Decision details

Re-opening of the Civic Centre to the public for appointments

Reference: D1033

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

For the Leader of the Council to authorise from 6th July 2020 and until further notice, the re-opening of the Civic Centre to the public on an appointment only basis.

Decision:

THAT the Leader of the Council:

                                                                                       

1)    Authorises from 6th July 2020 and until further notice, the re-opening of the Civic Centre building to the public on an appointment only basis; and

 

2)    Delegates authority to the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services to take any operational measures necessary to facilitate the re-opening.

Reasons for the decision:

To take proportionate action in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic aimed at protecting the residents of the Borough and Council staff and to ensure that social contact is reduced and strictly managed, in line with government guidance, at the Civic Centre whilst still maintaining essential public services.

 

To ensure any necessary operational measures can be taken to aid a safe re-opening of the Civic Centre to the public for appointments.

Alternative options considered:

An alternative option is for operations to continue as they are. With the relaxation of full lockdown and the resumption/future resumption of many Council services provision needs to be made to see customers face to face where business cannot be conducted remotely. Given the size/nature of the Civic Centre reception and interview areas, and taking into account staff and customer safety, government guidance and risk assessments, the proposals in 2.1 are considered to be the safest way to enable some face to face customer service at the Civic Centre.

 

A further alternative option is for operations to revert to normal with no restriction on public access to the Civic Centre. The government is clear that social distancing and other safety measures are necessary to protect the public and staff. The Council has a responsibility to its residents and staff to ensure that they remain healthy and safe and wherever possible to limit face to face contact. These measures are considered absolutely necessary at the current time to reduce social contact in the Civic Centre and to endorse government’s measures. They will be kept under review.

Urgent item?: Yes

Publication date: 03/07/2020

Date of decision: 02/07/2020

Accompanying Documents: