Agenda and minutes

- to note the positive action taken

The Head of Housing Services submitted a 6 monthly report on racial incidents that had been reported via the Programme Area.

During 2003/04 the Service had received 16 reports of a racist incident compared with 18 during the previous year.  All incidents were passed to MAARI (Rotherham Multi-Agency Approach to Racial Incidents) which consisted of the Race Equality Council, South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Council, Rotherham Primary Care Trust amongst others.  The Anti-Social Behaviour Unit monitored the action taken and reported corporately.

The majority of the incidents were resolved through advice from Housing Services and cautions from the Police.  The Anti-Social Behaviour Unit became involved in 3 cases.  In all instances affecting Council tenants, a joint visit was made with the Police and warned that they risked losing their home.  The Police also advised them of the possibility of criminal action should their behaviour be proved or continue.  Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were issued on 2 occasions.

The report set out a number of actions taken to improve the Service.

Resolved:-  That the report and the positive action taken be noted.

- to support the development of an involved residents group in partnership with Housing Services and other stakeholders

Further to Minute No. 34 of 19^th July, 2004, the Head of Housing Services submitted a report relating to the present position with regard to the petition submitted by residents of Simmonite Road, Kimberworth Park concerning anti-social behaviour.

The petition pointed to various examples of nuisance caused by children and youths congregating in the area.  Letters had been sent to the parents of any child reported to be a nuisance but generally names and addresses were not reported.

In partnership with the local Police, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts were being issued to a large number of youths in the Kimberworth Park area but this was reliant on information from residents as to who the perpetrators were.

Working with residents in the formation of a constituted group that worked in partnership with stakeholders would be a positive move forward that could lead to improved communication about issues.  A preliminary meeting had proved to be very positive with the indication that residents could play a big part in the future of Simmonite Road.

Resolved:-  That the development of an involved residents group working in partnership with Housing Services and other stakeholders to initiate neighbourhood management projects be supported.

- report to follow

The Executive Director of Housing and Environmental Services submitted the proposed new structural arrangements for the Programme Area.

Extensive consultation had taken place in relation to the proposed structures since May, 2004.  The proposed arrangements presented a radical reconfiguration recognising the significant progress made to improve quality of services and to address the challenges facing the Council in the medium term.

The structures would:-

-           Enable a smooth transition to an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) for housing management services

-           Support the development of Borough-wide neighbourhood management arrangements

-           Provide the Council with an improved infrastructure to deliver Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (NRS)

-           Strengthen the community planning arrangement

-           Support the community leadership role of Ward Members

-           Mainstream Area Assembly activities

-           Strength the Programme Area’s approach to regulation and develop neighbourhood standards

-           Deliver long term waste strategy.

Re-naming of the Programme Area was required to reflect the new role and consultation with the Council.  It was suggested that it should be called “Neighbourhoods”.

The Council had made a number of decisions since August, 2003, which had had structural implications and had influenced the thinking behind the proposals including the decision to set up an ALMO and the transfer of responsibilities to support Area Assemblies, neighbourhood management and the implementation of the Council’s contribution to the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy with effect from April, 2004.

The contribution of the Programme Area towards the Council’s vision for Rotherham had become much clearer and a new mission had evolved reflecting the strengths of the Service:-

“Building Sustainable Neighbourhoods”

A place to live, where people have choice, quality and aspiration

The new structures were set out in Appendix 1 of the report submitted together with a brief description of some of the key challenges facing each Service Area.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed new structural arrangements for the Programme Area be approved.

(2)  That the Cabinet be asked to recommend to Council the renaming of the Housing and Environmental Services Programme Area to “Neighbourhoods Programme Area”.

(3)  That the report be referred to the September meeting of the Environment Scrutiny Panel for information.