Agenda and minutes

There were no questions from members of the public.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Sharman, Deputy Leader, introduced the minutes of the Groundworks Trusts Panel held on 20^th January, 2010.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the Groundworks Trusts Panel held on 20^th January, 2010 be received.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, introduced the minutes of the Members’ Training and Development Panel held on 21^st January, 2010.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the Members’ Training and Development Panel held on 21^st January, 2010 be received.

-        Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services to report.

Councillor Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Adult Services, which provided an update on the proposals from the Rotherham South Area Assembly Co-ordinating Group for projects identified to be funded through Local Authority Business Growth Incentive within the 09/10 financial year.

These proposals were approved on 18th January, 2010 by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods for recommendation to Cabinet.

These proposals supported the corporate objective of devolved decision-making in the borough through Area Assemblies and the delivery of local projects and actions which met Corporate Objectives and community priorities as identified in the Area Plans of the Area Assemblies. 

Rotherham South Area Assembly Co-ordinating Group agreed to withdraw the Police Community Support Officers funding as it was no longer required and instead fund four additional projects from their LABGI funding.

The bids are the result of partnership working between the Area Assembly, the Elected Members, South Yorkshire Police and Youth Services and although the same eligibility criteria and application process had been used to submit these projects they were as a result of direct bids to the Co-ordinating Group. The projects included:-

·              South Yorkshire Police PS3 Club project which reduced perception and fear of crime (cost £10,500).

·              RMBC Youth Service – operation coverage, which linked to community safety and anti-social behaviour (cost £5,000).

·              RMBC CCTV maintenance, which linked to community safety and anti-social behaviour (cost £5,000).

·              Whiston Cinema Club, which linked to community safety and anti-social behaviour (cost £2,000).

Risks around the timescales and delivery of projects have been managed and through auditing and monitoring of the Area Assemblies Devolved Budget have resulted in funding for replacement projects. If the project proposals were not approved then this may result in the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive funding being underutilised.

Resolved:-  That the project proposals to be funded from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive be approved.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (including the Council)):-

Resolved, that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act (information relates to finance and business matters).

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

Councillor St. John, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Sport, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which sought approval for the disposal of the above mentioned land which was surplus to the requirements of the Department of Culture and Leisure.

The land had very little public amenity value and it was considered that the disposal of the land to the applicants as special purchasers would not have an adverse impact on the quality of life for local people. The sale should, however, be subject to all three applicants agreeing terms and exchanging contracts in back to back transactions as the sale of just one or two areas would not be appropriate.

The legal and financial information and the risks and uncertainties associated with this asset were set out in detail as part of the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the disposal of land to the rear of 28, 33 and 35 Thorpefield Close, Thorpe Hesley be approved.

(2)  That the Director of Asset Management negotiates the disposal of land on the basis of a special purchaser sale as described in the report.

(3)   That the Assistant Chief Executive, Legal and Democratic Services, completes the necessary documentation.