Agenda item
Agenda item
Presentation from Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP - Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government
Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government) to give a speech on the challenges of the COVID vaccination roll out, reducing COVID infections and the role that local government can play.
Robert noted the following points in his speech:
- Welcomed the work of local government and it’s key role in responding to the COVID pandemic. Noted that the previous year has seen major challenges for local government in delivering it’s core services but also personally for councillor’s.
- Eager to ensure that local government is involved and consulted at all stages of the COVID vaccination programme. Appointment of Eleanor Kelly (CEO, Southwark Borough Council) was emblematic of this commitment.
- Collaboration between the NHS and local government was being encouraged on the vaccination programme. Local Authorities possess vital skills and data on logistics, setting up vaccination centres and contacting harder to reach/isolated communities. Noted that Sir Simon Stevens (Chair, NHS England) had committed to delivering close collaboration. Explained that local government would be provided with sufficient NHS data to accomplish this.
- The Minister noted that funding had been an issue of high priority, with MHCLG securing an additional £7Bn for local government through the pandemic in addition to establishing dedicated compensation for losses of sales, fees and charges. The draft Local Government Settlement would be presented to Parliament soon.
- The Prospectuses for the Levelling Up Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund will published in coming weeks. Working to deliver a direct funding relationship with local authorities, where funds would not be administered through Local Enterprise Partnerships. The aim being to deliver a system built on the goals and needs of local government.
- Homelessness and Rough Sleeping had been a top priority for the Minister and the crisis seen among homeless people internationally had not been seen in the UK thanks to the work of local authorities. Stressed that such efforts must continue with vulnerable people effectively weaved into the vaccination programme.
In the subsequent discussion the following points were raised by members:
- The Local Elections planned for May 2021 were discussed at length. Members requested an update on planning for the elections, interdepartmental work and the prospect of any further delays given the ongoing COVID pandemic. Robert explained that the elections are being addressed across Government with the Cabinet Office commissioning Public Health England to undertake specific safety assessments. While many of the arguments for further delay have been considered the Government believes the delivery of the democratic process is vital. The Chairman agreed to liaise further with Government on this matter.
- A member requested further clarity on the prospect of a continued nationwide lockdown and noted the importance of consistent and clear public messaging on the topic. The Minister explained that while there is a prospect for a easing of restrictions by Easter 2021, international vaccine supply challenges could inhibit progress.
- Members welcomed the Minister’s comments regarding the role of LEPs in the delivery of the UKSPF and greater direct responsibility for local authorities. However, questions were raised on the role MPs and deprivation criteria to be applied. Robert explained that by engaging local MP’s in both funds would encourage stronger cooperation with local authorities. His desire for the Levelling Up Fund was to implement a system that would account for pockets of deprivation in otherwise wealthy areas as well as larger areas affected by deprivation.
- An update on the progress of the Government’s proposed planning reforms was requested. Robert explained that the White Paper consultation had received around 44,000 responses, which would be responded to in Summer 2021, with possible details of legislation in the Queen’s Speech.
- Concerns were raised with the workload being placed onto Council officers for the administration of COVID related business support as a result of eligibility rules changing at each COVID Alert Level.
- The importance of allowing local authorities to continue the use of remote meetings was highlighted. Robert explained that he felt remote meetings had been effective and was willing to support their continuation if there was an appetite for such nationally. Any extension to their use would require primary legislation for which there was limited time in Parliament.
The Chairman thanked the Minister for his time at the meeting and support throughout the COVID pandemic in securing additional funding for local government.
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