Agenda and minutes

To consider any announcements by the Mayor or the Leader.

The Mayor reported on various events where she had represented the Council since the last meeting.  Most memorable were the unveiling of the memorial  to those who lost their lives in the Maltby Pit Disaster in 1923, the visit to the monthly Alzheimer’s memory café held at Silverwood Miners Welfare, raft building with the young people doing the National Citizenship Awards with Rotherham United Community Trust, the National Amateur Swimming Association Open Water Championships at Rother Valley Country Park, the Special Olympics Equestrian Event at Aston and welcoming the Rugby World Cup to Rotherham.

For the first time this year the Mayor has their own cadets and it was a huge honour to welcome Lance Corporal Emma Harris from the Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets, Cadet Flight Sergeant Eleanor Dovey from 218 Rotherham Squadron Royal Air Force Cadets  and Leading Cadet Isabel Smelt of Rotherham Sea Cadets  and to award them their badges and certificates earlier this month.

The Mayor had also opened two businesses in the town centre; one - Wed2B, a brand new bridal shop based in the Old Market gallery, creating ten new jobs; the second, Andrews Butchers, an established business which had relocated to Effingham Street.

The Mayor also attended Rotherham Show and had the pleasure of welcoming the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of South Yorkshire.  Attendance on Saturday was lower than previous years, but Sunday was very popular.

Along with many Councillors the Mayor had the honour of attending the Dedication of the World War II Memorial in Clifton Park. 

Sadly not all news in Rotherham was good and it was with sadness the Mayor had heard of the death of Mr. Mushin Ahmed, who died recently following a brutal and unprovoked assault and also the death of Rotherham born racing driver Justin Wilson who was struck by flying debris during an Indy Car race. 

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

The Managing Director submitted apologies for absence from Councillors Ali, Currie, Cutts, Finnie, Gosling, Hague, Hamilton, Johnston, Khan, Robinson, Tweed, M. Vines and Wyatt.

To report on any petitions received by the Council.

The Managing Director submitted the following petitions which had been referred to the appropriate Directorates for consideration:-

·                Containing 54 signatures asking the Council to improve and effectively manage Anston Plantation to the rear of properties on Edinburgh Drive, Wellington Avenue and Netherthorpe Way, North Anston.

·                Containing 32 signatures raising general concerns about anti-social behaviour in the Lister Avenue, Rawmarsh area.

·                Containing 98 signatures asking the Council to appoint a lollypop person outside East Dene Primary School.

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

No communications had been received.

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.

There were no Declarations of Interest to report.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 8^th July, 2015 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 8^th July, 2015, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Mover:-  Councillor Read               Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

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

(1)       Mr. J. Martin asked that, in view of the content of the 343+ representations lodged with the Council last November via refs 528645 and 775490, please confirm that site LDF0237 has been dropped from the final version of the Sites and Policies document accordingly?

Councillor Lelliott, Advisory Cabinet Member for Housing and the Local Economy, explained that a report on the Local Plan Sites and Policies document was being considered by this meeting under Item 13 on the agenda.

If the Council approved public consultation on the document, it would be released on 28th September, 2015. At this time all interested parties could make their comments on the document and with this in mind it would be premature to confirm the content or otherwise at this stage.

In a supplementary response Mr. Martin pointed out that the question had not been answered.  If the plan was approved the Council had turned its back on the will of the community, were ignoring the community plan and were not supporting the people they represented and were elected by.  Mr. Martin’s conclusion was that the Council were either incompetent or in a conspiracy.

(2)       Mrs. C. Peters stated that Rotherham’s young people, were a credit with:-

·                67.1% GCSE grades A*-C

·                A level results exceeding national average

and asked what strenuous, ambitious, urgent efforts was RMBC making to attract high skilled, well paid, 21st Century jobs in IT, Communications, Finance, Insurance, Scientific, Technical, Professional sectors where we lagged woefully behind the national average?

The Leader acknowledged the young people and their results were a credit to the  Borough.  The Council needed to do more to bring higher value jobs into Rotherham and referred to the work taking place at Dinnington Incubation Centre, with the Sheffield City Region and the growth projections.

The Council were partnering with Sheffield Council and the University of Sheffield to develop a new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District that would build on the success of the developments at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park, with success in attracting highly skilled and highly paid jobs with excellent training opportunities for young people.  

The Rotherham Economic Growth Plan was also due to be considered at the next Council meeting.

In a supplementary question Mrs. Peters welcomed the efforts, but asked why contact was not being made with the large scale manufacturing industries to adopt Rotherham and this should be moved forward.

The Leader agreed with Mrs. Peters’ sentiments and pointed out the industries already attracted to Rotherham at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and the developments taking place at Waverley.

(3)       Mr. M. Eyre referred to the one thing being mentioned in the reports into Rotherham was poor standards and the resulting failures of the Council partly due to there being a lack of real opposition and asked did the Leader hope after next year’s full Council elections there would be real opposition or a one party state?

The Leader explained he was unable to prejudge the election as the public would decide.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

To inform Members of the decision of the Commissioners to pay a proportion of Special Responsibility Allowance ( SRA) to certain office holders.

Consideration was given to a report detailing the decision of the Commissioners in May, 2015, to pay 50% of the Special Responsibility Allowance in respect of the Leader, Deputy Leader and Advisory Cabinet Members.

The report also set out that, following a review of the Special Responsibility Allowances for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Advisory Licensing Board, Commissioner Ney had recommended that 50% of the Allowance be paid as from 1^st September, 2015, in relation to the serious issues surrounding the licensing function of the Authority. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That the decision of the Commissioners in May, 2015, to pay 50% of the Special Responsibility Allowance in respect of the Leader, Deputy Leader and Advisory Cabinet Members be noted.

(2)  That the decision of the Commissioners in relation to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Advisory Licensing Board, to take effect from 1^st September, 2015, be noted.

To approve the appointments for a Returning Officer for elections and a Registration Officer and Deputy Registration Officer for electoral registration to ensure that continuing arrangements are in place.

Consideration was given to a report advising of the requirement to ensure that continuing appointments for a Returning Officer for elections and a Registration Officer and Deputy Registration Officer for electoral registrations were in place.

Resolved:-  (1)  That with effect from 16^th September, 2015, the following appointments be approved:-

(a)  Stuart Fletcher, Service Manager (Legal and Democratic Services) as Returning Officer for Local Government elections;

(b)  Stuart Fletcher as Registration Officer and the appointment of Neil Concannon, also a Service Manager (Legal and Democratic Services) as Deputy Registration Officer.

(2)  That the temporary amendment to the Council’s Scheme of Delegation be approved to enable Stuart Fletcher to undertake the “Proper Officer Provisions” described in the report submitted.

Mover-: Councillor Read                            Seconder:- Councillor Watson

To approve minor changes to these structural proposals and specific recommendations in respect of the salary level for the post of the newly titled Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing.

Further to Minute No. 16 of the meeting of the Council held on 3^rd June, 2015, consideration was given to a report which brought forward some minor changes to the structural proposals and specific recommendations in respect of flexibility in the salary level for the post of the newly titled Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing.

Councillor Read, the Leader, responded to the various questions about the rationale for the potential increase in salary depending on the expertise of a candidate and confirmed that when looking at comparative salaries of posts in other Councils it was appropriate to at least offer the potential to appoint the most suitable candidate on up to £120,000 if deemed necessary, rather than waste time with a process which might not be productive, given the importance of the post.

With regards to the benchmarking of Metropolitan Borough Councils who had advertised the equivalent role over the last few months, the Leader confirmed there to be no  conspiracy when it was pointed out that the comparisons were all Labour controlled authorities.  He explained that the comparison related to similar sized northern metropolitan authorities, not to the authorities political control.

Resolved:-  That the post of Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing and Housing agreed in June 2015 be re-titled Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing and that the potential to offer a salary from £113,384 (its current level) up to £120,000 be approved. 

Mover:-  Councillor Read                           Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To approve the proposal for the future of Rotherham’s Local Strategic Partnership, including its purpose and structures.

Consideration was given to a report outlining the proposal for the future of Rotherham’s Local Strategic Partnership, including its purpose and structures.

Clarification was sought on the costs associated with the “Rotherham Together” branding, need for a clear strategy to ensure the organisation did not fail, being more open and transparent with the membership allowing for wider representation to other Councillors, membership duplication on the two groups and the reason for some Councillors being included and auditing of the organisation given the comments from the Corporate Governance Inspection.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposals for a renewed Local Strategic Partnership, proposed to be named “Rotherham Together” be approved.

(2)  That the proposed terms of reference and membershipfor the Rotherham Together Partnership and the supporting operational Chief Executive Officer Group be approved.

(3)  That further reports be received, as appropriate, for approval of supporting strategic board/partnership governance arrangements and strategic priorities.

Mover-: Councillor Read                            Seconder:- Councillor Watson

To note the SCR economic devolution deal proposals.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed how on 4^th September, 2015 the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership had submitted to Government proposals for an economic devolution deal, in line with the deadline for such proposals set by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Summer Budget announcements in July 2015.

The focus of the Sheffield City Region proposal was on accelerating and enhancing the delivery of the 10-year “Strategic Economic Plan” for the City region, already agreed with Government, which aimed to deliver 70,000 new jobs and 6,000 new businesses.

Following submission of this proposal document to Government, discussion and negotiation would continue, led by the Sheffield City Region on behalf of all nine of its member local authorities, prior to final sign off of devolution deals before the comprehensive spending review conclusions which were expected on 25^th November, 2015.

Reference was made to the Government’s statements that new, directly elected “Metro Mayors” were seen by Ministers as a pre-requisite for any further devolution. Council Leaders across the City Region have clearly been aware of this viewpoint throughout their discussions. However, the first preference set out in the Sheffield City Region proposal was for current democratic structures in local authorities and the existing Combined Authority to deliver on the deal, without the need for an elected, City Region-wide Mayor.

Questions were raised by a number of Elected Members about the directly elected “Metro Mayors” being a given to devolution, the short time frame for sharing information, building on the development of an strategic infrastructure plan where planning permission was refused by a constituent local authority or was granted contrary to the City Region strategic infrastructure plan, for there to be a power of call-in to review the decision and the need to ensure the devolution was not just another layer of bureaucracy, but about the creation of employment for local people using local resources.

On a positive note the devolution deal could be a good thing for Rotherham and would keep decision making local by locally elected politicians as long as the budget was sustainable.  This was a real opportunity to control the region’s own destiny and maintain control locally rather than decisions and directions coming from Whitehall.

In terms of the elected “Metro Mayor” governance the Sheffield City Region proposals were clear on a preferred model which was delivered through existing democratic structures.

Members were supportive of the proposal if this was of benefit to Rotherham, but remained cautious about the powers afforded to “Metro Mayors”.

Councillor Read, the Leader, responded to the concerns and questions raised and confirmed further discussion would take place before any final decision was made.

Resolved:-  That the Sheffield City Region economic devolution deal proposals be noted.

Mover-: Councillor Read                            Seconder:- Councillor Watson

To approve the statutory public consultation on the Sites and Policies document during Autumn 2015 focusing on issues of soundness and legal compliance prior to the document being submitted to Government for independent examination, subject to there being no significant changes required following consultation.

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval for statutory public consultation on the Sites and Policies document which would take place during Autumn 2015 focusing on issues of soundness and legal compliance.

The document would then be submitted to Government for independent examination, subject to there being no significant changes required following consultation.

The plan met all the identified challenges in a sustainable way and met the local housing target whilst minimising the loss of Green Belt.

The plan promoted the right development, in the right place, at the right time and also supported the Rotherham Growth Plan and the Sheffield City Region Strategic Economic Plan.

Councillors Cowles Jepson, Parker John Turner and C. Vines were unable to offer their support to the proposal objecting to the loss of the green belt in certain areas, increased traffic generation along the A631 highway network, regeneration of the town centre, traffic congestion and believed little regard was being taken of the public’s concerns.

Councillor Jepson also sought clarification on whether or not the public had to make representations at the next consultation stage in order to have an opportunity at the inspection stage.  This would be responded to in writing.

Resolved:-  (1)  That public consultation on the Sites and Policies document for the statutory six week period be approved.

(2)   That submission of the Sites and Policies document to Government, subject to no significant changes being required following public consultation be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Lelliott                         Seconder:-  Councillor Atkin

That this Council:-

a.         Notes with considerable concern the IPCC decision not to investigate the policing of Orgreave, despite the scoping exercise having found evidence that police officers used excessive force, committed perjury and perverted the course of justice.

b.         Does not accept the IPCC rationale that the passage of time mitigates against a full investigation.

c.         Notes that the remit of the IPCC scoping exercise did not extend to cover political context that both empowered the police and facilitated their actions and the misconduct thus far identified.

d.         Believes that only a full, independent, public inquiry will have the capacity to reveal the whole truth about the policing of Orgreave; and enable the injustices committed there to be acknowledged and addressed.

e.         Supports the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign in its aim of securing a full, independent, public inquiry into the policing at Orgreave during the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.

f.          Calls upon South Yorkshire Police to apologise to the mining communities for the misconduct that has already been identified by the IPCC scoping exercise. 

g.         Calls on the government to support, and fund, a full, independent, public inquiry into the policing of the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.  

Proposer:- Councillor Emma Wallis      Seconder:-  Councillor Gordon Watson

Moved by Councillor Wallis and seconded by Councillor Watson.

This Council:-

a.         Notes with considerable concern the IPCC decision not to investigate the policing of Orgreave, despite the scoping exercise having found evidence that police officers used excessive force, committed perjury and perverted the course of justice.

b.         Does not accept the IPCC rationale that the passage of time mitigates against a full investigation.

c.         Notes that the remit of the IPCC scoping exercise did not extend to cover political context that both empowered the police and facilitated their actions and the misconduct thus far identified.

d.         Believes that only a full, independent, public inquiry will have the capacity to reveal the whole truth about the policing of Orgreave; and enable the injustices committed there to be acknowledged and addressed.

e.         Supports the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign in its aim of securing a full, independent, public inquiry into the policing at Orgreave during the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.

f.          Calls upon South Yorkshire Police to apologise to the mining communities for the misconduct that has already been identified by the IPCC scoping exercise. 

g.         Calls on the government to support, and fund, a full, independent, public inquiry into the policing of the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike.  

The motion was put and debated and adopted by the Council.

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Standards Committee held on 16^th July, 2015.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Councillor Jepson suggested that as part of the review of the Standards Committee consideration be given to abolishing the current arrangement and making it a totally independent body.

Councillor Beck, Chairman of the Standards Committee, confirmed that the Working Group, made up of independent and opposition members, were looking at the membership as part of the review.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                Seconder:-  Councillor Hughes

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Audit Committee held on 22^nd July, 2015.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Councillor Parker referred to Minute No. C5 (Internal Audit Progress Report) and the indication that there were five areas that had been concluded as “inadequate” following audit work – one of which was taxi licensing.  He asked if there were any ongoing investigations in this Council at the moment as far as fraud or any other irregularities were concerned and would like confirmation whether there was or was not.

To assist Councillor Ellis confirmed that the audit findings of taxi licensing had been acknowledged and of the fourteen recommendations accepted, ten had already been addressed and four remained ongoing, but it was anticipated these would be resolved by the end of October.

Councillor Hughes, Vice-Chairman of the Audit Committee, agreed to send Councillor Parker a response to his question in writing.

Mover:-  Councillor Hughes                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 8^th July, 2015.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Reference was made to Minute No. 10 (Health Select Commission Update) by Councillor Middleton, Deputy Mayor, and the importance of raising public awareness about the impact of not cancelling unneeded appointments with G.P.’s and the various methods that could be used.

The Chairmen of the Health Select Commission, Councillor Sansome, and Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Roche, shared the same concerns about missed appointments, but confirmed this was to be taken forward with the C.C.G.

Mover:-  Councillor Roche                        Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Planning Board held on 25^th June, 16^th July and 6^th and 27^th August, 2015.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Atkin                            Seconder:-  Councillor Pickering

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Senior Officers Independent Disciplinary Panel held on 28^th July, 2015.

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:-  That the reports and minutes of the meetings of the Senior Officers Independent Disciplinary Panel be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                            Seconder:-  Councillor Hughes

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

No questions had been received.

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

(1)  Councillor C. Vines referred to Look North on 26^th August, 2015, which again confirmed from the Jay Report that Councillors at the seminar could not say they were unaware of the scale of child sexual exploitation.  When would the Leader stop putting his head in the sand, show some leadership and rid the Council of these people who failed instead of promoting them?

The Leader explained the Council was working hard to make the changes to move the Borough forward.  An opposition Member had also been present at the seminar.  The absence of questions relating to child sexual exploitation, Children’s Services, Adult Services and the improvement plan were also noted.

In a supplementary question Councillor C. Vines again referred to the attendance of certain Councillors at the seminar as identified in the Jay Report.  This town could not move forward when people were being placed into positions, making it unfit for purpose.  What this town needed was a complete clear out to be able to start again.

The Leader again reiterated his commitment to making the changes required for Rotherham.  The public would decide on the right people to take the town forward next year and until that time the Leader would continue with the job he had been asked to do.

(2)  Councillor C. Vines asked could the Leader please tell him what benefit to Rotherham did the following visits by Labour Councillors past and present bring and were there reports to cover the visits of Councillors Foden, Rushforth, and Stone, together with a guest each and an officer to St. Quentin Xmas Market in December, 2013.

The Leader explained there were no longer foreign trips for Councillors, but explained the annual civic visit to St. Quentin was part of the Town Twinning Agreement to maintain permanent links between the two towns, the aim being to promote exchanges between residents of the two towns and to develop a greater understanding of one another’s culture.

An example of one of the benefits of the twinning link was a project which came to fruition in the following year (2014) involving students and lecturers from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology funded by the European Comenius programme. This was  to be part of a multi–cultural project where colleges from Italy, Romania, Greece, Turkey and France came together to work on a project around fashion from designing the clothes, the ultimate aim to show their designs during a cat walk show in St. Quentin.

(3)  Councillor C. Vines referred to his previous question and asked the Leader to explain the purpose and benefit to Rotherham tax payers for the following visits in March, 2013 for Councillor Hussain and Karl Battersby to Strasbourg for Roma inclusion and Councillor Dodson and Paul Woodcock to Poland to calibrate City Rights.

The Leader explained that the visit to Strasbourg on the 20th March, 2013, was to represent the Council at the Council of Europe's Alliance for Roma Inclusion launch. The launch was an opportunity to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items.

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.

There were no confidential matters for consideration.