Agenda item

Leader of the Council

Councillor M J Hill, OBE, the Leader of the Council referred to the country moving into the recovery phase from the covid-19 pandemic, with the County Council participating in the easing of restrictions.   Local authorities would be involved in the NHS's Test, Track and Trace arrangements, which included the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, chaired by the Leader of the County Council, with membership consisting of other elected representatives, and supported by the County Council's Director of Public Health.  This Board would oversee any required local lockdown arrangements. 

Executive Councillor for Commercial and Environmental Management

Councillor E J Poll, Executive Councillor for Commercial and Environmental Management, stated that since the last meeting of the Executive the County Council's household waste recycling centres had opened, and feedback from members of the public had been positive.  The staff operating the centres were thanked for their efforts.

Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services

Councillor Mrs P A Bradwell, OBE, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Adult Care, Health and Children's Services, stated that £5 million of the £10 million further funding recently allocated for residential care had been passported to homes, with the requirement from the Government that homes completed a 'bed tracker' on a daily basis.  The Commissioning Team was in regular contact with providers to manage any issues.  Issues with personal protective equipment early in the pandemic had now been resolved.  The Community Supported Living service and home care providers were also working well, and were providing information on a daily basis.  Contract officers were also regular contact with all other service providers.

On Children's Services, Councillor Mrs Bradwell also stated that to date 92% of primary schools had opened to all Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.  Home to transport arrangements were being managed, with social distancing rules being followed.  On 15 June, secondary schools were due to open and the County Council was providing support and advice.  Details on a targeted summer school programme were awaited from the Government.  Front line staff, such as social workers and early help workers, continued to provide support to families. 

The Family Learning Service had adapted and was continuing to support parents and families, using online services. 

Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT 

Councillor R G Davies, the Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT, reported that following the commencement of the Highways 2020 Contract on 1 April 2020, activity was continuing at a normal level, despite the covid-19 pandemic.  Consideration was also being given to whether any changes would be needed to the layout for pedestrians in shopping areas.

Executive Councillor for NHS Liaison and Community Engagement

Councillor Mrs S Woolley, Executive Councillor for NHS Liaison and Community Engagement, referred to the week beginning 1 June as National Volunteers' Week and thanked all the county's volunteers for their support during the covid-19 pandemic.  There were over 400 volunteer community groups, comprising 7,000 individuals, in Lincolnshire who had been providing support to residents in the shielding category, or who were self-isolating.   A total of 205 grants had been given to community groups, with funding totalling £120,000 having been approved.  This had made a significant difference to community groups, who had requested grant funding.