Issue - meetings

To receive an update report on COVID-19 risk considerations.

The Group Head of Corporate Governance reported that the Council’s recognition of issues and positive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the current second outbreak, had been generally acknowledged.  The recent Local Government Association Peer Review had highlighted the excellence of the Council’s response.

The COVID-19 risk assessment had been updated to reflect the impact of the  ongoing pandemic and a further item, local operating procedures and policies, was now considered a high risk.   The Chief Finance Officer advised the Committee that delays in cascading of information and funding from the upper tier authority to districts and boroughs had created problems and the Council had found it necessary in some instances to work independently because of the urgency and necessity to support our residents, businesses and community.  There were channels for issues to be discussed and solutions found but these could be slow-moving.

The Committee requested feedback from the survey undertaken of major businesses in the borough to give them a better understanding of their concerns and the impact of COVID-19 on their operations.

The Committee asked what measures were being taken to ensure staff wellbeing whilst homeworking and were advised that a number of measures had been put in place including managers receiving training on remote management and the importance of maintaining social and team bonds.  They regularly contacted staff and were alert to issues they may be experiencing.  Staff briefings were also held regularly to keep everyone updated and involved.  Assessments of the homeworking environment had been carried out and equipment supplied as necessary.

The pandemic had provided opportunities for fraud and theft and the Committee asked what approaches were used to prevent these, including collaboration with other boroughs.   They were advised that Reigate & Banstead Borough Council undertake counter-fraud work on our behalf and a number of teams meet regularly with their counterparts to discuss issues and share information so learn of emerging issues.  They were also advised that teams use a variety of tools to help identify fraudulent activities.

The Committee asked of the methods used to alert residents to scams as they were concerned that the message may not reach all residents.  The Communications team were actively using social media to highlight the risk and advise of known scams but it was acknowledged that elderly residents, in particular, may not use that mode of communication.  It was agreed to look at other ways of alerting residents to potential scams.

The Committee considered the assessment to be a comprehensive assessment of the risks faced and actions taken to mitigate these.  It was resolved to note the report.