Agenda and minutes

A member of the public asked about the time span for the conversion of two/three bedroomed houses to multiple occupancy and when these should be revaluated to ensure they were paying appropriate Council Tax.  There were a number of these kind of conversions going ahead in the area where the member of the public lived.

The Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services confirmed that conversions of houses to flats/apartments were subject to planning permission and as part of that process the Valuation Section needed to be informed as the rateable value would be subject to change.  Further information would be sought on this issue and a detailed answer would be provided in writing.

In a supplementary question, the member of the public asked if the same criteria  applied to businesses and shops?

The Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services would provide this information as part of the detailed response above.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Further to Minute No. 44 of the meeting of the Members’ Training and Development Panel held on 25th March, 2010, Councillor Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development and Engagement, introduced a report by the Chief Executive which set out the progress of a DVD which would be designed to promote greater understanding of the democratic process in Rotherham.

A small sub-group of the Members’ Training and Development Panel had been leading the project. The timescales outlined in the original report had changed in order to avoid the pre-election/election period with publication in late May/early June, 2010 subject to approval.

Members of the steering group supported the notion that this could be the first in a series of Day in the Life DVDs – others could include “A Day in the Life of a Mayor,” “A Day in the Life of Parish Councillor” etc.

The DVD would run for approximately 20-25 minutes and begin with an introduction about the role of the councillor followed by three volunteer Elected Members discussing the changing role of the locally Elected Member and then three short films about their lives.

The DVD would be a valuable resource, alongside existing materials such as the leaflet “So you want to be a Councillor,” in supporting the Council’s duty to promote democracy.

Plum Pie Media have been contracted to create a high quality DVD .Meetings have taken place between the Members involved, Scrutiny Officers and the production team. The maximum cost of the DVD would be £2,400. The production team would be paid in three instalments (preproduction, filming and editing). The Members’ Training and Development Panel agreed to fund this out of the Member Development Budget.

It would be made clear in the introduction of the DVD that it was not about individuals nor about party politics, but rather the role of being a Councillor. Agreement would have to be sought in advance to film public meetings and consent forms completed when working with young people. The DVD was to be completed and published after the forthcoming local election.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress of the DVD Project be noted.

(2)  That the proposed project timescales be approved.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Whelbourn, Chair of the Performance and Scrutiny Overview Committee, introduced the report which set out the findings and recommendations of the scrutiny review into social and community aspects of breastfeeding in Rotherham and consideration given as to what measures could be put in place in order to encourage more women to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.

The review specifically looked at:-

·              What was currently available in Rotherham to support women to breastfeed.

·              The views and experiences of mothers in Rotherham.

·              Examples of good practice locally and elsewhere.

·              How existing resources could be best utilised.

·              How the Council and the wider Rotherham Partnership could play its part in making Rotherham more breastfeeding friendly.

The recommendations from the review were set out in detail as part of the review, but included:-

·              Pilot breastfeeding friendly Council buildings at all libraries – ideally with a launch during National Breastfeeding Week – 21st to 27th June, 2010 with an evaluation of the lessons learned from the pilot by October, 2010.

·              Develop a phased programme to apply for accreditation to NHS Rotherham’s ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Rotherham Award’ for all buildings that were open to the public, to be completed by May, 2012.

·              Draft simple guidance for staff to ensure a consistent approach to breastfeeding women – both employees and visitors to Council buildings.

·              Develop a Rotherham Breastfeeding Manifesto (to make the borough of Rotherham breastfeeding-friendly) by bringing together all relevant agencies with the shared aim of boosting breastfeeding rates.

·              Promote Breastfeeding Friendly Rotherham via the Rotherham Show in September, 2010.

·              Encourage closer working between health professionals and peer supporters.

A number of the review recommendations may have financial implications if adopted. This would require further exploration by the Strategic Leadership Team on the cost, risks and benefits of their implementation.

Breastfeeding data was collected by and reported on by NHS Rotherham.  At the beginning of this review, it appeared that breastfeeding initiation and continuation were both increasing steadily.  Whilst the review was being undertaken, a new electronic method of obtaining data direct from GP systems was introduced.  Although this method was more robust, there were still some issues to be resolved regarding data completeness.  However, so far the figures showed that breastfeeding rates were lower than initially thought.  There was, therefore, a real risk that Rotherham would not meet its breastfeeding targets, which were based on baseline figures from the manual system.

Cabinet Members acknowledged the need for Rotherham to become breastfeeding friendly and had requested that some provision be incorporated into the new civic building.  It was noted that this request was to be taken forward and that due consideration was also to be given as to the absence of disability toileting/changing facilities and whether there was any provision that could be made available in the new leisure facilities.

Cabinet Members considered the request and were in agreement to take forward the opportunity to expedite the pilot to coincide with National Breastfeeding Week during the 21st to 27th June, 2010 for the launch of breastfeeding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 229.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Austen, Chair of the Scrutiny Review, introduced the report which set out the findings and recommendations of the scrutiny review into the Corporate Parenting Arrangements, undertaken by the Looked After Children Scrutiny Sub-Panel.

The purpose of the review was to examine:-

·              The current arrangements for corporate parenting in Rotherham and how these measured against the 'Care Matters' agenda.

·              If the arrangements were in line with best practice from other local authorities and other national bodies.

·              The recommendations of 2005 scrutiny review into the ‘Role of Councillors as Corporate Parents’, to see whether they were relevant and ‘fit for purpose’.

The recommendations from the review were set out in detail as part of the report, but included:-

·              That the Council’s ‘Pledge’ to Looked After Children be incorporated into the Children and Young People’s Single Plan and inform the Corporate Parenting Strategy.

·              That a Corporate Parenting Board be established as a sub-group of the Children’s Board; its membership to include the lead member, key members with corporate parenting responsibilities, co-optees and relevant officers and partners as required.

·              That the Corporate Parenting Board act as a governing body to the virtual school.

·              That a training programme for Members be developed, reflecting different levels of corporate parenting responsibilities.

·              That an annual report on all Corporate Parenting Board activity be presented by the Lead Member to full Council.

The review proposed that a Corporate Parenting Board be established. However, the review group was mindful that by setting up another board, there was a potential issue about participation and duplication, particularly accommodating the board within Members’ existing commitments. With this in mind, the review group recommended that should a Corporate Parenting Board be established that the Looked After Children Scrutiny Sub-Panel be disbanded and responsibility for scrutiny of corporate parenting issues revert to the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel.

A number of the review recommendations may have financial implications if adopted. This would require further exploration by the Strategic Leadership Team and Partners on the cost, risks and benefits of their implementation.

The Authority’s Corporate Parenting arrangements must contribute to improved and sustainable outcomes for looked after children and their families.  These arrangements should bring together the relevant agencies to ensure that timely decisions were made about the care and educations of the Borough’s most vulnerable children.   Failure to ensure that the arrangements were robust may undermine this and negatively impact on future inspection judgements.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Scrutiny Review “Corporate Parenting Arrangements” and its recommendations be noted and a response be submitted to the Cabinet within two months as outlined within the Council’s Constitution.

(2)  That the decision of Cabinet on the report, recommendations and proposed action be reported back to Scrutiny in due course.

(3)  That everyone involved in the review be thanked for their input.

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance, which detailed the Council’s commitment to supporting business growth in Rotherham through engaging with the local provider market to make doing business with the Council as easy as possible. The Council also provided support to local businesses to give them the capability to compete for business.

The commitment was recognised by the award of Beacon Status for Supporting New Businesses. The Council’s Procurement Strategy 2009 – 2012 also demonstrated this commitment and highlighted the actions currently being undertaken to further increase support for the local economy.

This report set out how the Council was currently supporting the local economy through its procurement function and outlined actions being planned in order to strengthen this support including a proposal to take a town-wide and public sector-wide approach to supporting the local economy in Rotherham.

All costs for implementing the Corporate Procurement Strategy, including the ‘Supporting the Local Economy’ theme, were currently being absorbed within existing budgets.

Performance against this Local Performance Indicator would reflect how the Corporate Procurement Strategy was being implemented and embedded across the Council which could impact on the Council’s ability to evidence value for money and Comprehensive Area Assessment scores. Comprehensive Area Assessment and Total Place took account of public spend in the Borough. Failure to support local businesses could adversely impact on the local economy

Resolved:-  (1)  That the ongoing actions being taken to support the local economy be noted.

(2)  That the additional actions proposed in order to strengthen this support be approved.

(3)  That the Total Place Approach proposal to work more proactively with other public sector agencies in the town to improve support to the local economy through the Local Strategic Partnership be approved.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development and Engagement, introduced a report by the Chief Executive which set out how Sections 10 to 22 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (c. 20) provided a statutory duty for principal local authorities to handle and respond to petitions. This included making provision for the submission of e-petitions and adopting a “scheme for handling petitions”. The Council was now required to adopt a Petitions Scheme, taking account of provisions set out in an Order and statutory guidance. This report, therefore, made recommendations for the adoption of a Petitions Scheme and determination of associated issues.

There were no direct financial implications identified at this stage. It was unlikely that there would be significant costs associated with the introduction of e-petitioning as the current Council web-site was capable of hosting this facility. Costs may arise from administration of the scheme, but this would be dependant on the volume of new administration generated by the duty and scheme.

The key risk was the unknown additional demand that may be brought about by the duty. Additionally, to ensure compliance with the duty, it would be necessary to not only record the receipt of petitions, but also to create an audit trail for the dealing with petitions once received.

Traditionally, petitions have been presented to the Council through various means, not just formally at meetings. If, as expected, this were to continue, the Council would need to ensure that the receipt of such petitions was recorded and reported for due consideration in accordance with the provisions of the duty.

Discussion ensued on the section of the Act which required petitions receiving a significant level of support being debated at a meeting of the full Council and whether there was any provision for these to be presented and debated at the Cabinet to prevent any unnecessary delays.

Resolved:-  That this matter be deferred pending further investigation by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) and that a further report be submitted to the Annual Council Meeting on Friday, 21^st May, 2010.

-        Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services to report.

Councillor S. Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services which presented the significant progress against the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ Notice to Improve, which was issued in December, 2009.

The report covered the background to issuing of the Notice to Improve, together with details of the significant improvements that have been made and the continued efforts that were being made to meet or where possible, exceed the targets set.  Also included were the key highlights, issues and risks.

The Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Children and Young People’s Services met with the Department for Children, Schools and Families ministerial representatives on 22nd April, 2010 to discuss progress and compliance with the Notice to Improve.

There were significant financial implications associated with the nature and degree of improvements required.  The Children and Young People’s Service have worked hard to successfully reduce the overspend position for the 2009/10 budget.  Furthermore, savings identified for 2010/11 have been re-directed into the priority area of Safeguarding.  The Council’s decision to invest a further £3.1 m into Children and Young People’s Services was welcomed and this had been invested almost wholly into safeguarding, with a small amount being invested into prevention and early intervention to begin to make the shift away from the demands of crisis intervention in the medium term.

A number of risks were present in relation to safeguarding and the Notice to Improve.

Key risks included:-

·              The pace of improvement being impaired by high vacancy rates.

·              The possibility that there were insufficient qualified social workers of a high calibre to draw from in the nationwide employment pool.

·              The quality of improvements being embedded and sustained over time.

·              That despite all of the significant improvement and meeting the targets, the Department for Children, Schools and Families Notice to Improve would remain in place for some time in the future.

·              That despite all of the improvements and progress, the impending safeguarding inspection could still judge Rotherham to be inadequate due to insufficient time to fully embed the improved quality of practice.

The Cabinet Member and the Chief Executive reiterated that the experience of other authorities who have been the subject of Notice to Improve or Intervention indicated that there was a distinct possibility that despite all this improvement, the Notice to Improve could be in force for many months and possibly years after the end of the original Notice which was issued. 

Clearly Rotherham was making every effort to prevent this, but the experience in other authorities, in particular, Wakefield and Stoke, suggested this was a risk. 

Cabinet Members noted the improvements made to date, the inspection alert for the Directorate, the need for acceleration in the rate of improvement and the need to be aware of further challenges.

Cabinet Members acknowledged the support provided by the Neighbourhoods and Adult Services Directorate and formally thanked the Strategic Director and his team.

It was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 233.

-        Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services to report.

Councillor S. Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services which provided an overview of the progress made since the Notice to Improve was received in December, identifies a RAG rating and a direction of travel for the areas of improvement, some areas of good performance and key risks and issues to meeting the stretching targets set for the Council and its strategic partners.

Five actions have now been completed which cover work around:-

·              Performance Development Reviews for all staff,

·              The Director of Children and Learners at Government Office – Yorkshire and Humber was now a member of the improvement panel. 

·              Additional administration staff were in place in the social care locality teams with these additional resources having a positive impact.

·              Work had taken place around the use of the Learning Portal for sharing social care reports for social workers and managers and was in place.

·              Social work staff now had access to the VPN home working solution with the roll out of laptops completed and SWIFT desk guides issued to localities.

In addition to these, significant improvements have also been made around Common Assessment Framework (CAF) training and completion of associated paperwork and currently all initial and core assessments were being quality audited.

There were forty-three individual actions covering the key performance measures (three social care indicators and the LAA improvements) in addition to the operational targets around Staying Safe, Enjoying and Achieving, Leadership and Management, Performance Management, Finance, Recruitment and Retention and ICT and their ratings as at 20th April 2010 were:-

Red:- 3 (7%)

Amber:- 23 (53%)

Green:- 17 (40%) (out of which five were now deemed as completed)

There had also been a direction of travel included within each the RAG status to establish where progress was being made on the ones that were not moving from red to amber or amber to green.

The report set out in detail the high risk (red areas), completed targets and areas of improvement.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families agreed up to £150,000 financial support to assist with recovery and a further £125,000 had been secured from the RIEP. This funding would be used to supplement social work staffing resources and to employ independent staff to assist in the review and further improvement of service quality activities.

A review had been conducted of Children and Young People's placements; both Rotherham based and in out of authority facilities. This focused on whether the placements could end, in line with the care plan review, whether the Council was getting the best value for money and that the placements were of the required quality.

The three key performance risks (red) were identified in the report and there were service delivery risks associated with the Notice to Improve action plan.

Where these were significant they were being fed into the Children and Young People’s Services risk register.  Planning had now commenced for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 234.

-           Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance, which detailed how in February, 2009 the Local Strategic Partnership approved its strategy and action plan for responding to the economic downturn.

This report referred to a document entitled ‘Economic Downturn: One Year Later’, which identified how the Council and its partners have responded to the downturn and the positive outcomes from the work done and investment made.

Proposals were, therefore, included for publicising the document.

The report showed that the impact of the downturn appeared to stabilise during the second half of 2009, after major redundancy announcements and a large increase in the number of people claiming jobseekers’ allowance during late 2008 and early 2009 and highlighted the significant prevention work done by partners including:-

·              Providing a wide range of support to people finding themselves unemployed, helping 85% of people to find new jobs or training within 1 year.

·              Providing loans to 340 families to secure private sector rented accommodation and saving over £2 m in homelessness costs to use on other services.

·              Providing 300 furnished properties to residents who might not otherwise have been able to afford to take up a tenancy.

·              Making £200,000 available through the Rothersave Credit Union to assist residents in greatest financial need, including mortgage arrears.

The report also summarised the impact of the additional investment of £174,000 made by the Council (£121,000) and NHS Rotherham (£53,000) in voluntary sector advice services between February, 2009 and March, 2010. Citizen’s Advice Bureau statistics showed that the investment enabled Rotherham to help a greater proportion of its residents than other districts.

This has been a significant success story, with an extra 5,000 residents helped in 2009/10.

It was proposed to place the document on the Council’s credit crunch website and on partners’ sites.  It was proposed to draft an article for inclusion in Rotherham News and to send a press article to relevant agencies.

The document has been sent to the Audit Commission, for consideration as part of the 2010 comprehensive area assessment.

Cabinet Members welcomed this excellent report and recommended that the contents be widely publicised.

Resolved:-  That the ‘Economic Downturn: One Year Later’ review and proposals for publicising it be approved.

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

Further to Minute No. 4 of the Rotherham Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 23rd April, 2010, Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which set out the proposed revisions to the Local Development Framework Steering Group Constitution and Terms of Reference.

The main reasons for the review and proposed revisions to the Group’s remit were the procedural changes to the Local Development Framework process introduced by revised Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12 “Local Spatial Planning”, the amended regulations published in 2008 and the desire of Cabinet to review the operation and constitution of the group. Some minor amendments to wording were also required to reflect changes in departmental structures and officer designations.

The principal function of the Steering Group was to promote the timely and efficient preparation of the Local Development Framework. Informal discussion and debate within the Group was intended to prepare the ground for key decisions to be made within the normal publicly accountable reporting structures of the Council.

Public engagement in Local Development Framework preparation would continue to be via the methods and media set down in the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement. Draft development plan documents would continue to be subject to public consultation and scrutiny before progressing to examination by a Government appointed independent Inspector.

The proposed revised Steering Group constitution and remit was set out in the report. The revisions included the replacement of the term “Delegation Scheme” which appeared to convey greater decision making powers upon the Group than have operated since inception. It was considered that “Terms of Reference” would be more appropriate to the Group’s informal status.

There were no direct financial implications from this report, although continuing to ensure the timely and efficient preparation of the Local Development Framework would accrue efficiency savings and improved receipts under Government grant incentives.

Complex reporting arrangements could cause further delays in Local Development Framework preparation. The proposed revisions would permit efficient internal reporting whilst still guaranteeing decision making at the appropriate Council level.

Recommended:-  That the revised Local Development Framework Steering Group Constitution and Terms of Reference be adopted.

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, introduced the minutes of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 19^th March, 2010.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 19^th March, 2010 be received.

-        Chief Executive to report.

Councillor Sharman, Deputy Leader, introduced the minutes of the Members’ Training and Development Panel held on 25^th March, 2010.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the Members’ Training and Development Panel held on 25^th March, 2010 be received.

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 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 12A to the Local Government Act (information relates to finance and business matters).

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance which set out details of thirty-six organisations which were currently in receipt of Section 47 Discretionary Rate Relief.

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

Resolved:-  That the rate relief of £259,898.90 for 2010/2011 for the period 1^st April, 2010 to 31st March, 2011 for one year only be approved.

(Councillor R. S. Russell declared a prejudicial interest due to his involvement with Queens United Football Club and Millmoor Juniors Football Club and left the room during the discussion)

(Councillors Stone and Whelbourn declared a prejudicial interest due to their membership with Phoenix Sports and Social Club and left the room during the discussion)

(Councillor Sharman declared a prejudicial interest due to his involvement with the Trustees of Kimberworth Park Forum and left the room during the discussion)

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance which set out details of thirty-eight organisations currently in receipt of Section 43 Mandatory Relief which have been previously granted 20% Discretionary Relief top up.

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

Resolved:-  That discretionary relief top up of £62,605.91 for the period 1st April, 2010 to 31st March, 2011 for one year only be approved.

(Councillor Stone declared a prejudicial interest due to his involvement with the Magna Trust and left the room during the discussion)

(Councillor St. John declared a prejudicial interest due to his daughter being a Head Teacher at Treeton J. and I. School and left the room during the discussion)

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

This item was not considered and deferred.

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance which set out details how from 1st April, 2004 the Government introduced mandatory rate relief of 80% for Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) who registered with the Inland Revenue.

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

Resolved:-  That 20% relief be granted to all Community Amateur Sports Clubs who obtain registration with the Inland Revenue.

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance which set out details of the review into the existing levels of discretionary village shop rate relief.

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

Resolved:-  That the existing levels of discretionary village shop rate relief for the period 1st April, 2010 to 31st March, 2011 be granted for one year only.

-        Strategic Director of Finance to report.

Councillor Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Finance which set out details of an application for relief from business rates under Section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

Any amount of relief could be given, up to 100%.  Members were, therefore, asked to consider the application and determine the level of rate relief, if any, that should be awarded.

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

Resolved:-  That the application 10DH01 for discretionary hardship relief be refused.

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which sought approval for the disposal of land between 270 and 276 Wath Road, Brampton Bierlow which was surplus to the requirements of the Department of Housing and Neighbourhoods.

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

Resolved:-  (1)  That the disposal of the asset on the basis set out in Option 2 of this report be approved.

(2)  That the Director of Asset Management negotiate the terms of the disposal.

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

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which sought approval for the disposal of land adjacent 34 Munsbrough Lane, Munsbrough which was surplus to the requirements of the Department of Housing and Neighbourhoods.

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

Resolved:-  (1)  That the disposal of the asset on the basis set out in Options 2B and 2C of this report be approved.

(2)  That the Director of Asset Management negotiate the terms of the disposal a special purchaser sale as set out in Options 2B and 2C as described in the report.

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

-        Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services to report.

The Leader introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services, which gave an update on the current situation.

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

The Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services provided further information on the lease details, car parking provision, community use and the support for Rotherham Renaissance.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the principle of purchasing the site for Regeneration purposes including the construction of a new Community Stadium by Rotherham United Football Club be approved.

(2)  That Officers be authorised to negotiate final detailed terms with Evans of Leeds (the Vendor) based on the principles detailed in this report.

(3)  That Officers be authorised to negotiate detailed terms with Rotherham United Football Club for the grant of a long leasehold interest in the site to include the construction and occupation of a Community Stadium as detailed in this report.

(4)  That the Strategic Director of  Environment and Development Services be authorised to agree the final terms with Evans of Leeds (the Vendor) and the Football Club.

(Councillor Sharman declared a prejudicial interest on the basis that he was a season ticket holder at Rotherham United Football Club and left the room during the discussion)