exits points, availability of foraging areas locally). This information can then be used to design a suitable mitigation strategy.

A grant offer of £135,196 was received on 10 July from Alison Ismail, Director of Agri-Food Chain Directorate, Defra, in relation to the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies.
This grant of £63 million was announced by the Prime Minister on 10 June for local authorities in England to help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to COVID-19. The funding is a one-off contribution for the 2020-21 financial year and is made under Section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.

A decision is needed regarding how it should be spent.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The proposed expenditure is the same as the grant accepted hence no cost to the Council. Limited officer time needed to deploy the grant. The services the grant will be used to procure address priorities identified in the Impact of Covid 19 report considered by COE and informal cabinet in May 2020.

Equality Impacts:
Considered that this scheme was more likely to help those with protected characteristics but no EIA was undertaken when making the decision.

That £115,000 be allocated to secure additional Bread and Butter Thing provision and £20,196 be allocated to CAB to engage hard to reach groups through The Bread and Butter Thing.

Reason: That this is the most effective way of deploying the resource in line with the funding criteria.

A Capital Programme Review in relation to COVID 19 and the restarting of Capital Projects and prioritising the programme in recovery phases.
The Capital Programme was reviewed in terms of COVID-19. Projects at different stages of progress were considered and were prioritised in consultation with Cabinet. Categories of projects included those to: Restart on Site, Start on Site, Continue on site, Project Development priorities and those that were not considered a priority for development.
The review was circulated on 21/05/2020 to all councillors by the Managing Director as part of a wider update report on the preparations for recovery.
Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
An assessment of these factors was considered in the review attached.
Equality Impacts:
The Projects in the Capital Programme are considered individually for equality impacts.

That the recommendations included in the attached report are agreed in consultation with Cabinet and Chief Officers.
Reason: To safely recommence delivery of Projects within the Capital Programme and prioritise the resources.

Highway safety inspections are completed by the Highway Inspectors either monthly, quarterly or annually depending on the hierarchy and speed of the road.

We have a statutory obligation to carry out these inspections and identify any defects for repair and order the works to be completed in a specified timeframe depending on the danger posed by the defect.

We have maintained carrying out these inspections as normal since the COVID-19 lockdown measures were put in place. However, only emergency repairs have been undertaken that require fixing within two hours, one day, five days, with the reduced resources and supply chain closures during the early phases of lockdown.

Other defects found which would normally be placed on a 20 day job ticket, were not repaired and we are now finding that these are moving into the dangerous defect category as we are not now repairing them early enough which would normally prevent them getting worse.

As part of a gradual build up back to business as usual it is the intention to increase the resources gradually reverting to our normal inspection regime and repairing under the same regime as pre-lockdown to prevent the less dangerous defects becoming worse, managing risk on the highway as traffic levels increase and reducing longer term costs of repairs.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (inc virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Programme - Ongoing program of works..
Finance - Return to business as usual will improve efficiency and prevent more extensive costly repairs.
Insurance claims - Reduce the risk of insurance claims due to reduced maintenance.
Public perception - More potholes appearing across the network leading to more complaints.
COVID19 - The works can be progressed under the current guidelines with the necessary systems in place. Risk assessments and method statements are in place and being monitored.

Equality Impacts:
Reduction of potential hazards in the highway.

To approve the increase in resources to gradually build up back to business as usual reverting to our normal inspection regime and repairing under the same regime as pre-lockdown.

Reason: To prevent the less dangerous defects becoming worse, managing risk on the highway as traffic levels increase and reducing longer term costs of repairs.

Establishment of Prevention and Compliance group to fulfil functions of Intelligence and Threat Assessment with effect from 01/10/2020. These arrangements will be supplemented by Outbreak Response group meetings, twice weekly.

The new arrangements strengthen the governance of delivering the Darlington Local Outbreak Control Plan. The new groups require officer time and commitment to participate.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Nil

Equality Impacts:
Nil

That Outbreak Response Group is established, twice weekly and Prevention and Compliance Group is established weekly.

Reason: To strengthen the governance of delivering the Darlington Local Outbreak Control Plan.

As businesses in the town centre were able to re-open provided they were able to do so safely, the Council was required to undertake an assessment and put in measures to support safe opening in the town centre.

The Government issued the following guidance to enable Councils to prepare for the safe re-opening in Urban Centres and Green Spaces.

“HM Government: Coronavirus (COVID 19): Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces”

The Council undertook an assessment process to identify constraints and the measures that needed to be implemented across the town centre. The overriding principle in designing and implementing the measures was public health considerations and ensuring business could re-open safely.

This included a range of measures which have been under continuous review and have been changed as guidance and behaviour have changed.

As part of the social distancing measures, new temporary signs were proposed to ensure that pedestrians could move around the town safely as the numbers of people visiting the town centre increased. These were:
1. Signs on the ramps between High Row and West Row to advise pedestrians to use the steps and leave the ramps for those that really need to use them.
2. Signs to advise cyclists to dismount between 10am and 5pm and push their bikes through the town centre

The first of these was requested following consultation with Darlington Association on Disability. They were concerned that those with disabilities who have to use the ramps would be unable to maintain social distancing of 2m or 1m+ as the ramps are narrow. Therefore trying to limit the use of the ramps as much as possible was deemed to be mitigation, though there were concerns that the signs would be ignored. It is proposed to keep these signs in place as this situation has not changed.

The second proposal was to make most effective use of the available space during the non-traffic period of 10:00 – 17:00. With 2m social distancing rules in place and extensive queues anticipated outside of shops it was decided that cyclists should be asked to dismount and park or walk their bikes. Initially signs were erected in Duke Street.

With changes in PHE guidance on social distancing and changes in the way that businesses are now operating there is a reduced requirement for allocating space to pedestrians for walking or queuing. Measures to provide additional pedestrian space in Northumberland Street, Grange Road and Coniscliffe Road have already been removed or significantly reduced.

Data from the Duke Street access into the restricted area shows that pedestrian traffic is still much reduced compared to last year - 3376 people over a 12 hour period (7am – 7pm, 30th July 2020) down from 4824 over the same period in July 2019. Data is collected outside of term time so should not be impacted by the current closure of QE College. The number of cyclists is 91, an increase from 71 in 2019. 67 cyclists use the Duke Street access during the period 10:00-17:00, which equates to 2% of non-motorised traffic. Data from the other access points into the town centre is not yet available.

It is therefore proposed that the temporary advisory cyclists dismount signs are no longer required and can be removed.

Financial/staffing/health and safety (inc virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The measures were implemented to reduce transmission risks in the town centre.
The funding of some of the measures was included in a bid to the DfT Active Travel Emergency Fund, where footpath widening, and reallocation of road space was encouraged to retain social distancing.
As further lockdown restrictions are lifted and more people will return to school, college and work (end of furlough) highway authorities have been told to continue to work with bus and rail operators to suppress demand on public transport and increase the number of journeys by active travel. Restricting use of cycles for journeys to and through the town centre will impact on people’s ability to travel.

Equality Impacts:
An initial screening exercise identified that there would potentially be impacts on some people with protected characteristics, specifically on the basis of age, disability, pregnancy and maternity and carers.
Due to the emergency situation, changing guidance/advice/legislation and nature of the decision making process, a full EIA has not been completed. Instead a more dynamic approach has been taken with consideration being given to each change as it is proposed. As many of the decisions are regarding the physical environment we have worked with Gordon Pybus from DAD, but not on the basis of a full consultation. This advice and guidance has informed the decision making and proposed mitigation.

There have been discussions with DAD regarding detailed plans for bus stops, bus services, suspension of parking bays (including the relocation of disabled parking bays) and footway widening. DAD has provided additional guidance from RNIB. DAD raised the issue with the use of the ramps.

In addition the plans regarding cycling were discussed with Darlovelo and some mitigation was proposed, such as additional cycle parking, but this has not yet been provided. (it was planned to integrate it with the launch of the e-scooters which is delayed). However demand for parking does not yet outstrip supply of cycle parking in the town centre.

To retain the advisory pedestrian signs on the ramps.
To remove the advisory cyclist dismount signs as they are no longer required with the changes in the social distancing guidance and levels of pedestrian activity.

Reason: To implement measures to support safe opening of the town centre and manage the risk of transmission of the virus. The over-riding principle being public health considerations. Social distancing guidance has reduced the requirement for outdoor queuing and the 2m rule outside has been reduced to 1m+.

Following attempts by Xentrall Shared Services to design a local brand for COVID, instructions were given from the Cabinet Member with Health and Housing Portfolio to MT Print to produce some designs. The MT Print designs were subsequently approved but council officers had been unable to secure the digital components of the designs from MT Print that are required to print the materials via Xentrall Shared Services.

The materials (posters) needed to be printed as a matter of urgency due to the increasing number of COVID cases in Darlington, so approval has been requested to go ahead with using MT Print for this service while the digital assets were secured for future use.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Financial cost estimated to be between £300 - £400 (excluding design costs). To be funded from PHE/Government COVID grant. Small impact on Xentrall Shared Services income. Risk of potential precedent being set.

Equality Impacts:
None.

For the use of external provider, MT Print to design and print COVID materials.

Reason: Unable to access digital assets to produce in-house by Xentrall Shared Services and urgency to disseminate information.

Following the announcement by the Government on the latest restrictions coming into force on 5 November 2020, the Head of Steam is to close to the public in line with those restrictions.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The closure is in line with latest Government restrictions as part of the national 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To close the Head of Steam to the public in line with latest Government announcement regarding the 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Reason: To adhere to the Government’s restrictions that come into force on 5 November 2020 as part of the nationwide 4-week lockdown.

Following the announcement by the Government on the latest restrictions coming into force on 5 November 2020, the Hippodrome and The Hullabaloon are to close to the public in line with those restrictions.
However, Darlington College will still be able to run their courses from the Hippodrome.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The closure is in line with latest Government restrictions as part of the national 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To close Darlington Hippodrome and The Hullabaloon to the public in line with latest Government announcement regarding the 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.
The exception to the above is that Darlington College will be able to continue to run their courses from the Hippodrome.

Reason: To adhere to the Government’s restrictions that come into force on 5 November 2020 as part of the nationwide 4-week lockdown.

Following the announcement by the Government on the latest restrictions coming into force on 5 November 2020, the Dolphin Centre is to close to the public in line with those restrictions.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The closure is in line with latest Government restrictions as part of the national 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To close the Dolphin Centre to the public in line with latest Government announcement regarding the 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Reason: To adhere to the Government’s restrictions that come into force on 5 November 2020 as part of the nationwide 4-week lockdown.

Following the announcement by the Government on the latest restrictions coming into force on 5 November 2020, Eastbourne Sports Complex is to close to the public in line with those restrictions.

However, access for the Nursery to be maintained.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The closure is in line with latest Government restrictions as part of the national 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To close Eastbourne Sports Complex to the public in line with latest Government announcement regarding the 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020. The exception to the above is that access for the Nursery is to be maintained.

Reason: To adhere to the Government’s restrictions that come into force on 5 November 2020 as part of the nationwide 4-week lockdown.

Following the announcement by the Government on the latest restrictions coming into force on 5 November 2020, Darlington Libraries are to reduce their services to click and collect and book delivery plus online access.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
The changes to the service are in line with latest Government restrictions as part of the national 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To reduce the services provided by Darlington Libraries to click and collect and book delivery plus online access, in line with the latest Government announcement regarding the 4-week lockdown commencing on 5 November 2020.

Reason: To adhere to the Government’s restrictions that come into force on 5 November 2020 as part of the nationwide 4-week lockdown.

Darlington to participate as part of Tees Valley in a health harm campaign in November 2020 with reach across the North East.
A significant health harm becoming more apparent in COVID-19 is an impact of increased alcohol use.
An agreed approach across Local Authorities and NHS (ICS) is to support a campaign to run alongside the most popular and relevant TV programmes. The cost to Darlington, (£4,565 met from mainstream Public Health budget) levers in partner resources for a campaign cost of £183,600.
Financial/staffing/health

That Darlington be approved to participate alongside Stockton, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and the “LA 7” in order to share in campaign.
Reason: To address the significant health harm of increased alcohol use which is becoming more apparent in COVID-19.

To reopen the swimming pool and gym in the Dolphin Centre and the gym at Eastbourne. Places will be via booking only with reduced capacity in areas to maintain social distancing.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
There is a detailed plan to ensure customer access is controlled and safe systems in place agreed with Health and Safety and Public Health, all in line with guidance. There will be a financial impact due to reduced services and capacity.

Equality Impacts:
Yes, additional support in place if required by any individual.

To open both Dolphin Centre and Eastbourne with limited facilities and access on 27 July 2020.

Reason: To start to reopen services.

The Cabinet and Officers have been reviewing the decision to cease all car parking charges in March 2020 as a result of the COVID pandemic. The March decision was taken to help businesses and key workers during very challenging times and to help halt the transmission of the disease by reducing the risk of transmission by using the car parking machines. As the economy starts to recover and transmission rates have fallen, it is appropriate to revise the decision and it is the view of Cabinet that they still wish to help the economy by offering free car parking in the town centre, but this is to be limited to 2 hours only.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Impacts on the budget to re-introduce charges.

Equality Impacts:
The re-introduction of parking charges was not considered to have any negative impacts in terms of equality.

To reintroduce parking charges in council parking areas.

Reason: Due to effect on the town centre economy.

To provide pavement cafes, road closures are required.
To focus on Coniscliffe Road, Blackwellgate and Skinnergate with road closures in place for Coniscliffe Road, bollard to stay up on Blackwellgate, and managed closure of Skinnergate with traffic access only.
Closure will be 4.30pm-10.30pm Thursday-Sunday with pavement cafes 5-10pm.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Road closures are to allow pavement cafes to be set up safely in the road to allow businesses to trade safely within guidelines.

Equality Impacts:
Consultation was carried out with Darlington Association on Disability (DAD) and in line with pavement café licence policy.

Agreed to close roads from 6 August 2020 until end of September/early October 2020, weather dependent.

Reason: To allow businesses in the area to trade safely.

Whilst licensing staff have returned to work, the front office has remained closed to the public. Checking original documents and verifying details is an important aspect of licensing taxi drivers and this requires a face to face consultation for new drivers.
Demand has increased for new drivers to be licensed and it is felt that this could be accommodated by introducing an appointment-based system, which will avoid unnecessary queueing.
Only one person will be admitted into the office at any time where there is already a Perspex screen in place to protect staff. Surfaces in the public area will be cleaned between customers.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.
One member of staff will deal with the customer behind a protective screen. Personal protection equipment will be available to staff for cleaning the public area surfaces between appointments.

Equality Impacts:
Not Applicable

To agree to reopen the Licensing Front office to members of the public to allow checking of original documents and verifying of details to take place in a face to face consultation with new taxi drivers, as demand has increased for new drivers to be licensed. To reopen from Monday 24 August 2020.

Reason: Demand for new licences to be issued has recently increased due to businesses re-opening. Delaying opening of the licensing office will create a backlog of applications that will cause additional pressures to staff. It is also important that we are seen to be assisting the community at a crucial stage of economic recovery.

Government guidance on where members of the public will have to wear face coverings has been updated to include libraries and museums from 8 August 2020.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
In line with Government guidance.

Equality Impacts:
Government guidance states that in settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances, health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings.

To implement wearing of face coverings inside Libraries and Head of Steam from 8 August 2020 to adhere to Government guidance.

Reason: To adhere to updated Government guidance to protect public health.

To allow customers to collect cremated remains or belongings following public health funerals. When undertaking public health funerals, if family are involved, there are remains or belongings to collect that families require or need to arrange the final resting place. Given the arrangements are made by ourselves, families are not connected to our contracted funeral director, which is how other families would arrange the remains. Therefore arrangements need to be made to collect them from us.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place within Contact Centre, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health. Staff in Cemetery and Crematorium Team are happy to meet with public for occasional appointments, noting the systems in place within the Contact Centre environment.

Equality Impacts:
Not Applicable.

To agree to allow limited provision of families collecting items which are being held in the Cemetery Office from the Customer Contact Centre from Wednesday 5 August 2020.

Reason: To facilitate recently bereaved families in retrieving the remains and personal belongings.

Government guidance on the recommended wearing of face coverings updated to include ‘funeral directors’ and ‘places of worship’, and although neither of these categories specifically covers cemeteries and crematoria, it is understood that the intention is that face coverings should be worn at ‘funerals in enclosed spaces’, e.g. cemetery and crematorium chapels. However, it has been acknowledged that there may be times when face coverings are impractical and Public Health England will be updating their Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic to reflect this.
The ICCM therefore recommends that face coverings are currently advised but that they will be required from 8 August 2020, subject to any recommendations in the revised Public Health England guidance once it is published.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Government guidance recommends that a supply of face coverings is available in case people arrive without one; to be arranged for first week only.
It is not recommended that people are refused entry to a funeral service if they don’t have a face covering but are able to maintain social distancing.
Appropriate signage to be displayed.

Equality Impacts:
Government guidance states that in settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances, for example health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings.

Due to Government guidance that face coverings will be required from 8 August 2020 at funerals in enclosed spaces, e.g. cemetery and crematorium chapels, no alternative options were considered.

Reason: To adhere to updated Government guidance to protect public health.

Introduction of Family Swimming at the Dolphin Centre on weekends in the training pool from Saturday 15 August 2020.
The pool will be split into two halves with one family allocated to each half. Families will use the school changing areas to eliminate mixing in the changing village.
Sessions to be one hour with 30 minutes gap in between for a full sanitise.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Following PHE advice in relation to indoor swimming pools. Safe systems in place agreed with Health and Safety and Public Health, all in line with guidance.

Equality Impacts:
Additional support in place if required by any individual.

To introduce Family Swimming at the Dolphin Centre from Saturday 15 August 2020.

Reason: To continue to reopen services.

To recommence the facilities below within the Dolphin Centre and at Eastbourne. Places will be via booking only with reduced capacity in areas to maintain social distancing, and with safe systems of working in place.

Dolphin Centre:
Badminton from Monday 10 August 2020
Pilates, Spinning and Circuits from Wednesday 2 September 2020

Eastbourne:
Athletics – increase in coaching sessions to a ratio of 1:8 in line with changes in England Athletics guidance (1:12 permitted) from Tuesday 4 August 2020.
Darlington Harriers Back to Track (closed door event on Saturday 20 August 2020). Darlington Harriers will provide safe systems of work and an action plan that follows England Athletics guidance for a safe return to competition. The only events that will be delivered on site will be 200m and Shot Putt and there will be no spectators allowed.
Football to commence w/c Monday 3 August 2020.
Competitive training and match play friendlies on site at Eastbourne to commence w/c Monday 10 August 2020.
In addition, competitive training and match play friendlies to be allowed on Council wide pitches from w/c Monday 17 August 2020 (casual bookings on site).

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
There is a detailed plan to ensure customer access is controlled and safe systems in place agreed with Health and Safety and Public Health, all in line with guidance. There will be a financial impact due to reduced services and capacity.

Equality Impacts:
Additional support in place if required by any individual.

To recommence the facilities within the Dolphin Centre and at Eastbourne on the dates stated.

Reason: To continue to reopen services.

To allow parking permit applications to be carried out face to face again within Customer Services to ease pressure on the Parking Team.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place within Customer Services, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.

To allow parking permit applications to be carried out face to face again in Customer Services to ease pressure on the Parking Team.

Reason: To ease pressure on the Parking Team.

To support the hospitality trade recovering from COVID-19, remove the licence fee for pavement cafes. Time limited to March 2021.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Financial impact of an estimated £5,000.
Encouraging businesses to trade outside safely, supports national guidance.

Equality Impacts:
Equality impacts are considered as part of each individual licence application.

To reduce pavement café licences to free, time limited to 31 March 2021. Implementation 20 July 2020.

Reason: To support the hospitality sector.

On 26th May 2020 Government announced that from 15 June 2020 some non-essential shops were able to re-open provided they were able to do so safely. The Council therefore needed to undertake an assessment and put in measures to support safe opening in the town centre. The Government issued guidance to enable Councils to prepare for the safe re-opening in Urban Centres and Green Spaces. “HM Government: Coronavirus (COVID 19): Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces”

A team of officers from across service areas undertook an assessment process to identify constraints and the measures that needed to be implemented across the town centre based on the national guidance. The overriding principle in designing and implementing the measures was public health considerations and ensuring business could re-open safely.

This included a range of measures such as:
- signing and floor markings
- queue management systems and engagement with town centre business.
- relocation of market stalls
- re-design of bus services and bus stops
- reallocation of road space to people walking and cycling, both to encourage active travel and to enable social distancing during restart.

This required a rapid assessment process, organising of resources, legal work and implementation within a very short time frame. Most of the measures above are planned to be implemented ahead of 15 June to support a safe re-opening of the town centre. However, the measures for reallocation of road space need to be implemented in phases as a result of timing of the supply of materials to deliver the measures.
Phase 1 – Town Centre, Imperial Quarter and some queue management guidance in Duke St, bus stop and provison re-design, relocation of market stalls
Phase 2 – Duke Street – Social Distancing space measures.

All measures will be kept under continuous review and where possible modified. However, the overriding principle in designing and implementing the measures is public health considerations and the circumstances are likely to change over the coming weeks/months.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

The measures were implemented to reduce transmission risks in the town centre and on public transport.

The funding of some of the measures was included in a bid to the DFT Active Travel Emergency Fund, where footpath widening, and reallocation of road space was encouraged to retain social distancing.

Impacts on businesses were considered in terms of suspension of parking spaces but public health was considered a higher priority and free parking remained available very close to locations suspended and remained free.

Loading provision and disabled parking places were considered and some were able to be retained in temporary locations.

The necessary legal orders were processed to implement the changes.

Equality Impacts:

An initial screening exercise identified that there would potentially be impacts on some people with protected characteristics, specifically on the basis of age, disability, pregnancy and maternity and carers.

Due to the emergency situation, changing guidance/advice/legislation a full EIA has not been completed. Instead a more dynamic approach was proposed with consideration being given to any changes when proposed. As many of the decisions will be regarding the physical environment we will work with Gordon Pybus from DAD, but not on the basis of a full consultation. This advice and guidance has informed the decision making and proposed mitigation.

There have been discussions with DAD regarding detailed plans for bus stops, bus services, suspension of parking bays (including the relocation of disabled parking bays) and footway widening. DAD has provided additional guidance from RNIB.

Following implementation of the social distancing measures we have committed to respond to issues raised such as enforcement of the restrictions and providing further information on the timing for key mitigation such as the installation of temporary dropped kerbs.

In addition some of the plans regarding cycling will be discussed with Darlovelo in relation to cycle provision.

To implement the social distancing measures considered necessary to support the reopening of the town centre safely and any subsequent modifications within the principles of the government guidance and to authorise legal orders necessary to implement the measures.

Reason - To implement measures to support safe opening of the town centre and manage the risk of transmission of the virus. The over-riding principle being public health considerations.

Retaining wall being built as part of the Haughton Throughabout project is almost complete with just the facia stone to put in place which will take two weeks maximum.

Hall Construction who are the sub-contractors carrying out the work and have asked if they could start back on site to complete this element of the works.

Once this walling is complete then it opens up a large amount of footway/cycleway work for our own construction teams which would give us a good start when we return to site.

We have requested a full set of RAMS which will be vetted and approved to ensure they will be adhering to the social distancing rules while carrying out this work and we will have a site manager on site at all times to monitor this.

Completing this piece of work now with two men only on site will mean less operatives on site to monitor when construction teams return.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Programme - Up to two weeks work for two operatives

COVID19 - The works can be progressed under the current guidelines with the necessary systems in place. The footway Is currently closed and fenced off so there can be no contact with the public.

Equality Impacts:
Not applicable.

To allow Subcontractor to restart on site w/c 4th May ahead of main project restart to phase recommencement under supervision of DBC staff. (Subject to satisfactory methods of working being agreed).

Reason: To enable gradual re-commencement and management of resources on site.

There are two areas of carriageway which have failed along this short stretch of road and now require urgent reconstruction work to maintain the road in a safe and serviceable condition as they are deteriorating rapidly.
The main area of failure is on Feethams, the junction with Beaumont Street and this needs to be excavated down to a depth 550mm. There is another patch outside Bella Italia on the opposite side of the road requiring the same treatment.
The road will need to be closed from Church Row to Victoria Road roundabout for two continuous days. The works are planned from 9am Saturday 23 May to 5pm Sunday 24 May.
The bus companies have been consulted and are happy for the works to go ahead at this time. Bus services may increase as lockdown is gradually released after this date.
Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Programme - Two days’ work over one weekend Sat 23 to Sun 24 May funded from Highway Maintenance programme.
COVID-19 - The works can be progressed under the current guidelines with the necessary systems in place that will be vetted and approved by the Head of Highway Asset Management – Steve Pryke. The area of works will be cordoned off to separate to separate members of the public from the workforce.
Equality Impacts:
An accessible footway will be open and there will be alternative routes to disabled parking.

To authorise the undertaking of works subject to the necessary Health and Safety arrangements being approved.
Reason: To undertake urgent reconstruction work to maintain the road in a safe and serviceable condition as they are deteriorating rapidly.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Government are delivering a green restart of local transport.

The government consulted on urgent legislation to allow trials of rental e-scooters to commence more rapidly and in more areas than initially planned.

To support this and to help mitigate reduced public transport capacity e-scooter trials will be brought forward. The Department for Transport (DfT) is reviewing the regulations that apply to e-scooters as part of its Future of Transport programme.

TVCA are registering an interest to be a trial area and are working with a provider and are seeking support from Highway Authorities in the Tees Valley to support the bid to DfT to become a trial area.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Cabinet were presented with a number of risks identified at the bid stage of the project that would need to be overcome to allow e-scooters to be allowed on Darlington roads should the bid be successful.

Equality Impacts:
An equality impact assessment would need to be undertaken if the bid is successful.

To support the bid; subject to further detail and any outstanding safety, legal and other considerations identified being satisfactorily resolved prior to introduction.

Reason: To enable the Tees Valley to submit a bid.

To reopen outdoor play areas and outdoor gym equipment from 4 July 2020.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safety information to be displayed with social distancing stickers and every other swing removed.

Equality impacts:
None.

To reopen outdoor play areas and outdoor gym equipment on 4 July 2020.

Reason: To allow children to use outdoor play areas and all to use outdoor gym equipment.

Reopen grass pitches at Eastbourne on 22 June 2020 and artificial grass pitch on 29 June 2020.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place following Government guidelines.

Equality impacts:
None.

To reopen grass pitches on 22 June 2020 and to reopen the artificial grass pitch on 29 June 2020.

Reason: To allow outdoor sport to take place in line with Government guidance.

To reopen the pavement café from 4 July 2020 and Bistro from 6 July 2020.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Safe system of work in place, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To reopen pavement café 4 July 2020 and reopen Bistro 6 July 2020.

Reason: To restart catering service in line with Government guidance.

To reopen the Head of Steam from Tuesday 14 July 2020 with booking system in place and reduced price.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Safe system of work in place, agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.
Safety information to be displayed with social distancing stickers.

Equality Impacts:
None.

To reopen Head of Steam on 14 July 2020.

Reason: To allow the public to visit the Head of Team in line with Government guidance.

To reopen Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries from Monday 13 July 2020 with the following restrictions:
- Express service for book loans
- Restricted access for browsing
- Booking system for Local Studies
- Restricted access for gallery space
- No ICT usage

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Restricted service to be available as detailed above.
Safe system of work in place as agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.
Safety information to be displayed with social distancing stickers.

To reopen Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries on 13 July 2020 with the following restrictions in place:
- Express service for book loans
- Restricted access for browsing
- Booking system for Local Studies
- Restricted access for gallery space
- No ICT usage

Reason: To allow the public to visit Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries in line with Government guidance.

In late May 2020 the Government instructed all local authorities to have local outbreak control plans in place before the end of June. The plan sets out how we will work to prevent cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 in Darlington and how we will respond if and when they do. The plan is to be produced, approved and published to a tight timescale.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

No negative service impacts identified. The plan describes actions to prevent and manage outbreaks.
Test and Trace Service Grant allocated to the Council for this work.

To approve the Darlington Local Outbreak Control Plan: June 2020, as a ‘work in progress’, with effect 29 June 2020.

Reason: It is mandated that every Upper Tier Local Authority will publish an approved Local Outbreak Control Plan by the end of June 2020. The timescale has mitigated against wider consultation and debate.

To reinstate Street Scene Services to full capacity.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Social distancing to be included in all services.

To reinstate full Street Scene Service from 1 June 2020.

Reason - To provide services.

To replace roofs and repoint all elevations in accordance with safe working practices. Work was put on hold during full lockdown.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl., virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

To replace the roof and repoint all elevation to council properties in the areas of Sadberge and Haughton commencing from September 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020 and roof replacement is essential to protect the fabric of the building.

To undertake a programme of garage repairs in accordance with safe working practices. Works were put on hold during full lock down.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl., virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

To repair garages in the area of Lascelles commencing from September 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020 and garage repairs are essential in order to maintain them in good condition.

Undertake pre paint repairs and external decoration works in accordance with safe working practices. Work put on hold during full lockdown.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

Undertake pre paint repairs and external decoration works to council properties in the areas of Bank Top, North Road, Red Hall and Rise Carr commencing from July 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020. External decoration is a high priority for our tenants and helps protect the fabric of our buildings.

Replace front and rear communal doors and door entry system in accordance with safe working practices. Work put on hold during full lockdown period.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

To replace front and rear communal doors and door entry system in the Bank Top area commencing from September 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020 and communal door replacements help protect the health and safety of our tenants.

Replace front and rear external doors in accordance with safe working practices. Work was put on hold during full lockdown.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

To replace front and rear doors to council properties in the area of Lascelles Park commencing from September 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020. External door replacements are a high priority for our tenants and improve the energy efficiency pf properties.

To carry out structural repairs to Council properties in accordance with safe working practices. Work was put on hold on a temporary basis during the full lockdown period.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Updated risk assessment and method statements will allow this work to be carried out safely for both operatives and tenants.

To carry out structural repairs and improvements to council properties in the areas of Hundens Lane, Havelock Street and Park Place commencing from August 2020.

Reason: Work programme was agreed by Council in March 2020 and structural improvements are important to protect our tenant’s safety and the fabric of our buildings.

From week commencing 20 April 2020 the number of available cremation slots was increased from 58 to 75 per week to cope with the potential increased demand from COVID-19. Following a reduction in cases and deaths, demand has reduced to between 40%-50% therefore from week commencing 6 July 2020, the number of available cremations per week will return to normal capacity of 58.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
None

To reduce number of cremations per week back to 58 from week commencing 6 July 2020.

Reason: Return service to normal capacity.

To reopen No 16 Horsemarket for a takeaway service from 15 June 2020.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Safe system of work in place.
No entry to No 16 Horsemarket to the public. Customers to be served via hatch created at door (using table) that is staffed with queueing system in operation.
Customer to place order, with member of staff behind the counter preparing.
Once order is ready, to be placed on table for collection. Customer would then move on and next person would be served.
All payments where possible by card.

Equality Impacts:
None

To reopen No 16 Horsemarket for a takeaway service from 15 June 2020.

Reason - Reopening No 16 Horsemarket for a takeaway service is in line with other cafes/fast food establishments operating this type of service within the current Government guidelines.

To reopen Eastbourne Sports Complex Track to bookings of 6 per hour with the appropriate safety measures in place.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

Appropriate safety measures and safe system of work in place. Bookings limited to 6 per hour to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to.

Equality Impacts:
None

To reopen Eastbourne Sports Complex Track for bookings of 6 per hour from 16 June 2020.

Reason - To enable limited sports participation to take place within the current social distancing guidelines.

The Customer Services Centre closed for face to face appointments on 3 April 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

The proposal is to commence a phased re-opening of the Customer Services Centre initially for face to face urgent appointments for Register Office, Homelessness, Financial Protection (FPT) and Section 17 payments.

The staffing levels within the Centre would be:
• 1 Security Guard
• 1 Customer Services Advisor
• 1 Customer Services Team Leader
• Register office staff (1 receptionist, 2 back office)
• Financial Protection staff (dependant on number of appointments)

It is expected that the Register Office will be advised to recommence the registration of births face to face from 1 June 2020, the Homeless team will continue to provide support and advice over the telephone and the Financial Protection Team will return to providing monies face to face within the Customer Services Centre.

Social distancing measures are to be strictly adhered to, hence only offering an appointment-based service with reduced opening times of 10am to 3pm.

Services available and opening times would be reviewed on a 3 weekly basis and individual services would be heavily involved in the extension of services available.

The expected date for re-opening is 1 June 2020.

HM Government guidance for working safely during COVID-19 to be consulted and adhered to throughout.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:

•Installation of “sneeze-screens” to reception desks and 7 interview rooms (inclusive of all 4 register office rooms);
•All staff provided with full-face visors as per guidance from Public Health;
•The use of gloves is not currently recommended by Public Health but use of hand sanitizer and regular handwashing is recommended;
•Regular cleaning to be carried out within the centre;
•Appointment only system to reduce number of staff and customers within the centre;
•Security in place to manage entrance and exit of customers;
•Temporary barriers installed in the Town Hall to ensure a safe queuing system;
•Public PC area, public waiting area, scanning station and payment kiosk to remain closed for the time being to reduce number of “drop-in” visits;
•Number of customers within interview rooms to be restricted to 1 person at any one time except in the instance of births where parents are unmarried and legally both must be present at the same time;
•Appointments for services such as Financial Protection Team (FPT) to be staggered to reduce queues;
•An electronic diary for appointments to be used and managed by Customer Services Team Leaders;
•Panic alarms fully functioning in interview rooms and through personal pendants;
•One-way system for customers entering and exiting the centre to reduce chances of customers being within 2m of each other and therefore reduce chances of infection;
•Signage throughout the centre reminding of social distancing guidelines;
•Staff access through the centre restricted to reduce numbers within centre;
•All interview rooms not in use for face to face interviews to be locked from the customer side to reduce possible infection of staff who are currently using these as office space;
•Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers available for customers at entrance and exit area and behind interview rooms and reception desk for staff.

Equality Impacts:
In the context of the pandemic customers should not be making visits to the contact centre for this purpose, however it is recognised that the registration of births is essential. FPT customers have continued to collect monies from Civic Reception during the pandemic so the re-opening will reduce risks for staff and customers.

A Phased re-opening of Customer Services Contact Centre for face to face appointments effective from 01/06/2020 until further notice – to be reviewed on a 3-weekly basis.

Reason - For the protection of public and staff health and to adhere to current government guidelines of staying at home.

Recent Government guidance that all social housing lettings deemed non-essential can resume as part of the Governments move to re-open the housing market.
Will include:
Void inspections;
Advertising of vacant properties;
Accompanied viewings;
Allocation of properties;
Sign up of tenancy.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Will assist in void rental loss and void property turnaround periods.
Appropriate resources are in place to carry out remedial repairs.
To ensure safe working practice effective risk assessments are in place for Housing and Building Services Teams.

First initial meeting to take place 19/05/2020 to discuss action plan in order for re-introduction of normal duties relating to void inspections and allocations.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in consultation with Public Health have confirmed non-essential house moves should be avoided but provided a list of vulnerable people who we should move to new homes:
Supporting victims of domestic abuse a people fleeing other forms of violence;
Prevent severe overcrowding;
Facilitate move on from temporary accommodation;
Facilitate discharge from hospital to free up bed spaces;
Accommodate those living in unsafe accommodation or without settled accommodation which pose a risk to health.

Offers of accommodation should be direct and not by the usual method of advertising in accordance with Choice Based Lettings.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered:
Will reduce the impacts on the Heath Service and Social Services. Safe working practices and effective risk assessments are in place. Will help ease the current pressures on temporary accommodation.

Equality Impacts:
Positive impacts on domestic abuse and rough sleeping cases.
Improved mental health and wellbeing affected from living in overcrowded accommodation.

Rehousing of vulnerable people following MHCLG Guidance to be implemented in May 2020.

Reason - Protection of public interest and impact on various services. Whilst the MHCLG guidance is non-statutory there is an expectation that all social landlords comply.