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Agenda item

Announcements from the Chair, Leader or Chief Executive (if any)

Minutes:

The Vice Chair, Councillor Ind welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded them that it was being recorded and live streamed.

 

Councillor Ind introduced the officers present and took the opportunity to record her thanks to Ben Patel-Sadler, Democratic Services Manager for his work over the past year as he was leaving the employment of Publica shortly.

 

Armed Forces Covenant

Councillor Forde provided Members with an update and reminded Members of the Motion relating to the re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant which she herself had been proud to sign this week.

 

Reflection on Local and International Events

Councillor Ind asked Members to remember local residents Clive and Valerie Warrington and stated that the Council’s thoughts were with their family and friends following recent tragic events.  Whilst shocking, Councillor Ind reminded the meeting that despite this incident, the Cotswolds was still one of the safest areas in the country.

 

Internationally, Councillor Ind reflected on the difficulties facing the people of Ukraine who were struggling to maintain their democracy, something that could easily be taken for granted.  She welcomed visitors to the meeting, representing Ukraine, in particular Lascavo Prosevo.

 

Response to Ukraine Crisis

The Leader, Councillor Harris addressed the meeting and advised that the thoughts, prayers and solidarity of the Council were with the people of Ukraine.  He reflected on the crisis, the community response and the support being given to Ukranian residents in the District.  He also expressed his support to those residents of Russian heritage and all those individuals directly affected. Councillor Harris specifically welcomed three members of the public, Steve, Kristina and Kate who had all been impacted by the war and he outlined the individual struggles they were facing.  In welcoming them, he expressed the Council’s support and solidarity for them.

 

Councillor Harris outlined the steps the Council were taking to respond to the refugee crisis including cyber security, the resettlement scheme and the domestic consequences.  He announced the creation of a ‘Ukranians in Cotswolds Community Support Group’ which would help refugees link up with each other, integrate with the community and access employment and benefits.  The meeting noted that Councillor Forde would be adding ‘Refugee Support’ to her Cabinet portfolio and Councillor Spivey would be instructing officer to write to landlords of empty properties, to ask them to bring them forward for the housing of refugees.

 

In addition, a dedicated email address would be set up allowing residents direct access to the officers dealing in this area of work.  Councillor Harris expressed his gratitude to the Council’s Refugee Co-ordinator, Paula Massey, who had been working tirelessly on this issue.  With regard to cyber security, the ICT team were praised for their work on ensuring robust systems were in place to mitigate against attack and to minimise any disruption.  Councillor Harris referred to the work being done within Publica and with shareholders to restrict Russian and Belarusian companies financially.  He assured the meeting that residents would continue to be supported during the cost of living crisis, with increases to energy bills, fuel and council tax.  The Council would continue to signpost individuals to support streams and other community groups to assist.

 

The Chief Executive, Rob Weaver, echoed the Leader’s comments and advised that he was working closely with officers and Members to deliver continued support to Ukranian communities and individuals.  He encouraged anyone wishing to know more about the Government Schemes available, to visit the Council’s website.  The Chief Executival also reiterated the gratitude expressed towards the Council’s officers working on resettlement and advised that they were liaising closely with Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)  to ensure a coordinated approach.