Minutes:
The Mayor made a number of announcements.
The Mayor referred to the recent passing of former Councillor and past Mayor Jean Hammerton. Jean was elected to the council in 1994 and was Mayor 2003 to 2004 and was also a Bishops Waltham Parish Councillor for 26 years.
The Mayor then announced that former Councillor and past Mayor, Major Dougie Covill MBE DCM was celebrating his 100th birthday and that he had sent greetings from the Mayoralty and wider Council for his happy occasion.
The Mayor then reported that his recent Local Hero Awards had been great success. The awards had offered residents the chance to celebrate unsung heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the 113 individuals and groups who had been nominated, 48 Parish Councils and 19 local community groups had also been recognised for their efforts. Certificates had been issued to all these Heroes and the Mayor have recorded a special video in celebration.
The Mayor’s next announcement was with regard to the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours and he had written to the following:
· Professor Paul Elkington of Owslebury, a Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Southampton University. For services to Medicine particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Member of the Order of the British Empire.
· Vera M Collings of Martyr Worthy. For services to the community. A Medal of the Order of the British Empire.
· Ronald D Williamson of Bishops Waltham. For services to the community. A Medal of the Order of the British Empire.
The Mayor then referred to Remembrance Sunday and that he was to lay a wreath on behalf of the Winchester district at the war memorial. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the clergy only cathedral service would be viewable via a live stream. He had also recorded a special video, with the Royal British Legion, which will be released on the council’s social media channels just before 11am on both Sunday 8th and Wednesday 11th November.
The Leader then made her announcements.
The Leader referred to measures the council had taken to support free school meals during the half term break and that she would call on the government and other agencies to ensure that all those entitled to free school meals continued to do so during the school holidays.
The Leader then referred to the recent announcement by the government of a further four week period of lockdown restrictions. The council’s key services would continue to be maintained and communities supported during this latest lockdown period, with the council once again working closely with partner and voluntary organisations and the county council etc.
The Leader then, on behalf of the council, thanked officers for their hard work in continuing to support businesses and communities.
The Leader then asked the Chief Executive to outline measures to be put in place and the council’s priorities, especially during the latest lock down period.
Accordingly, the Chief Executive explained that priorities were to support individuals or groups who were identified as most at risk from COVID-19. The council would also support the businesses who had been forced to close and also working with those who were able to remain open to ensure that they operated within COVID-19 secure guidance.
A key priority was to enable and support the valuable work of community groups and individuals who are taking practical action to help their neighbours.
The council’s critical frontline services were to be maintained, especially those that may face extra demand or additional operational challenges during the lockdown period.
The Chief Executive then outlined in detail the work undertaken to date to ensure that the council achieved these priorities.
The council was to continue to work with local councils to ensure that it provided the best service to communities at this time.