Agenda item

The Leader presented the report to colleagues advising that despite all of the challenges being faced in Wales and the world in the last month, Covid remained prevalent across its communities. 

Whilst cases continued to fall the impacts of restrictions over the last two years continued to impact the health and social care sector.
 

Wales remained at alert level 0 and from 28February masks would only be required in retail, public transport and health and care settings.

The Welsh Government continued to take a cautious approach and in March would be assessing the public health position and whether to remove the legal requirement to wear face coverings by the end of March.

For elected members and officers in the Council the advice remained to work remotely unless required by their role. 

As part of the Council’s New Normal project preparations were being made for staff to undertake hybrid working, ensuring rooms and facilities across the Council’s estate were suitable and safe places to work and undertake our democratic roles.  The Leader added that the Cabinet meeting in April would be a hybrid meeting.

Both this report and the EU Transition report were highlighting the ongoing pressures and uncertainty many households faced across Newport and Wales with the cost-of-living crisis caused by rising energy, food and fuel costs.

Both Newport Council and the Welsh Government were supporting households and businesses struggling to meet these pressures.  Newport Council had committed an additional £100,000 towards tackling food poverty, supporting food charities and groups.

The Council was also supporting the Welsh Government’s Winter Fuel Support scheme which was extended to 28 February and with amounts increased from £100 to £200.
 

The Leader added that it was important that councillors supported struggling households and people in Newport, helping them to find the right support and guidance during this difficult time.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 1 – The Work and Skills team are working in collaboration with Acorn Recruitment Agency, offering opportunities for residents to work in the health and social care sector.
 

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 1 – Newport Council secured 3 year Children and Communities grant funding to support families across Newport

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 2 – Completion of major schemes such as the Indoor Market, Market Arcade and Chartist Tower will be supporting the rejuvenation of city centre.
 

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 2 – Awarded 18 City of Newport Business Development grants

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 3 – Library and community services operating normal hours

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 3 – Adult services supported our most vulnerable residents during the recent storms ensuring they had safe and secure accommodation before returning back home.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 4 – Projects to improve housing and temporary accommodation for residents have been continuing.

·        Strategic Recovery Aim 4 – Participatory budget work awarding funding towards projects across Newport to help communities recover from the pandemic.

Comments from Cabinet Members:

§  Councillor Truman took the opportunity to thank all officers within Newport City Council as he was retiring in May, in particular, Trading Standards, Licensing and Environmental officers. 

The Leader and Chief Executive thanked Councillor Truman and all members who would be standing down this year on behalf of all officers of Newport City Council.

§  Councillor Davies echoed the comments of the Leader and the Chief Executive.  The impact on the health and care sector meant that there had been a loss of key workers.  The Council officers had set up a bespoke programme to attract people into the care sector.  This included  access to free training, the WG demanded that every care worker had a recognised qualification and that would provided freely by Newport City Council.  In addition to this, earlier today, the Cabinet Member was invited to a similar arrangement in relation to the construction industry which was taking place at the Newport East hub to focus on free access to training for their CSE Card.  The hub was full of young people which showed signs of positive signs recovery across the city.  The library was also open in the Newport East Hub and the learning academy was full with 16-18 year old students working hard.

§  Councillor Jeavons thanked Councillor Truman and referred to front line services who continued to work during the pandemic and asked to spare a thought for these people, especially for those living with people at risk to catching Covid.

§  Councillor Harvey echoed comments and thanked Councillor Truman for his support. 

§  Councillor Hughes also thanked Councillor Truman.  As a trustee of a local food bank acknowledged the support of Newport City Council and £100,000 allocated.

§  Councillor Cockeram wished Councillor Truman all the very best for the future.  In relation to the issues with social services, work experience and placement was discussed in colleges in relation to domiciliary care.  Also offering places for university students in care homes for their work experience.

Decision:

Cabinet noted the contents of the report and received updates from officers as part of their portfolio.