Issue - meetings

The Chief Operating Officer to present an update report for May 2021 on the council’s activities both directly in response to Covid-19 and to support recovery and renewal.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report be noted.

The Chief Operating Officer presented a report which provided an update for May on activities both directly in response to Covid-19 and to support recovering and renewal.  He also expressed thanks to council staff for their work across all areas since March 2020.

As at 2 May, the official 7-day rate of Covid cases in York stood at 17.6 per 100k population, remaining lower than both national and regional averages.  Updates in respect of the three recovery themes: Economic, People and Corporate, were set out in paragraphs 11-15, 16-17 and 18-24 of the report respectively.  Highlights included: employers’ responses to increased demand for flexible working arrangements, the phased return of staff to council offices, developments in attracting businesses to York (in particular the proposed expansion of ETAS Ltd), provision of free school meals, and support for vulnerable residents.

In welcoming the report, the Chair expressed confidence in York’s recovery from the effects of the pandemic, encouraging residents to continue to follow the guidance and to support local businesses.

Resolved:  That the contents of the report be noted.