Agenda and minutes

To consider any announcements by the Mayor or the Leader.

The Mayor reported she had attended over 118 engagements since the last Council Meeting, including Rotherham Show which, despite the rain, welcomed 45,000 visitors and she wanted to place on record her thanks and appreciation to all those involved

The Mayor also described how Ray Matthews’ dream had been realised in the formation of a pathway for Newman School students to gain access into the wooded nature area.

The Mayor also raised the profile of a forthcoming Mad Hatter’s Tea Party event during March/April, 2018 involving R.C.A.T. Art and Design students in Clifton Park.  This would bring the Town Hall and the seventy R.C.A.T students together.

The Mayor invited the Leader to share any announcements of his own and he was pleased to report on the return of further powers by the Secretary of State.  This returned all but Children’s Services back to the Council, which would be subject to further monitoring.

The Leader referred to the publication of the independent investigation reports and the requests for further opportunities to ask questions.  An item would be placed on the agenda for the next Council Meeting in October to enable this to take place.

The Leader also noted that Friday was the official “Wear Purple Day” and he encouraged all Members to engage in the support for child sexual abuse.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jepson, Khan, Steele, Julie Turner, Tweed and Watson.

To report on any petitions received by the Council.

The Mayor reported that two petitions had been submitted, but had not met the threshold for consideration by Council, and would be referred to the relevant directorate for a response to be prepared. The petitions were:-

·                Containing 22 signatures requesting the Chief Executive to write a letter to all employees of RMBC about the importance of truthfulness in their communications with representatives and advocates of victims and survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham.

·                Containing 80 signatures requesting the re-introduction of monthly Area Assembly meetings.

Mr. L. Harron addressed the Council as part of his presentation of the petition requiring the Chief Executive to write to staff about the importance of truthfulness in 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.

No communications were 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 12 July 2017 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 12^th July, 2017, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

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.

(1)  Mr. D. Smith asked what protocols had the Borough Council got in place to ensure that Ward Councillors consulted with and kept up-to-date the Parish and Town Councils in their area?

Councillor Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, acknowledged the importance of the Town and Parish Councils and the vital role they played in communities and described them as the grass roots of local government. 

Councillor Yasseen referred to the Town and Parish Councils Liaison Working Group of which she was Chair which included eight representatives from across the Borough, including Mr. Smith.  This was the main instrument and vehicle for formal relationships with Parish Councils and for the sharing of information, the making of commitments and looking to where the Council and Town and Parish Councils could work together.

With regards to Neighbourhoods, as part of this consultation had taken place with Town and Parish Councils on the development of a new neighbourhood model as well as the new strategy.  Where it was possible Ward Councillors were encouraged to work closely with their communities.  Many Members not only represented the Borough, but were also Town and Parish Councillors.  Across the Borough there were many different working practices of working within communities and it was hoped the transitional model would allow for closer working across the Borough.

In a supplementary question Mr. Smith referred to his own Ward Councillors, the monthly Parish Meeting and the Ward Surgery meetings which were held immediately prior to the Parish Meeting and the reluctance to give community reports at Parish Meetings by Ward Members. 

Mr. Smith described how he attended a meeting called by the three Ward Councillors entitled “Plan for Dinnington” which had been arranged following the termination of Area Assemblies.  The Town Council had not been informed, nor consulted.  Was this what that the Borough Council called transparency and openness and how were Parish Councillors to be kept informed. 

Mr. Smith did suggest and request a response from a Dinnington Ward Councillor.

Councillor Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, responded by confirming this was not the first time this had been raised.  Referring generally Councillor Yasseen explained that meeting spaces needed to be areas of mutual respect, where individuals felt safe and comfortable and to be able to engage in work together.

Mr. Smith took offence at his Town Council being accused of being a place where an individual was not able to come and give a proper report.

(2)   Mrs. S. Thackery referred to Cedar House and its closure and asked what other provisions were going to be put into place in a mental health crisis for people in Rotherham who experienced mental health issues, which were urgent.

Councillor Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, explained mental health was taken seriously in Rotherham.

Over the past twelve months the Council has been working with partners to improve the range of mental health provision for people experiencing a mental health crisis and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

To note the minutes of Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 10 July 2017.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet/Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 10^th July, 2017, be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To consider proposed amendments to the Constitution in respect of Standing Orders and the introduction of Officer Employment Procedure Rules.

Consideration was given to the report which detailed recommendations from the Constitution Working Group and the Standards and Ethics Committee regarding amendments to the Constitution and Standing Orders undertaken by the Association of Democratic Services Officers.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the amendments to Standing Orders be agreed and the Constitution amended accordingly.

(2)  That Contract Standing Orders be removed from Appendix 4 and included in Appendix 5 of the Constitution, with Financial Regulations, and the new Appendix 5 be renamed Financial Procedure Rules.

(3)  That Standing Orders be renamed Council Procedure Rules.

(4)  That a New Appendix 7 entitled Officer Employment Procedure Rules & Code of Conduct be adopted within the Constitution.

(5)  That the name of the Appeals and Grievance Panel in Appendix 9 of the Constitution, Scheme of Delegation, be amended to Appeals Panel and the Grievance Policy be amended to reflect the removal of the provision for an appeal to Members under that policy.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To note the following membership changes to Committees, Panels and Boards:-

·             Councillor M. S. Elliott to fill the UK Independence Party Group vacancy on Licensing Board.

·             Councillor S. Sansome to replace Councillor S. Tweed on Health Select Commission.

·             Councillor S. Tweed to replace Councillor S. Sansome on Improving Lives Select Commission.

Consideration was given to the proposed changes to the membership of committees, panels and boards.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Councillor M. Elliott fill the UK Independence Party Group vacancy on the Licensing Board.

(2)  That Councillor Sansome replace Councillor Tweed on the Health Select Commission.

(3)  That Councillor Tweed replace Councillor Sansome on Improving Lives Select Commission.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Beck

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council notes that:-

?      NJC basic pay for local government workers has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms.

?      NJC workers had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2012.

?      Local terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut, impacting on their overall earnings.

?      NJC pay is the lowest in the public sector.

?      Job evaluated pay structures are being squeezed and distorted by bottomloaded NJC pay settlements needed to reflect the increased National Living Wage and the Foundation Living Wage.

?      There are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation.

This Council therefore supports the NJC pay claim for 2018, submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of Council and school workers and calls for the immediate end of public sector pay restraint. NJC pay cannot be allowed to fall further behind other parts of the public sector. This Council also welcomes the joint review of the NJC pay spine to remedy the turbulence caused by bottom-loaded pay settlements. This Council also notes the drastic ongoing cuts to local government funding and calls on the Government to provide additional funding to fund a decent pay rise for NJC employees and the pay spine review.

This Council therefore resolves to:-

?      Call immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard.

?      Write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional funding to fund a decent pay rise and the pay spine review.

?      Meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and the pay spine review.

Proposer:-  Councillor Hoddinott             Seconder:-  Councillor Andrews

Proposed by Councillor Hoddinott and seconded by Councillor Andrews

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council notes that:-

?      NJC basic pay for local government workers has fallen by 21% since 2010 in real terms.

?      NJC workers had a three-year pay freeze from 2010-2012.

?      Local terms and conditions of many NJC employees have also been cut, impacting on their overall earnings.

?      NJC pay is the lowest in the public sector.

?      Job evaluated pay structures are being squeezed and distorted by bottomloaded NJC pay settlements needed to reflect the increased National Living Wage and the Foundation Living Wage.

?      There are growing equal and fair pay risks resulting from this situation.

This Council therefore supports the NJC pay claim for 2018, submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of Council and school workers and calls for the immediate end of public sector pay restraint. NJC pay cannot be allowed to fall further behind other parts of the public sector. This Council also welcomes the joint review of the NJC pay spine to remedy the turbulence caused by bottom-loaded pay settlements. This Council also notes the drastic ongoing cuts to local government funding and calls on the Government to provide additional funding to fund a decent pay rise for NJC employees and the pay spine review.

This Council therefore resolves to:-

?      Call immediately on the LGA to make urgent representations to Government to fund the NJC claim and the pay spine review and notify us of their action in this regard.

?      Write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor supporting the NJC pay claim and seeking additional funding to fund a decent pay rise and the pay spine review.

?      Meet with local NJC union representatives to convey support for the pay claim and the pay spine review.

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

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, recommendation and minutes of the meetings of the Standards and Ethics Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor McNeely                  Seconder:-  Councillor Allen

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Roche                         Seconder:-  Councillor Evans

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Atkin                Seconder:-  Councillor Walsh

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.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Ellis                         Seconder:-  Councillor Beaumont

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

There were none.

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

(1)          Councillor Cowles referred to theTimes on the 2^nd September, 2017 where Sarah Champion stated “If they all knew what was going on why didn’t the people who were meant to protect them do anything about it.” He asked if the Leader could say, as according to Jay members knew about this and why did anyone not do anything about protecting vulnerable teenagers?

The Leader explained the failures in Rotherham in dealing with child sexual exploitation had been laid bare more clearly than anywhere else in the world and he could add little to what was in the public domain about failings in the Council.  It was seen from the reports last week that there was activity during the period of child sexual exploitation which meant children were failed badly and sadly short of the service people should expect and that failure was demonstrated.  The situation was very different today with Members, Officers and Commissioners working together and this would continue to get better over time.

As part of his supplementary question Councillor Cowles digressed and referred to this week’s Cabinet and Commissioners Meeting and buried within the performance report were figures for CSE instances in the first quarter for the current year.  45 cases were reported in the first quarter and if these were extrapolated this could be 135 a year with around 1350 over ten years.  He asked what had changed and how was the situation being got hold of because he suspected if Professor Jay returned she might reach a similar conclusion to himself that the Council was not making the progress that was suggested.

Going back to Ms. Champion who this week (9^th September) stated the “floppy left” was failing vulnerable children for fear of being branded racist, Councillor Cowles pointed out he could write to Ms. Champion and ask her this question himself, but having written previously to all three Rotherham Members of Parliament and not received a response, he asked if the Leader could write to her and ask who she meant were the “floppy left” and who were they from the previous week to deal with this issue properly.

The Leader was clear and had repeatedly said this in the press that there would always be in society people who wished to prey and sexually exploit children.  The task would be misjudged if this was not the starting premise.

Beyond that it was the response in keeping children safe and how children were prevented from coming into contact with perpetrators across the different agencies.  The measure had been included in the performance report about referrals about child sexual exploitation as a reminder that there would be children who needed protection.  This had been the mistake made before.

What had now changed was that the Practice Partner, Lincolnshire Council, was now satisfied there was no longer any ‘widespread systemic failures’. There was still a long way to go, but there was much stronger oversight by Members in how services were run  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were none, but the Mayor allowed Councillor Cowles at this point to address the Council as part of his presentation of the petition requesting the re-introduction of monthly Area Assembly meetings.