Agenda 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.

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

(1)          A member of the public asked would you please explain why RMBC invited expressions of interest for Greasbrough Public Hall in October, 2016 only to inform the four parties who had submitted interests in December, 2016 that a complete U turn had been made and decided to retain ownership and demolish the building to make way for a traffic congestion programme.

The Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment explained it was an unfortunate situation when expressions of interest had been invited for the acquisition of Greasbrough Public Hall through private venture or asset transfer.  Unfortunately, staff were unaware that colleagues in Transport were also looking at this area as part of the Bassingthorpe Farm development and potential solutions for the traffic requirements to alleviate the current congestion and traffic management following the development of housing on this site.  The options being considered both required the land adjacent to the roundabout to do the improvements necessary.  The timing was unfortunate as the service at the time were not aware of the potential traffic management solutions when the expressions were invited.

(2)  A member of the public asked if the demolition proceeds Greasbrough would be left without a public hall.   Could a new public hall be built as part of the Bassingthorpe Farm development under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 thereby reducing the impact on the community, the cost of which could be recovered from the developers.  This would resolve the problem and replace the public hall.  In light of this could the Council please advise if Greasbrough could expect to see a new public hall.

The Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment advised it was too early to predict what the development would look like and how viable, subject to a business case and viability assessments as part of the housing proposal.  However, the member of the public was correct there was the possibility of using Section 106 monies, which was replaced by the Community Infrastructure Levy, which does allow the use of funding where it was able to be determined it was a viable proposition and there was enough money to contribute to the infrastructure needs with monies set aside for community use.  A number of reasons would come into play around the community size, which in theory could potentially be the case due to number of houses planned, but this would come down to viability as the Council could not insist on something being built that rendered the development non-viable.  So, yes potentially funds could be set aside, but there was still a way to go before this could be determined.

The Chair confirmed this was a fair challenge and this would be carefully monitored to see what could be done.

(3)  A member of the public asked in these days of austerity where the Government was urging people to be more involved with communities, what consideration did RMBC give to Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust’s market research, which was compiled with help  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

To receive the minutes of the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meetings held on 26 June and 10 July 2017 and approve as true and correct records of the proceedings.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meetings held on 26^th June and 10^th July, 2017, be agreed as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

Items 18 and 19 have appendices detailing exempt information. Therefore, if deemed necessary, the Chair will 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 it/they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 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) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Public be excluded from the meeting should the appendices be discussed for Minute Nos. 45 and 46 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.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Kenny

Recommendations:

1.    That all three requests for Asset Transfer Policy lease agreements as detailed within the report be approved.

2.    That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate the terms of the requests.

3.    That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary documentation.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the granting of three Asset Transfer Policy lease agreements without break options which was a departure from the current adopted policy and, therefore, could not be approved under the existing Officer Scheme of Delegation.

Canklow Depot – A request for the term of the lease agreement to be extended to twenty-five years without any break options, in order to secure grant funding with plans to secure a further £300,000 to invest into the former depot and create local jobs as well as improve the infra-structure. As part of the negotiations of the proposed terms the necessary safeguards would be included within the lease in the event that funding was not secured, such as the re-instatement of break clauses.

Ulley Recreation Ground – A request for a new 50 year lease under the Council’s Adopted Asset Transfer Policy without the break options. The benefits would provide a long term commitment and protect the long term future of the recreation ground for the residents of Ulley with the Parish Council continuing to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance liabilities and responsibilities.

Chislett Community Centre - A twenty-one year Asset Transfer lease on the Youth and Community Centre had been granted without break options to secure funding to extend/develop and refurbish the community centre which resulted in securing grant funding of £486,000.  Following the completion of the works a request had been received to the existing term of the lease to extend to ninety-nine years to secure the long term future of the Community Centre so that the benefits of refurbishment works and the community services delivered by the building were continued in the long term. As part of the negotiations of the proposed term extension the necessary safeguards would be included within the lease should the centre cease to operate and no longer deliver the community benefits.

Commissioner Kenny agreed:-  (1)  That all three requests for Asset Transfer Policy lease agreements as detailed within the report be approved.

(2)  That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate the terms of the requests.

(3)  That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary documentation.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Kenny

Recommendations:

1.     That the proposals contained in the report considering the adoption of new policy and procedures for dealing with land adjacent sales be agreed.

2.     That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised under delegated powers to approve qualifying disposals and that the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation.

3.     That a minimum value threshold of £2,000 plus fees be set for all disposals that arise through applications to purchase.

4.     That an administration charge of £250 be payable at the point of application which will be refunded if the application proceeds to completion.

5.     That any applications to purchase areas of land which are dedicated as public open space are not part of the delegated authority or considered as part of the policy.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the adoption and implementation of a new policy and procedure for dealing with enquiries to purchase small plots of land adjacent to the enquirer’s property.

Appendix 1 (Procedures for dealing with small land sales) set out the basic streamlined procedure for dealing with these applications and included set tables to work out land values based on the size of the land and its proposed use.

Should any enquirers wish to proceed then an initial administration charge of £250 would be payable at the point of application, to cover the cost of obtaining planning and legal advice. If the application was successful then this payment would be deducted from any additional amount due in respect of Council’s fees. If the applicant failed to complete then this administration charge was to be retained.

It was suggested that the new policy, if approved, could be advertised on the Council’s website so anyone considering applying to purchase land could work out the likely costs of purchase (or renting) and then if they still wished to apply could do so by downloading and printing off an online application form to fill in.

Having a set minimum disposal value from the outset should ensure that abortive work was not undertaken as a result of applicants withdrawing from the process once an offer was made to them in terms of the purchase price.

Commissioner Kenny agreed:-  (1)  That the proposals contained in the report considering the adoption of new policy and procedures for dealing with land adjacent sales be approved.

(2)  That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised under delegated powers to approve qualifying disposals and that the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation.

(3)  That a minimum value threshold of £2,000 plus fees be set for all disposals that arise through applications to purchase.

(4)  That an administration charge of £250 be payable at the point of application which will be refunded if the application proceeds to completion.

(5) That any applications to purchase areas of land which are dedicated as public open space are not part of the delegated authority or considered as part of the policy.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Kenny

Recommendations:

1.    The proposed demolition of Greasbrough Public Hall be approved and the cleared site be then retained in Council ownership for the delivery of the highway improvement scheme.

2.    That the façade and stone from the Greasbrough Public Hall be salvaged and retained for potential future use and the detail of what is to be retained be agreed in partnership with the Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust.

3.    That the required funding for the project be added to the Council’s Capital Programme for 2017/18 and funded from unallocated capital receipts. 

Consideration was given to the report which set out details and how Greasbrough Public Hall was declared surplus to the operational requirements of the Council following the “Review of Directly Managed Community Centres” undertaken in 2014. The hall was formally closed as a Community Centre following the review and the building had remained vacant ever since.

A number of options were initially considered for the hall following a marketing period inviting “expressions of interest”. However, the Council’s Transportation and Highways Team have now identified a requirement for the site of the building for the delivery of a Highway Improvement Scheme at the junction of Main Street/Coach Road in Greasbrough.

The use of the site to facilitate a Highways Improvement Scheme should significantly reduce traffic congestion in the immediate area and would also support the delivery of the Bassingthorpe Farm development. 

The Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment confirmed a strategic requirement had been identified for the site and whilst it was regrettable some “expressions of interest” had been received, use of the site by the Transportation and Highways Team was the favoured option.  This junction would not be considered in isolation, but along with other junctions in the locality to combat congestion.

It was also noted the building had attracted anti-social behaviour of late and recently been the subject of a number of vandalism attacks, including a number of thefts from the building (leadwork flashings and valleys from the roof).  An issue also raised by Ward Members.

The Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust had also objected to the demolition of the building, but the stone façade of the building was to be salvaged as part of the demolition works and retained for future use.

Other options to support community groups in the locality were to be explored.

Commissioner Kenny agreed:-  (1)  That the proposed demolition of Greasbrough Public Hall be approved and the cleared site be then retained in Council ownership for the delivery of the highway improvement scheme.

(2)  That the façade and stone from the Greasbrough Public Hall be salvaged and retained for potential future use and the detail of what is to be retained be agreed in partnership with the Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust.

(3)  That the required funding for the project be taken from unallocated operational building maintenance capital funding. 

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Read (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Ney

Recommendations:

1.    That the overall position and direction of travel in relation to performance be noted.

2.    That consideration be given to measures which have not progressed in accordance with the target set and the actions required to improve performance, including future performance clinics

3.    That the performance reporting timetable for 2017/18 be noted.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed the Performance Report and Performance Scorecard (Appendices A and B) which provided an analysis of the Council’s current performance against fourteen key delivery outcomes and seventy-two measures. 

At the end of this first quarter (April to June 2017) twenty-sevenmeasures had either met or exceeded the target set in the Council Plan.  Although this represented only 37.5% of the total number of measures in the Plan, it equated to 47.4% of the total number of indicators where data was available or where targets have been set. A total of sixteen (27.6% of those measured in the quarter) performance measures have not hit their target for the year (22.2% overall).

Cabinet Members provided an update in accordance with current performance for service areas:-

Councillor Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing, reported on the number of new homes being delivered and new and challenging target to ensure at least 10% more new homes would be built in the Borough. 

It was also pointed out 93% of privately rented properties were compliant with Selective Licensing, which was slightly below the year-end target of 95%.  Work was in progress to increase property compliance during the current year.

Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, also reported on the continuing commission of specialist stop smoking in pregnancy services.  Work was also taking place with partners and G.P’s looking at best practice in terms of drug treatment.  The service was currently out to tender.

In terms of Adult Social Care the direction of travel was positive for the nine measures rated against targets; four were on target, one progressing satisfactorily, two off target and two measures not applicable.

Ian Thomas, Strategic Director for Children and Young People’s Services, reported on the good progress against the improvement plan and one measure of success was around Early Help, and the offer that would reduce over time as families were offered supported at an earlier point.

He also referred to the numbers of children subject to a Child Protection Plan, which continued to increase as had the proportion of children on a repeat Child Protection Plan.  This would need further improvement and work continued.  He explained further, when questioned, that a further report on this issue giving more detail and what action had been taken would be provided in due course.

In terms of education Rotherham’s current data for early years was strong with good progress being made in KS1 and KS2 with a slight dip in KS4.  Work was taking place with secondary group leaders to understand the reasons for the drop in performance.

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Finance, reported on how council tax collection rates had been maintained at the same level as last year whilst the collection rate for non-domestic rates had been improved upon. 

The pre-decision scrutiny process was now well embedded in the decision-making process and had been positive to date.

The Council’s response rate for complaints had also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Hoddinott (in advisory role)

Commissioner:         Ney

Recommendations:

1. That approval be given to the Public Spaces Protection Order, for a period of three years, following consideration of the public consultation and relevant legal requirements.

2. That a 12 month review, post implementation of the order be undertaken to assess impact and make variations, adjustments or new orders as necessary.

Consideration was given to the report which set out in detail the Powers introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which created the provision for local authorities to implement Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO). These orders were designed to address anti-social behaviour in local areas and were, therefore, adaptable to meet local need. This meant that prohibitions or requirements could be made at a local level in response to complaints from a range of sources including the public, business and Councillors.

Following analysis and initial consultation with stakeholders, the Council had undertaken a statutory consultation on a proposed Public Space Protection Order.  In excess of 500 views were gathered, across a variety of forums and methods, and a significant majority (93.7%) of respondents supported the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order. Further consultation had also taken place with partners and greater consideration been given as to the impact of the proposed conditions which had led to the removal of some and the evolution of others.

This report, therefore, sought the approval to implement a Public Space Protection Order, in Rotherham Town Centre, in order to prohibit the following activity:-

A.        Behaving in such a way or using language that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person.

B.        Making unsolicited approaches, in the open air, for the purposes of face-to-face fundraising and marketing of commercial products, carried out by organisations without prior written permission from the Council.

C.        Failing to keep a dog on a leash and under control (otherwise than within the designated area within Clifton Park, where dogs may be off leads but must remain under control, see attached maps)

D.        Littering

E.        Urinating or defecating in a public place, other than within designated public toilets.

F.        Spitting saliva or any other product from the mouth

G.        Consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises or at a licensed event

The Council’s Monitoring Officer also clarified points raised specifically around civil liberties and the loose definition of anti-social behaviour, but it was believed the above behavioural boundaries were considered necessary to support the Council and its partners in developing and supporting the town centre experience.

Following the period of consultation it was proposed that changes to the draft Order around the use or carrying controlled drugs otherwise than in accordance with a valid prescription not be included at this time along with the use of a vehicle to cause a nuisance by gathering in groups, playing loud music or otherwise impacting the quality of life in the locality and that further work be undertaken          

Due to the case made by respondents to the public consultation, officers have recommended that dogs be allowed off leash within a designated zone in Clifton Park and be otherwise under control on leash in public areas such as the water play areas and playground.

The Cabinet Member supported the proposals for the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order.

The Chairman of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Watson

Commissioner:         Bradwell (in advisory role)

Recommendation:

That the appointment of Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) as sponsor for the first proposed primary school at the Waverley development site be noted.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the progress of the  Waverley development site and following the construction and occupation of 550 dwellings, the Local Authority (LA) had a responsibility to ensure an education sponsor is appointed for the first primary school proposed for the site.

This report, therefore, detailed the appointment of Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) as sponsor for the proposed first primary school, as procedures commenced to establish a primary school on the site.

Resolved:-  That the appointment of Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) as sponsor for the first proposed primary school at the Waverley development site be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Alam

Commissioner:         Ney (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That the current forecast overspend for 2017/18 of £3.4m be noted.

2.    That it be noted that management actions continue to be developed to address areas of overspend and to identify alternative and additional savings to mitigate shortfalls in achieving planned savings in 2017/18.

3.    That it be noted that a detailed Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Recovery Strategy which will transfer £3m in 2017/18 to reduce the forecast High Needs Block deficit and mitigate the in-year pressure through a series of measures has been set in place.    

4.    That the current forecast outturn position on the approved Capital Programme for 2017/18 and 2018-2022 be noted.

Consideration was given to the report which set out the financial position for the Revenue and Capital Budgets at the end of July 2017 and was based on actual costs and income for the first four months of 2017/18 and forecasted for the remainder of the financial year.

As at July 2017 the Council had a forecast overspend on the General Fund of £3.4m. The majority of the £24m budget savings approved within the 2017/18 budget were being achieved. £11.9m of those savings were Directorate budget savings, however, in addition to those budget savings, Directorates also have to achieve £5.4m of budget savings in 2017/18 which were agreed in previous budgets. Total Directorate savings for 2017/18 were, therefore, £17.3m. The current position was that around £5.2m of those total savings were at risk of not being achieved in this financial year in the manner approved by Council when the 2017/18 was set (and were reflected in the current overspend projection along with the impact of mitigating actions).

A significant in-year pressure of £6.460m on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block continues.   A recovery strategy set in place last year would, however, resolve £3m of the deficit and mitigate the in-year pressure through a series of measures including: a revised Special School funding model; a review of high cost out of authority education provision with a view to reducing cost and moving children back into Rotherham provision where possible; and a review of inclusion services provided by the Council.  Whilst this pressure did not directly affect the Council’s financial position at this time it was imperative that the recovery strategy is implemented which clearly set out how this position would be resolved and to avoid any risk to the Council in the future.

Control over spending was critical to maintaining a robust Medium Term Financial Strategy and avoiding unplanned spending impact on the Council’s reserves. All Services continue to develop mitigating actions and alternative savings to compensate for financial pressures and delays in delivering the full amount of savings. The financial impact of the mitigating actions that have been identified and implemented to date were reflected in the current forecast outturn. 

The July revenue full year forecast for Children’s and Young People’s Services was £2.592m over budget. The service continued to face a range of pressures. Further actions to mitigate the budget pressures were being developed by the Service.

It was confirmed, in relation to a query raised, that support was available for victims of child sexual exploitation, but that Government intervention for a statutory review of funding for those at risk of significant harm was still awaited.

It was also noted the HRA forecast outturn and budgeted use of reserves would now be less than planned, but a revision position would be submitted to the Cabinet in due course.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current forecast overspend for 2017/18 of £3.4m be noted.

(2)  That the management actions continuing to be developed to address areas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Alam

Commissioner:         Ney (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That a 100% Council Tax discount be awarded for Council Tax liability arising from the relevant date at the end of the formal call in period following decision for the period to 31 March 2018, under Section 13A (1)(c), to Rotherham care leavers between the ages of 18 to 21 and up to the age of 25 for care leavers in full-time education, who reside in the borough based on the principles set out in this report.

2.    That for those care leavers from Rotherham living outside of the Borough, Rotherham Council will pay 100% of Council Tax liability arising from the relevant date at the end of the formal call in period following decision based on the principles set out in this report.

3.    That a full review of the Council Tax Reduction scheme be undertaken, including public consultation, to consider potential changes to the scheme for 2018 including the incorporation of the care leavers discount into the scheme.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how the Council had the discretion to reduce the Council Tax liability for individuals or prescribed groups. The Council exercised this discretion in accordance with Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, in respect of the local Council Tax Reduction scheme, for ad hoc cases of extreme financial hardship or by determining a class of case for which the charge should be reduced.

It was proposed that the Council exercise its discretionary powers to award a 100% Council Tax discount for all Rotherham’s care leavers aged between 18 and 21 years and up to the age of 25 for those in full-time education who resided within the Borough boundaries and were liable for Council Tax. It was further proposed that the Council Tax owed by eligible care leavers who resided outside of the Rotherham area be paid by Rotherham Council.

This proposal had been developed to help improve the life chances of looked after children and support care leavers in making an effective social and financial transition from Local Authority care to independent living.

It was proposed that the discount be awarded as part of the Council Tax Reduction scheme. However, changes to the scheme could only be implemented from 1st April, 2018, following a review and public consultation and it was, therefore, proposed that a local discount be awarded under Section 13A (1)(c) for the period from the relevant date at the end of the formal call in period following decision (likely to be 22^nd September) for the period to 31st March, 2018.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a 100% Council Tax discount be awarded for Council Tax liability arising from the relevant date at the end of the formal call in period following decision for the period to 31st March, 2018, under Section 13A (1)(c), to Rotherham care leavers between the ages of 18 to 21 and up to the age of 25 for care leavers in full-time education, who reside in the Borough based on the principles set out in this report.

(2)  That for those care leavers from Rotherham living outside of the Borough, Rotherham Council will pay 100% of Council Tax liability arising from the relevant date at the end of the formal call in period following decision based on the principles set out in this report.

(3) That a full review of the Council Tax Reduction scheme be undertaken, including public consultation, to consider potential changes to the scheme for 2018 including the incorporation of the care leavers discount into the scheme.

Report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Alam

Commissioner:         Ney (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That 100% discretionary rate relief be awarded to SYTT Riverside Ltd reducing to 20% discretionary rate relief once the organisation becomes a registered charity.

2.    That 100% discretionary rate relief be awarded to Dexx Skatepark (Yorkshire) Ltd from 8 March 2017 when they occupied the new premises.

Consideration was given to the report detailing applications from two organisations for the award of a discretionary business rate relief in accordance with the Council’s Discretionary Business Rates Relief Policy (approved 12th December, 2016).

Resolved:-  (1)  That 100% discretionary rate relief be awarded to SYTT Riverside Ltd reducing to 20% discretionary rate relief once the organisation becomes a registered charity.

(2)  That 100% discretionary rate relief be awarded to Dexx Skatepark (Yorkshire) Ltd from 8th March, 2017 when they occupied the new premises.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Hoddinott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That approval be given to carry out a consultation on all aspects of home to school transport in Rotherham. 

2.    That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet meeting in December 2017 detailing the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the recommended policy options for approval. 

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval to carry out consultation on the Home to School Transport Policy for Rotherham, including post-16 students and children with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND). A number of policy options were put forward for consultation including:-

·                To develop and promote Independent Travel Training as a central service in Rotherham and apply it in particular at transitional stages (e.g. the Year 6 to Year 7 transfer).

·                To consider whether to make transport support dependent on the parents/carers agreeing to an assessment of the young person’s suitability for Independent Travel Training.

·                To consider whether the Council should offer and promote alternative options to compliment transport arrangements, such as bicycle loans or grants, walking buses and bus passes.

It was proposed to report back to Cabinet with the results at the December, 2017 Cabinet Meeting as it was recognised that some children would not be suitable for some of the policy options, but this would be considered in full following the consultation period.

The Council was currently facing significant financial challenges as a consequence of Central Government’s austerity measures and grant funding reductions. The Council’s Financial Strategy required the identification of significant savings across the provision of services.

The report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board at its meeting on the 6^th September, 2017 and the Chairman reported the Board were generally in support, but asked that any proposals for change to the policy be resubmitted back to the Board prior to its submission to Cabinet for decision.

Resolved:-  (1)  That approval be given to carry out a consultation on all aspects of home to school transport in Rotherham. 

(2)  That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet meeting in December 2017 detailing the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the recommended policy options for approval. 

(3)  That any proposals for change to the policy for Home to School Transport be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board for consideration prior to submission of the report to the Cabinet for decision.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

That the Planning Enforcement Plan be approved and adopted.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the period of consultation on the draft Planning Enforcement Plan, which described the range of powers available to remedy breaches of planning control; how decisions would be made; and the details of the enforcement process.

The Plan set out how planning enforcement would be managed and when direct action could be taken to ensure that Councillors, officers, external agencies and the community have clear information about the process and the action that could be taken to resolve issues in relation to development.

This report, therefore, sought approval to adopt the plan.

Resolved:-  That the Planning Enforcement Plan be approved and adopted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:

1.    That the Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan be adopted.

2.    That the Council go out to the market to secure a development partner for Forge Island.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how a Masterplan had been produced for Rotherham Town Centre, which included viability and deliverability analysis, and an Implementation Plan to help to turn the vision and plans into reality. The Masterplan identified early delivery of redevelopment on Forge Island as an essential catalyst to wider regeneration.

This report sought the approval of Cabinet and Commissioners to adopt the recently completed Town Centre Masterplan. It also sought agreement to go out to the market to secure a development partner to redevelop Forge Island, which was identified in the Masterplan as a major component of a re-invigorated Town Centre offer and a catalyst for the regeneration of adjacent sites. The Masterplan’s proposals for a major leisure destination were consistent with the Supplementary Planning Document which identifies Forge Island as a strategic development site and a variety of options moving forward were considered.

Cabinet Members welcomed the adoption of the Masterplan alongside the introduction of housing in the town centre.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan be adopted.

(2)  That the Council go out to the market to secure a development partner for Forge Island.

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Beck

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

(Please note that the appendix to this report is exempt under Paragraph 2 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)).

Recommendation:

That the following officers be authorised under Section 60 of the County Courts Act 1984 to initiate, represent, defend or appear in proceedings on behalf of the Council in the County Court:

·         Specialist Income Recovery and Court Co-ordinator

·         Court Officer

·         Area Income Recovery Co-ordinators

Consideration was given to the report which, following the restructure of the Housing Income and Financial Inclusion Team, which was approved by Cabinet in October, 2016, the legal representation for Housing Possession claims in the County Court would now be undertaken by employees in the Housing Income Team. This report, therefore, sought authorisation for the relevant officers to appear in appropriate cases on behalf of the Council in the County Court.

Resolved:-  That the following officers be authorised under Section 60 of the County Courts Act 1984 to initiate, represent, defend or appear in proceedings on behalf of the Council in the County Court:-

·        Specialist Income Recovery and Court Co-ordinator

·         Court Officer

·         Area Income Recovery Co-ordinators

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

(Please note that Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 5 of this report are exempt under Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)).

Recommendations:

1.     That the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment be authorised to agree terms to acquire land at Old Colliery Way, Beighton Link, Rotherham and enter into a development agreement with JF Finnegan Ltd.

2.     That, subject to an assessment of the financial viability of the proposed final terms of the agreement with JF Finnegan and formal approval of  the JESSICA funding bid, the funding for the purchase be taken from the £5m Growth Fund, which was approved as part of the Capital Strategy 2017-2022.

3.    That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary legal agreements.

4.    That, in order to allow the development to proceed, an exemption to standing orders under paragraph 43.2.4 be agreed.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed how the Council had analysed and compared a number of commercial property development opportunities in Rotherham for the potential to stimulate business growth and generate an investment return. This had identified a preferred deliverable option on a site owned by JF Finnegan at Beighton Link and the potential to improve the attractiveness of the project through regional investment funding.

This report recommended that the Council acquired the land and entered into a development agreement for JF Finnegan to construct business units, which on completion of construction the Council would own. The project would secure economic growth benefits and an investment return which would help support the Council’s revenue budget.

It was proposed that the costs of this project were funded from the £5m Growth Fund, which was approved by Council on the 8^th March, 2017, as part of the Council’s Capital Strategy 2017-2022.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment be authorised to agree terms to acquire land at Old Colliery Way, Beighton Link, Rotherham and enter into a development agreement with JF Finnegan Ltd.

(2)  That, subject to an assessment of the financial viability of the proposed final terms of the agreement with JF Finnegan and formal approval of  the JESSICA funding bid, the funding for the purchase be taken from the £5m Growth Fund, which was approved as part of the Capital Strategy 2017-2022.

(3)  That the Assistant Director of Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary legal agreements.

(4)  That, in order to allow the development to proceed, an exemption to standing orders under paragraph 43.2.4 be agreed.

To receive a report detailing the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board in respect of the following items that were subject to pre-decision scrutiny on 6 September 2017:

·         Consultation on Changes to Policy for Home to School Transport

·         Introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Rotherham Town Centre

Consideration was given to the circulated report, the contents of which were included as part of the relevant items and the details included accordingly.