Agenda item

In presenting this report the Leader firstly gave heartfelt thanks to the people of Newport on behalf of the Council for everything they have done since March 2020 and also during the recent Covid-19 firebreak in order to keep everyone safe and to limit the spread of the disease.  The Leader hopes to see an improvement of the Covid figures which will be a good result for the hard work undertaken by all and is hopeful that we can all move forward together as a city. 

The report provided an update on the progress made by Newport Council and its partners to support the city to comply with the localised lockdown measures and supporting Newport’s communities as part of the Council’s Strategic Recovery Aims. 

The Leader confirmed that in June, Cabinet endorsed four Strategic Recovery Aims that support the delivery of the Council’s Wellbeing Objectives but also ensure the Council’s services can return safely and manage future outbreaks. 

Since the last report to Cabinet in October, Welsh Government put in place a ‘firebreak’ from 23^rd October lasting 17 days.  This resulted in all non-essential businesses (including pubs, bars and restaurants) closing; all households being advised to stay at home and to work from home (where possible); and only Primary school, year 7 and 8 pupils returning back to school. 

For Newport Council and its partners this meant the closure of Community Regeneration settings (excluding flying Start), Schools (for selected year groups), Newport Live facilities and the Household Waste site

England has now imposed a national lockdown for four weeks until 2^nd December and residents in Wales have been asked not to travel to and from England (unless there is a reasonable excuse) to help them minimise the spread of Covid.

The period to Christmas remains precarious for all parts of Wales, including Newport, as attempts are made to minimise the spread of Covid-19 and ensure all of the City’s vital services e.g. Hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, Council services and businesses remain open and are able to operate safely within the requirements set by the Welsh Government.  This is why it is important for residents and businesses to comply with the new rules set by Welsh.  Newport Council continues to work closely with its partners, community groups and third sector partners to communicate these rules to residents and businesses and to support the most vulnerable in our communities.

The Leader took the opportunity to stress to everyone the importance of following the rules.    She appealed to the public that, if contacted by the TTP service the importance of following up on that contact, as you will have been in touch with someone who has tested positive for covid-19.  The service is confidential and people will not be judged, but it is an important step in trying to stop this disease. 

The Leader thanked all staff, partners and councillors for supporting communities and services. 

The Leader promised a further update on the Council’s progress at the next Cabinet meeting.

The Leader invited Cabinet colleagues to comment 

Councillor Truman commended the whole workforce for their work in dealing with this situation and reminded people to stick to the rules; he also commended the people of Newport for their assistance with this.

Cabinet was asked to consider the contents of the report and note the progress made to date and the risks that are still faced by the Council.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the contents of the report and agreed for Cabinet/Cabinet Members to receive updates from officers as part of their portfolio.