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Chairman of the Council
The Chairman of the Council stated that he was sad to announce that former Suffolk Coastal District Councillor, Colin Hart, had recently passed away. The Leader of the Council spoke in memory of him and noted that former Councillor Hart had been a Councillor from 2003 until 2011 for the Hacheston Ward. He had also been the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and he had been very well liked and respected by all who knew him, within the Council and his local community. His passing was a sad loss and Members’ condolences were sent to his family and friends.
The Chairman reported that he was also sad to announce that Council Officer, Ann Carey, Head of ICT, had also passed away. He invited Mr Baker, Chief Executive, to say a few words about Ann. Mr Baker reported that it was his sad duty to report that Ann Carey had passed away, whilst still in service, following a battle with cancer. Ann had joined the Council as Head of ICT in June 2014, at a time when changes to the Council's ICT were needed. The Council needed someone who could think clearly, articulate the solution and who would lead and manage the team to get those solutions delivered. Ann had provided all of that and so much more besides. The ICT service that was currently used by the Council was the result of a team effort and Ann would always emphasise that, and everyone in the team played their part in delivering the service. The ICT team would always acknowledge how Ann had led and shaped the process and she was key to the ICT service that the Council relied upon.
Mr Baker reported that Ann had brought a broad skill set to her role, and possessed huge levels of tenacity and diligence, insisting upon very high standards and absolute professionalism in everything that she did for the Council. Many Members also appreciated her instant support and accessibility, when they asked for help. Ann also had an impact beyond IT. She provided very sound advice and she had a high degree of perception and offered insight into issues across the Council, which was welcomed and valued by her colleagues in the Corporate Management Team. Her project management skills and her ability to assess the scale of a problem and to give it a go, was always appreciated. Her love of a good cup of coffee, her enthusiasm for literature, theatre, travel and improving her language skills endeared her to colleagues, as did her sense of humour and mischief. Thoughts were with Ann's husband Chris and son Alex, at this sad time, and the Council sent them deepest condolences for their loss.
The Chairman then invited Councillor Burroughes, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Operational Partnership, whose Portfolio covered IT, to say a few words. He stated that Ann had been a very dedicated and 'no nonsense' officer and while she had been unwell for much of Councillor Burroughes' time as Cabinet Member, she had helped East Suffolk to set a course on its digital journey, which was being taken forward at pace, and he hoped that she would be pleased with the Council's progress to date. He then took the opportunity to thank Sandra Lewis, for stepping up during this time and covering for Ann so expertly. He stated that the whole Council would miss Ann and her wicked sense of humour. She was very determined and the Council's thoughts and sympathy would be passed on to her husband, son and her wider family.
The Chairman asked those present to have a few moments' silence in memory of former Suffolk Coastal Councillor Colin Hart and Ann Carey, Head of ICT.
The Chairman reported that today was International Holocaust Memorial Day, which was a very important day, as the atrocities that took place during the Second World War, and the effect of those events, must never be allowed to be forgotten. Normally, there would have been an event to mark this important day in person, but this had not been possible due to the Covid pandemic, so remembrance events have been taking place virtually instead. However, the Chairman urged everyone to reflect on the events of the holocaust, and what a horrific chapter it was in our recent past, as well as other genocides that have taken place, and were still taking place today, around the world.
The Chairman noted that the number of deaths due to Covid 19 had now exceeded 100,000. This was a sombre and significant milestone, and the Council’s thoughts were with all those who had suffered illness or bereavement due to Covid 19. The Chairman emphasised the need to remain resilient during this lockdown, the importance of the testing, and the roll out of vaccinations to all members of the community. He thanked everyone, from the NHS, council staff, Councillors, and the staff and volunteers from other organisations for all that they were doing to deliver the testing and the vaccinations in East Suffolk, and beyond. It was a magnificent effort by all involved.
The Chairman advised that the Vice Chairman of the Council had no updates to announce. He invited Councillor Gallant, Leader of the Council, to make his announcements.
Leader of the Council
The Leader thanked the Chairman and wanted to add a few words about the response to the Covid 19 Pandemic. The Leader was pleased to see, after what might be considered a slow start in Suffolk, that the roll out of Covid vaccinations in the county was now progressing well.
He felt it was entirely understandable that some people were concerned about the pace of vaccinations and the perceived inconsistencies around the country, and even within the county, regarding the vaccination programme.
The Leader reported that through his membership of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, he was being kept up to date about progress and he was reassured that local NHS colleagues were working incredibly hard to vaccinate those in the most vulnerable groups at the moment. He noted that the online briefings given to Councillors last week were helpful and informative. There was a still a long way to go but, in his opinion, East Suffolk was on the right track.
The Leader thanked Councillors at the meeting this evening, and Council Officers, for the work they were doing to support and reassure their local communities, not only about vaccination, but also about the messaging on the current restrictions and available support. The Leader referred to his weekly update, which showed that there was a huge amount of work going on to help people and businesses, but also to keep people safe and to remind everyone of their responsibilities to help suppress the virus. As spring approached, he felt sure that these collective efforts will have had a genuine, beneficial effect in the battle against Covid.
The Leader also announced that under his delegated authority, he had replaced, at her request, Councillor Linda Coulam on the North East Suffolk Citizens Advice Outside Body, with immediate effect, and the new representative would be Councillor Tony Cooper.
Cabinet Members
Councillor Burroughes announced a significant development in relation to the Waveney Valley Leisure Centre in Bungay and the Water Lane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft. A full procurement process had been undertaken and a new company, Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, known as Everybody Active, had been awarded the contract to run these two facilities from 1 March 2021. The Council had undertaken a great deal of work over the last 18 months to make sure that the contracts for these facilities would deliver value for money, high performance and together with Places Leisure, who currently ran the Council's facilities in the south of the District, put the Council in a strong position for the future. The Council looked forward to working with EveryBody Active when the Council's leisure centres opened again. A press release about this contract award would be released after the Full Council meeting.
Chief Executive
Mr Baker added to the comments earlier in the meeting about former Suffolk Coastal District Councillor Colin Hart, saying that he was a very forthright, erudite and well-respected Councillor.
Mr Baker referred to the email which he had sent out earlier, addressing a number of important staffing matters. He reassured Members that they would have the opportunity to extend best wishes, comments and compliments to the Officers involved at some point in the future.