Leader's column: Harnessing the power of technology and communities

In her latest column, Tameside Council's Executive Leader, Cllr Brenda Warrington, discusses more of the recent measures the authority has taken in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The position of Civic Mayor of Tameside is one of our most significant and prestigious roles. For as long as there has been a place called Tameside, there has been a Mayor.

Last week the historic lineage of the Civic Mayor and the brave new world of technology were brought together. 

Tuesday, May 26, would normally see us welcome the new Mayor at our annual meeting at Guardsman Tony Downes House in Droylsden. However, due to the ongoing lockdown it would have been inappropriate to have so many people in one building.

So, with a little bit of help from Skype, Cllr Janet Cooper made history by becoming the first person to accept her office at a virtual meeting. I have no doubt that she will write her own page in the long and proud history of the Civic Mayor of Tameside.

That meeting showed how we’ve responded to the terrible pandemic in our midst; by using technology to continue running as many services as possible, and by rallying our communities together to support each other.

As well as the Mayor Making, a number of other meetings have taken the plunge and gone online. 

Our Speakers’ Panel was hosted via Skype, giving us the opportunity to work through planning discussions and decisions while maintaining social distancing. Other meetings hosted online so far include the Executive Cabinet, GM Pension Fund Management and Advisory Panel, and the Governing Body of Tameside and Glossop CCG.

Our response to coronavirus in the here and now also continues at pace. Thanks to the incredible help of our communities and key workers, we’ve made 1,750 emergency food deliveries to 1,570 vulnerable residents in 1,060 households, paid out £39.2million worth of grants to 3,568 local businesses and supported 35,427 children between Reception and Year 11 to continue their education even as most of our classrooms remain empty.

After we have defeated this pandemic the work to rebuild must start. By harnessing the power of technology and Tameside’s community spirit, I am confident that we have been able to both protect our residents while also beginning to plan for the future, putting ourselves in the best position to hit the ground running when the time comes.

Thank you to all the people whose hard work and sacrifices have made this possible, and please continue to protect yourself and others while Tameside’s struggle against coronavirus continues.