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| Cllr Philip Jackson - staff doing 'fantastic job' |
That was the clear message from today's debut virtual meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council's cabinet where members and officers communicated with one another online.
The event was also unique in allowing members of the public to watch proceedings on the internet via smartphone, pc or laptop.
The meeting only lasted 30 minutes, but that was long enough for an in-depth presentation by chief executive Rob Walsh on how the authority - supported by partner organisations and the community - had been responding to the emergency.
It was also an opportunity for the leader of the council, Cllr Philip Jackson, who chaired the meeting, to commend members of the NELC workforce for their flexibility, for their "outstanding response" and for the "fantastic job" they have been doing since lockdown.
Quizzed by portfolio holder for finance Cllr Stan Shreeve, director of finance Sharon Wroot struck a cautiously optimistic note on NELC's finances.
"We're fine at the moment," she replied. "In the short term, there is no risk to cash flow."
However, although the council - along with other authorities - has received substantial grants from Whitehall, its income has been hit both by new costs and by a shortfall income, so dark financial clouds are likely to be gathering.
Cllr Callum Procter welcomed the initiative to ensure the virtual meeting was viewable by the public as beneficial to democracy.
"It is right that cabinet members and the executive are held to account," he declared. "Of course, we would all rather be in the Crosland suite in Grimsby Town Hall, but obviously that's not possible right now."
He went on to note a sound of concern on the economy - particularly the precarious situation of retailers in Grimsby town centre and seasonal traders in Cleethorpes and Humberston.
The meeting heard that not all businesses have yet come forward to claim the grants to which they are entitled.
Cllr John Fenty was encouraged that many of the borough's businesses were continuing to operate, and he looked forward to things returning to full throttle as soon as possible.
Cllr Ian Lindley, a former NHS nurse, praised the extent of partnership working across the borough but voiced his concern about the ongoing psychological effect of lockdown - specifically, financial distress, destruction of routine and "families living on top of one another, 24/7".
In some cases, he claimed, this had led to a "massive impact" on mental health and increases in suicides.
Deputy chief executive Joanne Hewson acknowledged that every suicide was a tragedy, but she said the figures were in line with those of previous years.
She said Humberside police were aware of the risk of suicides and had stepped up vigilance at the Humber Bridge.
She further noted that helpline contact details were posted on the council's website.
It is hoped that further cabinet and other council meetings will be held "virtually" as long as the current emergency prevails.
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| Cllr Ian Lindley - concern over mental health |
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| Rob Walsh - update on coronavirus response |
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| Cllr John Fenty - praise for businesses |
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| Cllr Stan Shreeve - cashflow query |
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| Cllr Callum Procter - concerns for retailers |
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| Joanne Hewson - helplines available |
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| Sharon Wroot - cashflow 'fine for now' |
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