Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor referred with sadness to the events that were unfolding in Ukraine and asked all present to join with her in showing that the Council and Rotherham stood in solidarity with the people of Ukraine by giving a round of applause.

The Mayor advised that she had been honoured to be re-inducted as Honorary Rotarian by the Sitwell Rotary Club and noted how she had enjoyed hearing about the activities and achievements of the charities that they supported at the meeting. 

The Mayor referred to the many Mayoral events that she and the Mayoress had attended since the previous Council meeting, including:

·        Attending the Explorer Scouts presentation meeting.

·        Visiting a resident of the Borough to help her celebrate her 100^th Birthday.

·        Attending a performance of Cinderella performed by the Dinnington Operatic Society.

·        Visiting the Anne Frank exhibition at Brinsworth Academy and marking Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January with the release of a video on social media.

·        Welcoming the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman, to the Town Hall in early February.

·        Joining the Wah Hong Chinese Association’s first outdoor traditional lion dance in Rotherham’s covered outdoor market to celebrate Chinese New Year.

·        Attending the relaunch of Greasbrough Library.

·        Judging the Beer of the Festival Competition at the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival.

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

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Ellis, Hughes, Miro, Pitchley, Sansome, Whomersley and Wilson.

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 none.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 12^th January, 2022 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved: - That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 12th January, 2022, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester referred to Minute Nos. 103 and 112 and wished to place on record his comments, which were both acknowledged by the Leader and Councillor Roche about those areas that shouted the loudest receiving more support and hard targeting of sports activities for deprived neighbourhoods and moving this forward.  Both the Leader and Councillor Roche would ensure these views were taken into account.

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

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.

There were no petitions.

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 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.

There were no questions from members of the public.

Should it be necessary, in the opinion of the Mayor, to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting in relation to any items of urgent business on the grounds that private information is likely to be divulged.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

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

The Leader opened his statement by welcoming everyone back to the first meeting of Council to be held in the Council Chamber since March 2020, noting how good it was to be back.

The Leader referred to the conflict in the Ukraine and how the conflict was a fight for democracy and for democratic processes. The Leader stated that despite the differences of opinion that would be expressed in today’s meeting, the meeting showed the value and importance of democratic processes. The Leader noted how everyone’s thoughts would be with the people of the Ukraine. 

The Leader advised that whilst the remaining legal requirements regarding Covid-19 had come to an end, that it was important to remember that Covid-19 had not gone away, and that although case numbers were continuing to decrease that everyone should still do everything possible to mitigate any risk of infection going forward.

The Leader noted his congratulations to Councillor Brookes and her husband Chris on their recent wedding and extended his, and the meeting’s best wishes to them. The Leader also noted his congratulations to Councillors Adam and Charlotte Carter whose baby son had been born just a few days previously.

The Leader advised that over the coming weeks that there were lots of great events happening across the Borough including:

·        From the beginning of February to 8th March, a further 6 libraries would have been re-launched following refurbishments of the buildings and their facilities. This was part of the Borough-wide libraries £1.8m capital investment programme that had seen a packed programme of activities for both adults and younger residents.

·        Earlier in March the first home had been completed in the Council’s ambitious £30m+ development of more than 170 homes across 3 key Town Centre sites.  The project had been partly funded by Homes England and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and had seen over £200,000 of added social value including work with local schools and colleges and support to local charities. The Leader noted that this was a really exciting project and that it was a first glimpse of a future Rotherham that would help bring to life the vision that the Council had for a thriving town centre of the future.

·        The launch of the Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture programme. The Leader noted that the Town Centre had been transformed into a playground with a skate and arts festival, demonstrations by Team GB skaters and BMX pros, and a robot selfie. The Leader noted that these events had been delivered by part of the £1.4m funding that had been received through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester expressed his support for the people of the Ukraine and advised how former Rotherham Titans player and BBC reporter James Waterhouse should be in everyone’s thoughts whilst he was doing important work in keeping everyone informed on what was happening in the conflict. Councillor Bennett-Sylvester stated how he hoped that James would be home and safe very soon. 

Councillor Tinsley advised that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meetings held on 24^th January and 14^th February, 2022.

Councillor Bennett Sylvester asked with regard to Minute No.97 whether the potential for disused railway lines to be utilised to enhance the Borough’s cycle network could be considered.

Councillor Beck, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, noted that the Cycling Strategy would enable all options for enhancing the Borough’s cycle network to be looked at and advised that he was open to any suggestions on how the network could be further developed.

Resolved: - That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 24th January and 14th February, 2022, be received.   

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

To consider the Cabinet’s recommendations in respect of the Budget and Council Tax for the 2022-23 financial year.

Further to Minute No.107 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 14th February, 2022, consideration was given to the report that proposed the Council’s Budget and Council Tax for 2022/23.

The proposed Budget and Council Tax for 2022/23 had been based on the outcome of the Council’s Final Local Government Finance Settlement, budget consultation process and consideration of Directorate budget proposals through the Council’s formal Budget and Scrutiny processes (Overview and Scrutiny Management Board), alongside a review of the financial planning assumptions within the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. In was stated in the report that in setting the proposed 2022/23 budget, Cabinet had recommended an increase of 1.5% in the Council’s basic Council Tax and an Adult Social Care precept of 3.0%. The report proposed the revenue budget for 2022/23, an updated Capital Programme to 2025/26 and the updated Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2025/26.

In moving the budget report the Leader noted his thanks to Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance, and all the Elected Members who had contributed to the development of the proposed Budget 2022/23. The Leader also noted his thanks to the Strategic Director for Finance and Customer Services and her team for their support in the proposed budget’s development. The Leader noted his particular thanks to the Assistant Director for Financial Services, Graham Saxton, for his advice and support over many years in advance of his imminent retirement from the Council.

The Leader advised that the proposed budget reaped the benefits of the difficult financial choices that had been taken in previous years and also set the Council and the Borough on the right course following the Covid-19 pandemic. The Leader stated that the proposed budget was both a prudent budget and one that supported the Borough’s most vulnerable residents.  The Leader advised that the proposed budget reflected the impact on the Council’s finances of the pandemic and of 12 years of austerity and the impact that these events had had on the most vulnerable residents and communities across the Borough.

The Leader noted that the delivery of Adult Social Care Services would remain the most significant area of pressure for the Council’s finances in the coming year and stated that new Government policies with regard to the funding of Adult Care Services had the potential to add even further pressure to the Adult Social Care budget. The Leader advised that the proposed budget contained significant budget increases for payments to home care providers and the provision of Learning Disability Services, as well as enabling home care personal assistants to be paid the Real Living Wage. The Leader noted that due to increases in demand for services, that the funding received by the Council from the Government their delivery would be insufficient, and as such it had been necessary to propose and increase in the Adult Social Care element of the Council Tax in order to ensure that services could continue to be delivered.

The Leader stated that in spite  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128.

To consider the Pay Policy Statement for 2022-23 and to approve for publication under Chapter 8 of the Localism Act 2011.

Further to Minute No. 11 of the Staffing Committee held on 16th February, 2022, consideration was given to a report that detailed the proposed the Pay Policy Statement for 2022-23.

It was noted that the Localism Act 2011, Chapter 8 Pay Accountability, made it a legal requirement for authorities to produce and publish a Pay Policy Statement by 31st March each year and that this must be agreed by Council and detail the remuneration of its Chief Officers.

The Pay Policy Statement for 2022-23 was attached as an appendix to the report submitted.

Resolved: - That the Pay Policy Statement for 2022-23 be approved.

Mover: - Councillor Alam                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

To approve a calendar of meetings for the Council and its committees for the 2022-23 municipal year.

Consideration was given to a report, submitted in accordance with the rules of procedure as detailed in the Council’s Constitution, that set out the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the 2022/23 Municipal Year.

Resolved: - That the Calendar of Meetings for the 2022/23 Municipal Year be approved.

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: - Councillor Allen

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

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14, the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board invited the Chair of the Improving Places to provide a report that updated Council on scrutiny activity.

Councillor Wyatt, Chair of the Improving Places Select Commission, provided an overview on the recent scrutiny work which included a broad work programme for 2021-22, based on the Council Plan 2017-2020 and the Year Ahead Plan 2020-21. Non-executive Members had evaluated several plans and strategies within the remit of this Commission, as well as monitored the impact of services on customer outcomes and experience.

Reference was made to:-

·        Progress monitoring of strategies and plans following past scrutiny.

·        Recommendations made by the committees.

·        Outcomes resulting from scrutiny.

·        Reviews - underway or due to commence.

·        Sub-group/Task and Finish Group activity.

·        Member visits.

·        Public involvement in scrutiny.

·        Key future items.

·        Other activity undertaken by the Scrutiny Members.

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

Mover: Councillor Clark                          Seconder: Councillor Barley

To note the request for an extraordinary meeting of the Council after 20th May, 2022 to bestow the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough to Mr Gavin Walker MBE.

Further to Minute No. 104 of the meeting of the Council held on 12^th January, 2022, consideration was given to the report where Council had agreed that Mr. Gavin Walker MBE would be granted the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough at Annual Council, in accordance with its powers under the provisions of Section 249(5) of the Local Government Action 1972. 

Due to his training schedule Mr. Walker MBE was unable to attend a meeting on that date, therefore the Council was being asked to note that an extraordinary meeting of the Council would be arranged for a suitable date and time after 20th May, 2022.  

Resolved:-  That the request for an extraordinary meeting of the Council arranged for a suitable date and time after 20th May, 2022 to bestow the title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough to Mr. Gavin Walker MBE be noted.

Mover:- Councillor Atkin                          Seconder:- Councillor Taylor

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

Further to Minute No. 15 to the annual meeting of Council held on 26th May, 2021, consideration was given to the report which sought approval from Council of amendments to the nomination of Members to serve on Committees, Boards and Panels.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board placed on record her thanks and appreciation to Councillor Barley as Vice-Chair who was stepping down from the position in readiness for the arrival of her new baby.

Resolved:-  That the amendments to the nominations of Members to serve on the Committees, Boards and Panels as listed in the Mayor’s Letter as follows be approved:-

Audit Committee

·              Cllr Hoddinott to be removed

·              Cllr Cowen to be added as Vice Chair

Corporate Parenting Board

·              Cllr Hughes to be added

Health and Wellbeing Board

·              Cllr Aveyard to be added

Health Select Commission

·              Cllr Baker-Rogers to be removed

·              Cllr Whomersley to be removed

·              Cllr Hoddinott to be added

Improving Places Select Commission

·              Cllr Taylor to be added

·              Cllr Pitchley to be removed

Overview and Scrutiny Management Board

·              Cllr Hoddinott to be removed

·              Cllr Barley to be removed

·              Cllr Cowen to be added

·              Cllr Thomas Collingham to be added as Vice Chair

Planning Board

·              Cllr Sheppard to be added as a substitute

Mover:-  Councillor Read                        Seconder:-  Councillor Allen

Last year, two young men tragically lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water at Ulley Reservoir.

As with all our open water sites, lifesaving equipment is in place but in line with national practice, this equipment is kept behind a keypad lock for security, which requires a telephone call to obtain the code to release the lock.

In any emergency, time is critical and every second of delay worsens the chances of a positive outcome.

Currently, there is no specific legal provision which protects lifesaving equipment such as life belts and throw lines, which means that many have to be housed behind keypad locks for safety, causing crucial delays in releasing the equipment.

The Haycock family have already been inspirational in their work with local schools to raise awareness of the dangers of open water, along with working alongside a university research team to develop an instantly accessible form of housing lifesaving equipment which will also alert the emergency services.

This Council commits to work alongside the Haycock family and all other key partners to continue to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and also to ask the Government to implement legislation to protect all lifesaving equipment both in the borough and across the country.

Therefore, this Council resolves to call on the Secretary of State for Justice to make it a specific offence to destroy or damage lifesaving equipment, enabling suitable equipment to be instantly accessible in times of emergency.

Mover:- Councillor Sheppard                  Seconder:- Councillor Taylor

It was moved by Councillor Sheppard and seconded by Councillor Taylor that:-

Last year, two young men tragically lost their lives after getting into difficulty in the water at Ulley Reservoir.

As with all our open water sites, lifesaving equipment is in place but in line with national practice, this equipment is kept behind a keypad lock for security, which requires a telephone call to obtain the code to release the lock.

In any emergency, time is critical and every second of delay worsens the chances of a positive outcome.

Currently, there is no specific legal provision which protects lifesaving equipment such as life belts and throw lines, which means that many have to be housed behind keypad locks for safety, causing crucial delays in releasing the equipment.

The Haycock family have already been inspirational in their work with local schools to raise awareness of the dangers of open water, along with working alongside a university research team to develop an instantly accessible form of housing lifesaving equipment which will also alert the emergency services.

This Council commits to work alongside the Haycock family and all other key partners to continue to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and also to ask the Government to implement legislation to protect all lifesaving equipment both in the Borough and across the country.

Therefore, this Council resolves:-

To call on the Secretary of State for Justice to make it a specific offence to destroy or damage lifesaving equipment, enabling suitable equipment to be instantly accessible in times of emergency.

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

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:- Councillor Baker-Rodgers          Seconder:- Councillor Hoddinott

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, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Roche                        Seconder:- Councillor Cusworth

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover:- Councillor Alam                          Seconder:- Councillor Allen

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:- That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee and Licensing Sub[1]Committee be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Baker-Rodgers          Seconder:- Councillor McNeely

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).

There were none.

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

(1)  Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked could the Leader please report on progress on provision of a call back service for telephone enquiries from residents to save on their experiencing extended call wait times?

The Leader confirmed the testing identified some areas for development and additional improvements which have since been incorporated into the final design of the new ‘callback’ feature. Robust testing had been undertaken to ensure both customers and staff received a positive experience.

The ‘callback’ facility went ‘live’ on 1^st March in a limited way so it could be tested and learnt from.  It was initially being offered for customers experiencing long wait times who have called 01709 336009 (‘Housing Services’ and ‘Housing Repairs’), which were managed by the corporate contact centre. This was very much a pilot phase and these services were chosen as historic data showed a greater likelihood of a long call wait time for enquiries of this nature.

This would be reviewed in terms of how successful the pilot was and then making decisions regarding a wider roll out to further services managed by the corporate contact centre such as Streetpride and Waste Management.

In a supplementary question Councillor Bennett-Sylvester welcomed the progress to date and gave examples of long waiting times (one of one hour and 27 minutes), which was unacceptable especially for callers who had no internet access.  He asked if there was a scheduled timeframe for review of data collected on waiting times.

The Leader confirmed that a report would be prepared in the next few months for officers to review over a suitable time period.

(2)  Councillor T. Collingham referred to Council resources for Dog Warden being severely small in comparison to other environment areas, however, the amount of dog fouling concerns from residents continued to rise. He asked what were the Council doing to address this growing problem?

Councillor Beck explained the Council operated a number of services in relation to dogs and animals which included nuisance and welfare related issues, the collection of stray dogs and dealing with dog fouling.

Councillor Beck gave his assurance that it was not only the Dog Warden Service who were empowered to enforce against irresponsible dog owners. Under a Public Spaces Protection Order the majority of the Council’s Community Protection and Environmental Health Officers were empowered to issue fines in relation to dog fouling and in addition, through the Council’s partnership with Doncaster Council, Local Authority Support were also empowered to serve these types of fixed penalties.

The Council routinely directed these officers to areas where reports of dog fouling were received.

Enforcing dog fouling, however, remained a significant challenge and this was reflected in the low numbers of fines that were issued, not just in Rotherham but nationally. This was primarily because of the fact that when dog walkers were in sight of other people, be they Enforcement Officers or not, they would generally pick up their dog’s mess. The Council continued to target those that did not pick  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items for consideration.