Agenda item

The Leader delivered the following statement to the Council:

‘Covid 19:

I am very pleased to be able to open my remarks by welcoming the provision of a mass vaccination site at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge.  Over several weeks, I had been campaigning for such a facility to serve the communities of west Kent.  In doing so, the Borough Council suggested a number of suitable sites, and after a week of extensive discussions that the Chief Executive and I held with the health authorities, the Angel Centre was the chosen location.   I would like to thank the Chief Executive for her own determination in supporting me in securing this particular location, and that it is within our Borough.   The operation of the facility is now for the NHS to manage but of course, our partners at the leisure trust and our own officers will assist wherever practical.

As of today, over 500,000 residents across the county in the first four cohorts of risk have now been vaccinated.  The health authorities are now looking at accelerating the roll out of vaccinations so that in cohorts 5 and 6 receive their jab very soon.

Members will be aware that there are lateral flow test sites, located at Larkfield Library and at the Hop Farm.  There is a walk-in symptomatic facility at Ditton Community Centre, and a mobile drive in facility at the Gibson Building.   We are expecting that a site, in the south of the Borough, is to be announced by NHS Test and Trace very soon, and given the requirement to maintain confidentiality, it is a situation of ‘watch this space’.

The overall numbers across the Borough are reducing, while there are local spikes.  The emerging pattern is to be welcomed, but we must not lose sight of the threat of this disease.  (The latest numbers, published today, record 81 active cases of Covid within the Borough, with a 7 day rate per 100,000 population between (11 18 Feb) of 46.9 and a downward trend.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister produced a roadmap to cautiously ease restrictions in England – setting out a one-way road to freedom; a light at the end of a long tunnel for us all, as the future optimism delivers freedom and less restrictions for our residents, communities, and businesses. As a local authority, consistent with our approach throughout the pandemic, we will work with our communities and businesses, as the various stages of the roadmap are released and in doing so, follow the guidance.  

Business Support:

The Government has also announced that it will continue providing funding for local authorities to deliver Covid 19 business grants for as long as businesses are required to close due to the ongoing national restrictions.  This is a very welcome announcement.

Since the start of the pandemic, this authority has delivered 4,996 separate grant payments, distributing just over £28 million of business support funding into the bank accounts of local businesses on behalf of the government.

Our economic development team knows how to reach businesses within the Borough, and businesses know how to reach the team directly.  Our finance team has been swift in awarding this much needed lifeline to hard pressed businesses.

Support for Local Communities:

Since we last met financial support for our most vulnerable communities is without precedent.  This totals a national package of £280 billion, including £6 billion in welfare support, specifically to support low-income families.

For example, the self-isolation support payments – of £500 to anyone on low income who has to self-isolate with a test and trace instruction, and who loses their income in doing so.   This supports those who can’t work from home and their employer pays no wages or lower wages.

There have been two schemes:

The Main scheme which is completely Government funded for applicants receiving benefit and working, so Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Universal Credits, Tax Credits and housing benefit).

Additionally, a discretionary scheme with Government support of around £35k.   The payments are £500 per individual but this is aimed at those not receiving benefits but on a low income, and in Tonbridge and Malling, we set this at £290 per week.   We have additionally continued to keep the discretionary scheme going when the government funding ran out.

Investment – NIAB EMR:

I am delighted to confirm that the announce that NIAB EMR has been awarded a further £315k of Local Growth Funding by the local enterprise partnership, on top of the £1.684m already allocated and bringing a total inward investment of £1.999m for the advanced horticultural zone.

As a key strategic partner of the Borough Council, I have been determined in securing this investment into the Borough area, adding to the investment I have secured in previous years for Tonbridge High Street, the M20 junction 4 and the Leigh Flood Storage Area.

Local Plan:

Members will be aware that the Borough Council has challenged the Planning Inspectorate on their initial findings about our local plan in regard to the Duty to Cooperate with Sevenoaks District Council.  We have also asked the Secretary of State to use his powers to direct the Inspectorate to continue with the examination process. In addition, I have requested a meeting with the minister, and I am pleased that our two MPs have written to the Secretary of State in support of our position.’