Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed that he had held his Civic Service and Parade with local dignitaries, representatives, family and friends. Many of his events during his first 2 months in office had been associated with Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This included events organised by B:Friend Charitable Organisation, Aughton Junior Academy, Lime Tree Nursery and Rotherham Markets. Events included a street party in Wath, a garden party at Rotherham Hospital, and the Big Jubilee Lunch Garden Party at Clifton Park. The Mayor also visited Kimberworth Park Club 50+ and the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. The end of the Jubilee celebrations was marked by the Mayor lighting the beacon at Boston Castle and attendance at Sheffield Cathedral for a county-wide service of celebration.

Other events since Mayor Making included attendance at:

-         Civic Services for other new Mayors

-         A Citizenship Ceremony, honouring citizenship of new British residents

-         The Thomas Rotherham College Art Exhibition

-         The Rotherham Children’s University Graduation event at Gullivers

-         BME Young People and Carers CIC Celebration Event

-         Laughton School Sports Day

-         Brinsworth Academy Art/DT viewing and Summer Fayre

-         Hairspray the Musical

-         Rotherham Rep’s Performance of Stepping Out

-         Gillian Banks Theatre School Variety Show

-         Get Up to Speed with Culture and Leisure Event

-         Pakistan Muslim Centre in Sheffield.

-         Harthill and District Garden Association’s Village Garden Trail

-         The Weekend of Discovery at Ulley Country Park

-         Greasbrough Gala

-         Brinsworth Parish Council Village Fete

-         The official opening of the Women’s Euros exhibition at Clifton Park Museum

-         The RUFC Exhibition opening at New York Stadium

-         The opening of the Euros Fan Party

-         Anston Cricket Club Garden Party

-         The Mayor’s Cup at Grange Park Golf Club

The Mayor also supported local businesses by meeting with representatives of AESSEAL UK and supported the civilian and armed forces at the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s 69^th Recruits Graduation Ceremony and Armed Forces Day in Rotherham.

The Mayor had attended many local charity engagements so far with organisations such as Crossroads Care; South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation; Rush House; Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice; Voluntary Action Rotherham. The Mayor had also attended the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s 2022 Proud Awards.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alam, Barley, Baum-Dixon, Fisher, Hague, Haleem, Mills, Miro and Wyatt.

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 previous meetings of the Council held on 20 and 25 May, 2022, and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meetings of Council held on 20th May and 25th May, 2022, be approved for signature by the Mayor.

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.

One public question had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12:

(1)    Waverley Community Council - The Waverley Community Council would like to know how RMBC will update its monitoring demographics going forward as the current calculations did not foresee the current demand?

The Clerk from Waverley Community Council was not able to attend the meeting and as such, a response would be provided in writing by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

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 and public.

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

The Leader stated his statement by acknowledging the families in Kiveton and Maltby who had lost their homes in fire during the previous days heatwave which was the hottest weather ever seen in the Borough. Council services and other partners were working to provide support to help those affected rebuild their lives. The Leader acknowledged the efforts of those members of the Council directly involved with supporting the emergency response and thanked the emergency services who had been working so hard in the heat to prevent even worse disasters. A major incident had been declared across South Yorkshire as the fire service, police and others were stretched by incidents across the area. The Leader stated that this was a reminder of not just the climate crisis faced and how it was not just some distant far-off challenge affecting other people, but also a reminder of how individual actions matter. He urged communities not to take risks with fire, keep themselves safe and do their bit to help the emergency services.

The Leader then focused on some of the great events that had been seen across the Borough recently including the Women’s Euros which had put Rotherham on the map for all the right reasons, showing off the New York Stadium to an international audience. The Women of the World Festival took place in Clifton Park and the Leader had also celebrated Eid with the Mayor in the Town Hall.

The Annual Social Value Event was held at Gullivers Valley which gave the Council and private sector partners time to reflect on the progress made to create more jobs and apprenticeships for local people. More than £7m of social value commitments had been made since the policy was introduced 3 years ago.

The Leader confirmed that the Member Survey had been sent to all Elected Members to complete. Only 30 out of 59 Members had responded as yet so he encouraged those that had not provided comments to do so by getting in touch with the Head of Democratic Services or the Head of Neighbourhoods.

With regards to the comments on Social Value, Councillor Bennett-Sylvester stated that residents were seeing some of the benefits in Dalton and Thrybergh from the Chesterhill development. Most people would physically see it in the new bench that has been put in Thrybergh Country Park. That development alone has created local apprenticeships and supported existing ones. Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked, roughly, how many apprenticeships the Council’s Social Value Policy has helped create and support?

The Leader confirmed that he did not have that information available during the meeting and as such, a written response would be provided.

Councillor A. Carter echoed the Leader’s comments regarding the fires and the work done by the emergency services. He wished to place on record the Liberal Democrat’s sympathy with those that had lost their homes. Councillor A. Carter asked a question regarding Doncaster Sheffield Airport and whether action would be taken to safeguard its future? The Liberal Democrats believed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 16 May and 20 June, 2022.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester referenced the Cabinet Minutes of 16th May, 2022, Minute No. 150, in relation to the school holiday voucher support. Councillor Bennett-Sylvester had asked a question at the Council meeting about this matter and it had been confirmed that the Council provide the funding but that it is up to the schools to design the schemes. Had there been any feedback from schools/SEND clubs in relation to broadening the choice for parents of where they can shop.

The Leader did not have that information and confirmed that a written response would be provided.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester also referenced the Cabinet Minutes of 20th June, 2022, Minute No. 10 and asked the Cabinet Member for Housing about Housing Strategic Acquisitions. Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked if there had been any serious looks at acquiring leaseholder properties that had been bought from the Council? There had been anecdotal evidence from people in Dalton and Thrybergh that the only people that got to buy these properties are private landlords which continues the cycle of privatisation of ownership. Could the Council look at this in the future and investigate the issues leaseholders might be having that leave them open to buybacks from the Council?

Councillor Brookes confirmed that she would look into the matter and asked Councillor Bennett-Sylvester to send her any information on the matter. 

Councillor Ball asked about Coronation Park which he raised at the last Cabinet Meeting. He stated that he had attended the Park that week and there had never been as much glass. Councillor Ball asked what help could be provided for Coronation Park at this moment in time because it was dangerous? Children could not play there, dogs could not be walked there. Nothing could be done in the Park without a risk of harm.

Councillor Beck explained that the Council would support him as much as they could in turning round Coronation Park as there was a role for the Council. However, there was also a role for the police. It was not the Council’s fault that every Monday morning the Park was generally in the state that it was. There was an issue of anti-social behaviour there which had been acknowledged by all and needed to be gotten on top off. Councillor Beck would be happy to facilitate site meetings/pull the relevant people together. The frequency of bin collections had been increased in the Park. However, it was acknowledged that work needed to be done together to resolve the issues. 

Councillor A. Carter raised the Council Tax Rebate Scheme and stated that the matter had been reviewed by OSMB a number of weeks ago. That review had found that a significant number of residents who had received cheques for the rebate had not yet cashed them. Councillor A. Carter stated that the Council had let those residents down as they had not received those much needed finances. He asked if any progress had been made and what the latest figures were?

The Leader explained that he would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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

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

Mover:- Councillor Allen                         Seconder:- Councillor Read

The agreed nominations were:

Standards and Ethics

Parish Councillor Alan Buckley – to be added

Parish Councillor Monica Carroll – to be added

Mayoral Combined Authority Transport and Environment Board

Councillor Beck

Substitute - Councillor Lelliott

Mayoral Combined Authority Audit and Standards Committee

Councillor Ball

Substitute - Councillor Barley

To note the Cabinets response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of External Funding.

Councillor Lelliott introduced the report which had been presented to Cabinet in June 2022. All recommendations from the review had been accepted by Cabinet at that meeting and were in the process of being actioned. Councillor Lelliott thanked all those that had worked on the review.

Resolved:- That the Council notes that Cabinet approved the response to the Scrutiny Review Recommendations – External Funding.

Mover:- Councillor Lelliott                       Seconder:- Councillor Read

To note the Cabinets reponse to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Support for Young Carers.

Councillor Cusworth introduced the report which had been presented to Cabinet in June 2022. All recommendations from the review had been accepted by Cabinet at that meeting and were in the process of being actioned. Councillor Cusworth confirmed that an update would be provided at the Health Select Commission the week after Council on the progress made with the actions. In seconding the report, Councillor Roche highlighted the transition for young carers into adulthood and echoed his support for the recommendations.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked what was being done to allow young carers to be children and enjoy their childhood? Councillor Cusworth explained that the Council were working with Barnardos to ensure that all young carers got a childhood. This included looking at access to leisure activities. Work was also ongoing with schools as the work Barnardos did started with 8 year olds but it was widely acknowledged that there were young carers younger than this. As such work, was ongoing with schools to help identify those children and support them where possible.

Councillor Thompson asked what the plan was to get the children on the waiting list for the support they needed as quickly as possible and if additional funding was required to ensure that all young carers received the right care at the right time, would that be made available now?

Councillor Cusworth stated that she would speak to officers outside of the meeting and provide a written response.

Resolved:- That Council note that Cabinet approved the response to the recommendations, as summarised in the Cabinet report at Appendix 1 and detailed in Appendix 2.

Mover:- Councillor Cusworth                   Seconder:- Councillor Roche

To note the Cabinets response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Post CSE Support Services.

Councillor Read introduced the report which had been presented to Cabinet on 16th May, 2022. All of the recommendations from the review had been accepted by Cabinet and were in the process of being actioned. In introducing the report, Councillor Read expressed his thanks to the sub-group for the review and acknowledged that it had taken longer than expected. The Council continued to try and provide the best support possible.

In seconding the report, Councillor Cusworth acknowledged the significant progress that had been made but confirmed that Scrutiny would continue to monitor the matter.

In response to a question from Councillor Bacon regrading Action C, it was confirmed that the action plan had been considered by the Improving Lives Select Commission and the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board before being accepted by Cabinet. As such, it was not for Cabinet to change the recommendations. However, the Leader confirmed that he would have no objection to widening the discussions to include the Improving Lives Select Commission, but that was not a matter for him to decide. Councillor Pitchley, Chair of Improving Lives Select Commission, confirmed that all Members were welcome to join discussions and any future sub-groups on this matter.

Councillor T. Collingham asked what support was available to young carers and for how long was that support available? The Leader explained that it completely depended on the individual situation. The initial pathway was time limited but the Council would also endeavour to offer as much support as they could as and when survivors required it.

Councillor Z. Collingham asked a question in relation to Action E which was about listening to survivors and the research at Sheffield Hallam University. He asked if it was an ambition of the Council to go beyond that research and organise independent engagement sessions with survivors, to keep it an on-going conversation about how survivors are finding services?

The Leader explained that it would be a changing picture over time. The situation the Council was in 5 years ago was not the situation the Council would find itself in now which would not be the situation the Council found itself in in 5 or 10 years’ time. The Leader stated that the piece of work that Sheffield Hallam University was doing was very important and that was an independent verification of Adult Services doing what needed to be done and what were survivors saying about that within the safety of a private conversation with a third party organisation. The results would be an important indicator and could result in changes going forward. The Leader did not believe that that work was completed and was, therefore  hesitant to pre-judge where it was. It was confirmed that once received, the results would be analysed and the Council would work out the best way forward.

Councillor Clark stated that this was the longest piece of work she had done as a Councillor. She asked if the Sheffield Hallam University research had been requested but no response received and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

To note the Cabinets response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Rotherham Community Hub.

Councillor Roche introduced the report which had been presented to Cabinet on 20th June, 2022. All recommendations from the review had been accepted by Cabinet and were in the process of being actioned. In moving the report, Councillor Roche thanked those who had worked on the Community Hub throughout the Pandemic. In seconding the report Councillor Sheppard also recorded his thanks to the officers and volunteers involved with the Hub.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester and Councillor Yasseen praised the work of the Community Hub and noted the work of the local community.

Resolved:- That Council note that Cabinet approved the response to the recommendations, as summarised in the Cabinet report at Appendix 1 and detailed in Appendix 2.

Mover:- Councillor Roche                       Seconder:- Councillor Sheppard

To note the financial position and approve the updated Capital Programme.

Consideration was given to the report which explained that the Cabinet had considered a report detailing the proposals to update the Capital Programme for 2021/22 and the recommendation to note the Financial Outturn for 2021/22. On 11th July, 2022, the Cabinet had recommended that the report be presented to Council and that Council note the updated financial position as detailed in Appendix A to the report and approve the updated Capital Programme.

The report presented to Cabinet (Appendix A to the Council report) explained that the Revenue Budget 2021/22 was approved by Council on 3rd March, 2021. A budget of £235.7m was set for General Fund services; this excluded schools’ budgets and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The 2021/22 Budget was supported by the use of £7.5m from the Budget and Financial Strategy Reserve. However, given the availability of the £14m of Covid Funding covering the majority of the Council’s Covid related costs, the use of this reserve had not been required. The Council had also been able to deliver a final outturn position of a £2.4m underspend, not through delivering fewer services but by being able to apply more Government funding to the outturn position than had originally been planned.

This was a helpful outturn position that included a positive trend of necessary cost reduction within some of the Council’s key services including an increase of £2.4m into the Budget and Financial Strategy Reserve along with some planned savings for 2022/23 already being achieved. It placed the Council in a more robust position heading into the 2022/23 financial year, more able to mitigate against cost pressures and the financial challenges that were not evident at the time of setting the 2022/23 Budget such as the war in Ukraine, the significant rise in energy prices and inflation and to be more able to manage the impact rather than needing to consider making cuts in services.

The budgeted transfer from HRA reserves was reduced by £2.1m following the revenue and capital outturn positions. Cabinet also noted the carry forward of the combined schools balance of £3.794m in accordance with the Department for Education regulations as well as the reduced DSG deficit following receipt of Safety Valve funding.

The total of Corporate Reserves balances at the Financial Outturn 2021/22 was £65.8m, which was £6.1m more than the £59.7m estimated in the Budget and Council Tax 2022/23 report. The Budget Report 2022/23 planned for £7.1m use of reserves in 2022/23. Based on the 2021/22 Outturn position, that would leave a total of £58.7m Corporate Reserves at the end of the new financial year.

The Capital Programme 2021/22 totalled £144.347m split between the General Fund (£92.171m) and (HRA) £52.176m. As at the financial year end 31st March, 2022, the Capital Programme had expenditure of £104.9m, with underspend and slippage of £39.4m.

The Capital Programme 2022/23 had been reset at £285.283m split between the General Fund (£211.221m) and HRA (£74.062m). These programmes were higher than previous programmes due in the main to the following:

-  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

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

Consideration was given to the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22. The report, circulated with the agenda, highlighted a number of examples where Scrutiny had led to meaningful outcomes, such as:-

-         Work with Rotherham Youth Cabinet

-         Town Centre Masterplan Implementation

-         Budget and Financial Scrutiny

-         Equalities Outcomes

-         Scrutiny of Mental Health Services

-         Access to Health Services work

-         Health Inequalities work

-         Review of Post CSE Support

-         Spotlight review of Rotherham’s Cultural Strategy

-         Domestic Abuse Work and Youth Reoffending

-         Safeguarding

-         Markets Review

-         External Funding Sources Spotlight Review

-         Work on Housing Energy Efficiency, Roads Maintenance, Fly-tipping, Bereavement Services, Rough Sleepers, Housing Policies. Tree Services, Town Centre Regeneration and Recycling

In introducing the report, Councillor Clark, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, thanked the officers who had helped write the report and noted the change of format. She highlighted the range of activities carried out by the Board and the 3 Select Commissions and noted how Scrutiny linked with the Council’s priorities. The work and commitment of all Members involved in Scrutiny was praised.

Resolved:- That the report be noted.

Mover:- Councillor Clark                         Seconder:- Councillor T. Collingham

To receive updates from ward councillors from Rawmarsh East on the activities supporting Thriving Neighbourhoods across the Borough.

Further to Minute No. 55 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19th November, 2018, consideration was given to the annual Ward updates for Rawmarsh East as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

The Strategy signalled a new way of working for the Council both for Members and for staff and covered every Ward in the Borough delivered through Ward Plans developed with residents to address local issues and opportunities. Ward Members were supported by the Neighbourhood Team and worked with officers and residents from a range of organisations to respond to residents.

Update reports had been provided as part of the agenda. However, each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Sheppard and Hughes provided an update on Rawmarsh East:

-         There were 4 Ward Priorities:

o    Improving the physical environment

o    Facilities and activities for children and young people

o    Explore opportunities to improve the Health and Wellbeing of local residents

o    Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

-         Work had been carried out on problem parking on the grass verges on Green Lane

-         For Remembrance, the area was decorated with over 3,000 lamppost poppies

-         The Friends of Rawmarsh Cemeteries Group was being developed and work had continued with the Friends of Rawmarsh and Parkgate Greenspaces

-         It was hoped that the Towns and Villages Funding works would be completed in time to enhance events planned for 2023 such as the Parkgate 2000 year commemorations

-         A consultation event was due to take place in Sandhill Park to discuss improvements

-         Work continued with Rawmarsh Library with lots of activities planned

-         The Summer Reading Challenge was being done again for 2022.

-         Partnership working continued with community centres

-         Work was ongoing to combat loneliness and isolation

-         Funding had been secured for new play equipment

-         Neighbourhood walkabouts continued to take place to combat crime and anti-social behaviour. Ring doorbells had also been installed for some residents to aid with this.

Resolved:-

1)    That the report be noted.

Mover:- Councillor Sheppard                  Seconder:- Councillor Hughes

To receive updates from ward councillors from Rawmarsh West on the activities supporting Thriving Neighbourhoods across the Borough.

Further to Minute No. 55 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19th November, 2018, consideration was given to the annual Ward updates for Rawmarsh West as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

The Strategy signalled a new way of working for the Council both for Members and for staff and covered every Ward in the Borough delivered through Ward Plans developed with residents to address local issues and opportunities. Ward Members were supported by the Neighbourhood Team and worked with officers and residents from a range of organisations to respond to residents.

Update reports had been provided as part of the agenda. However, each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Bird provided an update on Ward activity:

-         There were 4 Ward Priorities:

o    Improvements to the local community

o    Facilities and activities for local people

o    Ensure Rosehill Park was a well used resource and was accessible to all ages and abilities

o    Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

-         Councillor Bird thanked neighbourhood and housing officers for their work.

-         The Friends of Rawmarsh Green Spaces had visited schools

-         Further funding had been secured for additional lighting and a new CCTV system.

-         A new walk had been established which would be signposted.

-         There were many events planned in Rosehill Park for the school holidays.

Councillor Z. Collingham placed on record his thanks to Councillor Thompson for her work in Rawmarsh West Ward.

Resolved:-

1)    That the report be noted.

Mover:- Councillor Bird                           Seconder:- Councillor Allen

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:- That Council received and considered minutes and recommendations of the Health and Wellbeing Board and confirmed the minutes as a true record.

Mover:- Councillor Roche                       Seconder:- Councillor Cusworth

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 be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Ellis                           Seconder:- Councillor McNeely

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

Resolved:- That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Planning Board be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Atkin                         Seconder:- Councillor Bird

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, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Standards and Ethics Committee be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor McNeely                    Seconder:- Councillor Griffin

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 no questions.

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 Whomersley stated that RMBC confirmed they have 30 Electric Vehicle Public Chargers. He asked, in the month of April 2022, what number of these chargers where open to public usage?

Councillor Beck answered: all of them.

In his supplementary question, Councillor Whomersley asked what the cost of those public charges were or was there a cost?

Councillor Beck explained that he would have to speak to officers and provide a written response.

(2)           Councillor Whomersley stated that it is estimated that in the UK, almost 30% of all cars on the road in 2027 will be electric. That is just over 9 million. Currently RMBC have 30 public chargers. To avoid gridlock, what is the plan to increase the number of charges in Rotherham within the next 5 years?

Councillor Beck explained that as of May 2022 the total public provision in the Borough was 89 fast charging bays and 59 rapid charging bays.  This was amongst the highest in the region, when expressed as charging sockets per 100,000 population. A further 6 rapid chargers were due to be installed in the next 9 months as part of a South Yorkshire-wide project at 3 locations at Drummond Street, Constable Lane and Douglas Street. The completion of this project would mean that nowhere in the Borough would be more than 5 miles from a Council operated public charging socket.

A further application has been submitted to the Government for £1.6m of funding to install 32 charging points on Drummond Street carpark.  This will include 4 rapid and 8 ultra-rapid chargers, and, crucially, a solar power canopy to provide renewable energy to the chargers. Finally, in the budget – which Councillor Whomersley voted against – Cabinet had allocated a capital funding allocation of £173k to fund a pilot of a residential charging hub, and work is ongoing to identify the best location for this.  There was a lot happening and the Cabinet were also wanting to do more so that it what they were doing.

(3)           Councillor Ball asked how many home electric charging points had been added to new builds in an effort to combat climate change?

Councillor Beck explained that the Council did not have any easily identifiable way of saying how many properties had EV charging points in the Borough. However, in June 2020, the Council adopted a Supplementary Planning Document which stipulated that for a development of 10 or more dwellings, a vehicle charging point had to be provided. Since then, through Planning, we know that there have been in the region of 1,600 homes that have been granted planning permission with electric charging facilities since we tightened Planning rules in relation to this. As more and more planning projects came forward and developments of a certain size proposed, they should have more electric charging points installed as part of the construction.

In his supplementary question, Councillor Ball asked whether these would be moved onto a 3-phase system to future proof?

Councillor Beck explained that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items to consider.