Decision details

There is a need to procure time-sensitive, interim communications capacity to support the Council’s response to Covid-19

The Head of Communications is due three weeks paternity leave at the beginning of June and cover will be required should we still be working in an emergency response situation.

It is proposed to appoint Unique Creative Communications to deliver this work, in light of the commissions they have previously undertaken in Bury, as they have a good understanding of the borough, our services and established relationships with key officers and stakeholders.

Budget
Government funding has been received to support the Council in its response to Covid-19. £21,350 provision is required to fund one full-time resource from 26 March 2020 until Friday, 26 June.

The council has received funding from the government to support the additional costs anticipated as a result of COVID-19. It is anticipated that all additional costs will be met by new funding however there is a risk that the funding received will be insufficient to cover all costs. In that event any costs over and above this will need to be managed as a financial risk within the council’s overall financial strategy.