Councillors to scrutinise Hertfordshire County Council’s response to Covid-19

The review – which will be held virtually – will be on Friday, November 6
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The county council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is to be scrutinised by a panel of councillors in a full-day hearing.

The ‘Covid step-back review topic group’ will look at the response of the county council’s adult care services, public health and communications – as well as how the county council worked with partner organisations.

And it will aim to identify any lessons that could influence approaches and responses to future Covid peaks.

Councillors to scrutinise Hertfordshire County Council’s response to Covid-19Councillors to scrutinise Hertfordshire County Council’s response to Covid-19
Councillors to scrutinise Hertfordshire County Council’s response to Covid-19

The five-strong ‘topic group’ will be chaired by Cllr David Andrews, who acknowledges the scale of the task the county council has faced in responding to the pandemic.

“This has been a massive task for the council – and it’s on going,” said Cllr Andrews.

“Even in the midst of the pandemic, it’s important scrutiny is able to focus on key areas and make sure we capture any lessons we need for the future.”

At the hearing, operations director Helen Maneuf – who led the Covid volunteer and people assistance ‘cell’ of the Local Resilience Forum – will give councillors an overview of how adult care services responded to Covid.

And a number of voluntary organisations including Carers in Herts, Mind in Herts and Dacorum Community Action – will also be asked how well the council worked in partnership with other organisations.

The county council’s head of communications Andrew Hadfield-Ames will give an overview of how communications were used to maintain trust and confidence.

And director of public health Jim McManus will outline how public health worked in partnership with other organisations to ensure residents were engaged and well informed and able to access vital support and services throughout the pandemic.

Finally the council’s director of resources Scott Crudgington will look at how well the council managed resources in order to deliver a safe and co-ordinated response for the whole county.

The five-strong panel will be made up of three Conservative councillors – Cllr David Andrews, Cllr Tina Howard and Cllr Jeff Jones – Labour Cllr Lynn Chesterman and Liberal Democrat Cllr Nigel Quinton.

The review – which will be held virtually – will be held on Friday,November 6, from 10am. It can be viewed at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/watchmeetings.