Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor was honoured to present two awards, the first to Sarah Bellamy, who won the ‘Youth Worker of the Year Award’ at the ‘Children and Young People Now’ Awards in November.

The second to Ashlea Harvey, co-ordinator of the Young Inspectors, who received the Volunteering and Social Action Award in November.

The Mayor was pleased to share a written report on her activity since the last Council meeting, but wanted to highlight the honour of being asked to become Patron of Rotherham RISE and how she could promote and share information about this valuable service.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Allcock, Brookes, D. Cutts, Fenwick-Green, Taylor and John Turner.

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

There were no communications received.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 13 December 2017 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 13^th December 2017, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

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

The Mayor reported that one petition 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:-

·             Containing 249 signatures requesting support to save the Dog Wardens Service.

To invite Councillors to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or personal interests they may have in any matter which is to be considered at this meeting, to confirm the nature of those interests and whether they intend to leave the meeting for the consideration of the item.

Councillor Cusworth declared a personal interest in Agenda Items 12 and 15 on the grounds of close relatives being Council tenants and would not speak on the matter nor participate in the vote.

Councillor Senior declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 14 and would not speak on the matter nor participate in the vote.

Councillors Atkin, Keenan, Marles and Williams declared personal interests in Agenda Item 15 on the grounds of close relatives being Council tenants and would not speak on the matter nor participate in the vote.

Councillors Andrews, Lelliott, McNeely, Reeder and Wyatt declared disclosable interests in Agenda Item 15 on the grounds of either being housing or garage tenants and left the room whilst this item was discussed.

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.

The deadline for the receipt of questions for this meeting is 10.00 a.m. on Friday 19 January 2018.

(1)  In asking his question Mr. L. Harron elaborated on the previous Council Meeting where the Leader had indicated he would reflect on the question detail asked at that point and would take a representation.  Mr. Harron had emailed the Leader and was awaiting a response.  

He went on to ask his questio that on 16th December, 2014 he offered RMBC two days for three months to help improve communication about Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

Ian Thomas said:-  "There are thousands who want to help in a similar way."

He asked would the Leader ask Ian Thomas to give a written report about how he had used this help?

The Leader apologised for not replying to the email, but would endeavour to follow this up.

His concern would be around the Council’s ability to communicate effectively around CSE and was sure Mr. Harron shared his concern.  The Leader believed this had improved significantly. For example, secondary school age children, surveyed annually, were asked if they had been taught in school about safeguarding and child sexual exploitation.  Over half in 2015 confirmed they had. This had improved further to 81.15%. The highest percentage improvement had been with Year 10 pupils, which was now up to 90% in both 2016 and 2017.

On the basis of the information above the Leader did not feel it was a good use of the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services time to produce a report.

Mr. Harron believed the Leader missed the point as his question was not about any of the response, but about using people’s voluntary time.  Within six weeks of him arriving in Rotherham Ian Thomas claimed thousands of people wanting to help.  The question was more around the Strategic Director of Children’s Services integrity when he said he would do things and whether he actually followed them up. 

Ian Thomas’ Deputy was Jean Imray and she had sat in the Chamber on the 6^th September, 2017 and presented a report and claimed that a “so called” independent expert gave her reasons for Rotherham returning 1400 copies of a publication which was discussed three years ago.   In his supplementary question Mr. Harron asked would the Leader please provide all Councillors and himself with the name and position of the “so called” independent expert that gave these reasons to Ian Thomas.

The Leader was familiar with the circumstances described and was aware that Mr. Harron had pursued and attempted to obtain this information from the Council.  The Council did not hold this information and, therefore, was unable to supply it to Mr. Harron.

(2)  Mr. R. Beecher referred at the last Council meeting where Councillor Atkin stated the Fire Authority's budget had been reduced by almost 25% since austerity began in 2010. What he failed to state was how come in that same period the Authority had banked over £19m into its reserves. He asked why was that?

Councillor Atkin thanked Mr. Beecher for his  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

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.

Resolved:-  That under section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting should it be necessary on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part 1 of schedule 12(A) of such Act indicated, as now amended by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

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

The Leader welcomed the opportunity to address the Council and drew attention to a couple of matters.

The first in relation to an update following the passing of a motion on the Fusion Bid, which was money being sought from Government as a partnership to support victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation through the Operation Stovewood trials.  The Council was £6 million adrift  of £8 million. Some progress had been made and some support was likely from the NHS and Ministry of Justice. 

The Chief Executive, Police and Crime Commissioner and the Leader had met with the Home Office Minister, Victoria Atkins, last week for a constructive meeting organised by Sarah Champion M.P. who was thanked for her input.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 11 December 2017.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet/Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held 11^th December, 2017, be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet to add the Superfast Broadband project for South Yorkshire to the Capital Programme.

Further to Minute No. 84 of the meeting of the Cabinet and Commissioners held on 11^th December, 2017 consideration was given to the report which detailed the October Financial Monitoring Report and Update of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2019/20.  It contained a recommendation to update the Council’s Capital Programme to include the Superfast Broadband Project for South Yorkshire proposal for further extension of fibre broadband accessibility across South Yorkshire in order to make it available to as close to 100% coverage as technically possible.

Discussion ensued on the viability and reliability for 100% coverage and the cost to the Council if this could not be achieved, the impact and contribution to the budget pressures and how this could be mitigated.

The Leader advised many of the difficulties encountered had been with one particular company, but he was happy to discuss any aspect further with Members.

Resolved:-  That the proposal to further extend Superfast Broadband across South Yorkshire be approved on a basis of being cost neutral to the Council and the Authority’s share of the capital investment be added to the Capital Programme.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To consider recommendations from Cabinet in respect of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2018/19.

Further to Minute No. 85 of the meeting of the Cabinet and Commissioners held on 11^th December, 2017 consideration was given to the report which detailed the review of the Council Tax Support Scheme which contained recommendations for the Council to adopt the scheme.

In 2013 the Government abolished the national scheme and asked Local Authorities to create their own local Council Tax Support (CTS) Schemes with reduced funding.  Local CTS Schemes have to be reviewed annually and this report set out recommendations following this year’s review which was carried out within the context of the substantial financial challenges facing the Council.

Rotherham’s scheme had remained unchanged since it was implemented, whereas many other Councils have already reviewed their schemes and provide support which was significantly less than was currently provided by Rotherham.  

The proposals related only to support for working age claimants (the support provided to pensioner claimants remain unchanged at nationally determined levels).

The options which were selected included retaining the current scheme and a further seven change options which could be implemented individually or in combination.  Any proposal to change the Council Tax Support Scheme required the Council to consult major preceptors (Fire and Rescue Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner) and also to undertake a public consultation exercise.  Consultation had been held with the major preceptors and a public consultation was undertaken over the period 9^th October, 2017 to 20^th November, 2017.

A total of 401 responses were received and detailed analysis of the consultation, including its scope and the analysis of the responses received, was included within the report.  These informed the final recommendations.

Legislation required that any changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme must be adopted by Full Council by 31^st January, 2018 in order to come into effect for 2018/19.

Members noted that this report had been considered in detail by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board where there had been some disagreement with the chosen options as the most vulnerable claimants who were most reliant on the CTS may be impacted upon.

After careful consideration the majority of Members were supportive of the taper rate proposed to be introduced and the effect that this would have on the amount of Council Tax that claimants would be required to pay on a weekly or annual basis.  It was considered that as the options delivering the largest savings - maximum support and band cap - were not being recommended for adoption and a taper of 30% would be necessary in order to deliver a significant saving.

Resolved:-  That the following amendments to the current Council Tax Support Scheme be approved to take effect from 1st April 2018, within the revised scheme:-

·             100% support for qualifying care leavers.

·             A standard £10.00 deduction for non-dependants in employment and a standard £5.00 deduction for non-dependants not in employment.

·             The introduction of a taper rate of 30%.

·             Discretion is introduced into the Council Tax Support Scheme to limit the number of assessments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2018/19.

At its meeting on 15th January, 2018, the Cabinet considered a report in respect of the calculation of the proposed Council Tax Base for 2018/19 which sought approval by Council.

Resolved:-  That the amount calculated by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as its Council Tax Base and those of the Parish Councils shown at Appendix 1 for 2018/19 be a total of 69,240.35 Band D Equivalent Properties.

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                        Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of increasing the Council Tax Empty Property Premium.

At its meeting on 15th January, 2018, the Cabinet considered a report in respect of the proposed increase in Council Tax Empty Property Premium.

From 2013/14 the Government introduced changes affecting the way that Council Tax was charged on certain types of empty property or second homes, by allowing Local Authorities increased discretion to set the level of charges locally. 

One option available to Local Authorities was the introduction of a 50% Premium for long term empty properties which had been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for a period of over two years. The principle of the introduction of the Premium was to incentivise owners to bring empty properties back into use.

The Council introduced the Council Tax Premium with effect from 1^st April, 2013 with the 50% Premium being charged on the two year anniversary of a property becoming unoccupied and substantially unfurnished.

In the November 2017 Budget statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that authorities would be given the power to increase the Council Tax empty homes premium from the current level of 50% to 100% as further encouragement to owners to bring empty properties back into use.

No further detail has yet been released by the Government regarding the implementation timeline or any exceptions that may be introduced and the change would require legislation meaning the earliest implementation date cannot yet be confirmed. 

Resolved:-  That an increase in the Empty Property Premium from 50% to 100% from the 1st April, 2018 or any later date upon which the Autumn Budget 2017 provision to increase the Empty Homes Premium was implemented.

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                        Seconder:-  Councillor Read

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of the rents and service charges in respect of the Housing Revenue Account for the 2018/19 financial year.

At its meeting on 15th January, 2018, the Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the proposed values for the setting of the housing rents, non- dwelling rents and service charges for 2018/19.

In October 2017 the Government confirmed details of future social rent policy from 2020, after the four-year period of 1% rent decreases ended.

The announcement confirmed that for the five years from 2020/21, providers would be able to increase rents, up to a limit of Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) plus 1% each year.

This report also considered proposed increases to charges for garages, garage plot sites, cooking gas and communal facilities including laundry services where provided, maintaining District Heating charges for 2018/19 and summarised the draft HRA budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That dwelling rents be reduced by 1% for 2018/19 in line with the requirements outlined in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

(2)  That there be a 3% increase to charges for garage rents, communal facilities, cooking gas and laundry facilities in 2018/19 in line with the increase in Consumer Price Index as at September 2017.

(3)  That the unit charge per Kwh for District Heating Schemes remain at the same level as agreed by the Council in December 2017.

(4)  That the draft Housing Revenue Account budget for 2018/19 be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                                  Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of approving the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan for 2018/19.

At its meeting on 15th January, 2018, the Cabinet considered a report which detailed how the Housing Revenue Account (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.

Following the introduction in 2012 of HRA self-financing, whereby the Council was awarded control over its HRA in return for taking on a proportion of national housing debt, Rotherham’s HRA was in a strong position with a healthy level of reserves.  However, a number of policies have been introduced by Central Government that resulted in a reduction to HRA resources.

Whilst significant savings were required to ensure the HRA Business Plan was balanced over the 30 year period the extent of these pressures had reduced somewhat following recent policy announcements; the most significant of which was the return of the previous rent formula from 2020-21 onwards i.e. CPI + 1% for five years. This policy change increased HRA balances by over £104m over the life of the plan.

This report provided a detailed technical overview of the current position and the reason for changes to the Plan and was to be considered alongside proposed 2018-19 rents, service charges and budgets.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposed 2018-19 Base Case for the HRA Business Plan and investment in services detailed within be approved.

(2)  That the plan be reviewed annually to provide an updated financial position as new government regulations come into force.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                                  Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To receive an update on the activities of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny bodies in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14.

Councillor Steele, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, was pleased to introduce the Overview and Scrutiny Update, which covered the last two months of work.

Particular reference was made to the Emergency Planning Review which lead to training for all members and recommendations for the Major Incident Plan.

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board had also looked at the review of the Council Tax Support Scheme and the effect this would have on Universal Credit.

In addition, consideration had been given to the Asset Management arrangements, the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Budget and the use of consultants and agency staff.  

The Improving Places Selection Commission had also focused on the Time for Action Enforcement Policy, the work with Doncaster on the Town Centre and the Waste Options Appraisal looking particularly at hard to reach groups.

The Health Select Commission had considered adolescent mental health and the associated pathways and the refresh of the Health and Wellbeing Integrated Strategy.

The Improving Lives Select Commission had been monitoring progress on the Council’s function regarding CSE support and the Domestic Abuse Policy.

Resolved:-  That the report be received and the update noted.

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                      Seconder:-  Councillor Cowles

In order to provide the residents of Rotherham with a safe level of fire cover, fire fighters and equipment, overnight and, reduce the level of risk to fire fighters attending a fire related incident, this Council supports the need to re-instate the second pump together with the required number of fire fighters on the night shift at the fire station in Eastwood.

Proposer:-  Councillor R. Elliott                         Seconder:-  Councillor Short

Proposed by Councillor R. Elliott and seconded by Councillor Short:-

In order to provide the residents of Rotherham with a safe level of fire cover, fire fighters and equipment, overnight and, reduce the level of risk to fire fighters attending a fire related incident, this Council supports the need to re-instate the second pump together with the required number of fire fighters on the night shift at the fire station in Eastwood.

Councillor Read proposed and Councillor Watson seconded the following amendment for the motion to now read:-

This Council notes:-

1.          That the government has cut funding to South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (SYFRS) by £12.5 million since 2010; a 29% reduction in government funding.

2.          That SYFRS expects a further cut of £1.4 million by 2019/20, and that SYFRS is subject to the same unclear policy of business rate retention from 2020 as local councils.

3.          That these reductions in funding have resulted in a number of fire stations across the region needing to rely on Close Proximity Crewing and overnight Retained Resilience crews, and that the decision to reduce the staffing on the second appliance at Rotherham Fire Station to 11 hours a day was taken in 2013 following consultation.

4.          That the number of accidental house fires in South Yorkshire decreased by 35% between 2001 and 2015, whilst the number of home safety checks delivered by SYFRS between 2006 and 2015 increased nearly tenfold.

This Council believes:-

1.          That continued cuts to Fire and Rescue Services across the country puts lives at risk.

2.          That prevention is better than a cure, and we welcome the work that SYFRS continues to do to prevent fires and promote fire safety.

3.          In order to provide the residents of Rotherham with a safe level of fire cover, fire fighters and equipment, overnight and, reduce the level of risk to fire fighters attending a fire related incident, this Council supports the need to re-instate the second pump together with the required number of fire fighters on the night shift at the fire station in Eastwood when resources allow.

4.          That any and all changes to fire services must be based on a robust risk assessment, prioritising the most effective measures to both prevent fires and to save lives.

This Council resolves:-

To support SYFRS, the Association of Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Local Government Association in pressing for a fairer funding arrangement for all fire authorities.

On being put to the vote the amendment to the motion was put and won and became the substantive motion.

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

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.

The minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board held on 10th January, 2018 would be reported to the next meeting.

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 Tweed

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                        Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

To consider a recommendation from Staffing Committee in respect of the Pay Policy Statement 2018.

Further to Minute No. 60 of the meeting of the Staffing Committee held on 15^th January, 2018 consideration was given to the Pay Policy Statement for 2018-19 which the Council was obliged to publish under Chapter 8 of the Localism Act, 2011

Resolved:-  That the Pay Policy Statement for 2018-19 (Appendix 1) be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Alam              Seconder:-  Councillor Watson

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, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee and Licensing Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Ellis                         Seconder:-  Councillor Clark

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).

The deadline for receipt of questions for this meeting is 10.00 a.m. on Friday 19 January 2018.

(1)  Councillor Carter explained Rotherham had got a raw deal from the Fire Authority with the cut to Rotherham’s second overnight pump and asked could the Member guarantee that further cuts to frontline services in Rotherham would not happen under the current IRMP?

Councillor Atkin confirmed there were no further changes to frontline services in Rotherham contained within the 2017-20 IRMP.

In a supplementary question Councillor Carter asked if Councillor Atkin could guarantee under the current IRMP going forward there would be no cuts given the fact that it’s a living document.

Councillor Atkin confirmed under the current IRMP there were no plans to cut services in Rotherham.

(2)  Councillor Carter asked wouldCouncillor Atkin accept that the IRMP was a living document and could, therefore, be amended at any point?

Councillor Atkin confirmed he did.

In a supplementary question Councillor Carter pointed out that as the IRMP was a living document, in a different financial position from when the IRMP was introduced, and therefore, services had been cut, why could the second overnight pump in Rotherham not be reintroduced.

Councillor Atkin confirmed the IRMP was a living document and within it there were recommendations.  The removal of the second pump in Rotherham was a recommendation of the previous IRMP.

The recommendations within this IRMP indicated Doncaster’s second pump would too be removed and Sheffield’s second pump removed unless funds could be found to save it.  Since the IRMP had been approved it had been reconsidered further, arising from the slightly better settlement, resulting in the additional recommendations to save the second pumps at Doncaster and Sheffield.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to look back at the second pump in Rotherham.

(3)  Councillor Carter referred toBarnsley getting a new fire station, both Doncaster and Sheffield having their second overnight pumps protected and asked why have Rotherham’s representatives allowed Rotherham’s taxpayers to fund the bill for a worse service?

Councillor Atkin referred to the numerous communications that were circulated to Members and explained on last October a new fire station had been opened in Maltby which was a joint venture with the Police.  This was to be officially opened by the Mayor on Monday.

Rotherham was somewhat blessed that it had four relatively new fire stations in the borough.  He invited Councillor Carter to join him on a visit.

The fire station in Barnsley was in desperate need to be replaced.

(4)  Councillor Carter asked didthe Fire Authority representatives believe that Rotherham’s taxpayers were getting value for money with the fire precept increasing year on year?

Councillor Atkin confirmed South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue had suffered severe cuts to its budget, having lost around £12.5 million in Government funding since 2010 – a 29% reduction. Throughout this period, the service had continually committed to providing the best service to local people within the resources available to it.

With considerable uncertainty over local Government finances beyond 2020, planned increases in the fire precept were a way of protecting the existing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

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

The deadline for receipt of questions for this meeting is 10.00 a.m. on Friday 19 January 2018.

(1)  Councillor Carter asked which of the other Councils in the Sheffield City Region have adult burial fees higher than Rotherham?

Councillor Hoddinott expressed her frustration with the 35 year contract with Dignity, but confirmed In Rotherham an adult burial would cost £2,268 for a 100 year exclusive right to the plot.

In Doncaster, whilst the cost for an adult burial was £1,892, it only provided a 50 years exclusive right and in order to purchase a further 50 years of exclusive right, a further fee would be payable thus making the charge for a 100 year exclusive right to a plot more expensive than Rotherham.

Barnsley and Sheffield were both less than Rotherham and Doncaster, but it was difficult to compare as different services and burial rights were provided.

In terms of questions 2 and 3 about cremation fees and fees to erect a new headstone in a local authority cemetery, Rotherham was the most expensive for those services.

In a supplementary question Councillor Carter asked as the Council had done its own analysis with similar authorities in the country showing the figures for burial were higher than average, what actions was the Council taking to try and reduce these fees for residents.

Councillor Hoddinott explained she had made representations to Dignity in terms of the rises in the fees.  Dignity were in the process of setting fees for next year and this week Councillor Hoddinott had sought assurances that fees would be frozen.  No positive response had been received.  The fee increases above inflation were affecting residents who had commented that burial fees were expensive compared to other places. 

In a supplementary in relation to Question 2 Councillor Carter asked what would be said to residents who were choosing other Local Authority cremation services due to cost.

Councillor Hoddinott shared the same concerns and would continue to raise these with Dignity as it was known residents were choosing other places because of the cost.

In a supplementary question in relation to Question 3 Councillor Carter asked as Councillor Hoddinott was part of the administration that signed the Dignity contact, would she agree with him that that the responsibility lay with her due to the ever increasing fees.

Councillor Hoddinott shared the frustration with the contract signed previously.  If she could go back and change it she would.  Councillor Alam, other Councillors and herself were consistently raising the concerns with Dignity and would continue to do so regarding the large increases in services and fees.  More sensible proposals were expected.

(4)  Councillor Cowles referred to the reference to Dignity on the 12^th January, 2018 in the Rotherham Advertiser where Councillor Alam was quoted as saying “as a Council we need to be holding Dignity to account. There’s been a failure to manage the contract”. He asked could the Cabinet Member please explain exactly what was meant by that and what was proposed to do about it?

Councillor Hoddinott confirmed this quote came from a scrutiny review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were none.