Agenda and minutes

To consider any announcements by the Mayor or the Leader.

The Mayor welcomed all in attendance at the meeting and made special reference to the presence of members of the Rotherham Youth Cabinet.

In opening the meeting, the Mayor invited all Members to reflect in silence on the tragedies in both London and Manchester which had occurred since the previous Council meeting. The Council rose to stand in silent tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks.

The Mayor invited Members to join with her in paying tribute to the Vicar of Rotherham, Canon David Bliss, who was shortly to retire from his ministry in the town. On behalf of the people of the town and all Members of the Council, the Mayor thanked Canon Bliss for his service and presented him with a token of thanks on behalf of the Council and the people of Rotherham. Canon Bliss responded in kind to thank the Mayor for her kind words and to thank Members and the people of Rotherham for their support for his ministry in the town.

The Mayor reported that since 19 May 2017 she had undertaken 93 engagements and was pleased to highlight the Vintage Tea Party for the Veterans which took place in June and referred to one veteran who had told her that he had buried his wife of 64 years the day before the event. The Mayor indicated that she had never felt so humble in her life and referred to the prestige in which the office of Mayor of Rotherham was held by the people of the Borough.

The Leader of the Council indicated that he had no announcements to report to the meeting.

To receive the apologies of any Member who is unable to attend the meeting.

The Chief Executive reported that Councillors Allen, Lelliott, Marriott, McNeely, Price Sansome, Senior and Whysall had submitted apologies for the meeting.

To report on any petitions received by the Council.

It was reported that five petitions had been received by the Council since the previous meeting. The petitions received covered the following issues:-

It was noted that none of the lead petitioners were present to address the meeting on the call for action in each petition. It was reported each petition would be responded to by the appropriate Strategic Director and the petition in respect for Wales High School had met the threshold to be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. 

Resolved:-

That the petitions received by the Council be noted.

Any communication received by the Mayor or Chief Executive which relates to a recommendation of the Cabinet or a committee which was received after the relevant meeting.

The Mayor reported that a recommendation had been received from the Cabinet following its meeting on 10 July 2017 in respect of the ‘Interim Review of Polling Places 2017’ and would be put forward for determination later on the agenda.

To invite Councillors 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.

The Monitoring Officer provided advice to all Members of the Council in respect of the agenda item concerning the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on Member Allowances.

Councillor Carter declared a personal interest in respect of the Minute No. 40 (Notice of Motion – NHS) on the basis of his employment in the NHS.

Councillor Wyatt declared a personal interest respect of the Minute No. 40 (Notice of Motion – NHS) on the basis of his spouse’s employment. 

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 19^th May, 2017 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:-

That the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 19 May 2017 be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive questions from members of the public who may wish to ask a general question of the Mayor, Cabinet Member or the Chairman of a Committee.

It was reported that no questions had been received from the public.

To note the minutes of Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meetings held on 15^th May and 26^th June, 2017

Resolved:-

That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 15 May 2017 be noted.

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of the Asset Management Policy and Strategy.

Consideration was given to a recommendation from the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting on 15 May 2017 which sought the adoption and approval of the Asset Management Policy and Strategy.

It was reported that Commissioner Kenny had recommended approval of the Asset Management and Policy Strategy to guide the use of the Council’s Land and Property Assets. The proposed approach to the management, usage and development of the Council’s Land and Property Assets supported the Council’s Corporate Plan and the Asset Management Improvement Plan.

Resolved:-

That the Asset Management Policy and Strategy be approved and adopted.

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet to approve and adopt the Council Plan 2017 – 2020.

Consideration was given to a recommendation from the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 26 June 2017 in respect of the adoption and approval of the Council Plan for the period from 2017 to 2020.

It was reported that the Cabinet recommended the Council Plan as the core document that underpinned the Council’s overall vision, setting out headline priorities, indicators and measures that would demonstrate its delivery.

In presenting the plan for approval, Cabinet Members set out the key priorities within their portfolios for the three year period covered by the plan and reflected on the achievements in the previous plan which had covered the previous year 2016-17.

Resolved:-

That the Council Plan 2017-2020 be approved.

To consider recommendations from the Standards and Ethics Committee in respect of proposed amendments to the Constitution.

Consideration was given to recommendations from the Standards and Ethics Committee concerning proposed amendments to the Constitution, specifically in respect of Standing Orders governing the conduct of Council and committee meeting.

In view of the report failing to reflect two recommendations from the Constitution Working Group, the Council determined to defer consideration of the proposals at its next meeting on 13 September 2017.

Councillor Jepson referred to the proposal within the report in respect of the number of Members required to initiate a recorded vote and asked if the Leader of the Council could revisit this proposal before re-submitting to the Council meeting on 13 September 2017.

Councillor Carter asked the Leader of the Council whether it would be possible for Members Questions to be brought forward on the Council Agenda to follow Public Questions to demonstrate democratic accountability.

Resolved:-

That consideration of the recommendation from the Standards and Ethics Committee be deferred until 13 September 2017.

To consider a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of Member Allowances.

Consideration was given to a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel concerning a proposed reduction in the level of allowances for Members to reflect the recent reduction in the salaries of employees of the authority.

It was reported that the Independent Remuneration Panel had expressed support for a proposed reduction of 1.15% to be applied to both the basic and special responsibility allowances paid to Members. It was recommended that the effective date for the reductions be agreed as 1 April 2017, so as to be commensurate with the reduction in staff salaries which were effective from that date.

Members expressed broad support for the proposal to reduce the level of allowances paid to Councillors in the Borough. A concern was highlighted in respect of the continuing reduction in allowances and the potential negative impact on attracting younger people to stand as a candidates for election to the Council.

Resolved:-

1.    That the Basic Allowance for Members be reduced by 1.15% from £11,605 to £11,471, with the reduction to be effective from 1 April 2017.

2.    That Special Responsibility Allowances be reduced by 1.15%, with the reduction to be effective from 1 April 2017.

3.    That Appendix 8 of the Constitution, detailing the Member Allowances Scheme, be updated accordingly.

To consider the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for the 2016-17 municipal year.

Consideration was given to the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for the 2016-17 municipal year, which was presented by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board.

It was noted that the Annual Report provided a retrospective look over the past year in terms of work completed and outcomes achieved. It offered a look ahead for the coming municipal year in terms of future priorities through a headline work programme. Members further noted that the report provided a further opportunity to provide vital information to Members, officers, partner agencies and the general public about the role and work of Scrutiny and to formally thank the co-optees for their contributions.

The gratitude of the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board to all those who had been involved in the previous year and embedding the new pre-decision scrutiny arrangements was expressed and supported by Members.

Resolved:-

That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2016-17 be approved.

To consider the appointment of councillors to committees, boards, panels and other bodies.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed a proposed change in the membership of the Standards and Ethics Committee and appointments to other bodies within the Council’s governance framework.

Resolved:-

1.    That Councillor Jeanette Mallinder replace Councillor Tajamal Khan on the Standards and Ethics Committee.

2.    That the schedule of appointments to other bodies be approved.

To consider a report detailing the latest position in respect of the ward boundary review of Rotherham by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

Consideration was given to a report detailing the recommended warding scheme for the Borough from the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

It was reported that the Commission’s proposals had been published on 4 July 2017 and confirmed that there should be 59 councillors in the Borough elected from 25 Wards, which would be four Wards more, but four councillors fewer than there were presently. The Commission also proposed changes to all of the current Ward boundaries in the Borough. The report detailed what would be involved in the next stage of the review and outlined a recommended approach for the Council to respond to the proposals from the LGBCE by way of delegating authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Constitution Working Group, to respond formally to the consultation.

Resolved:-

1.    That the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s draft recommendations on the new electoral arrangements for Rotherham be noted.

2.    That the timetable for the remainder of the Ward boundary review be noted.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Constitution Working Group, to submit a response on behalf of the Council in respect of warding arrangements to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.

This Council recognises that our NHS is struggling to cope. Earlier this year the Red Cross described the situation as a ‘humanitarian crisis’ and more than twenty hospitals in England declared ‘black alert’ as they faced unprecedented pressure on their services.

At present here in Rotherham 12% of patients in the area are waiting more than four hours to be seen in A&E thereby exceeding the official target of 5%. Moreover, there is a £571m funding gap for the NHS locally.

The government plans to deal with waiting times and deficits, such as the one in our area, by setting up 44 Footprint Areas across the UK including one for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw to prepare its Sustainability and Transformation Plan which will:-

1.         Contribute to cuts of at least £2.5bn nationally this year, and £22bn within the next five years, to wipe out the NHS’s so-called financial deficit.

2.         Achieve this by implementing ‘new models of care’ that are set out in NHS England’s 5-Year Forward View (2014).

3.         By NHS England’s own admission, thus provide an “enormous opportunity” to the private sector.

We welcome the focus in the STP on prevention, mental health and primary and community care. We recognise the important proposals set out in Rotherham’s Health and Adult Social Care Plan to ensure that health and social care work more closely together to better support people who need these services. However, the government’s promise of investment in these areas is just not credible when the plans set to deliver such huge cuts in public spending.

Drastic underfunding and privatisation go hand in hand. Whilst the internal market of the NHS wastes at least £4.5bn a year, cuts and crisis in turn pave the way for more of our NHS to be privatised.

In view of the limitations NHS bodies have to oppose these cuts, as opposition could risk losing access to the £8bn NHS Transformation Fund, we recognise that as a local authority we are in a strong position to make clear our opposition to the proposed cuts to expenditure.

We therefore resolve to:-

·                Continue to work alongside Rotherham CCG and Foundation Trust in order to deliver the joined up services that local residents deserve, in line with our Health and Adult Social Care Plan.

·                Continue to support the work of the Health select Commission in holding local decision makers to account and support our local health services.

·                Increase awareness of the STP amongst the Rotherham public.

·                Call for more openness and transparency from the government and the NHS about STPs so that local residents can assess the true impact of government policy.

·                Reserve the option of not signing the STP in the future.  

Proposer:-  Councillor Cooksey                Seconder:- Councillor Sheppard

Proposed by Councillor Cooksey and seconded by Councillor Sheppard:-

This Council recognises that our NHS is struggling to cope. Earlier this year the Red Cross described the situation as a ‘humanitarian crisis’ and more than twenty hospitals in England declared ‘black alert’ as they faced unprecedented pressure on their services.

At present here in Rotherham 12% of patients in the area are waiting more than four hours to be seen in A&E thereby exceeding the official target of 5%. Moreover, there is a £571m funding gap for the NHS locally.

The government plans to deal with waiting times and deficits, such as the one in our area, by setting up 44 Footprint Areas across the UK including one for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw to prepare its Sustainability and Transformation Plan which will:-

1.    Contribute to cuts of at least £2.5bn nationally this year, and £22bn within the next five years, to wipe out the NHS’s so-called financial deficit.

2.    Achieve this by implementing ‘new models of care’ that are set out in NHS England’s 5-Year Forward View (2014).

3.    By NHS England’s own admission, thus provide an “enormous opportunity” to the private sector.

We welcome the focus in the STP on prevention, mental health and primary and community care. We recognise the important proposals set out in Rotherham’s Health and Adult Social Care Plan to ensure that health and social care work more closely together to better support people who need these services. However, the government’s promise of investment in these areas is just not credible when the plans set to deliver such huge cuts in public spending.

Drastic underfunding and privatisation go hand in hand. Whilst the internal market of the NHS wastes at least £4.5bn a year, cuts and crisis in turn pave the way for more of our NHS to be privatised.

In view of the limitations NHS bodies have to oppose these cuts, as opposition could risk losing access to the £8bn NHS Transformation Fund, we recognise that as a local authority we are in a strong position to make clear our opposition to the proposed cuts to expenditure.

We therefore resolve to:-

·         Write to the government to deman more money for the NHS and social care in Rotherham

·         Lobby mps for more money for health and social care

·         Continue to work alongside Rotherham CCG and Foundation Trust in order to deliver the joined up services that local residents deserve, in line with our Health and Adult Social Care Plan.

·         Continue to support the work of the Health select Commission in holding local decision makers to account and support our local health services.

·         Increase awareness of the STP amongst the Rotherham public.

·         Call for more openness and transparency from the government and the NHS about STPs so that local residents can assess the true impact of government policy.

·         Reserve the option of not signing the STP in the future.  

Councillor Carter proposed and Councillor Jepson seconded the following amendment:-

To insert the words:

·         Write to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council notes:-

That currently 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds are denied the vote in public elections in the UK.

That the campaign to lower the voting age is supported by thousands of young people across the UK and that the following a nationwide consultation, the UK Youth Parliament voted it as their national campaign for 2017.

This Council believes:-

16 and 17 year olds are knowledgeable and passionate about the world in which they live and are as capable of engaging in the democratic system as any other citizen;

Lowering the voting age to 16, combined with strong citizenship education, would empower young people to better engage in society and influence decisions that will define their future.

People, who can consent to medical treatment, work full-time, pay taxes, get married or enter a civil partnership and join the armed forces should also have the right to vote.

This Council resolves:-

To write to the Minster for the Constitution, local MPs and the local media to inform them of their decision to support Votes at 16 and to promote this policy through its communications.

Proposer:-  Councillor Wilson                   Seconder:- Councillor Beck

Councillor Wilson proposed and Councillor Beck seconded:-

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council notes:-

·         That currently 1.5 million 16 and 17 year olds are denied the vote in public elections in the UK.

·         That the campaign to lower the voting age is supported by thousands of young people across the UK and that the following a nationwide consultation, the UK Youth Parliament voted it as their national campaign for 2017.

This Council believes:-

·         16 and 17 year olds are knowledgeable and passionate about the world in which they live and are as capable of engaging in the democratic system as any other citizen;

·         Lowering the voting age to 16, combined with strong citizenship education, would empower young people to better engage in society and influence decisions that will define their future.

·         People, who can consent to medical treatment, work full-time, pay taxes, get married or enter a civil partnership and join the armed forces should also have the right to vote.

This Council resolvesto write to the Minster for the Constitution, local MPs and the local media to inform them of their decision to support Votes at 16 and to promote this policy through its communications.

On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Health and Wellbeing Board.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-    That the minutes of the meetings of the Health and Wellbeing Board be adopted.

Mover:-           Councillor Roche                Seconded:-   Councillor Watson  

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Planning Board.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-    That the minutes of the meetings of the Planning Board be adopted.

Mover:-           Councillor Atkin                   Seconder:-    Councillor Tweed

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Staffing Committee.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-    That the minutes of the Staffing Committee be adopted.

Mover:-           Councillor Alam                   Seconder:-    Councillor Read

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-    That the minutes of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee be noted.

Mover:-           Councillor Ellis                     Seconder:-    Councillor Beaumont

To put questions, if any, to the designated Members on the discharge of functions of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, in accordance with Standing Order No. 7(5).

It was reported that no questions had been received for designated spokespersons.

To put questions, if any, to Cabinet Members and Chairmen (or their representatives) under Standing Order No. 7(1) and 7(3).

(1)       Councillor B. Cutts asked “At the 8th March, 2017 Council meeting my question 31 referred to the two demonstrations on 25th February, and asked who was responsible for the “detailed” programme and approval of the programme. Police for planning, “other” for approval, who are the others?”

Councillor Read, Leader of the Council, explained that the Police took the lead in planning and responding to all demonstrations, including the demonstrations held on 25 February. The Police had the discretion to call on other partner agencies to support this. In such circumstances a multi-agency Silver (tactical) level group would develop tactical plans which require approval and ratification at a Gold (strategic) forum. Both Silver and Gold planning meetings were held for the demonstrations on 25^th February.  The Strategic and Tactical groups were both chaired by South Yorkshire Police, and partner agencies, including Local Authority, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and Yorkshire Ambulance Service provide support to assist in planning for, and managing the demonstrations.  One of the Council’s strategic leads would represent the Council at this multi-agency forum. The Council had a duty under the Crime and Disorder Act to work with Police for the prevention and detection of crime.

As a supplementary question, Councillor B. Cutts asked why the Leader was not concerned to attend a demonstration with him to view the extent of the impact of the demonstrations on the town centre. In response, the Leader of the Council indicated that, whilst he had met with numerous people who had been adversely affected by the demonstrations, he did not think it would be helpful to attend a demonstration with Councillor Cutts on that date.

(2)       Councillor Fenwick-Green asked “Since being an Elected Councillor for Rotherham East last year, I have seen many changes and improvements to the Ward, one of these changes being ‘the Eastwood Improvement Plan’. A year on from its introduction, can you advise whether this plan has been a success in bringing improvement to the Ward?”

Councillor Hoddinott, Cabinet Member for Waste, Roads and Community Safety, explained that the Eastwood Deal was launched in July 2016 and had been running for 12 months. She had requested a full one-year review to establish what had worked well in the first year and areas for further partnership work to focus on during the year ahead. Some areas of note regarding the Plan were:

·         The successful joined up multi-agency approach to tackling the issues

·         The Plan being led at a local level by Ward Members

·         The focus on sustainable environmental improvements, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

Key areas had included

·         tackling fly-tipping, waste in gardens and litter – 128 Fixed Penalty Notices issued from 26^th April to 5^th July 2017 and 2 successful prosecutions for the illegal disposal of waste (with a further 4 being prepared). Fly-tipping had decreased in the area

·         additionally 1 prosecution for accumulations of waste in gardens and 3 prosecutions of landlords relating to Selective Licensing issues had been successful

·         formal  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent:-

·         Interim Review of Polling Places 2017 - Recommendation from Cabinet on 10 July 2017

As reported under minute 28, the Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to introduce an urgent recommendation from the Cabinet to give authority to commence an interim review of polling places.

The Leader of the Council referred to the recent General Election which had deferred the planned review of polling places in the borough. Following feedback received on polling day on 8 June 2017 and having regard to the likelihood of another General Election in the calendar year, it was recommended that a review of polling places be undertaken.

Resolved:-

1.    That approval be granted to undertake an interim review of polling places in 2017 following the process described in this report.

2.    That the scope of the review and the proposals for changes be noted.

3.    That the outline timetable for the review, as set out in Appendix 1, be agreed

4.    That the power to designate polling places in accordance with section 18B of the Representation of the People Act 1983 be delegated to the Chief Executive, such power to be exercised only in circumstances where a decision is required at short notice and it is not possible to await a decision of Council.