Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY - BUILDING USE

Meeting: 03/03/2021 - Council Meeting (Item 459)

459 RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY - BUILDING USE pdf icon PDF 345 KB

 

To receive for information recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Management Board in respect of a scrutiny review of building use.

Minutes:

A report was submitted to inform Council of the findings of the findings and recommendations from the Working Group on Building Use which was established by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. 

 

Councillor Mallinder, who had led the Working Group thanked all the Members who had taken part in the review for their contribution.

 

Resolved: -

 

That the briefing be noted, and the following recommendations be submitted to Cabinet for consideration:-

 

a)    That the principle be agreed that the future usage of buildings be determined in accordance with the needs of services located therein. 

 

b)    That, prior to buildings being brought back into use by staff or the public, consultation take place with Trade Unions and staff following completion of risk assessments in respect of the building or location concerned.

 

c)    That any decision to return employees to Council buildings beyond the minimal number that have been required to be present throughout the pandemic be made having regard to advice from the Corporate Health and Safety Team and Human Resources, as well as being subject to Government guidance around the safe use of Council buildings. 

 

d)    That Members be notified when main operational buildings are to be brought back into use, specifically the Town Hall as the civic hub of the Borough.

 

e)    That, having regard to the positive implications associated with virtual meetings in respect of the Council’s carbon footprint, the Leader of the Council lobby the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to legislate for the ongoing provision of virtual meetings beyond 7th May, 2021. 

 

f)      That Asset Management and Digital Services work together to identify the necessary changes or solutions required in Riverside House and Rotherham Town Hall, as well as any changes required to equipment or software for Members and officers, to enable continued use of remote working whilst permitting physical presence in a Council building. 

 

g)    That the Head of Democratic Services prepare guidance and training on the procedures and operation of hybrid meetings. 

 

Mover: Councillor Mallinder                                   Seconder: Councillor Steele