Decision - Covid19 - Financial response and implications for the Council

(1)      That the use and allocation of the Hardship Fund and Emergency Response Fund as set out in paragraphs 4.2 to 4.4 and 4.10 of the report be approved;

(2)      That the progress regarding the application of Business Rate reliefs and distribution of government Business Rate grants be noted;

(3)      That it be agreed to pause new General Fund Capital Programme schemes as defined in paragraph 5.14 of the report until a further report is brought to the Policy & Resources Committee in July;

(4)      That the expenditure incurred to date using Officer Urgency Powers set out in Section 5 of the report be noted;

(5)      That the progress and approach to meeting the requirements of the Cabinet Officer Procurement Policy Note as set out in Section 5 of the report be noted;

(6)      That it be noted that the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Culture, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities, will take all steps necessary to develop a process for identifying and supporting commercial tenants in council-owned properties who present in financial difficulty and bring a report to Members where necessary or use Officer urgency powers where more appropriate;

(7)      That the work being undertaken to understand the risks and issues and potential support required for the city’s events and arts sector be noted;

(8)      That the proposed payment of Casual Staff and the extension of full pay sickness absence cover as set out in paragraphs 5.26 and 5.28 of the report be agreed;

(9)      That it be agreed that any exceptional costs arising from the crisis that have been incurred using appropriate governance routes, including officer urgency powers, that are over and above available government emergency response funding will be a call on the council’s working balance and, if this is insufficient, other earmarked reserves; and

(10)   That it be noted that in accordance with the powers delegated to officers by Policy & Resources Committee on 19^th March, the above will be given effect to by the relevant Officers.