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Government grants to local businesses and the impact of COVID-19 on the Council workforce are some of the items on the agenda of 11 June virtual Cabinet meeting.
Cabinet has to decide on the best way to allocate a new £1.5m of Government funding to support small businesses not covered by the initial support for those in the retail, leisure and hospitality industries.
Businesses Eligibility
Those in shared offices or other flexible workspaces, regular market traders, bed & breakfast accommodation and charity properties may be eligible for the cash if they are suffering financial losses due to COVID-19.
Support Local Businesses
Leader of Council Cllr Chris Whitbread said:
We welcome the additional funding from Government to support local businesses at this time. As a local council are working hard to get our High Streets up and running and supporting local business at this exceptional time.
Our staff did an exceptional job in getting almost 100% of the £29m allocated to us in the first round of business grants paid to local businesses in record time, making us the most successful Council in Essex in reacting swiftly to support our local economy.
Future of Telecare Service
Also on the agenda is the future of Telecare Service for elderly and vulnerable residents in their own homes across the district.
Essex County Council – a key partner in the service over the past 10 years – is introducing a new, countywide service which raises implications for the future of the EFDC system.
Members will consider whether to join the new ECC service.
Working Remotely and maintaining services
During lockdown the majority of council staff have been working remotely, maintaining services to residents throughout.
Workloads have been even greater than usual with a 30% increase in calls to the Customer Revenue and Benefits team at what is traditionally a busy time of year.
Operation Shield
Around 35 employees were seconded to Operation Shield, supporting vulnerable and elderly residents across the district, while continuing to do their day jobs.
The Older Peoples Services team made nearly 4000 calls to residents at the start of Lockdown referring them to support services such as Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) for essential food and medication.
They have also collaborated with VAEF and Food4All to help distribute free meals every Wednesday and Friday to vulnerable residents in our sheltered schemes.
Challenges of COVID-19
Around 2% of our employees have been off work suffering from Covid-19 – and others shielding or isolating. No employees have been furloughed.
Leader of Council Cllr Chris Whitbread said:
Our employees have met the challenge of Covid19, embraced new ways of working and new technology which will provide a strong foundation for the Council’s future ambitions.
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