Decision Maker: Chief Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
To continue to hold
virtual meetings reflecting the emergence of Omicron and the rise in COVID
cases locally, in order to protect elected members,
staff and the public and be able carry out the business of the council.
In the light of:
·
The emergence of Omicron
·
Increasing infection case numbers
(highest since January)
·
The Government’s recent announcement
and the need to do all we can to minimise the scope
for transmission and
·
The need to avoid inconsistency with
the “work from home if you can” message – not re-starting in person meetings at
exactly the moment we are told to work at home if we can.
Following a
conversation between three of the Group Leaders, I have considered the
Council’s position in respect of returning to in person meetings.
The local hospital
system is under significant pressure, from COVID and the usual winter
pressures. Similarly, the Adult Social Care sector is also under pressure as
they work tirelessly to stop more people having to be admitted to hospital and also seeking to help accelerate the discharge of
patients back to home or into social care.
My advice is that
we should not be putting members, staff and visitors
at unnecessary risk by holding in person meetings when we have a lawful
alternative.
Members previously
agreed to informal virtual (minded to) meetings, and in view of the situation I
have outlined and our duty of care to members, staff
and members of the public wishing to engage with meetings, as Chief Executive I
am exercising my delegated power to act in a case of urgency. I have consulted with and have the support of
Group Leaders
I will review this
decision on a weekly basis, from the start of January taking into consideration
the public health data for Dorset and any national guidance/regulation changes
in force, and will consult with the Leader (and group
leaders in line with the original full council decision) to consider the
Council’s position in respect of returning to in person meetings.
To continue with
in-person meetings, which might result in some members or officers not feeling
able to attend for personal health reasons.
None.
Publication date: 16/12/2021
Date of decision: 16/12/2021