Council leaders praise community response amid impact of coronavirus
Council leaders across the Black Country and Staffordshire have described the impact of coronavirus as “unprecedented” as they continue to work through the pandemic.
Leaders admitted it was “challenging” coordinating food parcels and support for the most vulnerable across the areas they are in charge of.
But they have tried to remain upbeat – despite one chief feeling almost guilty for not being on the front line – through the positive messages sent out by residents.
Now the councillors, who are using remote ways of working, have spoken out about how tough it is to lead a council during the pandemic.
More coverage:
Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield said it had been the most “momentous” challenge he had witnessed in his 25 years as a councillor.
Discussions between councillors have now been held over video conferences with all face-to-face meetings suspended.
Councillor Brookfield said: “It’s been the biggest change in my life and in a lot of people’s lives – we’re doing things in a way we haven’t done before.
“We’ve done things I never thought we would do – such as providing food packages to vulnerable people.
“We’ve got new ways of working and we’re all getting used to those meetings by video and getting our heads around the technology.
“I never thought I would get into this technology as much as I have – I’m in my 50s.
“It’s just been the most momentous challenge I’ve faced in my council career of 25 years.”
WATCH: Inside Wolverhampton's food distribution centre
Mr Brookfield said he was proud of the way people in the city had reacted to the virus – with people helping others and fundraising. If there’s only one good thing to come out of this at all – if there is out of this crisis – it’s the people in the city who have come together, volunteering and helping their neighbours,” he said.
“You see messages in the windows – rainbows people have drawn – and people who are thanking their posties, thanking the binmen, and it’s brought out that support which I’m sure has always been there.
“I’m really proud and happy to see that and it’s something I hope we can carry on with – we should be safe, but be kind as well.”
Sandwell Council leader Yvonne Davies said the current situation had led her to feelings of guilt that she wasn’t in the “thick of it” trying to help.
Councillor Davies said: “It’s really strange, but it’s become less strange because we’re weeks in now.
“But in the beginning it felt really frustrating not to be in the thick of it and it was guilt inducing that you weren’t there when you needed to be.
“We’ve started using Skype and other platforms so we’ve relocated our face-to-face meetings. And although it took some time – and you worry what the dress code will be – it’s actually helped and I feel more involved.”
Ms Davies said keeping others informed about the constant updates was challenging, especially at the beginning, when it seemed there was a “vortex” of advice and guidelines.
The leader has now stressed the communication throughout the council is now running smoothly, but she believes the impact of the virus will be felt after it is gone.
She said: “The communication was challenging early on with new guidance and guidelines – we thought we were in a vortex, but we’ve got through it.
“We’re starting to thank about the other side now – what will happen next.
“We’ve had our challenges with money, with PPE and desperately sad stories of people losing loved ones.
“And I think we will never be the same again. This virus will have touched every family in Sandwell and we will bear the scars of that.”
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said it had been “difficult” trying to stay on top of everything, but praised his “excellent” team for their work.
Councillor Harley said: “I think we’ve been a little bit more efficient because as leader I can go from one cabinet member to the next [on a video call]. It’s been difficult but I’ve got daily chats with the chief executive and senior officers – particularly ones handling social care, they are key.
“It’s a bit strange keeping on top of the committees, the meetings, and everything else – but we’re managing and Dudley is probably doing better than most.
“We’re trying to keep things as normal as possible for people.”
Mr Harley praised Dudley Council’s staff for their hard work and residents in the borough who were raising money – or helping the vulnerable – in the borough.
He said: “I’ve always felt we had a great time throughout the borough, but it’s when your backs are to the wall that you have to dig deep.
“We’ve had traffic wardens doing other tasks, planners and regeneration officers helping track down business for grants, and it’s been a real team effort.
“And the unions have been as good as gold. It’s times like these when you realise what a good team you’ve got.
“As or our residents, we’ve always known we’ve got people with great hearts in the Black Country – especially in Dudley.
“And this brings out the best in people. It makes us extremely proud to be a part of this borough.”
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said it had been a difficult time – and said he had received abuse on social media due to him making decisions. Councillor Bird said: “It has been challenging, exciting but worrying.
“We’re in difficult times as something crops up everyday but I’m greatly supported by my cabinet colleagues and the group.
“Within the Local Government Act 2000, we know are in an executive situation where I can make executive decisions.
“If I make one, I make sure it is recorded properly. It is on a daily basis.
“I get a lot of abuse on email and on social media with some of the decisions we have had to make. Do I care? No.
“I’ve had some from people complaining about decisions to close the cemeteries and Arboretum.
“I make those decisions following consultation with the people that matter – such as the police.
“What people don’t understand is the minority are putting their lives and other people’s lives at risk. There are things keyboard warriors don’t see. Our staff have to be protected.
“They are doing a job.”
Mr Bird said his experience as a councillor has allowed him to navigate through the pandemic.
He said: “We are in unprecedented times but I would like to think the experience I have got over the last 40 years has stood me in good stead to make sure I’m aware of what is in the best interests of the people of Walsall.
“That’s why I am here and that’s why I am the leader of the council. That’s my job.”
Stafford Borough Council leader Patrick Farrington said the pandemic had been the biggest challenge he had faced as leader.
Councillor Farrington said: “It has been very emotional listening to what some of our residents have been telling us especially with the ‘community hub’ work where we are delivering help for some of the vulnerable in the borough.
“When you hear them say that community hub is ‘life saving’ – you feel very humble indeed.
“In such challenging times I have seen the very best of people.
“My fellow councillors, parish councils, charities, organisations, businesses and individuals are going out of their way to help those less fortunate.
“In other areas of work it has been strange, for example conducting the cabinet, and other meetings, via teleconference – but these are unprecedented times and it is important to ensure that we can continue to keep the business of the council going wherever possible.”
The authority has worked closely with Support Staffordshire – which brings members from the voluntary sector together – to help recruit people and identify vulnerable households across the area.
Councillor Farrington added: “Thank you to the council staff, and all those who are already going above and beyond, to put our residents and customers first.
“By working together and supporting each other, we are demonstrating the true meaning of ‘community’.
“I am very pleased to say that our council and everyone involved with us has risen to the challenge.”
