Agenda and minutes

To consider any announcements by the Mayor in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 3(2)(ii).

The Mayor was proud to announce the achievement of two awards by the Council; the first where Rotherham had won a Gold Performance Award for Address Data at the recent 2019 Geoplace Exemplar Awards. Local authorities must maintain a database of all residential, commercial, telecoms and utilities addresses within their area. The data had wide usage including the emergency services, so it was vital it was accurate and up-to-date.

In recent years, the Planning Policy team had improved this database tremendously, achieving bronze standard in 2014 and silver standard by 2015. Further data matching work on over 600,000 records and the introduction of daily exports to the national database had resulted in Rotherham reaching Gold Standard in 2018 and maintaining this high performance in 2019.

This was another example of the hard work that went into the technical functions of the Planning Service. These “unsung” functions did not often get the limelight, but were fundamental to the Council continuing to deliver an excellent service for Rotherham residents and businesses.

Secondly, the Council had won an award for Data Quality and Improvements for Streets, in recognition of the way the street information database was managed.

This related to the information captured on the Street Gazetteer. Data set requirements changed on a regular basis requiring constant management and inclusion of new data. Data in the Gazetteer included street geometry, additional street data, sensitivities, and engineering difficulties amongst others.

The data was uploaded to Geo-place each month for verification where it had to pass various criteria as part of the Authorities Data Co-operation Agreement and current data entry conventions. Utilities and others download the data direct from Geo-place and this allowed them to plan and schedule their works on the highway, providing the data for the Electronic Transfer of Notices. The Street Gazetteer also provided data to the Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG) that in turn provided data that was widely used by HMRC, National office for statistics, emergency responders and others.

The Mayor asked everyone present to join her in a round of applause.

The Mayor was also pleased to present her activity since the last Council meeting which was attached for information to the Mayor’s Letter.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Beaumont, Cusworth, Marriott, Pitchley, Short and Yasseen.

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.

There were no communications received.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 3 June 2020 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Councillor Jepson made reference to Minute No. 330 (Petitions) and how a response to the petition had not yet been received.  This would be investigated further.

Resolved:- 

That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 3 June 2020 be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                           Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To report on any petitions received by the Council received by the Council and receive statements in support of petitions in accordance with Petitions Scheme and Council Procedure Rule 13.

No petitions have been received since the previous Council meeting held on 3 June 2020.

The Mayor advised Members that no petitions had been received since the previous Council meeting held on 3 June 2020.

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.

Councillor Carter declared a personal interest in Minute No. 367 (Motion in respect of the opening of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic) on the grounds of being a member of the British Medical Council.

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 in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.

1.  Mr Paddy Cawkwell asked “When the licence of a taxi driver is revoked AND there is a concern that the person whose licence is revoked may have information about criminal activities (or there is a suspicion the person was involved in criminal activities), is this information shared with South Yorkshire Police?”

In response the Chair or the Licensing Board and Licensing Committee advised that the Council’s Licensing Service notified South Yorkshire Police every time that a licence was revoked.

As a supplementary question Mr Cawkwell asked that as every victim of a crime involving a licence holder had the potential to create a cost for the Council, how were conflicts of interest prevented when the Council was working with victims of crime when the result of the investigations could result in a cost for the Council. The Chair in response advised that all complaints made by victims of crime were always investigated with no regard to any potential costs and that the appropriate actions were always taken.

2.  The second question that had been submitted for the meeting had been withdrawn overnight, as the Leader of the Council had provided a written response to the question at the request of the member of the public.

3.  Mr Marcus Wheatcroft was unable to attend the meeting and would receive a written response.

Should it be necessary, in the opinion of the Mayor, to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting in relation to any items of urgent business on the grounds that private information is likely to be divulged.

There are no such items at the time of preparing this agenda.

The Mayor advised Members that there were no items of business on the agenda that would require the exclusion of the press or public from the meeting.

To receive a statement from the Leader of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.

The Leader presented his update statement and in doing so drew attention to how Rotherham had seen, up to the end of last week, 320 deaths due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the thoughts and prayers went out to all those who had been affected by the virus.

The infection rate was higher than the U.K. average here in Rotherham, but lower than areas like Leicester and Blackburn.

Since the last Council Meeting, Rotherham had seen a phased approach to  lockdown restrictions being lifted. People could now meet with family and friends (two households), visit the pub or a restaurant, have a haircut and start to see a return to some familiar and important aspects of daily life.   However, people must remain cautious, be careful and remember that Coronavirus was still a very real threat.  The virus had not gone away.

On the 22nd May, 2020, the Government announced that as part of its national strategy to reduce infection from Coronavirus, it would expect every area in England to create a Local Outbreak Control Plan.  The Council had its plan in place and had established a Local Outbreak Board which aimed to provide public-facing engagement and communication for outbreak response. The meetings were chaired by myself, the Leader, the Board meetings which were also attended by some Members (Councillors Cowles, Roche and Watson) joining today’s meeting and by officers that have accountability for addressing key elements of the Coronavirus response across the Borough.  The objectives of the Board were:-

·            Support the effective communication of the test, trace and contain plan for the Rotherham Borough.

·            Provide regular updates to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

·            Record proceedings of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board and agree and review actions for Board Members.

·            Provide oversight of the local response around prevention and management of Covid-19 outbreaks, as set out in the Local Outbreak Control Plan.

·            Lead on communication with residents, businesses and stakeholders across the Rotherham Borough generally in relation to outbreak prevention and management.

·            Engage with communities and groups where outbreaks may be more likely or where they have occurred.

·            Receive assurance on progress against the delivery of the Local Outbreak Control Plan.

The Prime Minister’s announcement over the weekend outlined new powers for Councils providing greater enforcement powers to facilitate local lockdowns to support the management of any outbreak.  This meant that the Council was now able to enforce lockdowns of small areas (communities), close premises and cancel events which may be necessary to reduce the virus spreading and keep Rotherham open. 

Rotherham’s infection rate was high compared to other areas so people needed to continue to follow the guidance. Wash hands regularly, stay 2 m apart wherever possible and get tested if displaying symptoms or if a person just wished to take a test.

This week it would become mandatory to wear a face covering in all shops and certain exemptions existed for people who may have breathing difficulties or young children.   

Only by continuing to work together, following the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 358.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 15 June 2020.

Resolved:- 

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 June 2020 be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                           Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To consider a report in respect of the Community Governance Review of the parishes of Bramley and Ravenfield.

Further to Minute No. 267 of Council held on 30^th October, 2019, consideration was given to the report which provided a summary of the consultation responses received in respect of the Community Governance Review being undertaken by the Council following the receipt of a petition from Ravenfield Parish Council. 

A total of 520 consultation responses have been received by various means of website submissions, e-mails, letters and handwritten consultation forms submitted at the drop in sessions, and to the Clerks of the affected Parish Councils.

The options set out in the consultation were:-

1.          No change to the existing arrangements

2.     Reducing the existing Parish of Bramley and extending the Parish of Ravenfield to include the land allocated for residential use adjacent to Moor Lane South, proposed by the petition from Ravenfield Parish Council.

In summary, generally residents of Bramley were in favour of Option 1. They felt that the residents of the proposed new development would use the facilities and services within Bramley, and, therefore, Bramley Parish Council should receive the Community Infrastructure Levy money and precept from the proposed new development. Furthermore, many residents of Bramley felt that there would be increased traffic from the proposed development through their village.

In general, residents of Ravenfield were in favour of Option 2.  Residents of the proposed new development on Moor Lane South would be more likely to use the facilities and services in Ravenfield due to the proximity of the proposed development to the centre of Ravenfield, and, therefore, felt that Ravenfield Parish Council should benefit from the Community Infrastructure Levy and precept from the proposed new houses.

Taking into account the outcome of the consultation, along with the comments submitted in the consultation responses, the arguments put forward by both Parish Councils, the fact that it had not been possible to consult with residents of the relevant area as no houses within the proposed development were yet built, the recommended proposal was Option 1, no change to the existing arrangements.

Further consultation would take place upon the proposal following this meeting.  The proposed outcome of the Community Governance Review would be put on the Council’s website between 24^th July, 2020 and 30^th August, 2020, and residents’ views would thereby be sought as to the proposal.  This would be reported back to full Council in due course.

Members supported the proposed recommendation with no change to boundaries on the basis of the consultations from the Parish Councils indicated above.  When Parish Councils could not come to a mutual agreement then the status quo must be maintained.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed outcome of the Community Governance Review that there be no change to the current arrangements in respect of the Parish boundary between Ravenfield and Bramley be noted.

(2)  That a further period of consultation (as set out at Paragraph 4.2 of the report submitted) be undertaken in respect of the proposed outcome of the Community Governance Review.

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                        Seconder:-  Councillor Allen

To consider proposed amendments to the Calendar of Meetings for the 2020-21 municipal year, specifically for meetings scheduled in April and May 2021 ahead of the local elections.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how inMarch, 2020 the Government postponed the local elections that were scheduled to be held on 7^th May, 2020, because of the restrictions introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the local elections proposed to be held on Thursday, 6th May, 2021, this would necessitate some changes to the previously agreed calendar of meetings and this report, therefore, sought approval to adopt the revised Calendar of Meetings as set out as part of the report.

Resolved:-  (1) That the Calendar of Meetings for the 2020-21 Municipal Year be amended to remove all meetings other than Planning Board and Licensing Board Sub-Committees from 30th March, 2021 until the date of the Annual Meeting (Business Meeting).

(2)  That the Annual Meeting (Civic and Ceremonial) 2021 be held on Friday, 21st May, 2021.

(2)  That the Annual Meeting (Business Meeting) 2021 be held on Wednesday, 26th May, 2021.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                        Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To receive a report on the activities of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny bodies during the 2019-20 municipal year in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.

Consideration was given to the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2019/20 Municipal Year.

Reference was made to the timely reflection on the achievements and difference Scrutiny had made, as the Local Government Act 2000 that created Scrutiny was given Royal Assent twenty years ago next week.

The report, circulated with the agenda papers, highlighted a number of examples where Scrutiny had led to meaningful outcomes, such as:-

-             Overview and Scrutiny Management Board recommendations to the Safer Rotherham Partnership on protocols for information sharing.

-             Improving Lives Select Commission support for having the Pause Project, which had enabled many women to achieve positive outcomes.

-             A recommendation from Improving Places Select Commission for parking fines to be included in the Time for Action contract.

-             Feedback from Health Select Commission led to Autism being considered as a discreet issue from Learning Disability in the Rotherham Place Plan.

There was also the less tangible, but equally important, close scrutiny of services over time until Members were assured that progress and improvements have been made that were highlighted in the report.

Looking forward Scrutiny had a challenging work programme.  This would focus on the recovery and re-set from the pandemic where Scrutiny would play a key role in shaping future developments.

Specific thanks were offered to all Scrutiny Members for their commitment to undertake meaningful scrutiny and for their hard work once again.

Thanks also went to the co-optees for their insightful  contributions to the work of the Select Commissions and the service users who had shared their experiences. This involvement from the public was something to be built on this year.

In addition, thanks were extended to the Executive, officers and partners for engaging in and supporting Scrutiny, which remained a key function in local democracy.

Tribute was also paid to the invaluable service of two officers; one who was retiring shortly and the other who was leaving to take up a more senior role in another authority.  Janet Spurling and James McLaughlin were thanked for their support to the Scrutiny process and to all Elected Members.

Resolved:-  That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2019-20 be approved.

(2)  That this Council’s best wishes be afforded to both Janet Spurling on her retirement and James McLaughlin on his new employment.

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                      Seconder:-  Councillor Cowles

To note the report and recommendations arising from the Children’s Commissioner Takeover Challenge review of Hate Crime

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how each year one of the personal highlights was working with Youth Cabinet on the Takeover Challenge. The young people were very committed and as always had done a good, professional job this year on their chosen theme of hate crime.

This report outlined their findings and recommendations following the spotlight review, with a formal response expected in the autumn.

Recognition was given to the good work already taking place to address hate crime with the young people making recommendations around:-

-             Partners continuing to engage with young people.

-             Work in and between schools.

-             Involving young people in a peer educator initiative.

-             Further work on awareness raising.

Tributes were also made to Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, Janet Spurling and Sarah Bellamy for their support to this initiative each year.

Councillor Hoddinott also placed on record her thanks to the Youth Cabinet for looking at this important issue, which had not gone away in the Covid-19 pandemic and people were still suffering. 

A number of recommendations had been made for the Safer Rotherham Partnership to look at and engagement was welcomed with the Youth Cabinet in moving this forward.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and recommendations in respect of the review of Hate Crime be noted.

(2)  That the response of Cabinet be reported back to Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and Rotherham Youth Cabinet.

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                      Seconder:-  Councillor Cowles

To consider appointment of members to the Council’s committees, boards and panels.

Consideration was given to the report and the amendments set out as an appendix and circulated with the Mayor’s Letter.

Resolved:-  That the amendments to the memberships be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                        Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

This Council notes:

·         That sections of the M1 that run close and through our borough have been converted to ‘Smart Motorways’ that remove a permanent hard shoulder on the motorway.

·         In 2013, this council told the government “that the risk of collisions involving stationary vehicles during non-peak times is an unacceptable risk and one which will have serious and potentially fatal consequences”.

·         On this 16-mile stretch of the M1 there have been five fatalities in 10 months.

·         The AA, the RAC, the Police Federation, our local MP Sarah Champion, have also expressed serious concerns over the safety of this scheme.

This Council believes:

·         That all-lane running is fundamentally flawed, with large distances between emergency refuges and an inability to identify vehicles stranded in the traffic quickly enough.

·         That any benefits from increased capacity is outweighed by these serious safety concerns.

This Council resolves:

·         To reiterate the Council’s opposition to all-lane running using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane.

·         To offer our support to the campaigns of families affected to get all-lane running reverted.  

Proposer:       Councillor Hoddinott                        Seconder:      Councillor Taylor

This Council notes:-

•         That sections of the M1 that run close and through our Borough have been converted to ‘Smart Motorways’ that remove a permanent hard shoulder on the motorway.

•         In 2013, this Council told the Government “that the risk of collisions involving stationary vehicles during non-peak times is an unacceptable risk and one which will have serious and potentially fatal consequences”.

•         On this 16-mile stretch of the M1 there have been five fatalities in 10 months.

•         The AA, the RAC, the Police Federation, our local MP Sarah Champion, have also expressed serious concerns over the safety of this scheme. 

This Council believes:-

•     That all-lane running is fundamentally flawed, with large distances between emergency refuges and an inability to identify vehicles stranded in the traffic quickly enough.  That any benefits from increased capacity is outweighed by these serious safety concerns. 

This Council resolves:-

•             To reiterate the Council’s opposition to all-lane running using the hard shoulder as a permanent live traffic lane.

•             To offer our support to the campaigns of families affected to get all lane running reverted.  

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

Mover:-  Councillor Hoddinott                  Seconder:  Councillor Taylor

This Council notes:

·         The flooding of November 2019 had a big effect on local residents and businesses across Rotherham including Dinnington, Kilnhurst, Whiston, Parkgate, Wath and the town centre.

·         135 homes flooded with 49 households still out of their homes at the start of the year.

·         Over 300 businesses were affected

·         Kilnhurst school flooded and was closed until Easter.

·         Rotherham train station, the tram-train and buses were all affected for many days

·         Community and recreational facilities were also affected.

This Council believes :

·         That more can be done to assist our residents and businesses by ensuring that the works needed to prevent future flooding are funded to allow their preparation and construction in the coming years. 

This Council resolves :

·         To let the government know that this council believes that the £51 million of funding should be committed now, so flood defence works can start.

Proposer:       Councillor Sheppard           Seconder:      Councillor Sansome

This Council notes:-

•       The flooding of November 2019 had a big effect on local residents and businesses across Rotherham including Dinnington, Kilnhurst, Whiston, Parkgate, Wath and the Town Centre.

•       135 homes flooded with 49 households still out of their homes at the start of the year.

•       Over 300 businesses were affected.

•       Kilnhurst School flooded and was closed until Easter. 

•       Rotherham train station, the tram-train and buses were all affected for many days.

•       Community and recreational facilities were also affected..

This Council believes:-

•       That more can be done to assist our residents and businesses by ensuring that the works needed to prevent future flooding are funded to allow their preparation and construction in the coming years.

This Council resolves:-

•       To let the Government know that this Council believes that the £51 million of funding should be committed now, so flood defence works can start.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Sheppard                 Seconder:-  Councillor Sansome

(As an update it was noted that Kilnhurst School would be closed until October (not Easter) and that the committed funding total was £48 million (not £51 million))

This Council places on record its support and thanks to all the essential workers in our community: the NHS, the voluntary and retail sectors, drivers and care workers during this difficult and challenging time of the Coronavirus pandemic. We wish to express our sincere condolences to the people of our borough who have lost loved ones during this period.

The Government is placing pressure on schools to reopen. However, we note the position of the British Medical Association in its support for the National Education Union’s five tests before extending the opening of schools.

This Council calls on the Government not to reopen schools until it can give full assurances that children are safe and staff will be protected and supplied with personal protective equipment. We urge the Government to work collaboratively with trade unions in the education sector to create clear conditions based on the tests the unions have helpfully set out, so that every school can implement them to ensure a safe return.

This Council will support any school establishment that refuses to open until all relevant safety measures are in place.

Proposer:       Councillor Steele                 Seconder:      Councillor Cooksey

This Council :-

places on record its support and thanks to all the essential workers in our community: the NHS, the voluntary and retail sectors, drivers and care workers during this difficult and challenging time of the Coronavirus pandemic. We wish to express our sincere condolences to the people of our Borough who have lost loved ones during this period. 

The Government is placing pressure on schools to reopen. However, we note the position of the British Medical Association in its support for the National Education Union’s five tests before extending the opening of schools.

This Council calls on the Government not to reopen schools until it can give full assurances that children are safe and staff will be protected and supplied with personal protective equipment.

We urge the Government to work collaboratively with trade unions in the education sector to create clear conditions based on the tests the unions have helpfully set out, so that every school can implement them to ensure a safe return.

This Council will support any school establishment that refuses to open until all relevant safety measures are in place.

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

Mover:-   Councillor Steele                     Seconder:-  Councillor Cooksey.

(Councillor Carter declared a personal interest on the grounds of being a member of the British Medical Council)

This Council notes:

·         That the Labour controlled South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority continues to refuse to reinstate the second pump in Rotherham, despite the overwhelming will of Members of the Council and the public in Rotherham.

This Council believes:

·         That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board’s recommendation to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority in March 2018 should be reiterated in order for the Labour controlled authority to reinstate the second pump at Rotherham Fire Station to ensure that there is equality and consistency of cover with Sheffield and Doncaster

This Council resolves:

·         That a formal request be made to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority to reinstate the second pump in Rotherham

·         That the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority be recommended to recruit and train sufficient personnel, as a matter of urgency, to fill all vacant posts in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire

Proposer:       Councillor R. Elliott              Seconder:      Councillor M. Elliott

This Council notes:-

•       That the Labour controlled South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority continues to refuse to reinstate the second pump in Rotherham, despite the overwhelming will of Members of the Council and the public in Rotherham. 

This Council believes:-

•       That the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board’s recommendation to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority in March 2018 should be reiterated in order for the Labour controlled authority to reinstate the second pump at Rotherham Fire Station to ensure that there is equality and consistency of cover with Sheffield and Doncaster.

This Council resolves:-

•       That a formal request be made to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority to reinstate the second pump in Rotherham.

•       That the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority be recommended to recruit and train sufficient personnel, as a matter of urgency, to fill all vacant posts in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire.

Mover:-  Councillor R. Elliott                    Seconded:- Councillor M. Elliott.

An amendment was put and carried and became the substantive motion.

Motion now reads:-

This Council notes:-

•       The 2020 review of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) will incorporate an independent operational risk assessment and that this process will enable an in-depth interrogation of operational fire and rescue provision in Rotherham.   

This Council believes:-

•       That the independent operational risk assessment is the best way to assess the way to maximise the safe provision of Fire cover across South Yorkshire, not politically partisan motions.  

This Council resolves:-

•       That a formal request be made to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority on the conclusion of the independent operational risk assessment, for a detailed analysis of the effect of reducing the night-time provision in Rotherham, and any findings that may identify a negative impact on community safety be addressed in a manner appropriate to the risk, including due consideration of reinstatement of the second pump at Rotherham central.

•       That the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority be recommended to continue to recruit and train sufficient personnel, as a matter of urgency, to fill all vacant posts in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire in line with the available budget.

The substantive motion was put and carried.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                        Seconded:-  Councillor Taylor

There are moments in time when we are compelled to stand back and reflect. The killing of George Floyd under the knee of police officers in America is one of those times. We cannot, indeed we must not fail to share our horror and sadness that in 2020 people are still persecuted, murdered and disadvantaged purely because of the colour of their skin. We cannot ignore that this is happening in the UK.

?     Between April 2018 and March 2019, there were 4 stop and searches for every 1,000 white people, compared with 38 for every 1,000 black people

?     Black women were more than twice as likely to be arrested as white women – there were 7 arrests for every 1,000 black women, and 3 arrests for every 1,000 white women

?     In the year to March 2019, black people were more than 4 times as likely as white people to be detained under the Mental Health Act – 306.8 detentions per 100,000 people, compared with 72.9 per 100,000 people

?     4% of white people were unemployed in 2018, compared with 7% of people from all other ethnic groups combined, and 9% for black people

?     In 2018, the unemployment rate for the Asian and the combined Pakistani and Bangladeshi ethnic groups was higher for women (8% and 13%) than for men (5% and 6%)

?     In every socio-economic group and age group, White British households were more likely to own their own homes than all ethnic minority households combined

This Council notes the disadvantage faced by black minority ethnic people and the systemic racism that exists across all structures of society, including within national and local government and the police.

This Council commits to making Rotherham an anti-racist town and will:

?     Stand in solidarity with our black and minority ethnic communities, in Rotherham and around the world

?     Work with local communities, listen to them, so we can better understand the racism they experience and the challenges that they face, including in areas such as local policing and the increased risks from Covid-19

?     Strengthen our anti-racism approach and ensure all staff participate in activity/training that supports them to address prejudice and bias, including where necessary their own

?     Report annually on how council services are responding to the different needs of people with protected equalities characteristics, setting out an annual plan to meet the needs of people from different backgrounds, addressing inequalities, and ensuring that the council is meeting its obligations.

Proposer:       Councillor Albiston              Seconder:      Councillor Read

There are moments in time when we are compelled to stand back and reflect. The killing of George Floyd under the knee of police officers in America is one of those times. We cannot, indeed we must not fail to share our horror and sadness that in 2020 people are still persecuted, murdered and disadvantaged purely because of the colour of their skin. We cannot ignore that this is happening in the UK.

•       Between April 2018 and March 2019, there were 4 stop and searches for every 1,000 white people, compared with 38 for every 1,000 black people.

 •      Black women were more than twice as likely to be arrested as white women – there were 7 arrests for every 1,000 black women, and 3 arrests for every 1,000 white women.

•       In the year to March 2019, black people were more than 4 times as likely as white people to be detained under the Mental Health Act – 306.8 detentions per 100,000 people, compared with 72.9 per 100,000 people. 

•       4% of white people were unemployed in 2018, compared with 7% of people from all other ethnic groups combined, and 9% for black people.

•       In 2018, the unemployment rate for the Asian and the combined Pakistani and Bangladeshi ethnic groups was higher for women (8% and 13%) than for men (5% and 6%).

•       In every socio-economic group and age group, White British households were more likely to own their own homes than all ethnic minority households combined. 

This Council notes the disadvantage faced by black minority ethnic people and the systemic racism that exists across all structures of society, including within national and local government and the police. 

This Council commits to making Rotherham an anti-racist town and will:-

•       Stand in solidarity with our black and minority ethnic communities, in Rotherham and around the world.

•       Work with local communities, listen to them, so we can better understand the racism they experience and the challenges that they face, including in areas such as local policing and the increased risks from Covid-19.

•       Strengthen our anti-racism approach and ensure all staff participate in activity/training that supports them to address prejudice and bias, including where necessary their own.

•       Report annually on how cCuncil services are responding to the different needs of people with protected equalities characteristics, setting out an annual plan to meet the needs of people from different backgrounds, addressing inequalities, and ensuring that the Council is meeting its obligations.

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

Mover:-   Councillor Albiston                   Seconder:-  Councillor Read

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Standards and Ethics Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor McNeely                   Seconder:-  Councillor Clark

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Wyatt                        Seconder:-  Councillor Walsh

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 reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Roche                      Seconder:-  Councillor Mallinder

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Planning Board be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Sheppard                 Seconder:-  Councillor Williams

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Staffing Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                         Seconder:-  Councillor Read

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Board and Licensing Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Ellis                          Seconder:-  Councillor McNeely

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 Council Procedure Rule 11(5).

There were no questions.

To put questions, if any, to Cabinet Members and Committee Chairpersons (or their representatives) under Council Procedure Rules 11(1) and 11(3).

1.  Councillor B. Cutts asked the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health “With 130 people registered on their books, I am very concerned for the people who attend the Addison Day Centre  I have received a 260 page report, however to date, page 75 Addison Road, is not mentioned. Could I now have the present position?”

In response the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health advised that, prior to the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic, there were 88 individuals who attended the Addison Centre and that they had all been contacted by staff regarding the reassessment process, with many individuals already accessing the new services. The Cabinet Member advised that while the Addison Centre was not in use due to current restrictions, staff at the Centre had remained in contact with individuals and carers to provide them with as much support as was possible. The Cabinet Member provided information on the activity that was happening to restart the transformation activity as restrictions related to the pandemic were eased. The Cabinet Member noted that the Council maintained its commitment to support all individuals and provided assurance that no one would move from the Addison Centre until they had a robust support plan in place.

As a supplementary question Councillor B Cutts advised that he had been provided with different information when he had asked this question previously and sought clarification on how the Council had arrived at the current position.

In response the Cabinet Member advised that the review of Service provision had started in 2015, with a plan being formulated in 2016 that had been subject to full consultation and Scrutiny input, with Scrutiny Members supporting the proposals. It was noted that the related Judicial Review regarding the changes had found in favour of the Council.

2.  Councillor Carter asked the Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities “What impact do you believe the coronavirus outbreak has had on the Council’s plans to become the Children’s Capital of Culture?”

In response the Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities advised that the Children’s Capital of Culture was planned for 2025, and that by then it would be hoped that the impact of the pandemic would be minimal.  The Cabinet Member advised that originally it had been planned that external funding would be sought for outline proposals, and that in the first year of planning these would be focused on early conversations and consultation with target groups with a view to developing a more formal ‘launch’ of the programme early 2021. The Cabinet Member advised that as these programmes needed funding to ensure that they had the resources required to meaningfully engage with children and young people across the Borough, early discussions had taken place with Arts Council England who were supportive of bid for funding. However, as a result of the pandemic, Arts Council England had halted all funding streams and diverted resources into emergency funding that the Council was not eligible to receive.

The Cabinet Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 377.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items for consideration.

Before closing the meeting, the Mayor wished to place on record the thanks of the Council to the outgoing Head of Democratic Services, James McLaughlin, who was leaving the Council in August to become Director of Corporate and Customer Services at Derbyshire Dales District Council.