Issue - meetings

The Chief Executive has agreed that a major incident should be declared for Blackpool Council under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. The Executive is therefore asked to consider steps for the potential emergency delegation of powers to officers due to the developing Coronavirus pandemic. All executive power vests in the Leader as ‘senior executive member’ under section 9E Local Government Act 1972 and the Leader can authorise any executive member or officer to take decisions at any time. The Leader (or the Executive) can therefore delegate to the Chief Executive any decision – in an emergency or that is urgent or that would be necessary or expedient, or which would otherwise protect the Council’s interests that is an executive function.

The Executive agreed as an urgent decision, exempt from call in, the recommendations as outlined above namely:

1. To note, and support on behalf of the Council, that the Chief Executive has agreed that a major incident should be declared for Blackpool Council on the grounds that the definition of a major incident as laid out in the ‘Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles’ (JESIP) has been met along with the definition of an ‘Emergency’ as laid out under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. 

2. Further to decision 1 to agree, as an emergency measure, to delegate all urgent Executive decision making to the Chief Executive or, in his absence or unavailability, the Director of Resources or in his absence or unavailability, any of the Council’s Directors, in relation to their areas of responsibility. This decision making to be in response to issues caused directly or indirectly from the Coronavirus pandemic and would protect citizens in regard to public safety. This delegation to be reviewed at the next formal Executive meeting, or if necessary by the Leader of the Council prior to the next Executive meeting (e.g. if a number of Chief Officers are indisposed).

3. In relation to decision 2 above that (should the need arise) exemptions apply to contract procedure rules, access to information procedure rules, exemption from the forward plan and call in. Such exemptions to be recorded in a suitable and proportionate manner.

4. To note that the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council (or if they are indisposed their senior representatives) will hold a weekly conference call with the three Opposition Group Leaders (Cllr Mrs Callow will have a dual role in this as Lead Scrutiny Member), to brief them on the current situation affecting the Council and any decisions taken or likely to be taken, seeking their views as appropriate.

5. To agree that delegated authority is given to the Director of Governance and Partnerships and Head of Democratic Governance to authorise applications for ward funding.