Discussion led by Cllr Judi Billing
Minutes:
The Chairman invited Cllr Judi Billing to introduce the item.
Cllr Billing said that Lead Members had felt it important to collate examples of best practice in member councils that had arisen out of the Covid crisis, and invited members to contribute:
· Cllr Laura Miller (Dorset Council) – Adult Social Care and Health staff worked together with voluntary sector partners to deliver a transformation programme – ‘A Better Life’. A Board was established to manage the programme but voluntary sector partners now have equal status and are leading on its delivery – true co-production. This handing over of sovereignty by council staff has been transformational in terms of behaviour change.
· Cllr Judi Billing (Hertfordshire County Council) – Full street zoom meetings have been instigated (with residents encouraging each other to attend) on local issues of concern. This has been hugely empowering, particularly for normally harder to reach residents, who have been given a voice.
· Cllr Andrew Western (Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council) – Established local community hubs to try and engage with the most vulnerable members of the community. They have provided a mechanism for consulting, providing information and support and bringing in partner organisations. Council will be looking to fund these hubs post-pandemic. The pandemic also vastly improved the process for transferring people out of hospital and this must be retained post-pandemic.
· Cllr Anthony McKeown (High Peak Borough Council) – from a personal perspective, virtual meetings enabled him to continue leading the Council whilst undergoing prolonged treatment in hospital. Cllr Alice Perry (Islington Council) also highlighted the fact that the Leader of Islington Council was on maternity leave when elected and would not have been able to continue in the role without virtual meetings. They are therefore potentially empowering for women.
Members agreed that this could be a regular agenda item for the Board.