Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Chief Officer Commercial which was presented for Members to consider the performance of the Communication Strategy with focus on the impact of the strategy during COVID-19 Pandemic from March to September 2020.

The Chief Officer Commercial spoke to the report which outlined the performance and impact of the Communication Strategy during COVID19 Pandemic and outlined the key points as contained in the report.

A Member noted the excellent work undertaken by the Communications Team, however he had hoped that there would be a more proactive approach from the Leader of the Council.

The Member advised that Leaders of neighbouring authorities had been featured in news reports during the pandemic, although the Leader of the Blaenau Gwent Council had not been seen during these unprecedented times. The Member added that as Leader it was important that key messages were given by the Leader to ensure our communities had confidence in the Council and was able to put a name to the face.

The Chair felt that there had been no reason for the Leader of the Council to take part in Welsh news reports. The Member referred to the high cases of Covid-19 in Blaenau Gwent and asked was this not a reason for the Leader of the Council to address our residents, as other Leaders had done in Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Torfaen and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Another Member concurred with the comments raised and stated it was not just about television appearances but also about radio and newspaper articles. The Member was of the opinion that public confidence during these uncertain times was critical and although the work of the Communications Team was outstanding there was a need for political input. The public preferred to see comments from a political point of view not a Council’s spokesperson.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and endorse Option 1, the performance of the Communication Strategy be noted, particularly on the impact of the strategy during COVID19 Pandemic. The period covered will be from March to September 2020.