I have had some time to reflect while writing this message and think that the months ahead are not going to be a straight path out of lockdown. Two things in the last week has made me think that, firstly, the news that most schools will not open until September this means we all need to ensure that the flexible, open approach we have adopted since late March continues into the foreseeable future. A return to the normal choices about when and where we work are still some time away for many. Secondly the news that the “R” rate may be closer to 1 in the North West of England, and a stark reminder of how very different the experience of COVID is for many in different parts of the country. It’s really dangerous to assume that just because things feel like they are returning to normal, for others the impact will be different. Consideration and understanding are critical and not everything or everyone will move at the same pace.
For Democratic Services virtual meetings now seem like normal business. There has been much debate over the last week or so about hybrid meetings. It is ADSO’s view that Hybrid meetings are permissible and that all decisions already taken at hybrid meeting are valid providing the rules applying to the calling of that meeting, papers, right to speak and the Virtual Hearing Regulations were complied with.
We have issued some detailed guidance which can be
found here:
extension: pdf
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected our daily lives whether we contract the virus or not. It feels like nothing will ever be the same again, and maybe it shouldn’t be. For all of us who work in local authorities and who have the privilege and the capacity to influence change, maybe we’ve been given an opportunity. An opportunity to rebuild our society in a different way? for the better?
I also wanted to mention the campaign by Marcus Rashford which humbled me. Marcus Rashford, a 22-year-old Manchester United player, forced the Government to U-turn over a policy that would see 1.3 million vulnerable children not having access to food over the summer holidays. Marcus had the bravery to speak out publicly about his own experience as the child in a single parent family who struggled to provide substantial, nutritious food. He used his platform and status to write public letters, give interviews, start no.1 trending hashtags on Twitter to eventually force the Government into promising £120million. By using his platform, this young man has helped to ensure that 1 in 4 of the children in our community will not go hungry over the holidays. He is the great example of leadership that our young people can relate to.