Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

There were no questions from members of the public or the press.

The Chairman welcomed Annette Senior (Emergency Planning Officer), Alan Bamforth (Planner) and Steve Lister (Engineer) who presented the submitted report on progress that had been made by the Council to improve further the resilience against future flooding and information that had been shared with affected communities.

It was noted that a number of national, regional and local reviews had taken place. The main national review was the Sir Michael Pitt review in which all flooded areas were visited and an interim report was published on 17th December, 2007. The interim report contained fifteen urgent recommendations and seventy two interim conclusions. The report was broken down into four main areas:

-          Flood Risk Management (climate change – developing understanding of forecasting and building and planning)

-          Critical National Infrastructure/Loss of Essential Services (protecting our infrastructure – information sharing – single points of failure/complete loss)

-          Emergency Response (local risk register, business continuity, emergency planning, improved communication links with agencies and dams and reservoirs)

-          Recovery Arrangements

An overview of the urgent recommendations was set out in the report.

Consultation on the interim report closed on 31st March, 2008 with a final report having been published on 25th June, 2008 entitled “Learning Lessons from the 2007 Floods”.

The Government’s response to the final report and its recommendations was due in November, 2008 following which appropriate actions would have to be taken by the responsible organisations. The recommendations, together with the respective responsible agency were submitted.

In this progress report, four main areas had been explored and reviewed and the officers outlined the submitted detail as follows:

-          Drainage : Steve Lister

-          Forward Planning : Alan Bamforth

-          Emergency Planning : Annette Senior

-          Communications and Marketing : Annette Senior

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued. The Chairman welcomed James Meade (Environment Agency) and Mike Smith (Yorkshire Water) who along with the officers answered, where possible, the questions asked.

Issues covered included:

-          work done with the Association of British Insurers to address issues raised by customers regarding increased insurance premiums and excess levels

-          implementation of the fifteen recommendations

-          financing of the pumps and ancillaries at Catcliffe

-          financing of the flood study report commissioned in respect of Dinnington and Laughton Common

-          monitoring of sandbags by parish councils and implications for areas not parished

-          monitoring of sandbag expiry dates

-          allocation of the £30.6 million Restoration Grant

-          storage lakes at Waverley

-          progress/timescales regarding Whiston Brook

-          costings of flood sacks and advantages/disadvantages in relation to ordinary sandbags

-          frequency of gulley cleaning

-          acknowledgement that agencies were working well together but could anything more be done

-          need for lists of vulnerable people from agencies but also from communities as not all lists would be exhaustive

-          sequential testing

-          Bellwin formula outdated and possible need for a one day scrutiny review

-          laying of impermeable surfaces on front and rear gardens by householders

-          clarification needed on specific duty being placed on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Steve Eling, Principal Policy Officer, presented the submitted report which provided an update on progress of the “Strong and Prosperous Communities” Local Government White Paper, the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 and the Council’s implementation plan workstreams.

Further developments contributed to the reform agenda, building on previous documents. The most recent key development was the “Communities in Control” White Paper, published on 9th July, 2008. This took forward some components of the previous White Paper together with aspects of the Governance of Britain Green Paper, published in July, 2007 and the Action Plan for Community Empowerment, published in October, 2007. The developments in “Communities in Control” were the subject of the second report, including new workstreams within the Council’s implementation plan.

The following sections provided the latest position on implementation of the 2007 Act and the “Strong and Prosperous Communities” White Paper and the progress to date on implementation in Rotherham:-

·              Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

·              Summary of action within Rotherham relating to implementation of Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

·              “Strong and Prosperous Communities” White Paper October, 2006

Most of the Government’s proposals arising from the Strong and Prosperous Communities White Paper and the 2007 Act were assessed as cost neutral by Regulatory Impact Assessment, efficiencies meeting new costs or by the Government transferring funds as had been the case with LINKs.

Issues around the expectations on participatory budgeting etc. were expected to be about how the Council prioritised and allocated funds rather than growth budget items. Additionally, issues covering strategic commissioning and developing local markets would have an impact.

Final statutory guidance covering commissioning was published on 9th July, 2008. The national Participatory Budgeting Strategy was still awaited.

The Council would need to remain alert to cost implications of the Government’s reforms and incorporate into the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The RMBC Implementation Plan provided for risk assessments against each workstream in the plan.

The Council had made good progress in addressing each of the workstreams, reducing risk to the Council to a minimal level.

Existing project groups taking forward “Our Future” were addressing the implementation of relevant aspects of the reform agenda and legislative requirements.

The greatest level of uncertainty related to those aspects of the 2007 Act that had not yet commenced and where the commencement date was not yet known. These were issues beyond the Council’s control, but were monitored regularly and updated in the RMBC Implementation Plan.

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were covered:

• joint waste authorities

• stronger cities, strategic regions

• consultation with parish councils

• consultation on bye laws

• Councillor Call for Action and potential pilot scheme through an Area Assembly

• ability to resolve at local level

• delegation to members acting within their own Wards

• participatory budgeting

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress in implementing the requirements set out in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 be noted.

(2)  That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

Steve Eling, Principal Policy Officer, presented the submitted report which provided an update on progress to date in implementing the “Strong and Prosperous Communities” White Paper and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, adding workstreams and actions to the Council’s implementation plan to address the latest developments.

The Government published its awaited Empowerment White Paper “Communities in Control” on Wednesday, 9th July, 2008. The White Paper took forward, and developed further, a number of the commitments made in the Strong and Prosperous Communities White Paper, published in October, 2006; the Governance of Britain Green Paper, published in July, 2007 and actions being piloted in the Action Plan for Community Empowerment, published in October, 2007.

The White Paper was divided into eight chapters, each of which was accompanied by an action plan of specific commitments. A brief overview of those commitments was provided in the report.

Government commitments included in the “Communities in Control” action plan had been incorporated in the Council’s Local Government Reform Implementation Plan.

The key points from “Communities in Control” were:-

·              Chapter 1: The case for people and communities having more power.

·              Chapter 2: Active citizens and the value of volunteering.

·              Chapter 3: Access to information.

·              Chapter 4: Having an influence.

·              Chapter 5: Challenge.

·              Chapter 6: Redress.

·              Chapter 7: Standing for Office.

·              Chapter 8: Ownership and Control.

There would be increased costs associated with implementing the Government’s proposals, however, the Government was committed through the “Central/Local Concordat”, agreed with the Local Government Association, to “ensuring that public services, including new obligations imposed on Councils, are properly funded”. New costs had been identified by a Regulatory Impact Assessment indicating a one off cost of £2.94 million and annual costs of £92.09 million across England. It was not possible at this stage to identify the direct financial implications for Rotherham.

The RMBC Implementation Plan provided for risk assessments against each workstream in the plan.

Existing project groups taking forward “Our Future” were addressing the implementation of relevant aspects of the reform agenda and legislative requirements.

Whilst the Government was committed to meeting the costs of new burdens, there was a risk that additional income to the Council via the grant formula would not cover the actual costs of implementing the new requirements across the Borough.

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued and the following issues were covered:

• availability of documentation

• accountability to community

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposals set out in the “Communities in Control” White Paper be noted.

(2)  That the workstreams for inclusion in the Council’s Local Government Reform Implementation Plan be supported.

(3)  That it be noted that an All Member Seminar to present the Government’s proposals set out in “Communities in Control” took place on 23rd September, 2008.

(4)  That it be noted that this report be referred to the Our Future Groups 1 and 3 and the relevant workstreams to Groups 2, 4 and 5.

Steve Eling, Principal Policy Officer, presented briefly the submitted report indicating that both white papers “Strong and Prosperous Communities” published in October, 2006 and “Communities in Control” published in July, 2008 provided for new and developing roles for scrutiny and Members more generally, with scrutiny being seen as having a key role in holding decision makers to account.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c.28) (the 2007 Act) took forward some of the proposals set out in “Strong and Prosperous Communities” providing statutory duties and powers for scrutiny in relation to “Councillor Call for Action” and scrutiny of partner organisations in relation to agreed Local Area Agreement targets. Other proposals included “Communities in Control” as part of the Government’s agenda.

The Government had committed to consult on draft Regulations and Guidance arising from the 2007 Act and “Communities in Control” resulting in a series of consultation papers.

The latest, “Improving Local Accountability” took forward aspects of both the above particularly in relation to:

• developing and strengthening overview and scrutiny
• increasing the visibility and accountability of local public officers
• facilitating the work of Councillors

The consultation deadline as 30th October, 2008.

The Committee considered details of each section of the consultation paper, together with the questions asked and the proposed response.

Resolved:- (1   ) That the information be noted.

(2) That the draft response to the questions raised in the consultation paper, as now submitted, be supported as the Council’s formal response to the consultation paper.

Steve Eling, Principal Policy Officer, presented the submitted report which, as part of the next stage of policy review of policies recommended for refresh/review in 2008, detailed a new process of monitoring the effectiveness and impact of policies using the new National Indicator Set and other local measures and proposals to create an Electronic Policy Library for the publication of policies.

Policy review in Rotherham had gone through several key stages in recent years. The process started with a major review of the Council’s key plans and strategies, ensuring alignment to the Community Strategy and Corporate Plan priorities and fit for purpose criteria. The process then proceeded to review a range of operational policies and plans for alignment, which resulted in the development of a Policy Framework Map, setting out, in a clear and consistent manner, the Council’s policies and those adopted in partnership with other agencies.

The report now took forward proposals for Policy Review 2008. The proposals had been developed following a review of the overall policy framework and built on experience to date with key criteria being taken into account.

Several Policies were due for refresh in 2008/09 and also a number had been identified as requiring review.  These included:-

·              School Organisation Plan.

·              Inclusive Learning Service Plan.

·              Youth Justice Plan.

·              SEN Strategic Development Plan.

·              Anti Bullying Plan.

·              Rotherham Early Education, Childcare and Extended Services Strategy.

·              Education Development Plan.

·              Regeneration Plan – to be replaced with the new Economic Plan for Rotherham 2008 / 2020.

·              Tourism Plan.

·              Cultural Strategy – not to be replaced.

·              Extra Care Housing Strategy.

·              Housing Strategy.

·              BME Housing Strategy.

·              Homelessness Strategy.

·              Customer Access Strategy.

·              Neighbourhood Charters.

·              Area Plans.

·              Corporate Equality Strategy.

·              Race Equality Scheme (plus a single equality scheme to be developed).

·              Workforce Development Strategy.

·              Sustainable Development Framework.

·              Town Centre Action Plan.

·              Strategic Economic Zones.

·              Rural Framework.

·              Cycling Plan.

·              Parking Strategy.

The introduction of the new National Indicator Set provided the opportunity to rationalise the process for monitoring impact of policies with the framework. The revised map identified the alignment of National Indicators to policies where a clear link existed. It was proposed that this was the principal form of monitoring, but that local indicators, where relevant and would add value, should also be used. Alongside the use of data, policy officers for each theme would give a qualitative overview of the success and impact of policies in their relevant theme. 

The findings had fed into the list of policies recommended for review this year and such a qualitative assessment would also be used as part of the ongoing policy review process.  It should be noted that these had been done in partnership with directorates.

Some key cross-cutting policies were identified as not easily aligning with National Indicators. Where this was the case, it was proposed that policy officers agree with directorates what measures would be used for monitoring the policies concerned.

It was imperative that the Council’s financial profile reflected its overall priorities and so the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

Caroline Webb, Senior Scrutiny Adviser, presented briefly the submitted report referring to the success of last year’s event on 23rd November, 2007 and the Committee’s support of the event whereby the Youth Cabinet attended and jointly chaired the Committee’s meeting on that day.

The second “11 Million Takeover Day” was to take place on 7th November, 2008 which coincided with a scheduled meeting of this Committee and again the Committee was requested to support the event.

It was proposed that two young people were linked to each Committee Member and, as with last year, it was suggested that the young people formulate the agenda for the meeting. It was also proposed that this year the young people take a lead in the meeting.

Resolved:- (1) That the information be noted and the 11 Million Takeover Day be supported.

(2) That members of the Youth Cabinet be invited to ‘takeover’ the meeting of this Committee on 7th November, 2008.

(3) That members of the Cabinet be invited to said meeting.

(4) That further reports on the proposals for the day be submitted.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 12th September, 2008 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

Members of the Committee reported as follows:

(a) Councillor McNeely reported

-                      she had attended a very useful seminar/briefing for councillors given by the South Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board

-                      she had attended a seminar on Health and Housing at Sheffield HallamUniversity

-                      members and co-optees of the Sustainable Communities Scrutiny Panel had been invited to visit the ABLE Project on 3rd October, 2008

-                      the next Panel meeting was to have a short training session on how the various budgets worked in Neighbourhoods, e.g. HRA, Ordinary Account and the Capital Programme and how they interrelated. Other members were welcome to attend

(b) The Mayor reported (i) that the next meeting of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel would consider :

-                      Building Schools for the Future

-                      Presentation on ‘My Place’ (a Government initiative to develop youth services and facilities)

-                      School meals update

-                      Budget outturn : looking at challenges for the 2009/10 Budget

(ii) that the report into support for newly arrived children in schools was well underway and it was hoped to speak to Linda McAvan, M.E.P.

(iii) that the Looked After Children Scrutiny Sub-Panel :

-                      had examined fostering inspection recommendations and made its own recommendations for service improvements

-                      had considered an item on the Looked After Children Council which was a really exciting development

-                      would focus at its next meeting in December on education and attendance

There were no formal call in requests.