Councillors of all parties put aside their political differences to support the council’s leadership in response to the coronavirus crisis.
Council leader Cllr Pete Marland told a meeting of the council on Wednesday that “we do not live in a bubble” and stressed the importance of following government advice in the weeks ahead.
“We live in unprecedented times in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic outbreak,” said Cllr Marland (Lab, Wolverton) as a limited number of 15 councillors sat well apart from each other.
“I would dare say that history may record this as a defining moment of many generations. I do not like conflict analogies but if one imagines that even during wartime people are still able to work, socialise and there is still an economic output, we begin to understand the challenges that may lie ahead.”
Speaking about what may happen in the weeks ahead, Cllr Marland said: “We do not live in a bubble. We have all seen the news from Italy and other places ahead of us in the virus curve.
“We have the benefit of a little extra time, but not much.
“Real lives, real people and families lie behind the statistics and we are working closely with the Government to prevent as many infections and deaths as possible.
“Can I therefore repeat that the first step is that as hard as it may seem and as drastic as it may feel, people should follow government advice and limit the spread of covid-19 as best as possible.
“Follow the daily briefings. Follow advice. We understand people are making making huge changes to their lives.”
But Cllr Marland also noted that the overall risk to the general population “even if you contract covid-19 is small”.
“Our actions are to ensure we limit the numbers who may not receive the treatment they need if our services become overwhelmed.
“We all have a loved one who is vulnerable and we are protecting them with our actions.”
The council has prioritised its waste, highways, child protection, adult safeguarding services which are currently operating as usual. Face to face services are being targeted at those highest priority people for the time being.
Cllr Marland said the council has plans for coping with staff shortages, including training other staff for lifting and moving in case more help is needed in home care or day services.
Cllr Marland said the council was committed to doing all it can for individuals experiencing financial hardship and to do it quickly.
“Learning from the floods two years ago; we will communicate more details on this early next week.”
Cllr Marland’s statement concluded: “People are under a huge amount of stress and these are tough times.
“We know people are concerned, but there will be a tomorrow to all this and we will as a city and place come together to do this.”
Conservative group leader Cllr Alex Walker (Stantonbury) and Cllr Ric Brackenbury (Campbell Park & Old Woughton), the Lib Dem deputy, both pledged their support.
