Report of the Director of Public Health the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure attached

The Executive considered a report of the Director of Public Health and the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure, which provided an update on the COVID-19 situation within the city and the progress that was being made with the city’s economic recovery.

The Director of Population Health advised that the Health Secretary would be making an announcement later in the afternoon on any additional measures that Government would be putting in place in advance of winter to address the national rise in COVID infection rates.  It was expected that it would, as a minimum, confirm arrangements around the booster programme and the vaccination programme for 12 to 16 year olds.

The Executive Member for Health and Care advised that infection rates within the city were now 316.7 per 100,000 population and Manchester was currently 9^th amongst Greater Manchester’s Local Authorities in terms of infection rates, with rates gradually increasing but remaining below the national average and the infection rate amongst the over 60’s was 233 per 100,000 which had increased over the past week and put Manchester 5^th across Greater Manchester.

The Executive Member for Health and Care also reported that there had been increases in the rates of infection amongst school aged children but unlike last year there hadn’t been large outbreaks in the city’s university student population as there had been a good uptake of the vaccine from students.  It was also reported that the Etihad mass vaccination centre would be used for the roll out of the 12 to 16 year old vaccination programme.  The booster programme was well underway and the Executive Member for Health and Care stressed the importance of Manchester residents (who were eligible) to take up this offer for greater protection over the winter months. 

The Executive Member for Health and Care concluded by thanking all staff who were working in CQC registered care homes for their co-operation in taking up the vaccine offer.

In relation to the city’s economic recovery, the Director of City Centre Growth and Infrastructure advised that there had been a stronger footfall in both the city centre and district centres.  Recent Chamber research had demonstrated that prospects were improving and independent was recovering slightly faster than general retail.  Hotel occupancy figures had increased, with August achieving an 85% rate for weekend stays .  It was also noted that the inward investment pipeline was doing well, however there was still challenges in relation to recruitment and ensuring Manchester residents who were out of work could access employment opportunities.  The Council was about to launch the Business Fighting Fund which would enable the remainder of the ARG grant being made available to businesses to support their recovery.

Councillor Karney thanked the officers involved in the city’s economic recovery over the last 18 months and confirmed that the Christmas Markets would be making a return to the City Centre for 2021, which would contribute to retaining jobs in the hospitality and retail sector of the city’s economy. 

The Leader also noted positively the scale of “job creating” development that was taking place in the city and advised that this was not being replicated anywhere else in the country.

Decision

The Executive note the update.