Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Deputy Chief Executive.

It was resolved to endorse the Council’s approach to early recovery planning with priority and focus given to local delivery and achieving positive outcomes.

The report of the Deputy Chief Executive detailing the initial approach to early recovery planning was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Chair reported that decisions have been made recently to ease lockdown measures and to begin to reopen society. It is now the Council’s statutory duty to lead the Island’s recovery and it is committed to planning for and undertaking this role fully whilst continuing to collaborate effectively with its regional partners.  As such, the Council will focus on local needs and will use its voice to influence the regional recovery process in a way that meets those needs. Outlined in the report presented are the regional structures in place to plan for the recovery phase along with the local and internal structures and the reporting and accountability arrangements. The scale, continued uncertainties and challenges associated with the coronavirus emergency has led to a parallel approach meaning that response and recovery planning are currently operating in tandem at regional and local levels in what can be described as a transitional phase.

The Chair referred to the enormity and complexity of the recovery phase which is made more challenging by the uncertainty and by the risk of a resurgence in the number of coronavirus cases. A regional Recovery Co-ordinating Group (RCG) has been established to work alongside the regional Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG) which has been responsible for the emergency response phase in North Wales to ensure an aligned and co-ordinated strategic regional approach to recovery planning which mirrors that during the emergency period. The RCG’s early recovery planning is centred on three thematic areas – Health and Care recovery; Economic recovery and Community Resilience recovery each with its dedicated group with oversight and co-ordination provided by existing regional and local structures. Track, Trace and Protect has been lately added as a thematic area.

At a local level, it is proposed that the structures and working relationships established with Menter Môn and Medrwn Môn, with local community delivery and strong volunteer networks, are reinforced and maintained where possible for the recovery period. A positive outcome of the crisis has been the community response and particular thanks are due to all the volunteers who have supported the Council during this difficult time. Economic recovery for all sectors is recognised as especially important and the Council will need to determine how it can deliver services differently to enable economic development and job creation whilst at the same time playing its part in a “green recovery”. The importance and value of the tourism and hospitality sector cannot be underestimated and the Council will seek to maximise the opportunities that exist as part of the new normal to reinvent the Island as a tourist destination. Social Services will continue to safeguard the citizens of Anglesey both within the community and in residential settings. Consequently the resilience in the staffing of Social Services will have to be considered and managed to ensure business continuity.

In terms of internal structures and governance arrangements, consistency and alignment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5