Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor reported that a very important pillar of his local community and a truly wonderful person was involved in a horrific accident whilst out running.  Karen Chamberlain was the founder and lead runner of Aston Chasers all ladies running club. The club have done some incredible work not only inspiring fitness but instilling confidence and a sense of unity and belonging within the club.

Karen was really poorly, and the council sent its best wishes and support to Karen, Chris, Esme and Noah at this difficult time.

He was delighted to share that he received news from the Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, that a resident had been recognised as a Coronation Champion by Their Majesties the King and Queen.

Peter Dye, who volunteers for Lost Chord UK attends interactive sessions in care homes and the community, where he helps people living with dementia to get the most out of every session through compassion, encouragement, humour and by simply being open to the needs of the clients.

He recently completed a course of chemotherapy, continuing to volunteer until his treatment started and as soon as he was able, he got back to volunteering. He truly lives every day as if it were his last and inspires the session leaders and fellow volunteers with his positivity and constant smiling. A round of applause was held in congratulations.

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

Apologies were received from Councillor Baum-Dixon, Councillor Castledine-Dack and Councillor Foster.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 12^th April, 2023, and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 12 April 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.

Question 1: From: Sallyanne Kenny

Do you think it is acceptable for places and venues to not be accessible for disabled and wheelchair users, such as people with MS (Multiple Sclerosis)?

Councillor Lelliott responded that public buildings were required under the Equality Act 2010 (which replaced the Disability Discrimination Act) to provide access for people with disabilities. Disabled people have the right to ‘reasonable adjustments’ that make jobs and services accessible to them. Building regulations also required all new buildings to be fully and easily accessible to everyone who needs to use them.

In her supplementary question Ms Kenny described how she went to a private establishment the previous day and could not access the building. Councillor Lelliott said she would be happy to meet with Ms Kenny to discuss what the Council could do to support work with private operators.

Question 2: From: Keith Ollivant

Planning and Adult Social Care Departments are allowing Rhodus Properties with Heathcotes Care Group to operate from 24 Spinneyfield. This was opened on covenant protected land without consultation with residents and disregard to Council procedures. We request both Directors consider the legality of this business and act to close it. Civil proceedings will commence if this business continues operating. 

Councillor Lelliott responded and advised that the building does not need planning permission so does not look like there’s anything from a planning point of view that can be done.

It was understood that the house was being used by no more than six adults living together as a single household which does not result in a change of use that would require planning permission. 

If there are aspects that you would like us to look into then please leave your contact details so we can pick this up with you.

In his supplementary question, Mr Ollivant stated that he believed there to be a change in appearance that required planning permission. Councillor Lelliott stated that if that was the case, the Council could look into this, but all authorities are under a national building and compliance framework. The rules changed recently for permitted developments and planning was not always required.

Question 3: From: Michael Norton

RBC is allowing business operations since October without planning permission on residential land that does not allow it. The owner dishonestly purchased the house, has not consulted residents and has intentionally mislead RBC. Social Services place vulnerable residents in there with minimal overnight care. Will both department heads review this business and take immediate action to suspend all operating licences?

Councillor Lelliott responded by stating that the house was being used by no more than six adults living together as a single household which did not result in a change of use that would require planning permission; there was therefore no planning breaches in place.

The Council had a statutory duty to meet an adult's needs for care and support where the relevant eligibility criteria was met. It was good practice for adult social care providers to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 194.

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 opened his statement by paying tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Denniff. He became Chief Executive at Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber in 2010 having joined the organisation from Sheffield Chamber in 2008. During his time at the Chamber, he played an instrumental role in the merger of the Chamber with Barnsley and its subsequent success was in large part testament to the dedicated hard and leadership that he had delivered.

Throughout all of the meetings that the Leader had held with him over the years, he had always been struck by his commitment to the business community, ensuring the Chamber had its membership and the businesses of Rotherham and Barnsley as its focus. As a long-standing member of various partnership forums, he had been a great supporter of partnership working in Rotherham. In all of those forums his contributions had always been trenchant, honest and constructive and his commitment to the town of Rotherham, its businesses and its people had shone through.

Thanks were offered for his contributions to Rotherham along with best wishes for the future and a long healthy retirement.

He explained that the Council had been shortlisted in this year’s national Social Value Awards, in the Public Sector Leadership category. The awards recognised organisations and individuals which went above and beyond in providing added value to their communities.  The Councils submission recognised the progress made since the launch of the social value policy in December 2019 which included:

·       regular reports to Cabinet and Scrutiny,

·       all contracts with a greater value than £100,000 to include social value commitments,

·       weighting social value commitments at 20% of the bidding process, for which Rotherham was the only local authority in the country to make that requirement, and

·       raising the living standards of the other residents through the real living wage.

He was pleased to report that on National Offer Day on 17April for school place, that 99% of children in the borough were offered one of their preferred school choices in primary school or moving from infants to juniors.

There was great news in Children’s Services for our children’s home Liberty House, which provided short breaks for children with complex health needs, which was rated as outstanding for the third time in succession. Congratulations were offered to all the staff involved in that achievement

Lastly, he added a reminder about the Blood Donation Service hosting a “What’s your blood type?” event on 31st May at Riverside House Café.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 24th April, 2023.

Resolved: That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 24 April 2023 be received.   

Mover: Councillor Read                        Seconder: Councillor Allen

To approve the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum Collections Management Policy (2023).

Consideration was given to the report which sets out the updated Collections Management Policy for the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum.  It was explained that RMBC was the sole trustee of the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum, which consisted of 3,900 objects, which were managed by the Museums, Arts and Heritage Collections and Exhibitions team.  Around 11,000 photographs and archive items were manged by the Archives team.  It was a great testament to the Museums team that the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum chose Clifton Park Museum to host and display this extensive collection.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester sought clarification that the Council was not benefiting or receiving items that had been culturally misappropriated from other areas of the world.  Councillor Sheppard explained that as rigorous tests as possible would be conducted to secure knowledge of the provenance of where any new items came from before determining if they should be accepted. In terms of items already held, nothing could be changed other than reporting on the provenance to be as open and transparent where possible.

Resolved: That Council:

1.    Approved the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum Collections Management Policy (2023).

2.    Approved the delegation to the Assistant Director of Culture, Sport and Tourism in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion for any future changes or new versions of the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum Collections Policy.

Mover: Councillor Sheppard                   Seconder: Councillor Cusworth

To report on the establishment of political groups, the political balance of the Council and the entitlement of each group to seats on the authority’s committees.

Consideration was given to the report that detailed the membership of political groups on the Council, political balance and the entitlement to seats on, and the proposed appointments to Committees, Boards and Panels.

It was noted that Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 placed a duty on local authorities to set out the principles to be followed when allocating seats to political groups and for these principles to be followed when determining such allocation following formal notification of the establishment of political groups in operation on the Council. It was noted further that there was a requirement on local authorities to annually review the entitlement of the political groups to seats on the committees of the Council.

The report stated that the allocation of seats must follow 2 principles:

a)             Balance must be achieved across the total number of available seats on Committees; and

b)             Balance must be achieved on each individual Committee or body where seats are available.

There were presently 4 political groups in operation on the Council – the Labour Group (majority), Conservative Group (opposition), Liberal Democrat (Lib Dem) Group and Independent Conservative Group – with 5 non-aligned councillors (members who are not in a political group).

There are 149 seats available on committees, boards and panels, which were allocated according to the political balance.

It was noted that there had been changes in the political groups since the report had been published and these would be reflected in a subsequent report to Council.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester requested that his vote against the appointment of Scrutiny Chairs involving the Executive be recorded.

The Monitoring Officer sought clarification that Councillor Bennett-Sylvester was not proposing to vote against the recommendations as his understand was that would prevent any independent member from being appointed seats on any committee but that he was asking for the minutes to record the points made.

Councillor Elliott sought assurance that he would be appointed to the Improving Lives Select Commission.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester requested that his vote against the appointment of Scrutiny Chairs involving the Executive be recorded.

Again, the Monitoring Officer sought clarification that Councillor Bennett-Sylvester was requesting that his view was noted in the minutes and was not proposing a vote against the recommendations.

Councillor A Carter explained that when the Liberal Democrat Group voted they were voting on the Liberal Democrat appointments to those committees.

The vote being carried with one vote against as per Section 17 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 appointments to committee for political groups were approved by majority, however the nomination to political balance to permit the appointment of independent councillors to committees was not approved.

Resolved:

1.    That the entitlement of the membership of the political groups be agreed and such entitlements be reflected in Council’s appointments of members to committees.

2.    That approval be given to the appointment of Members to committees, boards and panels, and the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs, as detailed in the Mayor’s Letter.

3.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 199.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Thurcroft & Wickersley South 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 Thurcroft and Wickersley South 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 Z Collingham and T Collingham provided an update on Thurcroft and Wickersley South Ward making the following points:

·       Their first priority was to strive for a stronger and cohesive community focusing on empowering the residents.

·       Thurcroft Village boasted litter pickers, community gardeners, a regional veterans association, a bowling club, multiple churches, and residents’ associations.

·       The energy and passion for doing good in Thurcroft was incredible.

·       Wickersley South has a community that had already empowered itself, with a profession and organised Parish Council.

·       The residents had a collective voice for community concerns and had worked to preserve and promote long standing community assets such as the community centre.

·       A targeted approach to assisting smaller groups where the biggest difference could be made using limited resources to expand or champion existing projects in both villages.

·       Their second priority was to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour including the causes and symptoms wherever possible.

·       They were cultivating a close relationship with the neighbourhood policing team and holding events or providing equipment to residents.

·       The final priority was to develop and improve the local environment.

·       They were very lucky to have so many lovely groups, residents and volunteers to interact with.

·       Their thanks were offered to the whole neighbourhood’s team, the Member and Civic Support team.

Resolved:

1.    That the report be noted.

Mover: Councillor Z Collingham    Seconder: Councillor T Collingham.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Bramley & Ravenfield 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 Bramley & Ravenfield as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

Councillor Reynolds shared that it he was grateful of the opportunity to serve Bramley & Ravenfield, that it had been a privilege to get to know the people and the area he lived in.

He gave thanks to the exceptional Council staff who he had worked with, in particular Nicola Hacking, Nicola Harding and Mark Hill. He felt that they had been a conduit and a channel for making things happen.

Councillor Reynolds highlighted the facelift Ravenfield crossroads had received and that it was now a focal point for the village, alongside the army of talented helpers and volunteers that ensure that clean up days occurred within the ward.

Councillor Mills echoed Councillor Reynolds sentiments around the support he had received from the housing team and also mentioned Lynn Paul and Andrea and South Yorkshire Police.

He thanked the local community groups, organisations and charities and commented that one of the projects he was most proud of was the British Sign Language signs within the parks in their ward and ensures that the park is accessible for those with disabilities.

It was agreed that details of this scheme would be shared with all members so they could consider this for their own wards.

In summary their ward report focused on successfully integrating themselves into their neighbourhoods, adapting their way of working and listening to their constituents as environments, ways of working, learning and community living have noticeably changed.

Resolved:

1.    That the report be noted.

Mover: Councillor Reynolds          Seconder: Councillor Mills.

To be moved by Councillor Miro and seconded by Councillor A Carter

That this Council notes:

That planning approval was granted in December 2022 for a coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria. This is the first new coal mine to be approved in the UK for over 30 years and it will produce approximately 2.8 million tonnes of coal per year.

The U.K. Climate Change Committee estimates that the mine and the coal it will produce will result in annual emissions of approximately nine million tonnes.

Whilst recognising the historic economic benefits of the coal mining industry on the borough in the past. That Greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal to produce electricity and in industrial processes (for example, in the production of steel) are internationally recognised as the single biggest contributor to climate change, dwarfing the impact of other industries.

This Council Believes:

That opening new coal mines in the U.K. is not the answer to the problems faced by the country.

New coal mines should not be opened in the borough.

That the U.K. should be investing in greener technology in electricity generation and the steel industry.

This Council therefore Resolves:

To affirm its belief that opening new coal mines is wrong.

That council group leaders are requested to write to the Secretary of State, the Prime Minister and members of parliament representing the Borough of Rotherham asking them to bring forward legislation for a permanent ban on the opening of new coal mines in the U.K.

Notice of Motion – Coal Mines

It was moved by Councillor Miro and seconded by Councillor A. Carter that:

This Council notes:

That planning approval was granted in December 2022 for a coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria. This is the first new coal mine to be approved in the UK for over 30 years and it will produce approximately 2.8 million tonnes of coal per year.

The U.K. Climate Change Committee estimates that the mine and the coal it will produce will result in annual emissions of approximately nine million tonnes.

Whilst recognising the historic economic benefits of the coal mining industry on the borough in the past. That Greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal to produce electricity and in industrial processes (for example, in the production of steel) are internationally recognised as the single biggest contributor to climate change, dwarfing the impact of other industries.

This Council Believes:

That opening new coal mines in the U.K. is not the answer to the problems faced by the country.

New coal mines should not be opened in the borough.

That the U.K. should be investing in greener technology in electricity generation and the steel industry.

This Council therefore Resolves:

To affirm its belief that opening new coal mines is wrong.

That council group leaders are requested to write to the Secretary of State, the Prime Minister and members of parliament representing the Borough of Rotherham asking them to bring forward legislation for a permanent ban on the opening of new coal mines in the U.K. 

In accordance with Rule of Procedure 19 (2) Councillor Mills requested that a recorded vote should be taken on the proposed motion.

In accordance with the Rule of Procedure 5 Members stood to show their support for a recorded vote to be taken on the motion.

In accordance with Rule of Procedure 19 (1) a recorded vote was taken on the motion as follows:

For: Councillors Alam, Allen, Andrews, Atkin, Aveyard, Baker-Rodgers, Beck, Bennett-Sylvester, Bird, Brookes, Browne, A. Carter, C. Carter, Clark, Cooksey, Cowen, Cusworth, Ellis, Griffin, Haleem, Havard, Hoddinott, Hughes, Keenan, Khan, Lelliott, McNeely, Miro, Monk, Pitchley, Read, Roche, Sansome, Sheppard, Tarmey, Taylor, Wyatt, and Yasseen.

Against: Councillors Bacon, Ball, Barley, Burnett, T. Collingham, Z. Collingham, Elliott, Fisher, Hunter, Jones, Mills, Reynolds, Thompson, Tinsley, Whomersley, and Wilson.

Abstentions: None.

To be moved by Councillor Elliott and seconded by Councillor Jones

According to the Joseph Rowntree trust, 35% of children in our Borough are living in poverty, this is a similar number of all nearby local authorities.

The ethos of RMBC is “every child to fulfil their potential” to help us achieve that we must make sure that every child has the nutrition they need to be able to learn and work towards their potential during the school day. Not doing so will undermine the efforts of the education and health care workforce to tackle inequalities.

There is no disputing the benefits of free school meals provide to those currently entitled, for many it is the only hot nutritious meal they have in a school day. A quality school meal helps improve children’s concentration and behaviour during lessons and can have an effect on improving school attendance, academic performance and not least on children’s health.

One in three school age children in England living in poverty missed out on free school meals despite families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, this is because of the restrictive eligibility criteria

 and the lack of universal provision, 7 in 10 children from families on universal credit are not eligible for free school meals.

Excluding so many vulnerable children to free school meals is a real barrier to learning and must be urgently addressed. Now is the right moment for the Government to commit to an expansion of free school meals, providing a nutritional safety net that supports all children to learn and achieve. The clear solution to ensuring fairness and equality across our schools is to extend universal provision as Wales, Scotland and London have committed to deliver.

This Council recognises that:

When children are hungry, they cannot learn properly because it is harder for them to concentrate and so reach their potential.

Free school meals for every child will put money back into parents’ pockets which can be used to pay for other essentials such as heating and food at home or after school clubs or hobbies.

This Council resolves to:

Write to the Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan, copying in in our three local MPs, urging her to introduce universal free school meals for all Primary school children at the earliest opportunity.

Notice of Motion – Support the Expansion of Free School Meals to all Primary School Children

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

According to the Joseph Rowntree trust, 35% of children in our Borough are living in poverty, this is a similar number of all nearby local authorities.

The ethos of RMBC is “every child to fulfil their potential” to help us achieve that we must make sure that every child has the nutrition they need to be able to learn and work towards their potential during the school day. Not doing so will undermine the efforts of the education and health care workforce to tackle inequalities.

There is no disputing the benefits of free school meals provide to those currently entitled, for many it is the only hot nutritious meal they have in a school day. A quality school meal helps improve children’s concentration and behaviour during lessons and can have an effect on improving school attendance, academic performance and not least on children’s health.

One in three school age children in England living in poverty missed out on free school meals despite families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, this is because of the restrictive eligibility criteria and the lack of universal provision, 7 in 10 children from families on universal credit are not eligible for free school meals.

Excluding so many vulnerable children to free school meals is a real barrier to learning and must be urgently addressed. Now is the right moment for the Government to commit to an expansion of free school meals, providing a nutritional safety net that supports all children to learn and achieve. The clear solution to ensuring fairness and equality across our schools is to extend universal provision as Wales, Scotland and London have committed to deliver.

This Council recognises that:

When children are hungry, they cannot learn properly because it is harder for them to concentrate and so reach their potential.

Free school meals for every child will put money back into parents’ pockets which can be used to pay for other essentials such as heating and food at home or after school clubs or hobbies.

This Council resolves to:

Write to the Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan, copying in in our three local MPs, urging her to introduce universal free school meals for all Primary school children at the earliest opportunity.

In accordance with Rule of Procedure 19 (2) Councillor Allen requested that a recorded vote should be taken on the proposed motion.

In accordance with the Rule of Procedure 5 Members stood to show their support for a recorded vote to be taken on the motion.

In accordance with Rule of Procedure 19 (1) a recorded vote was taken on the motion as follows:

For: Councillors Alam, Allen, Andrews, Atkin, Aveyard, Baker-Rodgers, Barker, Barley, Beck, Bennett-Sylvester, Bird, Brookes, Browne, A. Carter, C. Carter, Clark, Cooksey, Cowen, Cusworth, Elliott, Ellis, Griffin, Haleem, Havard, Hoddinott, Hughes, Jones, Keenan, Khan, Lelliott, McNeely, Miro, Monk,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 203.

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 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 meeting of the Planning Board Sub-Committee be adopted.

Mover:- Councillor Atkin               Seconder:- Councillor Bird

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 designated spokespersons.

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 asked why RMBC were not letting Dinnington Town Council see their detailed plans and submitted documents for the successful funding bid for Dinnington main street.

Councillor Lelliott explained that detailed plans and submitted documents included commercially confidential information, for example, on the budget available for land purchase, disclosure of which could prejudice future negotiations. The final documentation would include the bid document with some redactions and describe the elements of the scheme that the government has agreed to fund, would be published and available to Dinnington Town Council and any other interested party once a final version of the funding agreement was received and signed. It was expected that the funding agreement would be signed by the middle of June and therefore the documentation could be generally issued at that time.

Councillor Lelliott invited Councillor Whomersley to meet 1:1 to view the documentation in his capacity as a Councillor. She stressed that he would be bound by the same confidentiality requirements and would not be lawfully able to share those details with the Town Council.

(2)  Councillor Tinsley asked whether RMBC were taking part in ‘No Cut May’ this year.

Councillor Beck explained that May is an exceptional growing period for the areas that the Council maintain, and by not cutting in May, would have a knock-on effect for the following visit and would take vastly longer to complete, meaning we would fall behind in maintaining standards across the Borough. By not mowing in May, this would also leave increased waste cuttings on the following cut, which could present safety issues.

He went on to explain that the Council was working across services to look at how we better support nature and biodiversity, in line with the commitments made around climate change and biodiversity. Short term actions like not cutting for a single month was unlikely to promote biodiversity in a sustainable way

In his supplementary question Councillor Tinsley expressed his surprise that the Council were not taking part in the scheme and that certain areas in his ward, the grass was quite long. Councillor Beck advised that this time of year, the weather would impact on the grass and it is more challenging to maintain due to the reduced funding from central government.

(3)  Councillor Tinsley raised that there was a Charge of £525 for TTRO's for Road Closures for Community Event and that neighbouring Authority's wave this Charge and asked whether this could be reviewed.

Councillor Beck responded by explaining that the Council had a fee in place of £1106 for events that require road closures, and some community events already benefited from the reduced fee.

The Council has waived the road closure fees for managing recent events such as the street parties for the late Queen’s Platinum Celebration and the Kings Coronation and the management of the temporary traffic regulation orders for the Remembrance Parades which take place each November across the borough.

He advised that there were no current plans to consider any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 208.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items to consider.