In March, I presented for approval to Full Council a transformative 3-year budget with a range of new service provision of youth services, air quality and environmental services.
However, a month is long time in local government; 'Wuhan virus', 'Hand washing' and 'Social distancing'.
Covid-19 now threatens the way we live and order our lives.
National government might behind closed doors make the 'big calls', but it's the public sector in the form of the NHS, the Armed forces, local government and others who are working hard to care for the sick, vulnerable and wider population.
The NHS and its staff are preforming feats defying description, and they deserve our utmost appreciation. NHS Nightingale located within the London borough of Newham is a symbol to the greatness of our military, doctors, nurses and support staff.
Local government across the country is working hard to deliver essential services, support vulnerable residents and to respond to the intense daily pressures posed by Covid- 19.
Every day I'm amazed by what council staff are doing, who are essentially redesigning nearly every aspect of our traditional service delivery offer.
Last Friday, at our first ever virtual meeting, Newham's Cabinet approved more than £60 million worth of council tax and business rates relief to support residents and local business. In March, I passed a 3-year budget to make £45m of efficiencies.
The pandemic is likely to change the way we lead or lives and how our society functions.
We definitely live in interesting times.
www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/health/newham-coronavirus-plan-1-6595764