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 the Highways and Flood Risk Team had won the Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire and Humber Region Smeaton Award for the Forge Island Canal Barrier. This prestigious accolade recognised excellence and innovation in schemes costing less than £5 million.

The Mayor invited Paul Woodcock - Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, Peter Henchley - Flood Risk Engineer and Mark Duquemin - Head of Environmental Management and Sustainability, to receive the Award.

The Mayor was also delighted to confirm that on the 5^th April 2023 King Charles III granted the Yorkshire Regiment the title ‘Royal’ to acknowledge the Regiment’s unique history of service to the Crown and also to bring the Regiment in line with the other three regiments of the Union Division who were recognisable by their Royal title.

Members were invited to join the Mayor in standing and congratulating the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

The Mayor was also pleased to report on his engagements and activity since the last Council Meeting.

The Mayor described how he was honoured to meet a diverse range of people from many different backgrounds, including members of the Ukrainian, Hindu and Deaf communities.

The Mayor’s diary was busy moving into Spring and he would update on further activity at the next Council Meeting.

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

Apologies were received from Councillors Barker, Barley, Bird, Hunter, Thompson and Whomersley.

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 report.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 1 March 2023 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 1^st March, 2023, 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 report.

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

There were no declarations of interest to report.

To receive 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 public questions submitted.

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 matters requiring 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 report on his statement with some very sad news.

Over the last few days there had been news coverage following the tragic circumstances of the death of Marcia Grant, a Sheffield resident, but one of Rotherham’s much-loved foster carers.

Marcia was a kind, generous lady who was well-known, much-loved and highly respected within the fostering community. Not only did Marcia provide endless love and care to vulnerable children when they needed it the most, but shared her time and considerable experience to nurture and support fellow foster carers.

Rotherham Council, along with the fostering community, were devastated at her loss and would continue to provide all the support and reassurance needed.

The Council’s thoughts were with Marcia’s family at this extremely difficult time. Foster carers were heroes, who selflessly opened up their homes and their hearts to give children the best possible start in life.

The tragic circumstances relating to Marcia were subject to legal proceedings, but  the Leader wished to place on record the Council’s thanks to her and condolences to those that she now left behind.

Unfortunately, there had also been a second tragic incident over the last few days as a young girl passed away in Clifton Park over the weekend. Again, the Council’s thoughts and prayers were with her family.

For today may the memories of those lost be a blessing.

The Leaders of the Opposition Groups, Councillors Ball and Carter, echoed the Leader’s comments and also passed on their condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of those involved, but in doing so paid tribute to the emergency services who were in attendance.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 20 March 2023.

Resolved:- That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 20^th March, 2023 be received.   

Mover: - Councillor Read                        Seconder: -  Councillor Allen

To consider nominations and approve the Mayor-Elect and Deputy Mayor-Elect for the 2023-24 Municipal Year.

Nominations had been invited for the positions of Mayor-elect and Deputy Mayor-elect for the 2023-24 Municipal Year.

One nomination for the position of Mayor had been received:-

“That Councillor Taylor be elected Chair of the Rotherham Borough Council for the ensuing (2023/24) Municipal Year and that he be entitled to the style of Mayor by virtue of Section 245(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.”

Proposer:– Councillor Pitchley                Seconder:- Councillor Keenan

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor A. Carter, fully supported the nomination and in doing so suggested the Council adopt a meritocratic system where it was incumbent on group nominations on the basis of proportionality.  It was hoped this system could be adopted and brought forward in time.

On being put to a vote, the motion was carried by majority.

Councillor Taylor was appointed Mayor-elect for the 2023-24 Municipal Year. His election as Mayor would take place at the Annual Meeting on 19th May, 2023.

There had been two nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor-elect received:-

The first was for Councillor Tinsley, nominated by the Conservative Group, to be elected Vice-Chair of the Rotherham Borough Council for the ensuing (2023/24) Municipal Year.

Proposer:– Councillor Ball            Seconder:- Councillor Fisher

On being put to a vote, the motion was not carried.

The second was for Councillor Cowen, nominated by the Labour Group, to be elected Vice-Chair of the Rotherham Borough Council for the ensuing (2023/24) Municipal Year.

Proposer:– Councillor McNeely               Seconder:- Councillor Sheppard

On being put to a vote, the motion was carried by majority.

“That Councillor Cowen be elected Vice-Chair of the Rotherham Borough Council for the ensuing (2023/24) Municipal Year and that she be entitled to the style of Deputy Mayor by virtue of Section 245(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.”

Councillor Cowen was appointed Deputy Mayor-elect for the 2023-24 Municipal Year. Her election as Deputy Mayor would take place at the Annual Meeting on 19th May, 2023.

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

Consideration was given to the report which provided an update on the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and on this occasion the Improving Places Select Commission.

On introducing the update the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, wished to place on record her thanks to Councillor Barley and also Councillor T. Collingham for their support as Vice-Chairs and welcoming Councillor Bacon to his new role.

Since the last report much of the activity had been focused with the budget proposals featuring on the work programme.

The Board challenged the assumptions underpinning the budget, their alignment to the Council Plan, themes and proposals for the level of council tax and rents and charges, whilst being mindful of the cost of living pressures.

The Board recommended increases for advice and support and suggested mitigation measures for more vulnerable households. 

The Board was proud that it undertook scrutiny in a constructive manner with a non-partisan approach and hoped this would continue.

It was pleasing to see the Cabinet responses to the scrutiny reviews, especially those on today’s Council agenda.  This demonstrated that Cabinet  took the work of scrutiny seriously and in the interests of transparency.

All Scrutiny Members were also urged to attend the Scrutiny Strategy Day, to be held on 26^th April 2023 in the John Smith Room from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. This provided Members with an opportunity to influence and prioritise the work programme for scrutiny in the next 12 months.

In seconding the update Councillor Wyatt, Chair of the Improving Places Select Commission, highlighted this year’s achievements and assurances provided through a cross-party approach and wider coverage of issues.  He valued the support and contribution of his Vice-Chair, Councillor Tinsley.

Emphasis was drawn to:-

·            The wide ranging work of the Commission from highways to public safety and CCTV.

·            Issues causing distress such as fly-tipping, flooding, anti-social behaviour.

·            Issues that could bring people pleasure, such as libraries, culture and heritage.

·            Issues of concern from housing to end of life services.

·            Work undertaken within the resources available

·            Tribute to the Tenants Scrutiny Panel facilitated by Rotherfed, who were willing give up their time to provide support.

·            Neighbourhoods annual report, an example of how the Council had progressed.

·            Spotlight reviews on areas such as Selective Licensing, Bereavement Annual Report, the good work of Rotherham Allotments Alliance and examples of match funding for the Neighbourhood Agenda.

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

Mover: Councillor Clark                                     Seconder: Councillor Wyatt

To note the Cabinet response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Cultural Strategy.

Further to Minute No. 89 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19^th December 2022 consideration was given to the report detailing the response to the findings and recommendations from the spotlight review jointly undertaken by Improving Places Select Commission and Improving Lives Select Commission on 2^nd February, 2022.

Scrutiny Members from both the Improving Lives and Improving Places Select Commissions taking part were congratulated for their detailed and in-depth review into the Cultural Strategy.

The 4 recommendations had been accepted and progress was either ongoing or due for completion.

The overarching point demonstrated that the cultural offer within the Borough was accessible to all, with particular focus on young people and ensuring a good spread of events across the Borough and in individual Wards.

This was evidence of a good piece of work and all those involved were thanked for their contributions.

Resolved:  That the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review of the Cultural Strategy be noted.

Mover: - Councillor Sheppard                       Seconder: -  Councillor Pitchley

To note the Cabinet response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Markets: Engagement and Recovery.

Further to Minute No. 127 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 13^th February 2023 consideration was given to the report detailing the response to the findings and recommendations from the Improving Places Select Commission spotlight review of Rotherham Markets carried out during 2022.

The 8 recommendations were all accepted by Cabinet and developed subsequent to meetings with Officers with responsibility for the management and operation of markets in Rotherham, as well as representatives of the National Association of British Markets (NABMA) and National Market Traders Federation (NMTF). This evidenced the need to ensure engagement with market traders and how consultation was undertaken was further developed.

Resolved:-  That the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review of Rotherham Markets be noted.

Mover: - Councillor Lelliott                                 Seconder: -  Councillor Wyatt

To note the Cabinet response to the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Covid-19 Care Home Safety.

Further to Minute No. 136 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 20^th March 2023 consideration was given to the report detailing the response to the findings and recommendations from the spotlight review carried out by Health Select Committee on Covid-19 Care Home Safety.

The review focused on the biggest issues and the learning from the pandemic and ongoing needs in respect of care home safety.

In terms of recruitment and retention within the care home sector the Adult Social Care Workforce training programme would continue in 2023/24.

The Adult Social Care Commissioning and Finance Team have undertaken work on the Fair Cost of Care exercise and developed a draft Market Sustainability Plan.

It was also noted that relationships with Care Homes and Registered Care Home Managers were strengthened during the pandemic and these stronger relationships continued to be built on to address the ongoing challenges.

Members welcomed the outcome of this review and the difficulties endured for those involved during the pandemic.  Whilst some limited action could be taken locally the outcome of the national review was still awaited.

Resolved:-  That the Cabinet’s response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review of Covid-19 Care Home Safety be noted.

Mover: - Councillor Roche                                 Seconder: - Councillor Yasseen

To receive updates from ward councillors from Hoober 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 Hoober as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

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

Councillors Lelliott and Roche provided an update on Hoober Ward.

Councillor Roche drew particular attention to:-

·            The 4 Hoober Ward Priorities, which were widely consulted upon.

·            Forthcoming consultation event on the new plan with four aims to improve road safety, improve the environment, making good use of all green spaces for all and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and emphasis on improving wellbeing with a focus on the loneliness, isolation and mental health.

·            Working with a number of groups and individuals looking at road safety.

·            Introduction of a number of speed activated cameras and monitoring these on a regular basis to ensure they were located with the greatest impact.

·            Funding had been obtained for much needed pedestrian crossing at Cortonwood Retail Park.

·            Confirmation of a large tranche of new measures within the Ward, including several 21 zones requested by the local community.

·            Working closely with South Yorkshire Police on roads that become victims of speeding traffic.

·            Close working relationships with Residents’ Associations and further meetings scheduled.

Councillor Lelliott focused on:-

·            Listening to the community and making them at the heart of what local Ward Members do, what was being delivered and achievements.

·            Improvements to the green space and shop frontage on Masefield Road, next to the junction of Christchurch Road, West Melton, secured by way of funding through the Council’s Towns and Villages Fund.

·            Community garden scheme and litter picking.

·            Making sure all branches of the community were given the opportunity to attend community meetings.

·            Site visits and meetings with partners to look at off-road motorbikes and the problems they were causing.

·            Partnership working and multi-agency approaches to deal with Ward problems and issues.

·            Ensuring support to all community groups.

·            Ward access and developments facilitated by the devolved budget and Community Infrastructure Levy.

·            Plans and funding for Christmas Tree Festivals and day trips for local schools.

·            Excellent collaborative working relationships between Ward Members and good attendance at Neighbourhood Working Meetings.

·            Thanks, and appreciation from all 3 Ward Councillors.

Resolved:-  That the update be received, and the contents noted.

Mover:- Councillor Roche                                  Seconder:- Councillor Lelliott

To receive updates from ward councillors from Wath 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 Wath as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

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

Councillor Atkin drew particular attention to:-

·            Fantastic collaborative team approach to neighbourhood working from Housing, Early Years, Environmental Health and Housing Associations with thanks and appreciations to Nicola Hacking and Katie Northcliffe, Neighbourhood Officers.

·            Special thanks to Jill Ratcliffe and best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

·            Excellent support from the PCSO’s Paul Gray and David Wright.

·            Devolved budgets and funding arrangements.

·            Supporting the Town Centre and thriving retail provision, including the 2 day a week market, with the addition of a Saturday market.

·            Improvements to remove old and decrepit garages which were attracting anti-social behaviour.

·            Successful Christmas Festival which was a great success.

·            Success of Montgomery Hall and the volunteers that support its management.

Councillor Cowen focused on:-

·            Importance of priorities and strategy and meeting outcomes.

·            Support from Neighbourhood colleagues and former Councillors.

·            Success of securing a cemetery tap.

·            Working with the Events Team.

·            Support to community safety events to raise awareness of crime and anti-social behaviour and distribution of free community safety items.

·            Closure of Wath Day Centre and moving onto Community Connect.

·            Provision of a sensory garden.

·            British Legion Poppies and the erection of the named lamp-post poppies.

Resolved:-  That the update be received, and the contents noted.

Mover:- Councillor Atkin                                    Seconder:- Councillor Cowen

Notice of Motion – Grange Park - Access

To be moved by Councillor Ian Jones and seconded by Councillor Rob Elliott: 

That this council notes:

Over the last three decades, patrons of the Grange Park have had unfettered access to all its amenities, its wildlife, its amazing dog walks and its natural beauty. The main demographic of park users is pension aged walkers including ramblers using the trans Pennine trail which crosses the site and the young children from 5 to 15 using the junior football academy. Recent events have now reduced the park to a mucky dirt track and created a dangerous environment for the young footballers, spectators, and walkers alike.

The council believes that:

Since 1929, several access routes have criss-crossed the land and have been used to access the former colliery, the park, and the landfill. Of these routes only four have ever been referred to in conveyancing documents. Currently according to the land registry, no maps are filed against these. In 1973, the Council purchased the land from the NCB which formed part of the old colliery and its access. The land was purchased to form a public park for the recreation of the residents of Rotherham. In 2001, the Council agreed a right of access as part of a lease agreement with Millmoor juniors and resurfacing works were commissioned by RMBC at the request of Millmoor Juniors to complete an accessway which ran along their boundary. It was also used between 1994 and 1997 with the Councils permission, by the current owner of Grange landfill LTD, the then contractor of Watsons Estates to speed up the re instatement of the toxic tip site. This same site owner is now claiming an access right under the “doctrine of lost modern grant”. However, the public of Rotherham West believe that the evidence provided by the company to meet the threshold for a right of access “on a balance of probabilities” the 51% test, has not been reached, however the Council refuses to share the Legal opinions. Despite documentation existing that shows a “legal right of way “existed since the 1930s under the “iron bridge” the company is attempting to confuse the access right, we believe that this is because although legal, it is not in a usable condition.

This council resolves that:

Mirroring the thoughts and wishes of the residents of Droppingwell, Blackburn and Kimberworth, this council should undertake an immediate review of all the evidence provided to the Council by the company and set out in a public document why they believe it gives the company a right of access under the “doctrine of modern lost grant”. The council should then undertake a public meeting to consult and take on board the vast knowledge of the public, which up to now it has failed to engage or consider.  If an undisputable right cannot be proven on balance of probabilities, the Council will request that the company provide any further evidence that they believe proves a right  ...  view the full agenda text for item 173.

It was moved by Councillor Jones and seconded by Councillor Elliott that:

That this Council notes:

Over the last three decades, patrons of the Grange Park have had unfettered access to all its amenities, its wildlife, its amazing dog walks and its natural beauty. The main demographic of park users is pension aged walkers including ramblers using the Trans Pennine trail which crosses the site and the young children from 5 to 15 using the junior football academy. Recent events have now reduced the park to a mucky dirt track and created a dangerous environment for the young footballers, spectators, and walkers alike.

The Council believes that:

Since 1929, several access routes have criss-crossed the land and have been used to access the former colliery, the park, and the landfill. Of these routes only four have ever been referred to in conveyancing documents. Currently according to the land registry, no maps are filed against these. In 1973, the Council purchased the land from the NCB which formed part of the old colliery and its access. The land was purchased to form a public park for the recreation of the residents of Rotherham. In 2001, the Council agreed a right of access as part of a lease agreement with Millmoor Juniors and resurfacing works were commissioned by RMBC at the request of Millmoor Juniors to complete an accessway which ran along their boundary. It was also used between 1994 and 1997 with the Councils permission, by the current owner of Grange Landfill Ltd., the then contractor of Watsons Estates to speed up the re instatement of the toxic tip site. This same site owner is now claiming an access right under the “doctrine of lost modern grant.” However, the public of Rotherham West believe that the evidence provided by the company to meet the threshold for a right of access “on a balance of probabilities” the 51% test, has not been reached, however, the Council refuses to share the Legal opinions. Despite documentation existing that shows a “legal right of way“ existed since the 1930s under the “iron bridge” the company is attempting to confuse the access right, we believe that this is because although legal, it is not in a usable condition.

This Council resolves that:

Mirroring the thoughts and wishes of the residents of Droppingwell, Blackburn and Kimberworth, this Council should undertake an immediate review of all the evidence provided to the Council by the company and set out in a public document why they believe it gives the company a right of access under the “doctrine of modern lost grant.” The Council should then undertake a public meeting to consult and take on board the vast knowledge of the public, which up to now it has failed to engage or consider. If an undisputable right cannot be proven on balance of probabilities, the Council will request that the company provide any further evidence that they believe proves a right and the Council will set out in a public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.

Notice of Motion – Tobacco Control

To be moved by Councillor David Roche and seconded by Councillor David Sheppard

This Council notes that:

?        There has been a significant reduction in the number of people smoking, and there have been improvements in the services designed to assist with smoking cessation. Rotherham can be very pleased with the progress it has made in areas such as the reduction in the % of pregnant women smoking, in the impact of the new tobacco  working group. We understand our progress is better than in many other areas. Despite those, smoking remains the single largest driver of health inequalities and poor health in Rotherham, where – in common with the rest of the UK – it is the leading cause of cancer and preventable and early death.  We know that that we have been successful, but we also know there is more to be done

?        Preventable disease continues to have a massive impact on the public’s health, the NHS and the economy.

?        Decades of comprehensive policy action have meant adult smoking prevalence in the UK in 2019 was at a record low at 14.1%, but this masks significant inequality.

?        Differences in smoking rates make it one of the leading drivers of health inequalities, responsible for half the difference in life expectancy between the lowest and highest income groups in England.

?        Smoking is estimated by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) to cost society £17bn annually for England, £2.4bn of which falls to the NHS.

?        That through their public health duties, local authorities are responsible for improving the health of their population and do this through services such as stop smoking services and wider tobacco control activities.

This Council:

?        Believes that local government must be adequately resourced to fulfil their public health duties and that the Council will make representations through Cancer Research and ASH to push for this to happen. Furthermore as part of this,  the Council calls upon the three Rotherham MP’s to   seek to improve funding for Public Health from the Government

?        Supports Cancer Research UK’s calls for a Smokefree Fund (a fixed annual charge on the tobacco industry, making the tobacco industry pay for the damage their products cause, without being able to influence how the funds are spent) to fund local tobacco control work, and urges the UK Government to consider implementing a Smokefree Fund as part of its efforts to reach the Smokefree 2030 target and tackle health inequalities. By supporting this motion we will be joining others in a Cancer Championships network  to help to provide more weight and support to Cancer Research UK to achieve their aim

Therefore, this Council will:

?        Ask Trading Standards and the Police in Rotherham whether ways can be found to further crack down on illegal tobacco sales. Also to work with Trading standards and Public Health to investigate if anything can be done re the “positive and open “way vaping is advertised/displayed with at the very least calling upon Vapour outlets to consider  ...  view the full agenda text for item 174.

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

This Council notes that:-

?               There has been a significant reduction in the number of people smoking, and there have been improvements in the services designed to assist with smoking cessation. Rotherham can be very pleased with the progress it has made in areas such as the reduction in the % of pregnant women smoking, in the impact of the new tobacco working group. We understand our progress is better than in many other areas.Despite those, smoking remains the single largest driver of health inequalities and poor health in Rotherham, where – in common with the rest of the UK – it is the leading cause of cancer and preventable and early death. We know that that we have been successful, but we also know there is more to be done

?               Preventable disease continues to have a massive impact on the public’s health, the NHS and the economy.

?               Decades of comprehensive policy action have meant adult smoking prevalence in the UK in 2019 was at a record low at 14.1%, but this masks significant inequality.

?               Differences in smoking rates make it one of the leading drivers of health inequalities, responsible for half the difference in life expectancy between the lowest and highest income groups in England.

?               Smoking is estimated by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) to cost society £17bn annually for England, £2.4bn of which falls to the NHS.

?               That through their Public Health duties, local authorities are responsible for improving the health of their population and do this through services such as stop smoking services and wider tobacco control activities.

This Council:-

?               Believes that local government must be adequately resourced to fulfil their Public Health duties and that the Council will make representations through Cancer Research and ASH to push for this to happen. Furthermore, as part of this, the Council calls upon the 3 Rotherham MPs to   seek to improve funding for Public Health from the Government

?               Supports Cancer Research UK’s calls for a Smokefree Fund (a fixed annual charge on the tobacco industry, making the tobacco industry pay for the damage their products cause, without being able to influence how the funds are spent) to fund local tobacco control work, and urges the UK Government to consider implementing a Smokefree Fund as part of its efforts to reach the Smokefree 2030 target and tackle health inequalities. By supporting this motion, we will be joining others in a Cancer Championships network to help to provide more weight and support to Cancer Research UK to achieve their aim.

Therefore, this Council will:-

?               Ask Trading Standards and the Police in Rotherham whether ways can be found to further crack down on illegal tobacco sales. Also, to work with Trading Standards and Public Health to investigate if anything can be done re the “positive and open“ way vaping is advertised/displayed with at the very least calling upon vapour outlets to consider how they portray their wares that might  ...  view the full minutes text for item 174.

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 Browne

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 Hughes

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 meetings of the Planning Board be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Atkin                          Seconder:- Councillor Andrews

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).

(1)  Councillor Ball asked the designated spokesperson on the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel if they were happy that residents of Rotherham were having to pay an increased precept to cover the failures of South Yorkshire Police over CSE and Hillsborough?

Councillor Haleem confirmed that no-one wanted to pay the precept and would prefer not to have to pay for the consequences of things that had gone wrong in the past. However, whilst the Government met most of the “legacy costs,” there was a requirement for the Police Force to make a contribution towards this.

In a supplementary question Councillor Ball confirmed no reasonable person was happy to pay for this but asked should this not have come out of the earmarked reserves that this Force holds and why this was not considered as an option given the current climate.

Councillor Haleem reiterated that if the Government wanted to contribute more in order to reduce the burden on Council taxpayers, then this would be welcomed.

(2)  Councillor Ball asked the designated spokesperson on the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel if they could provide a figure of how much CSE cases and Hillsborough have cost the taxpayers of Rotherham in total and per head?

Councillor Haleem was unable to answer on behalf of the Police, but it was her own understanding it was not possible to provide this information specific to Rotherham.

In a supplementary question Councillor Ball asked if the spokesperson was comfortable with some of the figures due to Labour-led decisions.

Councillor Haleem would only be able to comment if she had any figures.

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 Hoddinott referred to the recent consultation and asked when building would start on the much-needed pedestrian crossing at the top of Morthern Road? 

Councillor Beck explained that since the public consultation in March 2022, site investigations have identified significant challenges in accommodating?a viable design for a pedestrian crossing owing to congestion of utilities equipment in the footways. Options were presently being reviewed to resolve these challenges in order to see if a safe crossing point could be provided.

As part of the forthcoming Transport Capital Programme, it was intended to bring this specific scheme forward. Subject to a feasible and affordable resolution being found, construction could be during the 2023 school summer holidays. However, this was subject to finding a viable design solution. 

In addition, there had been success with other schemes particularly the one on the A57 which Councillors Pitchley and Taylor had been lobbying for in Swallownest.

(2)  Councillor Fisher referred to the Gold Award being the highest badge of honour in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Employer Recognition Scheme. Rotherham had been awarded silver, while Barnsley, Sheffield and Doncaster Councils have the Gold Award. He asked could the Council reassure all local veterans that the gold standard would be achieved and when.

Councillor Allen confirmed the Council would like to reassure all local veterans that it would be aiming to achieve the gold standard in 2024, when the annual application process opened up for local authorities to apply in January.

In a supplementary question Councillor Fisher asked about the declaration for this year which was due to expire in March.

Councillor Allen was unable to provide a definitive answer but would investigate and confirm this in writing.

(3)  Councillor Bennett-Sylvester explained that 25% of visitors to Rother Valley Country Park do so by public and sustainable travel, but only 11% to Thrybergh Country Park. He asked what was the plan to increase sustainable travel to Thrybergh please?

Councillor Beck confirmed like Councillor Bennett-Sylvester he wanted to see the figures increase. On this basis the Council was continuing to work with the Local Transport Authority, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, to develop and deliver improvements to the public transport system along with walking and cycling. Unfortunately, it all came down to funding and what was available.

Some funding had been secured to provide shower facilities and cycle racks to support active travel for both staff and customers. This would remain an ongoing piece of work.

The Council would continue to look into opportunities where Public Rights of Way in and around the Park could be improved. There were many things going on.

In a supplementary question Councillor Bennett-Sylvester referred to a Borough map in Rotherham bus station, Rother Valley Country Park was on it, yet Thrybergh Country Park was not.

In 2018, a local resident petitioned the Council regarding the speed limits on the A630 which the former Cabinet Member actioned, and the speed limit was lowered. Within this there was also a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 179.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items for consideration.