Public Document Pack and St Leonards Local Strategic Partnership Agenda

Monday, 11 May 2020 at 10.00 am

This meeting will be held digitally. Attendees will receive an invite to join the meeting to your email.

For further information, please contact Pranesh Datta on 01424 451784 or email: [email protected].

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1. Introduction (Chair)- 10.00am (3mins) The Chair invites the public to view the meeting at the following link;

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup- join/19%3ameeting_NzEzZTI2NzctNWQ0Yi00MTU1LWI4NGItYTU5 NmJiZjFiODI1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220f e3f856-2e3f-4fac-9508- 7981154971a3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2296c69674-c3e3-4ca3- a5cb- 3128848a0c99%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d

2. Apologies (Chair)- 10.03am (2mins)

3. Minutes of the last meeting (Chair)- 27th January 2020- 10.05am 1 - 6 (5mins)

4. LSP programme of work for the remainder of financial year (Chair)- 10.10am (30min) a) Covid 19 response b) Maintenance of response c) Recovery

5. Update- Covid impact and response (HBC/HVA)- 10.40am (30min)

6. Borough Recovery- Economic recovery plan- 11.10am- (30mins)

Corporate & Democratic Services www.hastings.gov.uk/meetings

Business as usual

7. Town Deal Update- 11.40am (10mins)

8. Future Plans- 11.50am (5mins)

9. Any other Business- 11.55am (5mins)

Close of Meeting 12pm

Papers attached: a) Draft Map of Recovery Activities b) ESCC Economic Recovery Plan Proposal c) Sussex Resilience Forum COVID 19 Command Structure (Restricted document) d) CCG Weekly Briefing

Prior to the meeting we would like the LSP to feedback to the County Council’s economic recovery proposal and contribute to their development of an Economy Recovery Plan over the next 12-18 months. Please complete the attached survey form using Slido – please go to Slido (https://www.sli.do/) and use event code: #S1066. Please respond to the questions as appropriate and complete by end of Thursday 7th May if possible. Please note this is for LSP members only and an analysis of the feedback will be provided at the LSP meeting on 11th May 20.

Agenda ItemPublic 3 Document Pack

Hastings and St Leonards Local Strategic Partnership

Minutes 27 January 2020

Present:

Carole Dixon (Chair) Sean Dennis, Chamber of Commerce Sally-Ann Hart, MP for Hasting and Rye Councillor Peter Chowney, Leader of Hastings Borough Council. Pranesh Datta, Hastings Borough Council Simon Hubbard, Hastings Borough Council Steve Mainwaring, Hastings Voluntary Action Councillor Rob Lee, Hastings Borough Council Marc Turczanski Hastings Voluntary Action Councillor Martin Clark, East Sussex County Council Clive Galbraith, Chairman of Let’s Do Business Group and Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Theresa Andrews, HARC Advice Centre Richard Watson, NHS Clinical Commissioning Group Andrew Harvey, Priory Meadow Tracey Rose , Hastings Community Network

Apologies for absence were received from:

Catherine Orbach and Tracy Dighton (Citizens Advice 1066)

90 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

91 MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM 14TH OCTOBER 2019 (CHAIR)

It was noted that that on Page 2 Section A of the minutes that it is a national pot of funding and not a county-wide pot of funding.

In reference to the last meeting, members asked if there was any further guidance from the about UK leaving the EU.

The Director of Operational Services and Sean Dennis from the Chamber of Commerce have information regarding this and will circulate it to fellow panel members.

92 HBC DRAFT BUDGET AND CORPORATE PLAN

Councillor Peter Chowney, Leader of the Council and Finance and Property Portfolio Holder presented the Draft Budget and Corporate Plan, to inform panel members about the draft documentation and get their feedback as Page 1 part of the consultation process.

The Leader explained that this year had been a difficult year for the council. The council have identified savings of £1.9m but still have a deficit of £1.2m. The Leader ensured that the future deficit will get smaller because of the savings we are finding.

The Leader discussed the reserves, and how using these reserves doesn’t address the problem long term. After next year there aren’t many usable reserves because we find it necessary to keep the reserves above £6m, in case of exceptional circumstances with our statutory services.

The Leader discussed some of the additional costs which have put strain on the budget this year. These include:  The reduction of income from local land charges

 Redundancy and pension strain costs as a result of shrinking council

 The Cliff Railway income has been lost due to ongoing maintenance, but this income will come back.

 Homelessness Temporary Accommodation Costs are the major issue. £2m was spent this year.

In reference to the increased spend on Temporary Accommodation, the Leader explained that the number of people hasn’t increased much but the length of time that people are having to stay in Temporary Accommodation has increased substantially. This is because of a struggle to find suitable accommodation that they can afford. To alleviate this council are looking at buying housing across Hastings. Should the crisis diminish, the housing can be sold or used as permanent accommodation.

The Leader then went on to discuss the upcoming financial year and referred to the various factors that will be significant dents in the budget. Some of the challenges in the upcoming year will be cuts in grants, volatility in income and expenditure and increased pressure on council services. In regards to income generation, the main sources in the upcoming year will be fees and charges and commercial property charges.

The Leader also discussed the main examples of how the council plan on reducing spending. The main points that are proposed in the budget that the leader discussed were:

 The senior management restructure

 Land sales, and investing the money in property funds.

 Continued reduction of revenues and benefits staff due to the introduction of Universal Credit.

 Reduction in funding for the White Rock theatre.

Page 2  Ending the monitoring of the Hastings Borough Council CCTV system. The CCTV is proposed to just be monitored by Sussex Police in the future.

 Many more can be found in Appendix K2 of the budget.

The Leader then went on to discuss the capital programme and the opportunities to progress Hastings.

The Leader summarised his presentation by stating that he knows this year has been difficult for Hastings Borough Council. The council had hoped the savings this year would help us more than it has. Hopefully these savings will bring us to stability. A lot of the decisions in the near future depend on the results of the Government’s funding reviews. All districts have quite severe problems with deficits, and Hastings is in a better position than some. We can achieve the savings we want but it’s understood that many services will have to suffer from reduced funding in order to do so.

The floor was then opened for questions.

The Chair asked the Leader of the Council whether there is knowledge of how these savings will have an impact on the community/locally?

The Leader of the Council responded saying that previous cuts had been far more impactful on the local community, and this year the frontline is not as prominent when it comes to savings. The CCTV is probably the biggest thing but this means Hastings Borough Council will have the same service as any other council in East Sussex.

Panel members then asked about Community Partnership Funding (CPF), as if this is ceasing this will have a huge impact on the community.

The Leader explained that the CPF will not be ceasing this year, and the intention is to pass the funding on to the Foreshore Trust.

The board also had questions regarding Waste Collection.

The Leader explained that when the KIER contract came to an end, it was clear the council had been under-priced for the service. When the contract was retendered it came in much higher than expected. This is why the service was brought in house but this has had an impact on our budget.

Questions were asked in reference to the CCTV and whether this has already been negotiated with Sussex Police and also to explain further the impact on developmental control.

The Leader responded first to the question about developmental control. He explained that a complex restructure is happening but enforcement services will still be maintained. We trust that the officers know their workload and that work will continue to be as efficient with this restructure. Then, the Leader explained that the police are being consulted regarding the CCTV.

Page 3 The panel members then asked questions regarding the staff savings, how the remaining staff would be supported.

The Leader responded saying things will get more difficult when there is fewer staff. It brings us down to around 300 staff. We’re not cutting back to the bone but because we have additional burdens it is difficult. We have reduced from 600 to 300 staff in recent years. We will be putting in place any support we can. Part of the reason why the leader is now stepping down is due to the relentless cuts in services. he has had to oversee.

The board then asked to what extent the Towns Fund, if successful, contribute to the capital programme as this may allow flexibility or capital into revenue.

The Leader explained that as Hastings Borough Council have to put in a proposal so we can’t guarantee where the money will be going. There needs to be a community consultation built into the development of the plans.

The panel members also brought forwards concerns about reducing the community cohesion at a sensitive time for the country, as Brexit is soon happening. Members wondered if a phased approach would be better in this case.

The Leader agreed.

Panel members also had questions about the reserves, and what the options are regarding using them. They also brought up the spending reviews mentioned in the presentation, and how this will impact decisions at HBC.

The Leader responded by explaining that in terms of going below £6 million in reserves, this would be at odds with the advice of the Council’s Section 151 Finance officer. If we dipped below this threshold by spending an additional 1 or 2 million pounds this only postpones the problem. Our options are very narrow.

The panel asked whether the New Homes Bonus monies should assist with the council’s budgetary challenges.

The Leader explained that the council is very limited in terms of New Homes Bonus potential than its larger, less urban neighbouring authorities. This means the New Homes bonus is a very difficult stream of revenue for the council to receive consistently.

The Chair also reminded members that the consultation doesn’t finish until February 7th 2020, so if any further comments wanted to be made, they could be done so via the appropriate channels.

93 AOB

None.

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Page 6 Mapping of COVID 19 Recovery Plans and Activities in Hastings – May 20 Theme Sub themes Activities Lead / org Description Comments and issues contact Health and Community Community Hub Partners The community hub is a partnership between Need likely to continue until most Agenda Annex Wellbeing Support for voluntary groups in the town, the health lockdown activities lifted and vaccine vulnerable service, Hastings Borough Council and East readily available. people Sussex County Council.

Supporting listed Partners The Sussex Resilience Forum (emergency As above

Vulnerable People services, health, local government and other partners) are co-ordinating supplies for extremely vulnerable people who have been told to stay at home for 12 weeks. NHS and Weekly briefing on CCG Updates on GP Service, Dental Care and Mental Enabling NHS services for non Covid- Primary Health operation of various Health, NHS Volunteer respond programme 19 related care - concern about the Care services provided and Hospital Services impact on the NHS in future if people are not accessing the care they need Page 7 Page now, or if this care is unavailable Public Health PH Priorities for any recovery plan (preliminary thoughts)

1. Supporting resilience and good mental health for all, particularly those who have been shielded 2. Care Homes – support to staff (mental health as well as infection prevention) 3. Strengthening communities / reducing social isolation 4. Enabling health services to catch up on urgent non-covid health conditions 5. Mitigating inequalities which may have been exacerbated by COVID and shutdown 6. Maximising any positive changes re daily exercise habits, and supporting people to return to healthy eating habits Areas of work to be maintained in the future (preliminary thoughts)

 Remote offer of services where more convenient for service users e.g. online exercise classes, smoking cessation, weight loss  Maintaining and developing progress re housing homeless people

Economy General ESCC Recovery Plan ESCC County wide Recovery Action Plan Consultancy work has commenced Economy 3 phases of activity with business and partnership Phase 1 – establishing the context (impacts, consultation during May 20. issues and opportunities); Phase 2 – identifying where additional support is required; Phase 3 – development of the ES Economic Page 8 Page Recovery Plan (June 20) Town Deal Town Board Guidance from MHCLG awaited re priorities of the programme - June 20 Town Investment Plan All plans subject to review Community Consultation Plan

Economic Sectors Activities to support specific sectors to be developed – e.g. tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, culture, care etc

Families and Home Education Plans and Issues and actions being considered / Children Supporting parents developed by the Children, Young People and Families Group School opening plans

East Sussex College supporting students

Education and Future Skills Need during ESCC, ESCG Skills periods of recession

Community Support for communities HVA and Community Hub & Impact assessment and Voluntary during potential high levels HBC Sector of unemployment and Community Cohesion Issues social / wellbeing need Community Agendas and issues to be Safety agreed

Local HBC Recovery Plan in Authority development Services (HBC)

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East Sussex Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan Proposal

Page 11 Approach and methodology

1.1 In response to our discussions with James Harris, Richard Dawson and Katy Thomas of East Sussex County Council, the Economic Recovery Workstream Team, on 16th April, we have proposed a three-phase rolling study programme (summarised below) to develop a 12- 18 months East Sussex Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

Phase 1: Context 1.1 Economic scenario assessment 1.2 Identify actual and potential impacts of Covid-19 on the East Sussex economy 1.3 Identify opportunities for East Sussex created by the pandemic

Phase 2: Identifying where additional support is required 2.1 Audit of measures to support East Sussex businesses 2.2 Identify gaps in support for East Sussex businesses, now and potentially in the future 2.3 Business support delivery mechanism options assessment

Phase 3: Development of East Sussex Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan

2 Page 12 Phase 1: Context

2.1 The first phase of the assignment will provide an analysis and commentary on the context of the Covid-19 virus and its impacts on the East Sussex economy. We will also undertake an assessment of the potential opportunities for East Sussex created by the pandemic. 2.2 There will be three concurrent study tasks in this phase of the assignment and the resultant output will be a Context report for discussion with the Economic Recovery Workstream Team by 1st May. Most of this work will be carried out by desk research – the consultations with key stakeholders will primarily be in study phases 2 and 3. 2.3 This Context report will be updated as the study progresses as there will be rapid developments with the Covid-19 virus and its impacts on the local economy throughout the period of this study.

Task 1.1 Economic scenario assessment

2.4 There has been a lot of commentary about the potential economic impact of the Covid-19 lockdown and the resultant effects on GDP and other economic metrics. 2.5 However, it should be noted that the lockdown measures put in place by the Government are geared to reducing consumption, which is by far the greatest component of GDP. The collapse in output is part of the way out of this crisis – if people are not going to shops, theatres, restaurants, etc. they are not spreading the virus. 2.6 It will be interesting to observe the impact that the lifting of lockdown restrictions is having in countries like France, Germany, Denmark, Italy and Spain. 2.7 The outputs from this study task include an assessment of the following: - When and how containment measures will be lifted and the impacts of this on businesses across various sectors - What economic scenarios will play out as a result, globally, nationally and regionally, both short and long-term? - Will there be a second and potential subsequent waves of Covid-19 and what economic impact will this have? - What other economic factors do we need to take into account in the development of the Plan, both as a direct result of Covid-19 (e.g. resultant structural inflation pressures and altered globalisation trends), and external but inter-linked considerations, such as the forthcoming Brexit trading arrangements?

Task 1.2 Identify actual and potential impacts of Covid-19 on the East Sussex economy

2.8 A SELEP business survey has showed that over 98% of business operating in the South East are feeling the impacts of disruption due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Survival is the priority for many. Lost income and possible cessation of trading are among the biggest areas of concern, with 72% reporting cashflow, and 63% identifying access to domestic customers, as the most challenging issues.

3 Page 13 2.9 Additionally, the increase in those applying for Universal Credit suggests unemployment is rising rapidly, despite the governments’ schemes to support both the employed and unemployed. The hope is that wage subsidies will prevent workers losing touch with the labour market and becoming long-term unemployed. 2.10 The economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak will clearly be significant. Every sector of the economy – from finance to airlines, retail to restaurants – is feeling the effects. The longer the period of economic disruption lasts, the more likely it is that the economy’s future potential output will be ‘scarred’ as a result of business failures, cancelled investments and the unemployed becoming disconnected from the labour market. 2.11 However, on a more positive note, a lesson from the economic effects of past pandemics and earlier recessions is that many were short-lived. If history were to repeat itself, it could be that there will be a deep economic downturn and rapid upturn described as a ‘V-shaped’ recovery. 2.12 Britain's independent tax and spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has warned the coronavirus pandemic could trigger a record 35% drop in UK growth by June. This scenario was based on an assumption that the current lockdown would last for three months. 2.13 The OBR said, however, it expected that once restrictions were lifted, growth would recover quickly with no lasting damage. It expects half of the sharp drop in growth in the second quarter to be reversed in the three months to September as the economy starts to recover 2.14 It is probable however, that any relaxation of lockdown measures will be done on a phased basis and, even if restrictions are lifted, there is likely to be social distancing in place for a considerable time which will have a big impact on summer related businesses (e.g. rural, hospitality, tourism and culture). It will therefore be important to consider and model how this phased exit will impact on the East Sussex economy. 2.15 This study task will primarily involve desk research, in particular analysis of survey work carried out by business support organisations at a local, regional and national level. The aims are: - To identify the impacts on East Sussex business sectors and individuals to date - Assess the potential impacts for the East Sussex economy given different scenarios - Understand local business concerns for the future - Identify issues for specific East Sussex locations and sectors

Task 1.3 Identify opportunities for East Sussex created by the pandemic

2.16 Whilst there is rightly a focus on surviving this economic crisis, we can learn from it and potentially identify new business opportunities. Covid-19 shows that, as soon as there is a strong enough stimulus, things can change. This leads to remarkable innovations. Not being allowed to open their doors, restaurants, for example, are shifting to delivery mode. And schools suddenly do much of their teaching online. This brings the opportunity to create innovations now that can be maintained after the crisis. 2.17 This part of the assignment will primarily involve desk research and will investigate opportunities for East Sussex businesses created by Covid-19, including the following: - Sector growth opportunities

4 Page 14 - Opportunities for diversification - New ways of working - People opportunities for new jobs (short term or long) and apprenticeships - Opportunities for East Sussex businesses to help in the efforts against Covid-19

5 Page 15 Phase 2: Identifying where additional support is required

3.1 The aim of this study phase is to identify where and how additional support can be provided to the businesses and people of East Sussex to help them recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19, and to help lay the future foundations for a stronger East Sussex economy. 3.2 We will be mapping the support put in place by East Sussex County Council and the wider East Sussex partnership and identifying gaps that need to be addressed and resource options for doing so. This phase will require considerable consultation with key stakeholders and business support bodies that are active in East Sussex, in particular TES, BES and SES members. 3.3 A Phase 2 report will be provided to Economic Recovery Workstream Team by 15th May. This will include an updated Phase 1 Context section.

Task 2.1 Audit of measures to support East Sussex businesses

3.4 The Chancellor has put in place unprecedented measures to support the economy but these are not to boost demand. Rather, the goal is to help businesses, employees and households survive this economic storm and enable them to pay their bills when they are not generating revenue. 3.5 The aim is to ensure the productive capacity of the economy is not harmed permanently. If businesses go burst during the lockdown, they will not be able to meet consumer demand when normality eventually returns. The result would be shortages and inflation. 3.6 It will be interesting to see what post virus fiscal stimulus package the Government puts in place to help the recovery. 3.7 In terms of the types of support potentially required by local businesses, the SELEP Covid-19 business survey has identified that, at the operational level, almost two-thirds of South East based businesses would welcome support in navigating finance options. A further 39% would welcome support with continuing planning – especially in sectors which rely on face-to-face contact with customers. And almost a quarter need support with staffing issues, having furloughed staff. 3.8 Although the Government has put in place packages of financial support for almost all types of businesses, to date the take up has been very low. As of 16th April, only £1.1bn from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme had been handed out to businesses. 3.9 The aims of this section of the study are therefore: - Identifying the types of support required by East Sussex businesses now and in the future (given different scenarios) - Assessing Government short-term measures and potential long-term interventions - Mapping current and proposed support provided by local, regional and national support bodies - Identifying Covid-19 support measures/actions being developed by others locally, regionally and nationally

6 Page 16 Task 2.2 Identify gaps in support for East Sussex businesses, now and potentially in the future

3.10 By taking proactive business support measures now, it should be possible to put East Sussex businesses in a more secure position to stay strong and recover faster once the crisis subsides. These are unprecedented times and extreme measures may be required to help support some sectors of the East Sussex business base return to normal operations and grow following the resumption of economic activity. 3.11 It will therefore be important to identify where there are gaps in this support provision. Areas of potential support need could include helping businesses manage their debt, assisting businesses to access Government loan/grant funds, helping address skills/staffing needs and crisis business management planning along with future scenario and resilience planning. 3.12 Again, this section of the assignment will require a combination of desk research and consultation with a wide range of partners to identify support gaps that need to be addressed. We will be looking at: - Gaps in support by sector, business size, business status – pre start to high growth, - People skills requirements e.g. digital, ICT, etc. - Areas to strengthen in the recovery phase to support the 'new normal' and not just a return to the same - Support timeframes – primarily short-term but also longer-term issues to be addressed - Identifying and prioritising support measures through an options analysis

Task 2.3 Business support delivery mechanism options assessment

3.13 There are two main aims of this section of the assignment. First, to consider how identified support needs could be funded and delivered. And second, there needs to be some organisation and coordination of any new support measures that are proposed or that emerge from a variety of bodies, to help address the economic impacts of Covid-19 in East Sussex. It will be important at this stage of the assignment to research and discuss the following with key stakeholders: - Capacity of current support bodies to deliver additional support required - Role for ESCC and TES, BES and SES partners, including coordination options, Growth Hub role and use of the National Business Support Helpline - Consortium/partnership approach considerations - Role of and engagement with SELEP Covid-19 Crisis Sub Committee - Resource availability and identification of potential sources (staff, capital and revenue finance, loans and grants), e.g. Government and SELEP funding - Are new partnerships needed or is the right ecosystem in place to support the recovery phase? - Is flexibility on policies to aid recovery (in addition to funding) and to get parts of the economy moving quicker required?

7 Page 17 Phase 3: Development of East Sussex Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan

4.1 Phases 1 and 2 will inform the development of the East Sussex Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Our view is that this needs to be a ‘live’ document which is maintained and updated as Covid-19 and resultant economic circumstances and opportunities change. Initially, the Plan is for 12-18 months. 4.2 We will be liaising and working with the Economic Recovery Workstream Team to develop a draft Action Plan by end of May. This will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Background and context setting - Key objectives - Gap analysis and options appraisal - Resource allocations and sources of funding - Roles and responsibilities across East Sussex (including management and governance) - Monitoring and evaluation framework 4.3 This Action Plan will then be refined as agreed with the Economic Recovery Workstream Team and in consultation with TES, BES and SES. It will include updated information from phases 1 and 2 of the study. 4.4 Whilst the Plan will not be a bidding document, it will support the case for additional resources for the East Sussex economy, in particular from SELEP and the Government, where this is deemed necessary to support the recovery. It will also identify where existing resources could be deployed better to increase efficiency and effectiveness 4.5 The plan will seek to avoid duplication of business support activities and identify who is best placed to provide the necessary support. It is recognised that this might challenge some existing providers and the way they operate, but will ensure the timely deployment of support to businesses. The Plan will be complementary to other plans that are being developed by partners.

8 Page 18 Our experience and team

5.1 As there are inter-dependencies amongst each aspect of the assignment, we are proposing a small core team of two people who will be involved in all seven stages of the work programme. 5.2 The team has the specialist skills and can provide the level of consistent and focused attention that will be needed for the variety of tasks specified above. It includes Alan Elder, Director of EBS Consulting, who has over 30 years’ experience of economic assessment, evaluation, strategy and action plan development and delivery, much of which has been in the South East of . 5.3 Alan has significant knowledge of the East Sussex economy and its main support bodies and networks. He has recently completed an assessment of the Locate East Sussex service, project- managed the evaluation of the East Sussex pilot scale-up programme and has undertaken several evaluations of the Business East Sussex Growth Hub. 5.4 Alan also project managed the East Sussex, Essex, Southend and Thurrock Business Support Simplification Review. He has also undertaken summative assessments of the South East Invest and South East Business Boost ERDF projects which covered the East Sussex area. Currently he is providing support for the Foreign Inward Investment , and East Sussex ERDF PCR. 5.5 In 2019, Alan was involved in developing a strategic action plan for businesses in Southend in response to the Brexit situation. Previously, Alan was Head of Economic Development at County Council and also worked for District Council and Scottish Enterprise in economic development and regeneration roles. 5.6 The other member of the team is Deborah Wyatt, Director of EBS Consulting. Deborah is an experienced senior Director with extensive knowledge of strategic and operational delivery within the public sector coupled with commercial and business development experience in the private sector. She was Executive Director for WSX Enterprise and Partnerships Director for Business Link South East. 5.7 Deborah has 20 years’ experience of economic and strategy development including business support and enterprise. She was also heavily involved in the East Sussex, Essex, Southend and Thurrock Business Support Simplification Review and has project managed LGF and GPF programmes for LEPs in the South East. Deborah has developed a number of economic strategies and been involved with the creation of Local Enterprise Partnership Strategic Economic Plans. 5.8 She has long term experience in European funding including the operational development of ERDF and EAFRD specifications alongside subsequent project delivery and has worked with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on appraisals for ESIF committees. 5.9 Deborah is currently undertaking the annual evaluation of the GFirst Growth Hub in Gloucestershire, the summative assessment of the Dorset Growth Hub ERDF funded business support programme and is overseeing project management activity for Enterprise M3 LEP.

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Document is Restricted

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Sussex CCGs Public Involvement Weekly News Briefing on COVID-19 (24th April 2020)

This briefing will be produced weekly, and is aimed at patient leads, public members, voluntary and community sector (VCS) leads and community group leads in Sussex, to support the dissemination of information on coronavirus to our wider communities.

The NHS is committed to keeping our people informed during this crisis, ensuring that our communities have the information they need, in the right format, and at the right time. We know that our patient leaders, VCS and community organisations are all working exceptionally hard to support local people, and that they are key to working together to make sure that our communities have the support and information they need.

Local Focus

GP services continue to provide care in Sussex

As mentioned in last week’s edition of the Public Involvement Weekly News Briefing, GP practices across Sussex have transformed the way they work to ensure local patients remain safe and get the care they need during the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the safety of patients and practice staff a priority, new measures have been introduced through the creation of dedicated sites and areas within some practices, for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to be seen safely.

Those who feel they need GP appointments are being asked to contact their surgeries as normal, and not to arrive at the practice unless specifically being told to do so following an initial assessment by a suitably trained clinician.

Patients will be asked to give an accurate and detailed description of their symptoms and this will allow them to receive the most appropriate treatment. Patients may not be seen at their usual surgery, and following their assessment will be directed to a specific site locally to best deal with their health needs in the safest way, with local GPs changing the way they provide care.

Any patient with Covid-19 symptoms will be given an appointment at a so called ‘hot site’ rather than their own practice. These are formed by a group of practices coming together and identifying a single dedicated site to offer patients from their practices face-to-face consultation following their assessment.

Some GPs will be seeing patients without symptoms and patients with Covid-19 symptoms who will be separated into special zones, so that they are kept isolated from other patients. This will be undertaken in a safe way for patients and staff, and includes the introduction of dedicated hot consultation rooms, with separate entrances and exits to maintain isolation.

Existing GP premises will also be dedicated for treatment of those without any Covid-19 symptoms or acute illness, to allow their management in a way that minimises risk of contact with any potentially ill patients. Patients will be screened for any fever or cough symptoms, so only those who are considered well can enter. The facility will be arranged to maintain social distancing measures and limit patient number on site at any one time.

Infection control measures set by government experts will be followed at all sites and residents can be reassured of their safety, even when they are close to any site seeing patients with Covid-19 symptoms. At a minimum a daily, a full deep clean will be completed at each hot site, including disinfection. 1 Page 23

GP Practices are making alternative arrangements to ensure these patients from the deaf community, people with learning disabilities, those whose first language is not English, and anyone without access to a telephone can access appointments.

Urgent dental care in the South East

Since the Government announced social distancing measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19 all non-urgent dental activity has stopped. However, measures have been put in place so that people can get urgent dental treatment if needed.

To provide care for people with urgent and emergency dental problems thirty-six urgent dental care hubs have been put in place in the South East.

If you have a dental emergency, you should contact a dental practice for a telephone assessment to assess your dental needs. This could either be the dental practice you normally attend or you can search for an NHS practice nearest to your home address on the NHS website at www.nhs.uk. Out of usual surgery hours, you should call NHS111.

When calling the dental practice, you will be assessed so that you can be provided with the most appropriate care. This may include being prescribed medication for pain relief or to treat an infection or you may be referred to one of the urgent dental care hubs for treatment.

Easier access to telephone GP appointments for d/Deaf people

From this week, d/Deaf people in and East Sussex are set to benefit from a new Video Relay Service (VRS), which has gone live in all GP practices and offers telephone access and consultations to British Sign Language (BSL) users.

The new, improved service will see GP practices being able to offer the consultations with support from Signlive, a free to download App that connects the caller to a fully qualified BSL interpreter before connecting to the recipient.

It will mean d/Deaf patients across Brighton and Hove and East Sussex will now be able to call their registered practice for free, using the standard telephone number, speak with receptionists and book a telephone appointment with a GP, just as a hearing person can.

The service has been rolled out at speed in response to Covid-19 and the changes in how GP practices are offering healthcare during the pandemic.

The service will be introduced across GP practices shortly.

Additional support for people needing urgent help with their mental health

People across Sussex struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak are being offered additional telephone and crisis support to help them cope.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has expanded the Sussex Mental Healthline - 0300 5000 101 - to provide a 24/7 service to people needing urgent help with their mental health.

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As well as crisis support it will provide psychological support to people who have general concerns about their mental health.

Registered clinicians are at the other end of the freephone number to provide help, support and advice to anyone who needs it, at any time of the day or night, regardless of their age or where they live in the county.

The team at the Sussex Mental Healthline can offer advice and support to callers who are experiencing a crisis in their mental health, and if needed they can refer them to one of five newly created urgent help hubs for assessment and treatment.

General advice about how to manage your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak is available at www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/coronavirus as well as through @withoutstigma on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SussexPartnership

Community Matters

The Covid-19 Community Connectors Team has been answering questions from our communities in Sussex about accessing health and care services at this time – you can read more about this in the attached Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Each week, we will answer some of your questions – please see below this week’s questions and answers on hospital care:

1. Will I still be referred to the hospital if my GP thinks I need it?

Yes, your GP will still refer you; however, many of the referrals will be held until the pressure on the NHS lessens. All referrals will be looked at by a clinician and reviewed for urgency. You should hear directly from the hospital about your appointment; you do not need to go back to your GP unless your condition deteriorates.

The exception to this our Musculoskeletal (bone and joint) services, who are not taking new referrals to the service, unless urgent; in this case patients may be offered a phone assessment as a first step.

2. If I am worried I might have cancer, would I still be referred to the hospital?

You should contact your GP immediately with any worrying symptoms; if your GP is concerned, you will be referred to hospital, and should be seen within two weeks.

Community Hubs

Local Authorities now have the names and contact details of people that are “Shielded"; this group of people will be contacted directly to ensure they are provided with the help they need.

Community Hubs are up and running in each Local Authority area across Sussex, and offer additional help in coping with coronavirus.

The Community Hubs will focus their help on people who do not have an extreme medical condition but may be vulnerable because they are isolated from help, too unwell to buy food or have other pressing difficulties because of coronavirus.

Community Hubs will also provide a place for people to find out about local volunteering opportunities.

Brighton and Hove Community Hubs

Contact details for the Community Support:

Brighton and Hove Community Support Website 3 Page 25

Brighton and Hove Community Support Telephone: 01273 293117

East Sussex Community Hubs

Contact details for the Community Hubs in East Sussex are below:

Eastbourne Community Hub Website Community Hub Telephone: 01323 679722

Hastings Community Hub Website Hastings Community Hub Telephone: 01424 451019

Lewes Community Hub Website Lewes Community Hub Telephone: 01273 099956

Rother Community Hub Website Rother Community Hub Telephone: 01424 787000 (option 4)

Wealden Community Hub Website Wealden Community Hub Telephone: 01323 443322

West Sussex Community Hubs

Contact the West Sussex Community Support Team:

West Sussex Community Support Team Website West Sussex Support Team Telephone: 033 022 27980 (Lines are open 8.00am - 8.00pm)

NHS Updates

NHS urges public to stay safe ahead of Ramadan

Ramadan will be marked all over the world from Thursday 23 April with month-long fasting and observations of spiritual reflection set to end on Saturday 23 May. This is followed by Eid the festival of fast breaking where traditionally family and friends get together to attend special prayers and celebrate the end of the holy month.

As Ramadan and Eid occur during the projected peak of COVID-19, the NHS has issued additional guidance – which can be accessed here. Additional guidance and key advice for all NHS people can be found here.

NHS Volunteer Responder Programme

People who have been advised to shield themselves from the coronavirus can now self-refer to the NHS Volunteer Responder Programme via telephone (0808 196 3646) or online by clicking on this link.

NHS Volunteer Responders can be called on to do vital tasks such as:

 delivering medicines from pharmacies;  driving patients to appointments;  bringing them home from hospital;  or making regular phone calls to check on people isolating at home.

The scheme has been expanded to provide Volunteer Responder support to people with cognitive impairments and significant vulnerabilities. 4 Page 26

National Updates

The government has amended their guidance on ending self-isolation and household isolation, which can be found under the section ‘Self-isolation’ and ‘Household isolation’ available here.

The government has produced guidance to support victims of domestic abuse during Covid-19 – available here. It explains what domestic abuse is, the signs to look out for and lists support available. If you believe that you or someone else could be a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:

 being withdrawn  having bruises  controlling finances  not being allowed to leave the house  monitoring technology use such as social media platforms

Resources

NHS Every Mind Matters has introduced 10 tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus. The 10 tips you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. For specific tips and advice while staying at home, read our advice on maintaining your mental wellbeing while staying at home.

Please see attached our FAQs – gathered from comments and questions raised in the community. Section 10 of the FAQs includes a Resources Section which provides information on additional community support available.

You can find further information about support in the local area on the Sussex NHS Commissioners websites – please click below:

NHS Brighton and Hove CCG NHS East Sussex CCG NHS West Sussex CCG

Tell us about your experiences and let us know what you need!

The Covid-19 Community Connectors Team are here to help make sure you, and the people you help and support, get the information and support needed. Please do contact us using the contact details on page 6.

Healthwatch

You can also raise issues through Healthwatch, which is an independent body responsible for gathering people’s views of health and social care services. Contact details are below:

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove:

Telephone: 01273 234 040 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk/contact-us/

Healthwatch East Sussex

Telephone: 0333 101 4007 Email: [email protected] Website: https://healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk/contact/ Healthwatch West Sussex

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Telephone: 0300 012 0122 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk/contact-us

Contact Details

If you have any questions, or if you need this brief in an alternative format, please contact the Community Connectors Team:

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0127 323 8725

Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users can use a Video Relay Service (VRS) called SignLive (a free app which connects deaf people to a qualified British Sign Language Interpreter before connecting you to one of the Community Connectors Team). This service is currently available every Thursday from 14:00-16:00. Please contact the Community Connectors using the details above if this is not convenient.

Let us know what you need to see in this briefing, give us feedback on services and support related to Covid-19 and let us know about issues you are picking up from your communities.

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