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as previously reported, rates in Plymouth were relatively low when compared to England as a whole, although there had been a reported increase in the rates;

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over a seven day period Plymouth had seen a rise in positive cases to 44.5 per 100,000 people (in comparison cases in the south west were 59 and England 143);

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there had been outbreaks both in care homes and education settings -

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care homes: three outbreaks, one suspected case and seven single cases;

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education settings: 10 outbreaks (majority of which were single cases);

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currently the number of people in hospital did not differ from those when the lockdown restrictions were imposed; there were not so many seriously ill people but there had been an increase in hospital admissions in the South West;

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across the country there had been 50 different Covid outbreaks reported which were associated to universities; there had only been a small number of positive cases within the universities in the city; students were being tested and self-isolating when required to do so;

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additional coronavirus testing capacity had been secured for Plymouth; there had been an increase in positive cases (more than expected); this was not just due to increased testing but that more people were contracting the virus;

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three new Covid alert levels had been introduced, medium, high and very high; Plymouth was currently well below the levels that would need to be reached, in order to move into the high or very high levels of restrictions;

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it would be challenging over the winter months with more time being spent indoors and people being in close contact; it was therefore important to remain vigilant, wear a face covering, regularly wash hands and maintain social distancing;

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it was highlighted that if an individual was displaying a Covid-19 symptom they should take a test.

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since the last report to Cabinet, there had been a national rise in Covid cases and infections which had resulted in the regional resilience arrangements being stood back up (to the same level as the beginning of the pandemic); strategic meetings were taking place covering the peninsula but it was important to note that no individual area had declared an emergency incident; however given these circumstances it was appropriate to co-ordinate across agencies and with other local authorities;

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the Council had in place a co-ordination hub which was dealing with responses to the changes in advice and guidelines, managing communications, managing the Covid cases that the city had and preparing and planning for the future;

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there was a large degree of co-operation with the Public Health team to ensure that the Council was aligned with what was happening with its partners; weekly meetings were held with Plymouth University, as it was dealing with a large number of issues with managing its student population and also the Police to ensure that national messaging was understood locally.

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the Council’s ongoing commitment as a city of culture was being recognised with a £726,000 grant from the Arts Council England to the Plymouth Pavilions;

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Sail GP had been confirmed for 2021; the economic impact of this event was immense with a benefit to the economy of $24m, 24,000 live spectators and broadcast to cover 90 countries worldwide;

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the naming of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship had been attended by both the American and Dutch Ambassadors and had received an enormous about of media coverage; Mayflower 400 was underway with many programmes/activities running into next year;

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since the launch of the Skills Launchpad (which supported adults and young people with careers and skills advice) on 12 August 2020, 3500 people had been supported through this scheme; the scheme had received praise from DWP for its innovation and approach;

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the Council had committed a £140m capital programme over the next two years which would create 2500 construction jobs; the Council had secured £10m in LEP funding to drive forward a series of ‘oven ready’ capital projects including the Brunel Plaza, development of new business parks, Plymouth Science Park, City College and carbon homes;

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as part of the sector hub, the Council had brought 13 sector representatives together for three meetings; 11 sector action plans focussed on emergency actions over the next six months and a series of longer term projects;

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due to the pandemic, there would be difficult economic times ahead for the city; current unemployment was 6.6% (which was better than in many areas); currently 30% of the city’s workforce was furloughed; however, the furlough scheme would be replaced at the end of October 2020, with a less effective Government scheme; the Council would continue to work with its partners in business to keep the economy stable and secure;

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he had given evidence to the Fisheries All Party Parliamentary Working Group, in his role as a champion of the fishing industry which had received an excellent reception;

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the third reading of the Fisheries Bill was due to be considered by Parliament today but had only been allocated 15 minutes to discuss the future of the fishing industry for the whole of the UK which was deeply concerning.

The Cabinet noted the report.

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as of this week, all of the Council’s 11 libraries had opened offering a range of services for residents, including online services such as eAudiobooks and Select and Collect;

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Plymouth City Council was the first local authority in the region to be able to facilitate coroner and jury inquests (following the pandemic);

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the media coverage for Mayflower 400 related activity in September 2020 had been enormous and worldwide with the naming of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship and the No New Worlds installation at The Box; from 14 September to 24 September 2020 there had been over one thousand media articles worldwide;

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Brickfields was nearing completion; it was anticipated that the newly laid track would be available for public use on 26 October 2020;

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West Hoe Tennis Courts had received a make-over which included new surfaces, nets and posts and a new access gate; the cost of an annual pass was £35 or £5 per time.

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the capital and revenue monitoring report 2020/21 – quarter 2 would be considered at the Cabinet meeting in November 2020;

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preparation work was underway with the budget for the next financial year; the budget together with the Council Tax base setting and the Council Tax Support Scheme would be considered by Council in January 2021; it was anticipated that the Local Government Finance Settlement would be known at the end of December 2020 which would make setting the budget for 2021/22 challenging.

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reassurance was provided that the council’s finances were currently in a reasonable position.

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National Care Leaver’s Week was taking place from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2020; the Council would be working in partnership with Barnardos and a wide range of local services on developing and delivering a range of activities as part of Care Leavers Week 2020;

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the main focus of the week would be on raising awareness of the issues facing care experienced young people to improve understanding and service delivery; it would also be used to celebrate achievement of Plymouth’s Care Leavers, as well as kick starting activity to improve the city’s activity and support in this area.

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the city had a total of 97 care homes; there were currently four outbreaks in care homes (Hamilton House, Parkwood House, Waterloo and Consort);

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the total number of homes with one single confirmed case included Bethany Christian Home, Elburton Heights, Thorn Park, Camelia House, Tamar House, Plymbridge House and Wisteria;

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there was one home with a suspected outbreak/single case in Merafield View;

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there had been one confirmed death in a care home;

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there were currently 15 residents and 26 care home workers with suspected/confirmed cases;

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the Council continued to support homes with additional deliveries of PPE if required,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

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more than 10,000 people had already visited The Box;

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three quarters of the remaining tickets for October 2020 had been booked;

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exceptional visitor feedback across all platforms (including 100 plus 5 star/excellent reviews on Google and  Trip Advisor);

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social media – 244 tweets and 108k Facebook posts/shares;

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52 excellent reviews on Trip Advisor;

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200 plus significant pieces of media coverage (including all major national newspapers and regional/national TV.

(1)

approved the business case;

(2)

allocated £1.874m for the project into the Capital Programme funded by -

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£1.014m corporate borrowing;

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£0.860m service borrowing;

(3)

authorised the procurement process;

(4)

delegated the award of the contract to the Strategic Director for Place.

(1)

proceed with a procurement for a new contract for 16 plus supported accommodation to replace the Peninsula Framework;

(2)

delegate the contract award to the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.