'The next few months will be difficult for Staffordshire' – county council’s response to coronavirus

The authority is also cutting back on the number of meetings it holds for the foreseeable future – prioritising “essential” sessions where key decisions need to be made.

Councillors praised the efforts of residents and volunteers who have offered their services to their vulnerable neighbours during the current situation at Thursday’s full meeting.

Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge offered her services to residents in her Stafford West ward, while Sue Woodward highlighted the efforts being made by shopkeepers and volunteers in the Burntwood area.

But those who had stripped the shelves of essential goods in supermarkets and other stores were slammed by Councillor Kyle Robinson.

He said: “So many initiatives have been set up to – to everyone doing everything they can to look after each other it’s fantastic to see.

“But we do have a responsibility to call out some of the selfish behaviour we have seen in relation to panic buying, to such an extent in my town elderly people have been unable to get basics such as bread and eggs.”

And concerns were raised by Councillor Charlotte Atkins about the effect of self-isolation on residents.

She said: “Mental health is going to be a real challenge – some people will find themselves in a mental health crisis and there will be great pressure on families.”

Councillor Alan White, cabinet member for health, paid tribute to the “outstanding” work being done by teams responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

He told fellow members: “We have plans in place to keep services running and we are aiming to maintain social care services as far as possible to support the National Health Service.

“We are providing advice to council staff who can work from home and encouraging hand-washing and social distancing for those who are required to come into the workplace.

“We will start to suspend some services – libraries, day services, children’s centres and school crossing patrols. But we will do everything we can to maintain crucial services.

“Social workers will be visiting at risk families. People will still visit people who need care at home and we will do everything we can to support care homes.

“The next few months will be difficult for Staffordshire. Some of us will lose loved ones and some of us will lose livelihoods. But we will get through this and the council has a huge role to play and residents are looking to each and every one of us for guidance and reassurance.”

Although the session took place as normal in the main council chamber more than 20 members sent apologies for not attending – including the council’s chairman Kath Perry and vice chairman Paul Snape.

Instead Councillor Ian Parry chaired the meeting – and gave the parting message. He said: “I think we must as a council recognise the gravity of the situation the UK and county is now facing.

“We as a county council are prepared to stand up to respond both individually and collectively. Support, understanding and kindness are the key ingredients going forward.”