Council’s take on new lockdown measures

An urgent composite motion submitted by SNP group depute leader Councillor Jordan Linden and seconded by depute council leader Labour’s Councillor Paul Kelly noted announcements made on Wednesday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon which included a full closure of licensed premises from 6pm on Friday until October 26

Councillors also welcomed a £40 million pledge to support businesses across Scotland affected by these measures while calling for even greater levels of support from the Scottish and Westminster governments.

Council leader Jim Logue will write to Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes to echo calls from the First Minister to provide extra funds for businesses and communities. Councillors also agreed to continue their communication efforts to communities while also continuing to provide additional support to businesses.

Introducing the motion, Cllr Linden said: “The item of urgent business today provides an opportunity for us as a council to outline the key temporary restrictions being introduced across North Lanarkshire from 6pm on Friday, October 9, for a period of 16 days while crucially will also provide reassurance to our communities, particularly those in the business community, including but not limited to the hospitality sector. Reassurances to them all that we are only too aware of the impact that those temporary and necessary public health restrictions will have and reiterate the commitment of the council to providing as much support as we can.”

Councillor Linden then indicated evidence from senior medical sources which demonstrated the increased safety measures were “essential” and “actions we must take to save lives” although they would impact businesses, especially hospitality and leisure, which would therefore require considerable amounts of support.

Councillor Kelly called on his fellow members to get behind the restrictions. “It is unfortunate the way the virus is coming back and and spreading among our communities,” he added, emphasising the need for collaboration between local and national government, the NHS and other public health organisations.

“As for business support a very critical part of this is making sure the Scottish and UK governments are stepping into that environment right now.

“This is something we have to live with but we also have to make sure that when we come out of it we have businesses and we have employment in the area and we know the council does a significant amount of work to generate local employment and opportunities and we have to see that across every level, so it’s important that we write to both the Scottish and UK governments regarding this matter to get the utmost clarity and support.”

Conservative councillors opposed the motion with group leader Councillor Meghan Gallacher saying the announcements by the First Minister “could be the final blow” for many hospitality businesses in North Lanarkshire.  She criticised the decision to enforce closures until October 26 when businesses had spent thousands of pounds on renovations to adhere to social distancing.

She added: “The hardship this would have caused to so many businesses is unprecedented. Businesses would have woken up this morning confused by the measures introduced by the First Minister. Others will be worrying about their future and the lack of support and communication provided to them by the Scottish Government.

“In short, the Scottish Government has not done enough to protect and support businesses and by extension their staff and the families they provide for. I think it is hypocritical of the SNP group to bring forward this urgent item of business to ask the UK Government for more money when the Scottish Government has failed to keep its promise to businesses and the Scottish people.

“The growth scheme launched in 2017 was to provide half a billion pounds over three years. To date it has only spent £258.9 million. This plan was introduced to support businesses and grow the economy.

“Many, including myself, are left wondering where the rest of that money has disappeared to.”

Councillor Gallacher also said the motion was an attempt to divert attention away from the failings of the SNP government and that more consultation with businesses and trade unions should have taken place before the announcement of the new lockdown measures.

Following further debate the motion was voted through with 60 votes versus seven for the Conservative amendment.