Issue - meetings

Councillor Duncan, the Leader of the Council, presented the following statement:

LEADER’S STATEMENT

This is our first Full Council meeting since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Lots has happened, and it would be impossible to mention everything, but I will endeavour to give the headline points and take your questions.

I could not be prouder of this council, and in particular the way our officers have gone above and beyond to stand by our residents during one of the toughest period in the district’s history. Despite everything, we’ve seen the very best of what our council can do.

But it’s not just our officers worthy of thanks, I would like to congratulate councillors too for coming together, across the political divide, to join forces with hundreds of volunteers in all corners of our district. I hope this cooperation can continue in the uncertain months ahead, as we play our role in the ongoing Covid-19 recovery and face up to the prospect of big changes to local government in North Yorkshire.

Covid-19

Our key priority, from the outset of the emergency, was to protect lives and livelihoods. I’m immensely proud that we’ve been able to help do this on behalf of our residents, communities and businesses. And that is what we will need to do during the uncertain times ahead by working together.

Delivering services

Our teams worked around-the-clock to deliver frontline services for our communities. Most of our normal services operated throughout the emergency period, despite increased demand and capacity constraints. We also played a key and significant role in supporting those shielding and in need, working closely with town/parish councils, volunteers and partners such as North Yorkshire County Council.

Business support

We are at forefront of efforts to support the local economy. We’ve led the way in getting grants out of the door to those who need it - fast. In total, we distributed over £23.5m in grants to more than 2,000 local businesses. That includes £1.1m of discretionary business grants targeted at small and micro businesses unable to access other assistance. A huge amount of work has gone on behind-the-scenes to develop and deliver these grants. Without them, it is certain that many businesses in Ryedale would not have been able to survive.

On top of this, we played a key role in getting businesses back open. We issued over 200 ‘back to business packs” to help them reopen and operate safely. We also provided particular advice and guidance to hospitality and tourism businesses about how to reopen safely, with 185 businesses registered for Visit England’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry mark.

Voluntary and community groups

We’ve also been supporting our important voluntary, community and arts groups. The council created a £40,000 emergency grants fund available to voluntary and community organisations. This provided a lifeline cash injection so they could continue supporting local people during this difficult time. Most recently, we also launched a £5,000 arts grant scheme.

Budget

While all of this is happening, we’re of course keeping  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103