Decision details

This decision was made under delegation 10.1(c) of Section 5 of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution.  That delegation gives the following authority to the Chief Executive:

“Exercise the Council's powers to prepare for and deal with any disaster or emergency affecting life or property in Ipswich.”

The following actions were implemented from 8am on 17 March 2020 and formally publicised on the Council’s website as follows:

Closure of Council Buildings

Following advice issued by the Prime Minister yesterday (Monday) evening in relation to the recommended response to Coronavirus, Ipswich Borough Council will be closing its public buildings with immediate effect.

These facilities include the Regent Theatre, Town Hall & Corn Exchange, Swimming Pools & Sports Centres, the Tourist Information Centre, the visitor centres in Christchurch and Holywells parks and the Museum, Art Gallery and Christchurch Mansion.

Car parks, the Cemeteries and Crematoria and our parks will remain open as will Grafton House (although the public should contact the Customer Services Team via www.ipswich.gov.uk or 01473 432000 rather than visit Grafton House or the Customer Service Centre).

Core services such as refuse collection and the HEARS service will be maintained.

The position will be reviewed before the end of the week and a decision about next week (i.e. 23^rd March onwards) will be made on or by 20^th March 2020.

Reason for decision:The decision was taken having taken regard of national advice about doing everything appropriate to protect health and life of people in Ipswich.  In the opinion of the Chief Executive, the threat to life posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19) was clearly an emergency affecting life in Ipswich.

Note: This decision is exempt from call-in in light of the threat to life posed by Coronavirus.