Agenda and minutes

Venue: Magna, Magna Way, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1FD

Contact: Governance Unit  The webcast can be viewed at http://www.rotherham.public-i.tv

Items
No. Item

91.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Minutes:

The Mayor issued her congratulations to:-

 

Councillors Singleton and Collingham on their recent wedding wishing them well on their lives together.

 

Those who were recognised in the New Year Honours list for their achievements and service across the country, but in particular the following:-

 

·            Kim Phillips awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for public services, following her exemplary efforts to support communities around Rotherham.  Working for RMBC, Kim’s contribution to the Council had been invaluable. As well as helping to shape the Council’s approach to catering and facilities management, and representing her peers at a national level, Kim had been instrumental in helping RMBC to support the Covid response and in championing our work with children and young people. 

 

·            Gavin Walker from Wickersley awarded an MBE in recognition of his outstanding services to sports and for inspiring others facing adversity through life-changing events.  He co-captained the GB wheelchair rugby squad, who won gold in the Tokyo Olympics last year.

 

·            Barry Horne, Chief Executive of Activity Alliance, awarded an MBE for services to inclusivity in sport.  He helped to transform the organisation into a national charity and was a leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity, changing attitudes and embedding inclusive practices across the country.

 

·            Ken Dunn, Chair of Africa’s Gift Ltd., awarded an MBE for his services to development and local communities in Lesotho and sub-Saharan Africa

 

The Mayor also welcomed the opportunity to report on a number of engagements:-

 

·            Performances at the Civic Theatre, the Annual Dinner and Presentation at the Phoenix Golf Club Pavilion and the Rotherham Chamber Celebration Event held at Magna.

 

·            Participation in the Rotherham College graduation ceremony at New York Stadium.

 

·            Crossroads Care Annual General meeting at Sitwell Park Golf Club – Crossroads are an outstanding organisation who provide care for vulnerable people across Rotherham.

 

·            Visits to the Rotherham Cancer Care Christmas Fare at St Cuthbert’s Church, Rotherham Interfaith Tea Party at the Unity Centre and welcome the Master and Mistress Cutler briefly to the Town Hall.

 

During November:-

 

·            The opening of the Social Supermarket on Corporation Street.

·            Awareness raising for Prostate and Lung Cancer with the Voluntary Action Rotherham’s Health Engagement Team.

·            The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, at which the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire presented the award for International Trade for Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales to SJM Alloys and Metals Limited

·            Commemorated Armistice Day by paying respects to those in the armed forces, both past and present, at events in All Saints Square and Clifton Park, visited the beautiful Poppy Cascade at the Rotherham indoor market and sold poppies at a local supermarket.

·            Switched the Christmas lights on.

 

During December:-

 

·            Santa’s Christmas Reindeer event at the Dinnington Resource Centre.

·            Start-a-Heart Christmas Market at Woodlaithes Village.

·            A Gothic Christmas Ball and dinner at Swinton Masonic Hall.

·            The Maltby Miners Welfare band Christmas concert in the Civic Theatre – the performance was absolutely fantastic.

 

Other engagements included:-

 

·            The official launch of the New Life Enterprise  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

92.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

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

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Barker, Burnett, Cowen, Hague, Wilson.

93.

COMMUNICATIONS

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.

Minutes:

There were none to report.

94.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING pdf icon PDF 610 KB

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 10th November, 2021, and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Minutes:

Resolved: - That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 10th November, 2021, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

 

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

95.

PETITIONS

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

Minutes:

There were no Petitions to report.

96.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Minutes:

Councillors Atkin and Cusworth, declared a personal interest in agenda item 12 (Housing Rents and Services Charges 2022/23) as they had family members who held a Council tenancy.

 

Councillors Andrews, Bennett-Sylvester, Lelliott, McNeely and Wyatt declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in agenda item 12 (Housing Rents and Services Charges 2022/23) as they held a Council tenancy. 

 

Councillors A. Carter and Miro declared a personal interest in agenda item 17 (Notice of Motion – Health and Social Care) on the grounds of having a medical background.

97.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS

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.

Minutes:

(1)  Miss V.M. asked why had the Stayput Handyman Service which provided vital support to elderly and vulnerable residents of the Borough been stopped without prior notification to residents? 

 

Councillor Roche referred to the Stayput Handyperson Service which was provided by Yorkshire Housing until 30th September 2021.   

 

A review of the service was carried out in 2020/21 which showed that activity had significantly reduced since the service was commissioned in 2016/17. A customer engagement exercise was undertaken with past and present customers who had been in receipt of the service within the previous 12 months. Postal and telephone surveys were provided to these customers and on-line surveys were also made available on social media - to ensure members of the public were aware of the consultation exercise. 

 

The outcome of the engagement exercise revealed that the service was providing some duplicated activity that Council services were already providing and that a high number of customers confirmed that if the service was no longer free of charge - they would be willing to financially contribute to this type of service in the future. 

  

Recommendations from the review concluded that customers would be signposted to the Adult Social Care Customer Contact teams and Housing Contact Centre with a view to ongoing support or support to self-fund this type of provision in the future by 1st October 2021. The contract was subsequently terminated on 30th September, 2021. 

 

There were services that people could access such as Yorkshire Housing’s Handytec Service, First Contact, Community Occupational Therapy Service, Housing Contact Centre and voluntary and community sector services.

 

In a supplementary question Miss V.M. pointed out that the demand for the service was high and residents were begging for the service to be reinstated as it provided a valuable support for vulnerable people.

 

Councillor Roche suggested the member of the public contact him and he would investigate her concerns, but it was unlikely the service would be recommissioned.

 

(2)  Mr. B.C. asked what, following on from the last Council Meeting, were the rules, constraints, guidelines on the sound volume at Council Meetings to accommodate the general public. 

 

The Deputy Leader confirmed there were no specific rules, constraints, and guidelines on sound levels at Council meetings.  The Council always tried to ensure that its meetings were accessible to all members of the community. 

 

The impacts of the pandemic and the efforts the Council had gone to in ensuring that meetings were safe for the public, Councillors, and officers have sometimes meant that the ability to make adjustments had been constrained.  This had especially been the case as the Government had chosen not to put in place the legislation necessary to enable remote meetings to continue as they did during the first part of the pandemic. 

 

The Council would continue to listen to any feedback that it received that would enable it to improve the accessibility of meetings.   

 

In his supplementary question Mr. B.C. referred to disturbances and distractions at the last Council Meeting which made listening  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

98.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

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.

Minutes:

There were no matters requiring exclusion of the press or public.

99.

LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S STATEMENT

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

Minutes:

The Leader presented his statement and wished to start by congratulating Councillors Singleton and Collingham on their recent wedding and on behalf of the Council wishing them all the best for their lives together.

 

The Leader shared the Mayor’s congratulations and good news celebrating the honour bestowed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List to the Council’s, Head of Catering and Facilities Services, Kim Phillips. 

 

Kim received an MBE for her work supporting communities within the Borough including during the pandemic.  This award was a testament to the hard work and dedication that Kim has shown over the past 2 years and thoroughly deserved.

 

A warm welcome was also issued to the newest members to the Council following the recent by-elections; Councillor Drew Tarmey representing Anston and Woodsetts and Councillor Robert Taylor representing the people of Aughton and Swallownest.

 

Still of concern was the Government’s unwillingness to legislate for remote and virtual meetings and the 7 month timeframe thinking about whether to allow it to continue.

 

Whatever the pros and cons of meeting online, at the present time when people were being asked to work from home it did not appear right that Councillors and the staff who provided support were forced to meet in a room like this.

 

Business could be conducted more safely and especially when Covid infections in the Borough were higher than they had ever been, the Council should be reasonably allowed to do all it could and ensure no-one’s health was put at risk.

 

It was hoped the Government would  rethink its policy, but until then the Leader hoped everyone remained safe and well until they did.

 

A period of not more than 10 minutes was allowed for questions.

 

Councillor Sansome sought guidance on whether an application had been made to the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme which would fund 25 areas and provide innovative practical actions given the flooding issues the Borough had suffered in Kilnhurst.

 

The Leader was unable to confirm so would investigate further.

 

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester welcomed the opening of Rotherham’s first social supermarket, but in doing so asked whether Members in Rotherham, unlike some in Sheffield, would be advised not cross a picket line should strike action be implemented following the ballot for the pay offer.

 

The Leader did not have details about incidents in Sheffield, but believed Members from his political party would not endeavour to cross any picket line.

 

Councillor A. Carter echoed the sentiments by the Mayor and the Leader about the recent wedding between Councillors Singleton and Collingham and the recipients in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, but asked what format representations had been made to the Government about the continuance of remote meetings since the legislative removal in May, 2021.

 

The Leader outlined the representations made to Government by the LGA and the Association of Democratic Services Officers. The Government had opened a period of consultation which the Council had contributed into.  A Government view was expected soon, but with the increase in the number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

100.

MINUTES OF THE CABINET MEETINGS pdf icon PDF 142 KB

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meetings held on 22nd November and 20th December, 2021.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Resolved:- That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 22nd November and 20th December, 2021 be received.   

 

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester made reference to Minute No. 70 (Proposals for the REACH Service) of the meeting of Cabinet held on 20th December, 2021.  In doing so he asked that the further report detailing an options appraisal, with recommendations for Cabinet approval, fully consider the views of service users.

 

The Leader confirmed he was happy for this to be considered and be part of the process.

 

Councillor Ball also referred to Minute No. 76(2) of the same meeting and his question about the fatality on Cumwell Lane and asked if there was any update.  He was aware of an online petition that had amassed a considerable number of signatures and asked that the mud on this road and the safety of users be seriously looked at.

 

Councillor Beck confirmed Councillor Ball’s concerns were being looked into and would also be forwarded on after this meeting.

 

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: -  Councillor Allen

101.

RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET - HRA BUSINESS PLAN 2022-23 pdf icon PDF 202 KB

To consider the proposed 2022-23 Base Case Option 1 for the HRA Business Plan.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 82 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 20th December, 2021, consideration was given to the report detailing the overview of the current position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the reason for any changes to the Business Plan.

 

The HRA recorded all expenditure and income relating to the provision of Council housing and related services, and the Council was required to produce a HRA Business Plan setting out its investment priorities over a 30 year period. It was reported that by the end of March 2022, 194 new Council homes would have been built since the start of the Housing Growth Programme.

 

A further £92.3m would be invested to deliver the Council’s ambition to create 1,000 homes between 2018 and 2025-26. It was also reported that over the short to medium term forecast, the Business Plan was operating at or around the minimum balance. However, over the longer term, there was a significant squeeze on resources due to inflationary pressures even before the costs of achieving net zero carbon were factored in.

 

Paragraph 2.2 of the report outlined the focus on the HRA Business Plan which included objectives such as supporting new affordable housing, supporting tenants to maximise income, tackling fuel poverty and achieving and maintaining the Decent Homes standards. Since the last update of the HRA Business Plan there had been significant policy changes, specifically relating to the Council’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030. This created a significant financial challenge for the Plan.

 

The overall position remained challenging, particularly given the inflationary pressures evident in costs for delivery of the Housing Growth Programme and more generally the cost base of the HRA. As a consequence, it was deemed necessary to increase rents by 4.1%, in line with the Government’s Rent Standard.

 

It was noted that the increase would not impact the most financially vulnerable tenants. The preferred option for the HRA Business Plan Base Case was outlined in the report as Option 1 and would result in the HRA having an operational surplus of £34m and provide support to the Housing Growth agenda and the Council’s General Fund position.

 

Councillors A. Carter and Barley indicated their opposition to the HRA Business Plan.  The Council could make its own choices and determine the rent increases accordingly. 

 

A recorded vote was requested.

 

(Members in favour – Councillors Alam, Allen, The Mayor (Councillor Andrews), Atkin Aveyard, Baker-Rodgers, Beck, Bennett-Sylvester, Bird, Brookes, Browne, Clark, Cooksey, Cusworth, Elliott,  Ellis, Griffin, Havard, Hoddinott, Hughes, Jones, Keenan, Khan, Lelliott, McNeely, Monk, Pitchley, Read, Roche, Sansome, Sheppard, Taylor, Wyatt and Yasseen)

 

(Members against – Councillors Bacon, Ball, Barley, Baum-Dixon, A. Carter, C. Carter, Castledine-Dack, T. Collingham Z. Collingham, Fisher, Hunter, Mills, Miro, Reynolds, Tarmey, Thompson, Tinsley, Whormsley and Wooding)

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed 2022-23 Base Case Option 1 for the HRA Business Plan be approved.

 

(2) That the plan be reviewed annually to provide an updated financial position.

 

Mover:-  Councillor Brookes                   Seconder:-  Councillor Allen  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

102.

RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT RENTS AND SERVICE CHARGES 2022-23 pdf icon PDF 199 KB

To consider and approve the Housing Revenue Account Rents and Service Charges 2022-23.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 83 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 20th December, 2021, consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the proposed values of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2022/23.   The proposed charges were attached to the report at Appendix 1 and the proposed budget at Appendix 2. 

 

The average rent in 2021/22 was £75.45 when aggregated over 52 weeks. The 2022/23 average weekly rent based on the Government policy of CPI (3.1% as at September 2021) plus 1% would be £78.54 totalling in an average increase of £3.09 per week. Rent increases in respect of shared ownership properties were subject to a different formula of RPI (4.9% as at September 2021) plus 0.5%. 51 shared ownership properties would be affected with rents increasing by £2.29 per week on average, from £42.41 to £44.70.

 

It was also proposed that there be a 2% increase in charges for garages and parking spaces, communal facilities, cooking gas and use of laundry facilities. This was in line with the Council’s policy on fees and charges.

 

Due to the current energy crisis and subsequent rise in gas prices, it was proposed that the charging model for District Heating, which had been agreed by Full Council in December 2017, be revised to allow for a planned deficit should energy price increases exceed scheme income. This would allow the Council to shield the most financially vulnerable residents from significant increases.

 

The Cabinet Member for Housing explained how the increase in rents and charges was necessary to fund the Council’s ongoing Housing Growth Programme and maintain properties to the Decent Homes Standard.

 

Councillors Barley and A. Carter did not feel the increase in rents were moderate given the cost of living crisis, believing that with control the Council could do more to support its vulnerable citizens.

 

Councillors Beck, Cusworth, Hoddinott and Read disagreed with those Members opposed to the rent increases and believed this measured approach was the best way forward and would still allow the Council to invest in its housing stock yet safeguard the least off tenants.  They were in full support of the Council’s aspirations and the investment in future housing.

 

A recorded vote was requested.

 

(Members in favour – Councillors Alam, Allen, Atkin Aveyard, Baker-Rodgers, Beck, Bird, Brookes, Browne, Clark, Cooksey, Cusworth, Elliott,  Ellis, Griffin, Havard, Hoddinott, Hughes, Jones, Keenan, Khan, Monk, Pitchley, Read, Roche, Sansome, Sheppard, Taylor and Yasseen)

 

(Members against – Councillors Bacon, Ball, Barley, Baum-Dixon, A. Carter, C. Carter, Castledine-Dack, T. Collingham Z. Collingham, Fisher, Hunter, Mills, Miro, Reynolds, Tarmey, Thompson, Tinsley, Whormsley and Wooding)

 

(Members abstaining - The Mayor (Councillor Andrews), Councillors Bennett-Sylvester, Lelliott, McNeely and Wyatt)

 

Resolved:-  (1)  That dwelling rents be increased by 4.1% in 2022/23 (Option 1) in line with the Government policy on rents for social housing which allows rents to increase by Consumer Price Index (CPI) (3.1% as at September 2021) plus 1%.

 

(2)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

103.

COUNCIL PLAN 2022-2025 AND YEAR AHEAD DELIVERY PLAN pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To consider the Council Plan 2022-2025 and the Year Ahead Delivery Plan.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 85 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 20th December, 2021, consideration was given to the report which explained that a new Council Plan had been developed for 2022-25.

 

The Council had adopted the Year Ahead Plan in September 2020 as the Council Plan for operating within the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan had been extended in March 2021 and finished at the end of November 2021.

 

The Council Plan 2022-25 had been developed following a public consultation and was a key document outlining the Council’s vision for the Borough and the priorities for serving residents and communities. The consultation had included online and postal surveys, focus groups and engagement at the Rotherham Show.

 

Appendix 3 detailed the key findings of the consultation. Engagement also took place with key stakeholders, Cabinet Members and the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board. There was also an engagement session available for all Elected Members. This engagement led to the Plan being framed around 5 themes:

 

-      Every neighbourhood thriving.

-      People are safe, healthy and live well.

-      Every child able to fulfil their potential.

-      Expanding economic opportunity.

-      A cleaner, greener local environment.

 

There were 26 outcomes and 47 commitments include in the Plan.

 

In order to work towards the Council Plan, outcomes and achieve the commitments, a Year Ahead Delivery Plan had been developed which set out the key activities to be delivered from January 2022 to March 2023. This included 91 priority actions/milestones.

 

It was proposed that the first Council Plan progress report, covering the period January 2022 to March 2022, be reported to Cabinet in June 2022.

 

Cabinet Members gave an update on areas from their portfolios that were now included in the Plan.  The Council was focusing on its leadership role across the Borough and particularly where it could have greater influence. Partnership working was recognised across all services as being essential to the future of the Borough; combining knowledge, ideas, expertise and resources to deliver tangible improvements, deliver efficiencies and economies of scale, and helping to strengthen communities.

 

In response to the presentation of the Plan Councillor Reynolds noted how key statistics were reported and asked if this could also include key findings.  He also welcomed regeneration action in the Borough, particularly for key buildings in the town centre that had suffered neglect or vandalism.

 

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester, along with Councillor Atkin, voiced their support and welcomed the continuation of the developing neighbourhood approach.  The commitment to making the Borough a cleaner greener environment was welcomed.

 

Resolved:- (1)  That the Council Plan 2022-2025 be adopted.

 

(2)  That the Year Ahead Delivery Plan be adopted.

 

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

104.

FREEMAN OF THE BOROUGH NOMINATION pdf icon PDF 262 KB

To consider a nomination to create an Honorary Freeman to the Borough.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how under the Local Government Act 1972, the Council had the power to grant the title of Honorary Freewoman and Honorary Freeman of the Borough to persons of distinction who have rendered eminent service to the Borough.

 

The Council was, therefore, asked to consider a proposal endorsed by the Mayor and the Political Group Leaders, in accordance with the Authority’s protocol in respect of the award of the Freedom of the Borough, to create a new Honorary Freeman.

 

A nomination to admit Gavin Walker as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Rotherham was submitted by Councillor Alan Atkin, with the support of 10 other Councillors in accordance with the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.  This was in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a Paralympic Gold Medallist and inspiration to others to achieve against life changing events.

 

Resolved:-  That in pursuance of the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and in recognition of his outstanding service to sport as an Olympic Gold Medalist Paralympian and inspiration to others facing adversity through life changing events, Gavin Walker, be admitted as an Honorary Freeman of this Boroughat Annual Council.

 

Mover:-  Councillor Atkin                        Seconder:-  Councillor Taylor

105.

MEMBERSHIP OF POLITICAL GROUPS ON THE COUNCIL, POLITICAL BALANCE AND ENTITLEMENT TO SEATS pdf icon PDF 297 KB

To inform Council of amendments to the nomination of Members to serve on Committees, Boards and Panels.

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 15 to the annual meeting of Council held on 26th May, 2021, consideration was given to the report which detailed how under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 Local Authorities had the duty to allocate seats to political groups and set out the principles to be followed when determining such allocation following formal notification of the establishment of political groups in operation on the Council.

 

There was a requirement to annually review the entitlement of the political groups to seats on the committees of the Council following 2 principles:-

 

(a)      Balance must be achieved across the total number of available seats on committees; and

 

(b)      Balance must be achieved on each individual committee or body where seats are available

 

There were presently 4 political groups in operation on the Council – the Labour Group (majority), Conservative Group (opposition), Liberal Democrat (Lib Dem) Group and Rotherham Democratic Party (RDP) Group – with one non-aligned Councillor (Members who were not in a political group).

 

As a result of 2 by-elections held on 9th December 2021 the political balance of the Council had changed.

 

There were 149 seats available on Committees, Boards and Panels and under the calculation the Labour Group was entitled to 83 seats, the Opposition Group (Conservative) 45 seats, the Liberal Democrat Group 10 seats, the Rotherham Democratic Party Group 8 seats. 3 seats were allocated to the non-aligned Councillor.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the new political balance of the Council as a result of the by-election be noted.

 

(2)   That the entitlement of the membership of the political groups be agreed and such entitlements be reflected in Council’s appointments of Members to committees.

 

(3)  That the amendment of appointments of Members to Committees, Boards and Panels to reflect the change in political balance as notified by Group Leaders be confirmed as follows:-

 

Audit Committee

·          Councillor Barley to be removed

·          Councillor Wilson to be removed

·          Councillor Wooding to be added

·          Councillor Mills to be added

 

Licensing Board

·          Councillor Bacon to be removed

·          Councillor Castledine-Dack to be added

·          Cllr Taylor to be added

 

Licensing Committee

·          Councillor Bacon to be removed

·          Councillor Castledine-Dack to be added

 

Planning Board:

·          Councillor Carter to be removed

·          Councillor Tarmey to be added

·          Councillor Castledine-Dack to be removed

·          Councillor Wilson to be removed

·          Councillor Bacon to be added

·          Councillor Burnett to be added

 

Standards and Ethics Committee:

·          Councillor Tarmey to be added

·          Councillor Castledine-Dack to be removed

 

Health Select Commission:

·          Councillor Adam Carter to be added

·          Councillor Hunter to be removed

·          Councillor Wilson to be removed

·          Councillor Whomersley to be added

 

Improving Lives Select Commission:

·          Councillor Charlotte Carter to be removed

·          Councillor Singleton to be removed

·          Councillor Wilson to be removed

·          Councillor Mills to be added

·          Councillor Ian Jones to be added

 

Improving Places Select Commission:

·          Councillor Miro to be removed

·          Councillor Charlotte Carter to be added

·          Councillor Bennett-Sylvester to be added

·          Councillor Barley to be removed

·          Councillor Whomersley to be removed

·          Councillor Mills to be removed

·          Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 105.

106.

EXTERNAL AUDIT RE-PROCUREMENT pdf icon PDF 319 KB

To consider the recommendation to opt-in to the PSAA re-procurement of the external audit function.

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 56 of the meeting of the Audit Committee held on 30th November, 2021 consideration was given to the report which set out in detail the re-procurement of External Audit.  The Council’s current External Auditor was Grant Thornton under a contract managed by Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) and  would expire at the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

 

The report set out the options available for the future procurement of the external audit function (below) and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of each of the 3 options:-

 

-        The Council could continue to take part in the national procurement undertaken by PSAA.

-        Procure individually.

-        Seek to carry out a joint procurement along with (probably) neighbouring local authorities and/or the Sheffield City Region.

 

If the Council was to independently procure its own external auditors this must be done by December, 2022.

 

Resolved:-  That the recommendation to opt-in to the PSAA re-procurement of the external audit function be approved.

 

Mover:-  Councillor Baker-Rodgers         Seconder:-  Councillor Browne

107.

NOTICE OF MOTION - HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

This Council recognises:-

 

-               The significant impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the country and the world.

-               The excellent work of health and social care workers, especially during these unprecedent times.

 

This Council notes:-

 

-               The under-funding of the NHS.

-               The failure to train enough doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals for future careers in the NHS, and increased pressures pushing large numbers of experienced senior healthcare workers into early retirement.

-               That in the context of a pandemic, the latest nationwide wholesale introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) is poorly timed.

-               The latest plans revert to a structure that was in place over a decade ago.

-               That a postcode lottery on specialised services (such as IVF treatment) has sadly emerged throughout the country.

-               That regular reorganisation of NHS services at the whim of the Health Secretary of the day harms good patient care.

-               That arbitrary Government target-setting, diktats, and regulatory changes create a culture of instability, which can result in worse outcomes for patients.

-               That a progressive reduction in inpatient beds has left the country ill-equipped to deal with current pressures and this has resulted in record waiting times to access essential services, including Emergency Departments across the region.

-               That it can make improvements to the commissioning and delivery of high-quality social care.

-               The systematic undervaluing and underpaying of social care workers and that there are no new funding proposals for existing pressures.

-               That the Government’s new health and social care levy proposes no new funding towards existing funding pressures, demographic growth or inflation, with the expectation that these will be funded by council tax, social care precept and efficiencies.

-               That the Government has failed to take account of the impact of their social care proposals on employee and provider costs.

 

Therefore this Council resolves:-

 

-               To review the commissioning of social care services within the Borough at the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Board within three months, placing particular focus on its intermediate care, respite care and locality-based providers of home care.

-               To review the working conditions of social care providers in the Borough, with the aspiration that all social care staff in the Borough are paid a fair wage.

-               To improve communication and collaboration with health and social care providers and focus on providing a comprehensive community hospital that focuses on rehabilitation and easing hospital bed pressures.

 

This Council also resolves to request that the Government:-

 

-               Delays the proposed introduction of the ICS by two years, given the current pressures of the pandemic.

-               Better addresses existing funding pressures, demographic growth and inflation within the new health and social care levy.

-               Remove the punitive tax structures which force experienced health professionals into early retirement, to incentivise these health professionals to remain within the service.

-               Removes immigration barriers from healthcare professionals from the European Union.

-               Increase the number of healthcare professionals being trained within the country.

-               Incentivise those taking healthcare  ...  view the full agenda text for item 107.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Miro and seconded by Councillor Tarmey that:-

 

This Council recognises:-

 

-                 The significant impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the country and the world.

-                 The excellent work of health and social care workers, especially during these unprecedent times.

 

This Council notes:-

 

-                 The under-funding of the NHS.

-                 The failure to train enough doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals for future careers in the NHS, and increased pressures pushing large numbers of experienced senior healthcare workers into early retirement.

-                 That in the context of a pandemic, the latest nationwide wholesale introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) is poorly timed.

-                 The latest plans revert to a structure that was in place over a decade ago.

-                 That a postcode lottery on specialised services (such as IVF treatment) has sadly emerged throughout the country.

-                 That regular reorganisation of NHS services at the whim of the Health Secretary of the day harms good patient care.

-                 That arbitrary Government target-setting, diktats, and regulatory changes create a culture of instability, which can result in worse outcomes for patients.

-                 That a progressive reduction in inpatient beds has left the country ill-equipped to deal with current pressures and this has resulted in record waiting times to access essential services, including Emergency Departments across the region.

-                 That it can make improvements to the commissioning and delivery of high-quality social care.

-                 The systematic undervaluing and underpaying of social care workers and that there are no new funding proposals for existing pressures.

-                 That the Government’s new health and social care levy proposes no new funding towards existing funding pressures, demographic growth or inflation, with the expectation that these will be funded by council tax, social care precept and efficiencies.

-                 That the Government has failed to take account of the impact of their social care proposals on employee and provider costs.

 

Therefore this Council resolves:-

 

-                 To review the commissioning of social care services within the Borough at the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Board within 3months, placing particular focus on its intermediate care, respite care and locality-based providers of home care.

-                 To review the working conditions of social care providers in the Borough, with the aspiration that all social care staff in the Borough are paid a fair wage.

-                 To improve communication and collaboration with health and social care providers and focus on providing a comprehensive community hospital that focuses on rehabilitation and easing hospital bed pressures.

 

This Council also resolves to request that the Government:-

 

-                 Delays the proposed introduction of the ICS by 2 years, given the current pressures of the pandemic.

-                 Better addresses existing funding pressures, demographic growth and inflation within the new health and social care levy.

-                 Remove the punitive tax structures which force experienced health professionals into early retirement, to incentivise these health professionals to remain within the service.

-                 Removes immigration barriers from healthcare professionals from the European Union.

-                 Increase the number of healthcare  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

108.

NOTICE OF MOTION - BETTER BUSES FOR ROTHERHAM

That this Council:-

 

a.           Notes that the extent of the South Yorkshire bus network has been cut by over 12 million kilometres since 2014 and understands that Rotherham residents on the lowest incomes have been therefore been deprived of travel opportunities for the purposes of education, employment and social contact with their families.

 

b.           Notes the regional imbalances in funding for public transport services which prioritise the South of England and believes these to be unacceptable.

 

c.           Believes that a good public transport system should run where people need it, when people need it and at a price that is affordable.

 

d.           Understands that the Government's impact assessment of the Bus Service Act (2017) highlighted that public control would better address six out of seven Local Transport Authority objectives compared to an enhanced partnership and was the only method likely to deliver a “significant increase in patronage”.

 

e.           Welcomes the outcomes of the South Yorkshire Bus Review (2020), including the recommendation to immediately explore the legal and financial aspects of franchising in South Yorkshire.

 

f.             Believes that the Mayor of South Yorkshire must exercise powers to bring bus services back under local control (via franchising), at the earliest practicable date, and central government must do more to provide significant funding to revitalise local transport in the North.

 

g.           Acknowledges that the costs of franchising cannot be estimated accurately until a “notice of intent” has been released and the associated statutory powers to access bus operators' commercial data employed.

 

Therefore, this Council requests that the Administration:-

 

(i)           Inform the South Yorkshire Combined Authority of its support for conducting a statutory assessment of franchising at the earliest possible opportunity in 2022.

 

(ii)         Request a Combined Authority vote to release a notice of intent to prepare a franchising assessment within 6 months.

 

Mover:-  Councillor Tarmey                     Seconder:-  Councillor A. Carter

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Tarmey and seconded by Councillor A. Carter that:-

 

That this Council:-

 

a.          Notes that the extent of the South Yorkshire bus network has been cut by over 12 million kilometres since 2014 and understands that Rotherham residents on the lowest incomes have therefore been deprived of travel opportunities for the purposes of education, employment and social contact with their families.

 

b.          Notes the regional imbalances in funding for public transport services which prioritise the South of England and believes these to be unacceptable.

 

c.          Believes that a good public transport system should run where people need it, when people need it and at a price that is affordable.

 

d.          Understands that the Government's impact assessment of the Bus Service Act (2017) highlighted that public control would better address 6  out of 7 Local Transport Authority objectives compared to an enhanced partnership and was the only method likely to deliver a “significant increase in patronage”.

 

e.          Welcomes the outcomes of the South Yorkshire Bus Review (2020), including the recommendation to immediately explore the legal and financial aspects of franchising in South Yorkshire.

 

f.           Believes that the Mayor of South Yorkshire must exercise powers to bring bus services back under local control (via franchising), at the earliest practicable date, and central government must do more to provide significant funding to revitalise local transport in the North.

 

g.          Acknowledges that the costs of franchising cannot be estimated accurately until a “notice of intent” has been released and the associated statutory powers to access bus operators' commercial data employed.

 

Therefore, this Council requests that the Administration:-

 

(i)         Inform the South Yorkshire Combined Authority of its support for conducting a statutory assessment of franchising at the earliest possible opportunity in 2022.

 

(ii)        Request a Combined Authority vote to release a notice of intent to prepare a franchising assessment within 6 months.

 

At this point it was moved by Councillor Read and seconded by Councillor Beck that the motion be amended as follows:-

 

That this Council:-

 

To insert the words “in part as a consequence of devastating Government cuts” after the word 2014 to now read:-

 

h.          Notes that the extent of the South Yorkshire bus network has been cut by over 12 million kilometres since 2014 in part as a consequence of devastating Government cuts and understands that Rotherham residents on the lowest incomes have been therefore been deprived of travel opportunities for the purposes of education, employment and social contact with their families.

 

i.            Notes the regional imbalances in funding for public transport services which prioritise the South of England and believes these to be unacceptable.

 

j.            Believes that a good public transport system should run where people need it, when people need it and at a price that is affordable.

 

k.          Understands that the Government's impact assessment of the Bus Service Act (2017) highlighted that public control would better address six out of seven Local Transport Authority objectives compared to an enhanced partnership and was the only method  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108.

109.

NOTICE OF MOTION - CURRENT CONCERNS OVER THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE RESPONSE TO CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

This Council notes:-

 

·              On 23rd November 2021, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published a report titled ‘Operation Linden – Learning and Recommendations’ in which it compared complaints around South Yorkshire Police’s (SYP) handling of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) cases in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 to current practice, highlighted a number of continuing problems in SYP’s handling of CSE investigations, and made a series of recommendations to SYP.

 

·              The IOPC said “there is more work to be done to build on and maintain the knowledge and skills of South Yorkshire Police officers and staff” and recommended “South Yorkshire Police ensures knowledge and skills of those involved in child sexual exploitation work are kept up to date as part of their continuous improvement cycle.”

 

·              The IOPC also pointed to a 2014 inspection of SYP police which found “a cause for concern about crimes involving vulnerable adults and children reported directly to South Yorkshire Police’s public protection department (mostly through professional third-party reports) were not all being recorded” and noted that a 2020 re-inspection found “significant under-recording of crimes committed against vulnerable children.” As a result, in its November 2021 report the IOPC recommended that: “South Yorkshire Police takes steps to ensure that crime recording practice in its public protection departments is compliant with the Home Office Counting Rules for Recorded Crime.”

 

·              The IOPC report highlighted continuing failings in the way SYP deals with victims of child sexual exploitation, including noting a lack of monitoring of compliance with The Victims’ Code, failing to regularly update victims on progress in contravention of SYP’s own policies, and a lack of understanding of the role of local independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) in supporting victims. As a result, the IOPC made a series of recommendations for SYP to:-

 

o     “ensure it has a way of effectively monitoring compliance with the Victims’ Code. This should include the quality of interactions between itself and others and not just a ‘tick box exercise’ of the various entitlements being made available.”

 

o     “take steps to ensure that victims are regularly updated, and at least once every 28 days, in line with expectations.”

 

o     And “continues to work with the local ISVA service to improve its working arrangements. This should include:-

 

§    “a named point of contact at South Yorkshire Police for use by the ISVA service

§    “ensuring that South Yorkshire Police representatives who have contact with victims and survivors fully understand the ISVA service’s role and can explain this to others when needed

§    “agreement on how updates are provided to victims and survivors

§    “how the ISVA service could be involved in South Yorkshire Police training to help raise awareness about its role and responsibilities and how they can work together.”

 

·              In addition to these recommendations, the IOPC report contained a series of concerning statements, including:-

 

o     “South Yorkshire Police has told us about many changes it has made since the matters we investigated took place. We have not assessed whether these changes have led  ...  view the full agenda text for item 109.

Minutes:

It was moved by Councillor Barley and seconded by Councillor Baum-Dixon that:-

 

This Council notes:-

 

·            On 23rd November 2021, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published a report titled ‘Operation Linden – Learning and Recommendations’ in which it compared complaints around South Yorkshire Police’s (SYP) handling of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) cases in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 to current practice, highlighted a number of continuing problems in SYP’s handling of CSE investigations, and made a series of recommendations to SYP.

 

·            The IOPC said “there is more work to be done to build on and maintain the knowledge and skills of South Yorkshire Police officers and staff” and recommended “South Yorkshire Police ensures knowledge and skills of those involved in child sexual exploitation work are kept up to date as part of their continuous improvement cycle.”

 

·            The IOPC also pointed to a 2014 inspection of SYP police which found “a cause for concern about crimes involving vulnerable adults and children reported directly to South Yorkshire Police’s public protection department (mostly through professional third-party reports) were not all being recorded” and noted that a 2020 re-inspection found “significant under-recording of crimes committed against vulnerable children.” As a result, in its November 2021 report the IOPC recommended that: “South Yorkshire Police takes steps to ensure that crime recording practice in its public protection departments is compliant with the Home Office Counting Rules for Recorded Crime.”

 

·            The IOPC report highlighted continuing failings in the way SYP deals with victims of child sexual exploitation, including noting a lack of monitoring of compliance with The Victims’ Code, failing to regularly update victims on progress in contravention of SYP’s own policies, and a lack of understanding of the role of local independent sexual violence advisors (ISVAs) in supporting victims. As a result, the IOPC made a series of recommendations for SYP to:-

 

o      “ensure it has a way of effectively monitoring compliance with the Victims’ Code. This should include the quality of interactions between itself and others and not just a ‘tick box exercise’ of the various entitlements being made available.”

 

o      “take steps to ensure that victims are regularly updated, and at least once every 28 days, in line with expectations.”

 

o      And “continues to work with the local ISVA service to improve its working arrangements. This should include:-

 

§    “a named point of contact at South Yorkshire Police for use by the ISVA service

§    “ensuring that South Yorkshire Police representatives who have contact with victims and survivors fully understand the ISVA service’s role and can explain this to others when needed

§    “agreement on how updates are provided to victims and survivors

§    “how the ISVA service could be involved in South Yorkshire Police training to help raise awareness about its role and responsibilities and how they can work together.”

 

·            In addition to these recommendations, the IOPC report contained a series of concerning statements, including:-

 

o      “South Yorkshire Police has told us about many changes it has made since the matters we  ...  view the full minutes text for item 109.

110.

STANDARDS AND ETHICS COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 115 KB

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

 

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Minutes:

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

 

Mover:- Councillor McNeely                    Seconder:- Councillor Griffin

111.

AUDIT COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 258 KB

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

 

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Minutes:

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

 

Mover:- Councillor Baker-Rodgers          Seconder:- Councillor Browne

112.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING BOARD pdf icon PDF 164 KB

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

 

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Minutes:

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

 

Mover:- Councillor Roche                        Seconder:- Councillor Cusworth

113.

PLANNING BOARD pdf icon PDF 129 KB

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

 

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

Mover:- Councillor Atkin                          Seconder:- Councillor Bird

114.

LICENSING BOARD SUB-COMMITTEE AND LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE pdf icon PDF 200 KB

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

 

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

Mover:- Councillor Ellis                           Seconder:- Councillor Hughes

115.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS TO DESIGNATED SPOKESPERSONS

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).

Minutes:

The question from Councillor Tarmey would be responded to in writing in the absence of the designated Spokesperson.

116.

MEMBERS' QUESTIONS TO CABINET MEMBERS AND CHAIRPERSONS

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

Minutes:

(1)  Councillor Whomersley asked how many street sweeping machines did RMBC own, hire or lease that could be used in Dinnington High Street and Outdoor Markets, and could the Ward get the usage of one to help clean on a regular basis.

 

Councillor Beck explained that due to the investments made in recent years, the Council now has 3 large mechanical road sweepers and 3 mini sweepers.

 

Dinnington High Street benefitted from regular cleaning by the local zonal cleaning team. Any cleaning required was generally undertaken manually by that team at the same time as emptying the litter bins and any other required work.

 

The Cabinet Member was advised that given that there was daily attendance in Dinnington the mini sweeper was not generally used unless it was required for work that could not be undertaken manually.

 

However, Councillor Whomersley was advised that any member with requests for works of this kind should speak to the Manager of the relevant zonal team, which in his case was Andy Roddis.

 

In a supplementary question Councillor Whomersley asked if the cleaning scheduled could be shared with him.

 

Councillor Beck agreed to send a copy to Councillor Whomersley.

 

(2) Councillor Ball asked how many children took up the offer of Beat The Street in Maltby, Hellaby and Hooton Levitt?

 

Councillor Roche explained that the Beat The Street programme saw 11,215 players register for the Rotherham ‘Game’, with registrants coming from every Ward in the Borough and 413 registrants from postcodes outside of the Borough.

 

Information for the scheme was held by Ward and Maltby, Hellaby and Hooton Levitt were covered by the Hellaby and Maltby West Ward which had 107 registered players and Maltby East Ward which had 36 registered players totalling in 143. Overall, 64% of participants were aged 0-18 years.

 

In a supplementary question Councillor Ball explained the need for more programmes such as Beat The Street as bus services had been suspended in the evening and young people needed more things to do. He asked whether there were plans to continue with such programmes?

 

Councillor Roche agreed that such programmes did need to continue. However the funding for the Beat The Street Programme was external, coming from the Department of Transport’s Active Travel Grant programme and Sport England and was not able to cover all areas within the Borough.  He agreed that projects needed to continue and should external grants become available, the Council would look at delivering programmes with the Wards that were not covered.

 

(3)  Councillor C. Carter asked did the Cabinet Member agree that there should be more location-based (as opposed to person-based) funding and resource for youth work to tackle problem areas, such as the so-called Black Path in Brinsworth?

 

Councillor Cusworth confirmed in an ideal world both she and others would all like to see more activities for children and young people. However, once the former Coalition Government had cut a billion pounds from the Early Intervention Grant, Rotherham,  like Councils across the country,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

117.

URGENT ITEMS

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

Minutes:

There were no urgent items for consideration.