Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Russell Perrin.

None.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting on 2 March 2021 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.  

None.

The Working Group received an update on the Covid-19 position in Harlow. Brian Keane, Chief Executive, advised that the infection figures across the country, including Harlow, were continuing to rise mainly affecting the under 30 age group. Jane Greer, Head of Community Wellbeing, confirmed that 72.7 per cent of the adult population in Harlow had been fully vaccinated.

The Working Group were concerned that Harlow had been targeted by anti-vax protestors twice. Brian Keane confirmed that he had raised these concerns with the Police and would continue to raise this issue with the Police.

Jane Greer advised the Working Group that the West Essex CCG had an advice service for people who were concerned about getting vaccinated. Jane Greer agreed to circulate the information to the Working Group. 

Councillor Andrew Johnson provided an update on the Council’s business position and confirmed that £24 million had been awarded as part of the Towns Fund. Councillor Johnson also confirmed that the Council had submitted bids for the Levelling Up Fund and Community Renewal Fund. In terms of Covid-19 recovery, the Council would focus on workforce skills, anchor institution work and receiving as much Government funding as possible.

Councillor Johnson advised that Councillor Russell Perrin was looking at the business grants available, in particular the Additional Revenue Grant criteria. The Council would also be applying for additional grant funding.

The Working Group requested that Simon Freeman, Head of Finance and Deputy to the Chief Executive, circulated confirmation of how much had been paid out in business grants to the end of April. The Working Group also requested that unemployment figures in Harlow be circulated.

Councillor Joel Charles advised that the Community Resilience Strategy would be framed around the challenges faced over the last 15 months. The Council would also be looking at the procurement for inviting an organisation to deliver the new version of the Community Hub. Councillor Charles also advised that the Health and Wellbeing Strategy would be updated and that the Council would continue to support partnership organisations with the Resilience Fund.

Brian Keane agreed to contact Essex County Council to ask for information on the impact of Covid-19 on schools.

None.