Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive introduced the report on the Council’s approach to recovery and drew attention to the importance of an evidence-based approach in tailoring those plans. The objectives and approach to recovery were outlined within paragraphs 2.9 and 2.10 of the report.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the possible resurgence of Covid-19 in either local or national form would be a significant risk to the Council’s recovery approach. The Strategic Plan would be harder to achieve in the short term and potentially long term, with housing, economic growth and healthy life expectancies likely to be affected. It was noted that there would be an opportunity for elements which included green topics, climate change and business transformation to be examined. The Council’s financial stability would be re-examined, and a comprehensive report would be provided to the Committee in July 2020 on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

With regard to recovery, the High-Street had been reopened and the hospitality industry was to follow. A politically balanced Member Consultative Forum had been created, to encourage shared communication between officers and politicians, which met on a weekly basis.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The context for Covid-19 recovery be noted; and

2.  The objectives for Covid-19 recovery for Maidstone be agreed.

Note: Councillor English exited the meeting during the debate on this item.