West Berkshire Council set to end pandemic recovery strategy

The operation of West Berkshire Council’s pandemic recovery strategy is due to come to an end when its closure report is considered by the council.

Work to address longer-term impacts of the pandemic are expected to be part of the council’s upcoming long-term strategy for 2023-2027, which is currently being developed.

The recovery strategy was published and approved in June 2020 and it put health, education and economy central to the district’s recovery.

The closure report will be considered at an executive council meeting on Thursday, July 7, at 5pm within the council offices on Market Street. It will also be broadcast live on the West Berkshire Council YouTube channel.

West Berkshire Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Newbury Speen) said: “The pandemic had a significant impact on our residents and businesses; and its effect continues to be felt today.

“I am proud of the council’s response – working hard and acting quickly to support communities through a very difficult couple of years.”

Through its pandemic recovery strategy, the council has helped 4,700 residents benefit from the surviving to thriving fund which aims to improve health and wellbeing.

The £300,000 project was created jointly with Greenham Trust and has supported 26 different projects receiving £228,000, meaning there is still funding available.

The council also awarded £35,000 from the Let’s Get Active Fund (another project with Greenham Trust) to groups helping residents to stay physically active.

More than 500 children have taken part in a successful holiday scheme that provides food and activities during school holidays.

Mrs Doherty said: “We’ve worked to support mental health, our local economy and our schools to name just a few of our priorities.

“What’s more, we’ve done this while increasing our engagement with residents and making it easy for residents to see local democracy in action.”

Four-hundred-and-fifty businesses have benefitted from £6.5m in additional restrictions grants, which helped them cope with the impact of pandemic restrictions, and £160,000 was put towards an accelerated reading programme, a mathematics programme and additional staff to help with education.

Twenty-nine young people were assisted in getting Kickstart placements, and 30 residents attended a course delivered by Rebel Business School which provided support for people wanting to start their own business.

The council also introduced e-newsletters to more than 73,000 subscribers which helped residents keep in contact and find out about local responses and activities during the pandemic.

Mrs Doherty said: “We are not complacent and we know the effects of the pandemic will continue to influence how we lead our lives for some time to come – for better, and for worse.

“We will continue to build on the positive changes to how we live our lives but also address the longer-lasting effects such as those we’ve see on our physical and mental health.

“These will be a cornerstone of our next council strategy, which will launch next year and address our priorities through to 2027.”