Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor was pleased to announce that Rotherham’s Planning Service won Team of the Year at a prestigious national awards ceremony. The service was named winner in the category for Local Authority Planning Team of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2018 held in London in May.

The Awards were the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry and the team should be incredibly proud of their achievements which were a testament to the hard work of service and its support staff.

One of Rotherham’s key ambitions was to create the right conditions for growth and regeneration. Planning played a key role in delivering this and this award gave confidence to businesses looking to invest in jobs, homes and developments within Rotherham.

The Mayor asked the Council to join him in congratulating all the team on their success.

He invited Paul Woodcock, Bronwen Knight, Helen Sleigh and Anthony Lowe to receive the award.

The Mayor was also pleased to present his activity since the last Council meeting which was attached for information to the Mayor’s letter.  In doing so he wished to draw particular attention to the Armed Forces Day Event and following Sunset Ceremony which were a credit to the town.  He congratulated all those involved in the arrangements.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B. Cutts, R. Elliott, Evans, Jepson, Price, Sheppard, Short, Taylor, Tweed, Watson, Whysall and Yasseen.

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

There were no communications received.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 27^th June, 2018 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 27^th June 2018, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

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 receipt of two petitions, but they had not met the threshold for consideration by Council, and would be referred to the relevant directorate for a response to be prepared:-

·             From the Adult Survivors Kampaign (ASK) containing 31 signatures calling on the Leader of Rotherham Council to urgently meet with members of the Adult Survivors Kampaign (ASK) to review the bid to the Home Office for additional resources for adult survivors of CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) with the view to taking a different approach to biding for resources for adult survivors of CSE.

Elizabeth addressed the Council as part of the presentation of the petition requesting the Leader meets with adult survivors to review the bid to the Home Office for additional resources for adult survivors of CSE.

·             From the Friends of Turner Close Community Centre containing 48 signatures calling for the retention of a member of staff in their current role at Rawmarsh Joint Service Centre.

Since the last Council meeting, five petitions have also been rejected in accordance with Section 3.1 of the Council’s Petitions Scheme on the basis that they were repetitive. A further petition was directed to the Commissioners, who were not covered by the Council’s Petitions Scheme. The Lead Commissioner has subsequently responded to the Lead Petitioner.

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.

A number of declarations of interest were reported:-

Councillor Hoddinott declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No. 38 (Council Motion – Modern Slavery) on the grounds of her employment and left the room whilst this item was discussed.

Councillor Read declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No. 38 (Council Motion – Modern Slavery) on the grounds of his partner’s employment and left the room whilst this item was discussed.

Councillors Allcock, Clark, Ellis, Roche and Steele declared personal interests in Minute No. 38 (Council Motion – Modern Slavery) on the grounds of being members of the Co-operative Party.

To receive questions from members of the public who may wish to ask a general question of the Mayor, Cabinet Member or the Chairman of a Committee in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12.

(1)  Mr. L. Harron asked did the Leader agree that if a senior RMBC officer had lied in writing in a response to a FOI request and then refused to answer a simple question seeking clarification, that nothing this officer said could be regarded as being truthful unless it was backed up with written evidence?

The Leader confirmed he was unable to comment on individual staffing matters in the Council meeting, but pointed out the Council had a Complaints Procedure.  This was publicly available for investigation complaints against the Council and/or any of its Officers and Mr. Harron was advised if he believed that there had been any wrongdoing then he should lodge a complaint.

In a supplementary question Mr. Harron asked the Leader if he agreed that the failings of previous Leaders of this Council to call Chief Executives to account had caused immeasurable damage to this Council, physically, emotionally, psychologically and materially.  Would the Leader show he was different by looking at the two page document Mr. Harron had sent to all Councillors today with a view to asking the current Chief Executive to apologise to those individuals “A to O” in Professor Jay’s report and to do so before the fourth anniversary of that publication in August.

The Leader had not yet seen the document circulated by Mr. Harron.  He would study this and come back to Mr. Harron in writing.

(2)  Mrs. M. Watson asked did the Council have any information concerning a potential traffic management plan for the hydraulic fracturing site in Harthill:-

(a)       Where would the clean water come from and which route would the tankers take?

(b)       Was there a traffic management plan for the waste water from Harthill to FCC Environment on Stanhill Close, Ecclesfield?

Councillor Williams confirmed an application for an exploratory well at Harthill (no applications for hydraulic fracturing have been received to date) was refused by the Council.  One of the reasons for refusal was traffic implications. This decision was appealed by the applicant and subsequently granted by the Planning Inspectorate following a Public Inquiry.

As part of the appeal process further traffic information was submitted to the inquiry by INEOS for the Inspector to consider and, in addition, the Inspector attached a condition to the permission which required a full Traffic Management Plan to be submitted, for the approval by the Council, prior to any development taking place on site.  A Traffic Management Plan had not as yet been received.

In terms of the water tankers and waste water removal the route was yet to be confirmed and would form part of the Traffic Management Plan to be submitted. The removal of waste water and details of its disposal would be controlled through a relevant license from the Environment Agency.

In a supplementary question Mrs. Watson asked, when the Traffic Management Plan was approved and in the public domain, would the rescue services be provided with a copy.

Councillor Williams assumed this would be a sensible  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

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, that should the Mayor deem if necessary the public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that any items involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the 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 wished to report on the Secretary of State’s minded to decision to withdraw Commissioners from Rotherham, subject to a further independent evaluation about progress early in the new year.  In effect the Commissioners were leaving a year early and although the decision was still to be confirmed this was a great reflection on all the hard work by Members alongside staff and Commissioners and indicated that governance was fit for purpose and up to the standard residents would expect. 

The Council would continue to face difficult decisions, but it was finally at the stage where it was returning to a situation where proper democratic accountability was in place in Rotherham.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet and Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 9 July 2018.

Resolved:-  That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet/Commissioners’ Decision Making Meeting held on 9^th July 2018, be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                       Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To consider recommendations from the Cabinet regarding the future vision for the management of allotments in the borough.

Further to Minute No. 174 of the Cabinet and Commissioners Decision Making Meeting held on 9^th July, 2017 consideration was given to the report which detailed the proposals for a self-management model for allotments containing recommendations to approve the new vision and specification for allotments and to transfer management of Council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body.

The Council and Rotherham and District Allotments Association have worked together to review the current Allotments Service and explore possible alternative service models to drive long-term improvement.  This recognised the pressure the Service had been under since 2011 due to reduced public spending.  The Review has gathered evidence to support the assessment of options, including a survey of existing plot-holders, an audit of Council-owned allotment sites, and information about management models in place elsewhere in Britain.   Consequently, the Review has concluded that the adoption of a self-management model offers best prospects for Service improvement and involving allotment users more in this.

Whilst in support of the model put forward, Councillor Carter was of the view that this was of benefit to allotment holders now more appropriate management arrangements in place.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the new vision and specification for allotments be adopted.

(2)  That the transfer of management of Council-owned allotments to a new borough-wide self-management body be approved and authorisation be given to officers to work with Rotherham and District Allotments Association, Voluntary Action Rotherham and others to establish a Community Benefit Society.

Resolved:-  Councillor Hoddinott                        Seconder:-  Councillor Allen

To consider proposed amendments to the Constitution in respect of Responsibility for Functions, including the Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference.

Consideration was given to the report which introduced a proposed new ‘Responsibility for Functions’ section of the Constitution, which had been recommended by the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO), as part of the wider review of the Constitution. The proposals from ADSO have been reviewed by the Constitution Working Group, a body of members from both political groups in operation on the Council, and were presented for approval and adoption within the Constitution.

The proposed new ‘Responsibility for Functions’ was a more concise document which had been drafted with a view to Strategic Directors being required to prepare and publish sub-schemes of delegation for their Directorates, which was consistent with the previously agreed changes in respect of the publication of decision records for delegated decisions taken by officers.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the ‘Responsibility for Functions’ at Appendix 1 be approved and adopted as Appendix 9 of the Constitution.

(2)  That the terms of reference for the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and Select Commissions be deleted from the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules at Appendix 3 of the Constitution.

Resolved:-  Councillor Read                    Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

To approve the remuneration package for the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services

Consideration was given to the report which detailed how the Council had recently undertaken a recruitment process to fill the vacant post of Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services. The Officer Employment Procedure Rules in the Constitution required the Council to approve the salary package for any post defined in the Pay Policy Statement as earning £100,000 or more.

This report, therefore, recommended that the Council agree the salary package for the post of Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services at the level of remuneration detailed in the Authority’s Pay Policy Statement.

Councillor Carter was unable to support the recommendation on the grounds that the public would find the salary unacceptable.

Councillor Napper supported the proposals and hoped that the specialisms of the new Strategic Director would meet any forthcoming challenges and reduce the need for consultant involvement in the future.

Resolved:-  That, in accordance with the Pay Policy Statement 2018-19 and the Officer Employment Procedure Rules, the remuneration package of £145,000 for the post of Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services be approved, with effect from 24th September, 2018.

Resolved:-  Councillor Alam                  Seconder:-  Councillor Read

To approve the making of the draft Reorganisation of Community Governance Order following the review requested by Orgreave Parish Council.

Further to Minute No. 12 of the meeting of Council held on 27^th June, 2018, consideration was given to the report which detailed the consultation with the Waverley Residents’ Association and to sought approval for the making of the Reorganisation of Community Governance Order.

The effect of the recommendation in the report was to put forward a budget requirement of £43,950 based upon the calculations, but the Waverley Residents’ Association had suggested a lower figure for the budget requirement of £36,025.  The Waverley Residents’ Association proposal was based on an assumption that the Council should forego the recharges for costs of the statutory consultation and the establishment costs incurred by the Council. 

In their response the Waverley Residents’ Association also suggested that if the Council was not willing to forego those recharges then the budget requirement should be adjusted by reducing the provision for reserves. 

The Waverley Residents’ Association have had support from the Yorkshire Local Councils Association in preparing their proposals and on that basis it was accepted that their proposals for a lower budget requirement would still result in a viable community council, albeit one with a smaller budget for 2019/20 than that originally proposed by the Council’s officers. 

A letter of objection from Catcliffe Parish asked the Council not to implement the Final Recommendations and to leave the boundary of the parish of Catcliffe unchanged 

The four options upon which the formal consultation took place were identified in the modified Terms of Reference agreed by Council at its meeting on 13^th December, 2017. 

Taking into account the letter of objection from Catcliffe Parish Council it was proposed to approve the making of the draft Reorganisation of Community Governance Order required to implement the Final Recommendations with a budget requirement for 2019/20 for the proposed Waverley Community Council of £36,025, the figure proposed by Waverley Residents’ Association, but without the Council foregoing its consultation and establishment costs. 

This option put forward provided for a lower budget requirement than originally proposed and the Waverley Residents’ Association supported a lower budget requirement.  It would provide for greater reserves for the proposed community council than originally proposed, but would not require the Council to forego costs which have been or would be incurred. 

Whilst the majority of Members supported the implementation of the final recommendations Councillor Simpson abstained from the decision and Councillor Carter, whilst supporting the general principle and the sentiments and work involved with developing a community council, was unable to vote in favour based on the recharge of the establishment and consultation costs.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the making of the draft Reorganisation of Community Governance Order including the associated map, which form Appendices 1 and 2 to this report be approved and that the budget requirement for the proposed Waverley Community Council, which forms part of the Order shall be £36,025.

(2) That the waiver of the re-charge of the establishment and consultation costs which has been requested by the Waverley Residents’ Association be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

To receive and approve the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for the 2017/18 municipal year.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the final draft of the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2017-18 for Members’ approval, having been endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board on 20th June, 2018.

The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report provided a retrospective summary of the work completed and outcomes achieved by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the three Select Commissions last year.  It also offered a look ahead for 2018-19 in terms of future priorities through a headline work programme. 

The Chair wished to place on record his thanks and appreciation to the former Chair of Improving Lives, Councillor Clark, and support staff and looked forward to working with the new Chair and Vice-Chair.  He also welcomed Councillors Keenan and Sansome back to the scrutiny process.

Resolved:-  That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2017-18 be approved.

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                      Seconder:-  Councillor Cowles

To receive the scrutiny spotlight review and recommendations following the Ofsted Inspection of Adult Community Learning.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the findings of a spotlight review following the Ofsted Inspection of Adult Community Learning in June, 2017. The purpose of the review was to seek assurance that there was a clear understanding of the issues leading to the inadequate judgement in June, 2017; that the issues arising from the inspection have been addressed and that there were clear plans in place to ensure that adult learners have pathways to secure employment or skills training. The conclusions and recommendations made by Members were based on information gathered from the spotlight review and examination of related documentation.

Following consideration by the Council, the Cabinet would be required to respond formally to the recommendations and indicate agreement or otherwise, what action would be taken to implement the recommendations, along with details of timescales and accountabilities.

The Leader welcomed this piece of work on behalf of the Cabinet and the assurances it provided.  It was right that the Council should look and learn in an open and transparent a way as possible.  Scrutiny were able to take on this work and it showed the maturity of the organisation.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and recommendations from the spotlight review following the Ofsted Inspection of Adult Community Learning, as outlined in Paragraph 7 of Appendix 1, be noted.

(2)             That the response of Cabinet to the recommendations be fed back to the Improving Lives Select Commission.

Mover:-  Councillor Clark                       Seconder:-  Councillor Cusworth

To consider the report and recommendations of the Youth Cabinet following the Children’s Commissioner Takeover Challenge Scrutiny Review of Work Experience

Consideration was given to the report which detailed the findings and recommendations following a spotlight review undertaken by Rotherham Youth Cabinet under the auspices of the Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge regarding improving access to work experience opportunities for all young people in Rotherham.

This report was presented for information to share the review findings with the wider membership of the Council. Following this meeting, the Cabinet and Commissioners would be required to respond formally to the recommendations and indicate agreement or otherwise and what action would be taken to implement the recommendations, together with details of timescales and accountabilities.  Schools and other external partners would also be involved.

Members welcomed this report and commended the young people’s involvement, their contributions and participation in the review.

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

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

Mover:-  Councillor Steele                      Seconder:-  Councillor Cowles

This Council notes:-

·         Though slavery was abolished in the UK in 1833, there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. Figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) suggest that there are more than 40 million people in modern slavery across the world, with nearly 25 million held in forced labour.

·         There were 3,805 victims of modern slavery identified in the UK in 2016. A rising number but still well below the 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims estimated by the Home Office. In Rotherham a small number of victims have already been identified.

·         Modern Slavery is happening nationwide. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. This can include sexual and criminal exploitation.

This Council believes:-

·         That action needs to be taken to raise awareness of modern slavery and the fact that it is happening all over the UK.

·         That the current support for victims is not sufficient and needs to go beyond the 45 days they are currently given by the government.

·         That councils have an important role to play in ensuring their contracts and supplies don’t contribute to modern day slavery and exploitation.

This Council resolves:-

·         That the Co-operative Party’s Charter against Modern Slavery be adopted to ensure that our practices don’t support slavery.

·         That the Corporate Procurement Team be trained to understand modern slavery through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supplies (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

·         That contractors be required to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential sanction for non-compliance.

·         That any abnormally low-cost tender be challenged to ensure that they do not rely upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

·         That suppliers be advised that contracted workers are free to join a trade union and should not be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

·         That the whistleblowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery be publicised.

·         That tendered contractors be required to adopt a whistleblowing policy which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

·         That contractual spending be reviewed regularly to identify any potential issues with modern slavery.

·         That suppliers be advised of any risk identified concerning modern slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

·         That any contractor who is identified as a cause for concern regarding modern slavery be referred for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral mechanism.

·         That a report on the implementation of this policy be published annually.

Proposer:-      Councillor Alam       Seconder:-    Councillor Wyatt

Proposed by Councillor Alam and seconded by Councillor Wyatt:-

This Council notes:-

·       Though slavery was abolished in the UK in 1833, there are more slaves today than ever before in human history. Figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) suggest that there are more than 40 million people in modern slavery across the world, with nearly 25 million held in forced labour.

·       There were 3,805 victims of modern slavery identified in the UK in 2016. A rising number but still well below the 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims estimated by the Home Office. In Rotherham a small number of victims have already been identified.

·       Modern Slavery is happening nationwide. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. This can include sexual and criminal exploitation.

This Council believes:-

·       That action needs to be taken to raise awareness of modern slavery and the fact that it is happening all over the UK.

·       That the current support for victims is not sufficient and needs to go beyond the 45 days they are currently given by the government.

·       That councils have an important role to play in ensuring their contracts and supplies don’t contribute to modern day slavery and exploitation.

This Council resolves:-

·       That the Co-operative Party’s Charter against Modern Slavery be adopted to ensure that our practices don’t support slavery.

·       That the Corporate Procurement Team be trained to understand modern slavery through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supplies (CIPS) online course on Ethical Procurement and Supply.

·       That contractors be required to comply fully with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, wherever it applies, with contract termination as a potential sanction for non-compliance.

·       That any abnormally low-cost tender be challenged to ensure that they do not rely upon the potential contractor practising modern slavery.

·       That suppliers be advised that contracted workers are free to join a trade union and should not be treated unfairly for belonging to one.

·       That the whistleblowing system for staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery be publicised.

·       That tendered contractors be required to adopt a whistleblowing policy which enables their staff to blow the whistle on any suspected examples of modern slavery.

·       That contractual spending be reviewed regularly to identify any potential issues with modern slavery.

·       That suppliers be advised of any risk identified concerning modern slavery and refer them to the relevant agencies to be addressed.

·       That any contractor who is identified as a cause for concern regarding modern slavery be referred for investigation via the National Crime Agency’s national referral mechanism.

·       That a report on the implementation of this policy be published annually.

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

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 meeting of the Standards and Ethics Committee be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor McNeely                  Seconder:-  Councillor Clark

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Wyatt            Seconder:-  Councillor Walsh

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Roche                      Seconder:-  Councillor Mallinder

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:-  Councillor Williams                   Seconder:-  Councillor Walsh

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 meeting of the Staffing Committee be adopted:-

Mover:-  Councillor Alam                        Seconder:-  Councillor Read

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the 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 be adopted.

Mover:-  Councillor Ellis                         Seconder:-  Councillor Beaumont

To receive, for information, the minutes of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and the Leader provided a quarterly update on activity:-

·                Appointments to the various committees for Rotherham:-

Councillor Wyatt and Councillor Cowles -  SCR Audit Committee.

Councillor Steele and Councillor Peter Short - Overview and Scrutiny committee. 

Councillor Lelliott Rotational Member.

Councillor Read - Vice-Chair and Deputy to the Mayor.

·                Discussion on the Local Growth Fund.  The programme has an acknowledged problem of approved projects failing to spend on profile. Funding could then be made available for reserve projects, which have been assessed and prioritised following a call for projects last year.  Rotherham had two reserve projects - Century BIC Phase 2 and Bassingthorpe Farm Greasbrough junction – assessed as top priority, which meant they were well placed should any funding be freed up as part of the programme review.

·                The Sheffield City Region one of only two places in the country to be piloting this innovative approach to help people with health problems get into or remain in employment.  The focus was on tackling low level mental health problems such as stress or anxiety, as well as musculoskeletal issues. 

332 people have already received support across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, including 68 from Rotherham (the 2nd highest). 

·                There was nothing further to add at this stage to the Devolution Deal.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the South Yorkshire Combined Authority be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Read                           Seconder:-  Councillor Lelliott

To receive, for information, the minutes of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Sansome, was pleased to confirm that discussions had taken place with the Police and Crime Commissioner over the 101 Service.

Correspondence had been received by the Council as to why there had been a delay in the 101 Service.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel be received.

Mover:-  Councillor Sansome                 Seconder:-  Councillor Steele

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).

Councillor Cowles at the last Council meeting, had asked the Vice-Chair of the Police and Crime Panel to agree to write a strongly worded letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner expressing the Council’s disquiet and, requesting immediate improvement to the unfit for purpose 101 system, used by the public and asked why had this not happened?

Councillor Sansome confirmed he had not written a formal letter, but had contacted the Police and Crime Commissioner by email, which he was happy to share with Councillor Cowles.

In a supplementary question Councillor Cowles pointed out it was agreed that a letter was to be written.  The Police and Crime Commissioner had now offered a date to meet, but this was not until the 10^th October.  After expressing some concern this had been moved to the end of August, but Councillor Cowles had offered to meet the Police and Crime Commissioner at a date/time at his convenience.

The delay of the application and implementation of a call centre system was unacceptable and Councillor Sansome was requested to write a letter as soon as possible about concerns rather than waiting for this debate.

Councillor Sansome shared the frustrations in the delay, but acknowledged the difficulty in managing to pull people together.  He agreed to send a letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner and looked forward to the meeting.

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

(1) Councillor Carter asked what independent legal advice had the Council taken that the service Dignity provided was not discriminatory?

Councillor Hoddinott confirmed the Council obtained independent Legal advice from Ward Hadaway in February, 2018 that the service Dignity provided was not discriminatory.  This took into account the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equalities Act 2010.

In a supplementary question Councillor Carter believed February, 2018 was before the court case in London and asked if any subsequent legal advice in light of that Coroner’s case  had been obtained.

Councillor Hoddinott was happy to double check with officers to see if they had sought further legal advice.

(2)  Councillor Cowles in considering the Eastwood plan, resources, tasks and timescales, was not aware of anyone who had ever seen such a plan showing the details in this way and asked could the Cabinet Member tell him when he could expect to see an acceptable end to the current cost and waste of resource?

Councillor Hoddinott wondered if Councillor Cowles was alternating each month about cost and action being taken.

The deal was on the Council website and reiterated that over the last two years:-

·                Enforcement activity was up.  Currently there were 115 open enforcement cases with over half of those receiving enforcement notices.

·                Crime was down by 17%.

·                Anti-social behaviour was down by a fifth.

·                The quality of housing was up.  Nearly half of all properties inspected had a Category 1 hazard with 99% being compliant with licensing conditions.

Had the advice from UKIP been followed then the Council would be looking at nearly half of the privately rented properties in Eastwood still being substandard.

In terms of the detail of activity and tasking this was agreed between officers and partners with regular meetings and in conjunction with feedback from Ward Members.  The Council would continue to take action, in Eastwood, the same as anywhere else in the borough, based on the needs of each community.

In a supplementary question Councillor Cowles disbelieved the statistics and their accuracy.  Baseline figures had been requested at the start to measure improvements and had never been set.  In terms of selective licensing he had asked several times about individual properties and had brought these to the Cabinet Member’s attention.  In relation to cost there were many reasons why money was short in the Council.

Councillor Cowles referred to an extract he intended to raise at the last Council meeting and quoted “Just back from a walk around Eastwood.  What I have seen around the bottom of Grosvenor Road makes you feel sick.  Groups of rats feeding on waste and St. Ann’s subway is the same with rats running around.  This has all been reported many times and no progress.”

He asked, therefore, would the Cabinet Member include a task on the plan to call for the Pied Piper or would she take up the pipes herself to get rid of the rats as nothing so far has worked.

Councillor Hoddinott found  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were none.