Agenda, decisions and minutes

To invite Councillors and Commissioners to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or personal interests they may have in any matter which is to be considered at this meeting, to confirm the nature of those interests and whether they intend to leave the meeting for the consideration of the item.

There were no Declarations of Interest to report from Cabinet Members or Commissioners for this meeting.

To receive questions from members of the public who wish to ask a general question.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive the record of proceedings of the Cabinet/Commissioner decision making meetings held on 15^th and 23^rd February, 2016.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous of the Cabinet/Commissioners’ Decision Making Meetings held on 15^th and 23^rd February, 2016.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received and the contents approved.

To note the report and ensure the Cabinet is fully informed of the latest education outcomes.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson

Commissioner:-  Newsam (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report and latest education outcomes be noted.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which provided an overview of the educational outcomes of children and young people in primary and secondary schools for the academic year ending in the summer of 2015.

Historically Rotherham had progressed well with Early Years performance on an upward trajectory since 2009 for ages 2 to 5.

An area of concern was the primary progress between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and attainment between Key Stage 2 with necessary actions being put in place, including an Improvement Board chaired by the Chief Executive.

Key Stage 4 outcomes have exceeded the national average for a number of years, which was good performance for Rotherham.

Compared to other state schools Rotherham had slipped below the national average, but this was due to a change in how progress was measured.

It was also suggested that this report be considered by the Improving Lives Selection Commission and for this to be included as part of their work programme.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report and latest education outcomes be noted.

To approve an exemption under Standing Order 38 from the provisions of Standing Order 47 and extend the support, maintenance and hosting of the Synergy FIS to a 3 year contract with the option to extend for a further 2 years.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson

Commissioner:-  Newsam (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That an exemption under Standing Order 38 from the provisions of Standing Order 47 be granted.

(2) That the support, maintenance and hosting of the Synergy FIS contract for a three year contract be approved with the option to extend for a further two years.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which sought an exemption under Standing Order 38 from the provisions of Standing Order 47, to enable the continuation of support, maintenance and hosting of the Synergy FIS information management system which would expire on 31^st March, 2016.

Extension of the current contract for support, hosting and maintenance of the system was essential to enable the Local Authority to meet its statutory duty.

The benefits and advantages to remaining with the current system provider (Tribal) and what would be achieved by extending the current support, maintenance and hosting contract were outlined.

Sharon Kemp, Chief Executive, confirmed an ICT related review of current contracts such as this was taking place, which would reduce the number of exemption from Standing Order requests coming forward in the same way in the future and would be factored into the Forward Plan process.

This was welcomed by Councillor Steele, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board.

Resolved:-  (1)  That an exemption under Standing Order 38 from the provisions of Standing Order 47 be granted.

(2) That the support, maintenance and hosting of the Synergy FIS contract for a three year contract be approved with the option to extend for a further two years.

To seek endorsement to undertake public consultation on the draft Rotherham town centre Supplementary Planning Document.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Lelliott

Commissioners:  Kenny/Ney (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That public consultation on the draft Rotherham Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document be approved.

(2)  That should any minor amendments to the draft Supplementary Planning Document be required, these be considered by Councillor Lelliott and Commissioner Kenny, prior to undertaking public consultation.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, which sought endorsement to undertake public consultation on the draft Rotherham Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document.

This would update the original masterplan and allow the Council to examine progress made in the development of Rotherham Town Centre and prepare a Supplementary Planning Document which would underpin the future development within the Town Centre.

Following consultation the intention was to adopt the document as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to ensure that it had weight when determining planning applications and making planning decisions.

Caroline Bruce, Interim Strategic Director for Environment and Development, confirmed that following the consultation process a report would be prepared for consideration by Cabinet in July, 2016 with a view to being adopted by Council in September, 2016 within a suite of documents looking at all opportunities.

It was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board would also be factored into the timetable as part of the consultation process.

Resolved:-  (1)  That public consultation on the draft Rotherham Town Centre Supplementary Planning Document be approved.

(2)  That should any minor amendments to the draft Supplementary Planning Document be required, these be considered by Councillor Lelliott and Commissioner Kenny, prior to undertaking public consultation.

To note the progress update and also the proposals for (a) the future delivery of the Council’s enforcement and public protection services and (b) service delivery in street cleaning, parks and grounds maintenance services.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Lelliott

Commissioners:  Kenny/Ney (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of this report and the progress made to date in refocusing the priorities of the directorate as it changed from Environment and Development Services to the Regeneration and Environment Directorate on 1^st April, 2016 be noted.

(2)  That the proposals for strengthening enforcement and public protection services be noted.

(3)  That the timeline for reviewing delivery of street cleaning, parks, and grounds maintenance services be noted.

(4)  That any advice or comments to shape the future direction of the Directorate be provided.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Sims, Cabinet Member for Waste, Roads and Community Safety, which provided a progress update and outlined the proposals for the future delivery of the Council’s Enforcement and Public Protection Services and service delivery in Street Cleaning, Parks and Grounds Maintenance Services once the new Strategic Director, Damian Wilson, joined the Council.

Caroline Bruce, Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, stressed the importance of “Regeneration” and the inclusion of this in the Directorate title alongside “Environment” recognising good services for the residents in Rotherham.

It was also noted that Karen Hanson, Assistant Director, Community Safety and Street Scene, would undertake reviews of Enforcement Services and Street Scene Services to ensure they were performing as efficiently as possible and also bring Enforcement and Community Safety together.

Reviews and reports undertaken by Scrutiny would be considered by the Cabinet in due course.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of this report and the progress made to date in refocusing the priorities of the Directorate as it changed from Environment and Development Services to the Regeneration and Environment Directorate on 1^st April, 2016 be noted.

(2)  That the proposals for strengthening enforcement and public protection services be noted.

(3)  That the timeline for reviewing delivery of street cleaning, parks, and grounds maintenance services be noted.

(4)  That any advice or comments to shape the future direction of the Directorate be provided.

To seek approval to go out to public consultation on both the Library Strategy and savings proposals.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Yasseen

Commissioners:  Kenny/Ney (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the draft Library Strategy 2016 – 2019 and public consultation plan, attached as Appendix A and B, be endorsed.

(2)  That the public consultation on the Library Service be approved which would inform the final version of the Library Strategy 2016 – 2019 and the future service delivery model. 

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, which set out Rotherham’s draft Library Strategy for 2016 – 2019.

The Local Authority had a statutory duty to deliver a comprehensive and efficient Library Service and the Library Strategy supported this requirement by defining the delivery of Library Services in Rotherham for the next three years.  The draft Library Strategy had informed the current proposals to make savings of £474,000 in the Library and Customer Services budget, whilst still delivering a comprehensive and efficient service as required by law.

Reductions in Government grants, increasing inflation and additional demands for services in areas such as Adult and Children’s Social Care, along with the changing expectations of service users and non-users, meant the Council  must rethink the way that library services were delivered to ensure it complied with the statutory duty. 

Caroline Bruce, Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, outlined the various mediums of consultation which would be undertaken, not just for current service users, but potential users of the service.

This would ensure that the service continued to meet the needs of Rotherham residents whilst also meeting Rotherham Council’s statutory requirement to deliver a comprehensive and efficient service.  A report on the outcome would be submitted to Cabinet during July, 2016.

Councillor Steele, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, requested that a report also be considered by Scrutiny to enable further comments to be invited, which were endorsed.

Councillors Roche and Wallis were happy to support the report and its contents and in doing so stressed the importance of early learning and literacy and also the digital economy.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the draft Library Strategy 2016 – 2019 and public consultation plan, attached as Appendix A and B, be endorsed.

(2)  That the public consultation on the Library Service be approved which would inform the final version of the Library Strategy 2016 – 2019 and the future service delivery model. 

To approve the fees and charges for 2016/17 and the introduction of charging for pre-application advice.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Members – Councillor Lelliott, Sims and Yasseen

Commissioners:  Kenny/Myers/Ney (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed fees and charges for the Planning Service as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

(2)  That the proposed fees and charges for Leisure and Green Spaces as set out in Appendix 2 be approved.

(3)  That the proposed fees and charges for Highways Services as set out in Appendix 3 be approved.

(4)  That the proposed Building Regulation charges as set out in Appendix 4 be approved.

(5)  That the proposed Parking Services charges as set out in Appendix 5 be approved.

(6)  That the proposed Community Protection charges as set out in Appendix 6 be approved.

(7)  That the proposed Library, Customer Services, Theatre Services and Heritage Service charges as set out in Appendix 7 be approved.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Caroline Bruce, Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which set out in detail the proposed fees and charges for the Regeneration and Environment Directorate for 2016/17, but highlighted two specific areas – the charging for pre-application advice in relation to planning applications and the mixture of increases and decreases in parking charges in line with parking policy and in respect of need and demand.

Councillor Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, made specific reference to her own portfolio with regards to identified changes to the town centre parking tariffs which could generate extra income, including some reduction on Drummond Street, charging for pre-application advice within the Planning Service and the inclusion of regularisation inspection fees for retrospective applications within Building Control.

Councillor Sims, Cabinet Member for Waste, Roads and Community Safety, highlighted the proposed increases to Highways Services from 1^st April 2016, and then again from 1^st April 2018, which followed the pattern of increases that the Council had previously adopted.  However, should benchmarking show that other local authorities have subsequently increased their charges, a further review would take place this autumn.

Councillor Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, confirmed that fees in relation to Leisure and Green Spaces had been increased by at least the rate of inflation and were applied for the 2016/17 financial year.  There were, however, several exceptions to this and included wedding packages in Clifton Park and with regards to concessions/Rothercard users.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed fees and charges for the Planning Service as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

(2)  That the proposed fees and charges for Leisure and Green Spaces as set out in Appendix 2 be approved.

(3)  That the proposed fees and charges for Highways Services as set out in Appendix 3 be approved.

(4)  That the proposed Building Regulation charges as set out in Appendix 4 be approved.

(5)  That the proposed Parking Services charges as set out in Appendix 5 be approved.

(6)  That the proposed Community Protection charges as set out in Appendix 6 be approved.

(7)  That the proposed Library, Customer Services, Theatre Services and Heritage Service charges as set out in Appendix 7 be approved.

To seek approval to use new powers to forcibly enter Council property to ensure public safety.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Wallis

Commissioners:  Myers (in advisory role)

Resolved: (1)  That the Council use powers under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) to allow forced entry to service gas appliances/cap off gas supplies for properties with internal meters only, when all other reasonable avenues to gain access for the annual gas service have been exhausted.

(2)  That gaining approval to utilise the Environmental Protection Act (1990) be approved where the property was abandoned and/or where the Council’s tenant was in prison/otherwise incapacitated so long as all other reasonable attempts to service the gas appliance and make it safe have failed.

(3)  That the Assistant Director of Housing, Asset Management and Neighbourhood Services be authorised (under delegated power) to nominate officers to seek a warrant from the Magistrates’ Court which was required to gain entry into the tenant’s home to allow the Council to carry out the necessary gas safety check/service.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Wallis, Cabinet Member for Housing, which suggested to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements and best in class performance it was proposed that the Council utilised a procedure under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (“EPA”) where the tenant had failed to allow the Council access to their property to carry out the required annual safety check/service of gas appliances. Failing to ensure all domestic heating systems were properly checked and serviced was one for the most severe health and safety risks faced by the housing service and tenants.

This procedure would ultimately involve the Council seeking a warrant of entry to authorise access for gas engineers to cap off/safety check/service gas appliances in properties with internal gas meters following the anniversary date or the previous service date where access has been denied by residents.

There were a number of exceptions where the property had been abandoned or it was known the tenant was in prison or otherwise incapacitated.

Clarification was sought on the number of properties each year where these new procedures may need to be exercised, which was confirmed for last year as being three.

Resolved: (1)  That the Council use powers under the Environmental Protection Act (1990) to allow forced entry to service gas appliances/cap off gas supplies for properties with internal meters only, when all other reasonable avenues to gain access for the annual gas service have been exhausted.

(2)  That gaining approval to utilise the Environmental Protection Act (1990) be approved where the property was abandoned and/or where the Council’s tenant was in prison/otherwise incapacitated so long as all other reasonable attempts to service the gas appliance and make it safe have failed.

(3)  That the Assistant Director of Housing, Asset Management and Neighbourhood Services be authorised (under delegated power) to nominate officers to seek a warrant from the Magistrates’ Court which was required to gain entry into the tenant’s home to allow the Council to carry out the necessary gas safety check/service.

To seek approval to extend the area of land currently leased to Catcliffe Parish Council to incorporate the larger grassed area and to note the programme for house building on multiple HRA sites.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Yasseen

Commissioners:  Kenny (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the area of land currently leased to the Catcliffe Parish Council be approved for extension to incorporate the larger grassed area identified as shown edged red and blue at Appendix 1 of the report through an Asset Transfer Lease.

(2)  That the contents of the Cabinet report on the 4th February 2015, attached as Appendix 4, be noted, as it set out the programme for house building on multiple HRA sites and the slight impact that recommendation 1 has on the programme.

(3)  That the lead petitioner be advised of the outcome of the investigation and the action to be taken.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, which detailed the response to the petition received on 19th October, 2015, opposing the disposal at auction (20^th October, 2015) of the grassed area off Highfield View and Brinsworth Road, Catcliffe. 

The land was allocated Urban Greenspace and could not be sold for residential development.  Approval was now sought for the land to be leased to Catcliffe Parish Council and for them to take over the maintenance.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the area of land currently leased to the Catcliffe Parish Council be approved for extension to incorporate the larger grassed area identified as shown edged red and blue at Appendix 1 of the report through an Asset Transfer Lease.

(2)  That the contents of the Cabinet report on the 4th February 2015, attached as Appendix 4, be noted, as it set out the programme for house building on multiple HRA sites and the slight impact that recommendation 1 has on the programme.

(3)  That the lead petitioner be advised of the outcome of the investigation and the action to be taken.

To agree an exemption from Standing Order 48 to enable the existing post CSE support contracts to be extended to ensure there is continuation of service from the existing services to the new longer term post CSE support services.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson (in advisory role)

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  (1)  That the current post child sexual exploitation support service contracts be extended for three months to the 30^th June, 2016.

(2)  That pursuant to Standing Order 38, the contract extensions referred to in recommendation 1 above, be exempt from the provisions of Standing Order 48 which would ordinarily require the invitation of between three to six tenders prior to the granting of a contract.

(3)  That a further report be presented to Cabinet/Commissioners in June, 2016 about the outcome of the tender evaluation with an update on the needs analysis for post child sexual explootation support. 

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which detailed the significant investment in the development and commissioning of Child Sexual Exploitation Support Services by the Council and the Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group. 

To build on the existing offer of support to victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, longer term post-support services were to be commissioned which were originally planned to commence 1st April, 2016.

Following a child sexual exploitation needs analysis, the longer term post-support services would provide a range of services to meet the needs of victims and survivors and also offer choice to individuals.  The capacity had been improved and included the service run by Barnardo’s, investment into CAMHS and the funding of a Psychologist from partner agencies

However, there was still a need to appraise what needs were currently being met by the community sector outside of those services commissioned.  It was proposed that the appraisal would contribute to the needs analysis for 2016 and give some reassurance around the capacity that was required through the new longer term commissioned services going forward as it was anticipated with the recent prosecutions and as public reassurance was being restored, the number of enquiries and requests for support would increase.

To achieve this, it was recommended that the existing post-Child Sexual Exploitation Support contracts be extended for three months, with the new longer term post child sexual exploitation support contracts commencing on the 1^st July, 2016 as agreed by Commissioner Newsam on the 7^th December, 2015.

Councillor Read, the Leader, sought clarification on the timeframes for contract implementation to ensure a smooth transition and was advised that a report on the proposed new arrangements would be submitted in early June, 2016 for approval.

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  (1)  That the current post-Child Sexual Exploitation Support Service contracts be extended for three months to the 30^th June, 2016.

(2)  That pursuant to Standing Order 38, the contract extensions referred to in recommendation 1 above, be exempt from the provisions of Standing Order 48 which would ordinarily require the invitation of between three to six tenders prior to the granting of a contract.

(3)  That a further report be presented to Cabinet/Commissioners in June, 2016 about the outcome of the tender evaluation with an update on the needs analysis for post child sexual exploitation support. 

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To consider an increase to the hourly rate paid to early education providers, approval of additional funding from the Schools DSG Block to be allocated to the Early Years DSG block to enable an increase in the hourly rate paid to providers and approval of a review of the Early Education Funding allocated to the three nursery schools.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  (1)  That the hourly rate paid to early education providers be increased as per Option A (with the exception of Nursery Schools) from April, 2016 (see Appendix 3 for increase options).

(2)  That additional funding be approved from the Schools Dedicated Schools Grant Block to be allocated to the Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant block to enable an increase in the hourly rate paid to providers.

(3)  That a review of the Early Education Funding allocated to the three nursery schools be approved to identify whether the funding rate was appropriate ensuring that they remain sustainable and exploring whether the budgets could then be reduced in year.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which sought agreement to increase the early education hourly rate in 2016/17 by approving additional funding from the Schools’ Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) block to be allocated to the Early Years (EY) DSG block to enable an increase in the hourly rate paid to providers.

The report also sought approval of various options, including a review of the funding formula for the three nursery schools in Rotherham to enable the funding for early education provision in the Borough to be distributed more evenly and to explore whether the budgets could then be reduced in year.   Rotherham’s funding rate for private and voluntary providers was currently the fourth lowest in the Yorkshire and Humber region and had not been increased in real terms since 2013/14. 

Early education providers were about to face increased staffing costs due to the introduction of the national living wage, and some may be at risk of becoming financially unsustainable if the hourly rate paid to providers was not increased.  All early education provision for three and four year olds was funded through the Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant block.  Currently the three nursery schools received 17.5% of the total Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant Block allocation to provide provision for 6.3% of the children accessing three and four year old early education places.   The nursery schools have not had a review of their funding needs since around the year 2000.  

Resolved:-  (1)  That the hourly rate paid to early education providers be increased as per Option A (with the exception of Nursery Schools) from April, 2016 (see Appendix 3 for increase options).

(2)  That additional funding be approved from the Schools Dedicated Schools Grant Block to be allocated to the Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant block to enable an increase in the hourly rate paid to providers.

(3)  That a review of the Early Education Funding allocated to the three nursery schools be approved to identify whether the funding rate was appropriate ensuring that they remain sustainable and exploring whether the budgets could then be reduced in year.

To note and endorse the approach to further work and the formation of a project board to oversee the work of a new railway station, which was one of the strategic priority projects included in the Council’s Capital Programme 2016-2021.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Lelliott  (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  Thatthe findings of the Rotherham Rail Connectivity study be endorsed whilst noting that SYPTE presented the findings of the study to the SCR Transport Committee on 12th October 2015 (attached at Appendix A).

(2)  That any comments on the further work to be undertaken and the suitability of the project board be provided.

(3)  That it be noted that the new railway station be one of the Development Pool projects included within the Capital Strategy that had been identified as part of the development of the Council’s capital programme (2016-2021), with a provisional cost of £15.1m.

(4)  That the proposal for officers from the Transportation and Highways Project Group to work as part of the project board be endorsed, to develop the further detail of the scheme, noting that the Department for Transport were expected to announce a ‘New Stations Fund’ in  2016.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, which detailed how the Transportation and Highways Project Group had been working with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) to undertake a review of the current rail connectivity and service provision to Rotherham Central Station. There had been a longstanding desire to improve both the range of destinations served and also the frequency of services.

A study was commissioned by SYPTE to consider why the existing service provision was limited and what constraints needed to be overcome in order to provide an enhanced service. The study also considered the economic growth potential that could arise in Rotherham as a result of better rail connectivity. The study concluded that the only practical and cost effective way to enhance rail connectivity to Rotherham was to consider providing a new railway station on the mainline to take advantage of services that currently pass through the borough but do not stop.

The suggested location for this station was at Parkgate, although the next phase of work would consider all potential station locations in greater detail. In order to develop a business case and ensure that the station was a viable proposition, further consultancy support would be commissioned and funded by SYPTE. Oversight of this work would take the form of a project board with representatives of RMBC, the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Executive Team, SYPTE and Network Rail. 

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  Thatthe findings of the Rotherham Rail Connectivity study be endorsed whilst noting that SYPTE presented the findings of the study to the SCR Transport Committee on 12th October 2015 (attached at Appendix A).

(2)  That any comments on the further work to be undertaken and the suitability of the project board be provided.

(3)  That it be noted that the new railway station be one of the Development Pool projects included within the Capital Strategy that had been identified as part of the development of the Council’s capital programme (2016-2021), with a provisional cost of £15.1m.

(4)  That the proposal for officers from the Transportation and Highways Project Group to work as part of the project board be endorsed, to develop the further detail of the scheme, noting that the Department for Transport were expected to announce a ‘New Stations Fund’ in  2016.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To consider and approve the Vision and Strategy Report.

Report of the Interim Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the vision and strategy for adult social care (appendix one) be approved.

(2)  That the current progress on the adult social care development programme (appendix 2) be noted.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, which detailed the vision and strategy for Adult Social Care and provided an update on progress on the adult social care development programme the scope of which was agreed as a key decision on 7^th January, 2016.

Information had been shared through various mediums and was the proposed framework to move forward.

Graeme Betts, Interim Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing, outlined how it was essential to focus on outcomes rather than the services to give an improved quality of life to the people of Rotherham.

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the vision and strategy for adult social care (appendix one) be approved.

(2)  That the current progress on the adult social care development programme (appendix 2) be noted.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To approve the maximum charges for residential care accommodation provided by the Council for 2016/17.

Report of the Interim Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the information contained in this report be received.

(2)  That there be no increase to the weekly maximum charge for In-House residential care for the elderly for 2016/17.

(3)  That the charges for non-elderly in-house residential and respite provision be approved as shown in Appendix A.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, which detailed how the Council had a statutory duty to set a maximum charge for residential accommodation provided in Local Authority Homes. This charge had to reflect the costs of providing residential care which included expenditure such as running costs and management overheads.

This report recommended no increase to the charge to service users for the provision of in-house elderly residential care for 2016/17 and a reduction in charge for non-elderly residential care based on the actual cost of providing the service. 

It was noted that whilst it was indicated that the Wards affected by the report were the areas in which the residential accommodation was located, the people who accessed this accommodation were from all across the Borough, thus all Wards were affected.

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the information contained in this report be received.

(2)  That there be no increase to the weekly maximum charge for In-House residential care for the elderly for 2016/17.

(3)  That the charges for non-elderly in-house residential and respite provision be approved as shown in Appendix A.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To approve the Adult Services non-residential fees and charges for 2016/17.

Report of the Interim Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the information contained in this report be received.

(2)  That there be no increase to the charge for domiciliary care for 2016/17.

(3)  That the maximum charge be increased in line with any increase in the fee for Older People Independent Residential Care.

(4) That the proposed charges for day care and transport be increased on a phased basis towards achieving full cost recovery and that service users and carers are consulted on the proposed increases for both 2016/17 and 2017/18 as set out in the report including identifying a reasonable cost.

(5)  That there be no increase in the charge for day care meals in 2016/17.

(6)  That there no to charge for Carers services in 2016/17

 (As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, which detailed how the Directorate was required to review its fees and charges as part of the annual budget setting process. This report set out in detail the current charges for non-residential services benchmarked against local neighbours and set out a number of proposals for 2016/17.

This report recommended no increase to the charge to service users for the provision of domiciliary care and day care meal and recommends moving towards achieving full cost recovery for day care and transport charges. 

Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, pointed out that proposals within the report recommend increasing some charges over a phased period towards achieving full cost recovery and, therefore, consultation would be required with service users and carers for these charges for 2017/18. He, therefore, requested that further comments be deferred until the outcome of the consultation was known with service users and carers.

Graeme Betts, Interim Strategic Director of Adult Services and Housing, outlined the impact on existing service users and the open ended consultation process which would follow the traditional consultation mechanisms with service users, groups and the public to establish their views moving forward.

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the information contained in this report be received.

(2)  That there be no increase to the charge for domiciliary care for 2016/17.

(3)  That the maximum charge be increased in line with any increase in the fee for Older People Independent Residential Care.

(4) That the proposed charges for day care and transport be increased on a phased basis towards achieving full cost recovery and that service users and carers are consulted on the proposed increases for both 2016/17 and 2017/18 as set out in the report including identifying a reasonable cost.

(5)  That there be no increase in the charge for day care meals in 2016/17.

(6)  That there no to charge for Carers services in 2016/17

 (As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

If necessary, the Chair to move the following resolution:-

That under Section 100(A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of such Act indicated, as now amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. 

Resolved:-  That under Section 100(A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of such Act indicated, as now amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. 

That under Section 100(A) 4 of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of such Act indicated, as now amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006. 

To approve the tender for the services refurbishment works at Beeversleigh Residential Tower Block, Clifton Lane.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Wallis

Commissioners:  Myers (in advisory role)

Resolved:-  That the tender submitted by Contractor A dated 18th January, 2016 be accepted and works commence accordingly.

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Wallis, Cabinet Member for Housing, which sought approval to accept a tender for the Services Refurbishment works at Beeversleigh Residential Tower Block, Clifton Lane.

Details of the tender and the tendered works were outlined.

Resolved:-  That the tender submitted by Contractor A dated 18th January, 2016 be accepted and works commence accordingly.

To approve the commencement of a tender process with the objective to mobilize a newly designed service.

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Social Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the contents noted.

(2)  That Option 2 be approved and that the budget provision for this option be met as set out in Section 7.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Further to Minute No. 153 of the meeting of Commissioner Manzie held on 14^th December, 2015, consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, which detailed the proposed future arrangements for advocacy services and the two service delivery option models.

Option 1 was the current model and may not meet future demand.

Option 2 was the proposed option and would seek to utilise voluntary and community organisations in the delivery.

It was proposed that the new service, which would be subject a fair and transparent tender process, would be aligned to the Council’s strategic intentions, ensure it met the statutory obligations, ensure people were supported to express their views, understand their situation, make decisions about their care and support needs and achieve value for money.   

Graeme Betts, Interim Strategic Director of Adult Services and Housing, explained that with the Care Act the Council had the opportunity to improve the provision and provide assurance and engagement in advocacy services moving forward.

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the contents noted.

(2)  That Option 2 be approved and that the budget provision for this option be met as set out in Section 7.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To approve the commencement of consultation with staff and partners on the provision of intermediate care.

Report of the Interim Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member – Councillor Roche (in advisory role)

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That an eight week formal consultation be commenced on the proposal to absorb the intermediate care provision currently provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court.

(2)  That it be noted that the recommended decision on the future of Netherfield Court may change as a consequence of this consultation.

(3)  That the information in the context of wider developing discussions around the overall future provision of intermediate care within Rotherham be noted.

(4)   That the second sentence in paragraph 4.2 be omitted.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, which recommended consultation on the proposal to consolidate the intermediate care provision in Rotherham.  The proposal would absorb the service currently provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court, to allow better deployment of other intermediate care therapy and social work resources and add further strategic value for the Council as it prevented the need for investment in Netherfield Court which was an ageing building. 

It was also suggested that until a full consultation process had been undertaken paragraph 4.2 in the report be revised and the second sentence be removed.

Graeme Betts, Interim Strategic Director of Adult Services and Housing, outlined how the impact on existing residents would be minimal and would seek to improve the current arrangements and rationalise intermediate care services onto two sites rather than three.

Councillor Steele, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, endorse the comments and was in full agreement with the revision to paragraph 4.2 in the report.  He also asked that the report be submitted to Scrutiny has part of the consultation process.

Commissioner Kenny Resolved:-  (1)  That an eight week formal consultation be commenced on the proposal to absorb the intermediate care provision currently provided at Netherfield Court into Lord Hardy Court and Davies Court.

(2)  That it be noted that the recommended decision on the future of Netherfield Court may change as a consequence of this consultation.

(3)  That the information in the context of wider developing discussions around the overall future provision of intermediate care within Rotherham be noted.

(4)   That the second sentence in paragraph 4.2 be omitted.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To approve the award of a contract for the delivery of short break services for disabled children for a two year period commencing April 2016.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson (in advisory role)

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  (1)  That the successful provider be awarded a contract for the delivery of short break services for disabled children for a two year period commencing April 2016.

(2)  That an internal recharge of £5,945 be made to the Council’s Autism Communication Team, for the period 1st April, 2016 to 30th June, 2016, to transition service users from the unsuccessful Chat ‘n’ Chill groups to the successful service provider, or to other support which meets their needs using a personal budget.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Further to Minute No. 36 of the meeting of Commissioner Newsam held on 12^th January, 2016, consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which detailed the statutory duty for all Local Authorities to publish a Short Breaks Statement.

The current contracts for short break provision expired on 31^st March 2016 and following a needs analysis an open one stage European Union (EU) compliant competitive tendering process was commenced for provision of short breaks services for disabled children and young people in Rotherham. 

These tenders have now been evaluated and proposals of the recommended provider of the contract from April 2016 was now proposed and set out in detail as part of the report.

It was noted that the Short Breaks Statement must be reviewed annually and include information for services, practitioners, parents, carers and young people in their area and include details of the range of short breaks services provided; how to access the criteria against which eligibility to services would be assessed; how the range of services was designed to meet the needs of children, young people and carers.

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  (1)  That the successful provider be awarded a contract for the delivery of short break services for disabled children for a two year period commencing April 2016.

(2)  That an internal recharge of £5,945 be made to the Council’s Autism Communication Team, for the period 1st April, 2016 to 30th June, 2016, to transition service users from the unsuccessful Chat ‘n’ Chill groups to the successful service provider, or to other support which meets their needs using a personal budget.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

To consider the outcomes of the commissioning and tender exercise and approve the award of the contract for the period 1st April, 2016 to 31^st March, 2019, with an option to extend by a further year.

Report of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member – Councillor Watson (in advisory role)

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  That the invitation of the successful providers identified in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 to join Rotherham’s Fostering Framework be approved.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)

Consideration was given to the report introduced by Ian Thomas, Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services, which detailed the re-commissioning of the independent fostering services, which were an important part of the overall strategic vision and paramount to the successful delivery of the commissioning intentions outlined in the Sufficiency Strategy, 2015-18.

This report, therefore, detailed the outcomes of that commissioning and tender exercise and sought to award the contract for the period 1st April, 2016 to 31^st March, 2019, with an option to extend by a further year.

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Budgeting, welcomed the good progress with the inclusion of the Equalities Impact Assessment as part of the performance management arrangements.

Commissioner Newsam Resolved:-  That the invitation of the successful providers identified in Sections 4.4 and 4.5 to join Rotherham’s Fostering Framework be approved.

(As this is a Commissioner decision, it is not subject to ‘call in’)