Decision details

The purpose of this report to update the Chief Executive on the Government’s ‘Roadmap out of lockdown’ and obtain approval to reopen Council facilities and services as covid-19 restrictions are eased.

THAT the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council:

1) Note the contents of this report.

2) Authorises the reopening of Council facilities and services as and when permitted by legislative changes to the Covid-19 Regulations.

3) Delegates authority to the relevant Heads of Service to make all necessary operational decisions to reopen Council facilities safely in accordance with any applicable Government guidance and risk assessments.

To ensure awareness of and compliance with applicable legislation as lockdown restrictions ease.

To ensure that Council premises, facilities, and service reopen when legally permitted in a covid secure manner.

To ensure efficient decision making and to avoid the Executive from becoming overwhelmed by operational decisions.

Not to reopen Council facilities and services when legally permitted. However this would mean that local residents and communities will not be able to access much needed community facilities, such as those within the Council’s leisure centre, when such premises are allowed by Government to reopen.

Not to delegate operational decisions regarding the reopening of facilities and services to the relevant Head of Service. However this would lead to unnecessary burden on the Executive as the Chief Executive would need to make all operational decisions as to how the Council’s premises and facilities will reopen.