Agenda and minutes

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

The Mayor noted his diary had been extremely busy, saying less than two weeks after the last meeting he was honoured to lead the Yorkshire Day celebrations and welcome people from all over the county and further to our town.

A month later was the Rotherham Show, the event seemed to get better by the year. The weather was kind to us, and the atmosphere was fabulous.  He noted that success didn’t happen by chance and said a massive thank you to everyone involved in the planning and on the day of these marvellous events. The overwhelming positive feedback received owes everything to their efforts.

He acknowledged two extremely poignant events that took place within two days of each other.

On the 5 September he was present alongside a number of people who had worked tireless to achieve recognition for Arthur Wharton, a blue plaque now sat proudly at the Clifton Lane Stadium to celebrate the world’s first black professional footballer and a pioneering and truly world class sportsman across many disciplines.

A couple of days earlier was the unveiling of a National Police Memorial to the Police Constable John Kew. PC Kew was killed in the line of duty, his life tragically cut short in his home patch in Swinton. PC Kew was the last officer to be murdered on duty in South Yorkshire.

Following the ceremony, the Police Memorial Trust presented him with a boxed Plaque which would be permanently displayed in the Town Hall.  Recognition for Arthur Wharton and PC Kew was truly deserved and well overdue.

He understood that the Reytons would be playing to 20,000 at Clifton Park next July. It was going to be fantastic; the lads really were so proud to be doing this in their hometown and had worked so hard and were truly deserving of the success they were now achieving.

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

Resolved: That apologies for absence were received from Councillors Clark and Thompson.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 19 July 2023 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 19 July 2023, be approved.

To report on any petitions received by the Council received by the Council and receive statements in support of petitions in accordance with Petitions Scheme and Council Procedure Rule 13.

The Mayor introduced the report and confirmed the receipt of three petitions received since the last Council meeting:

·       Containing two hundred and fifteen verified signatures calling on the Council to consider provide more school places at Waverly Junior School.

·       Containing one hundred and thirty verified signatures calling on the Council to consider improvements at the Todwick Roundabout.

·       Containing thirty-three verified signatures calling on the Council to consider traffic calming along Melton High Street.

The lead petitioners for two of the petitions, Mr Jamie Baggaley, speaking for the provision of more school places at Waverly Junior School and Mr Ian Sanderson, speaking for improvements at the Todwick Roundabout attended the meeting and presented their petitions to Council.

Resolved:

1.    That the report be received.

2.    That the Council received the petitions listed at paragraph 2.1 of the report and the lead petitioners be entitled to address the Council for a total period of five minutes in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme.

3.    That the relevant Strategic Directors be required to respond to the lead petitioners, as set out in the Petition Scheme, by Wednesday 18 October 2023.

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 made.

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

There were no questions submitted in writing for this meeting.

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 such items that required the exclusion of the press and public from this meeting.

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

During his statement, the Leader recalled that he had spoken before the summer about the sad death of Marcia Grant, one of the Council’s foster carers. He noted that yesterday a guilty plea was entered at court by a thirteen-year-old boy, to the charge of death by dangerous driving. He noted that in his time as Leader the Council had been through some very sad and difficult times, but this was one of the most tragic incidents that he could remember.  He wanted to send thoughts and prayers to Marcia’s family, and he knew that the deepest sympathies of all in the chamber would be with the family at this time.

Over the summer the GCSE and A Level, results were released, and congratulations were sent to all students across the borough, who had worked so hard for their exams.

Nearly 90,000 people attended Clifton Park for the annual Rotherham Show, which was widely regarded as the most successful for many years. Thanks were offered to all the team who made it such a success year on year.

The Council had started to see some of its investments come to fruition. He attended Maltby for a visit with the Northern Housing Consortium two weeks ago, visiting some of the residents in around 130 Council properties there, benefiting from a retrofit programme, new doors windows and insulation who could save tenants as much as 400 pounds a year on their energy bills.

He was at Maltby Academy the week before, with the Chief Exec and Maltby Learning Trust, Dave Sutton to see the transformation of the old grammar school building, which had taken place. The project was not just saving a local landmark but also creating new facilities, business and teaching spaces that would stand the community in good stead and generate jobs and opportunities for years to come.

He visited Swinton opening the new show homes of the Ben Bailey development in the centre of that community. The homes looked great and investment in the Civic Hall had been completed. The revamped building was open and work on the new library was underway.

But, colleagues, it was also over the summer that we learned the Government's had single Rotherham out, as the only part of South Yorkshire to be facing a cut to long term funding for survivors of sexual abuse. He noted that whilst neighbours would benefit from an extension to the government's rape and sexual abuse support fund. Rotherham was being left behind and Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service were facing a shortfall in their funding, as a result. He had written to the Minister raising his concern that Rotherham, of all places should be a priority for government funding, not an afterthought but they did not understand. He had asked officers to look at how the Council may be able to step up and fill some of that gap, and a proposal would be brought on that basis over the forthcoming weeks.

Councillor Ball shared the Leaders sentiments  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meetings held on 10 July and 7 August 2023.

Resolved: That the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 10 July and 7 August 2023 be noted.

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.

Councillor Read proposed the report asking all to check the nominations listed in Appendix B of the Mayor’s Letter.  He noted that a further report would be brought to the November meeting to reflect the changes required after the by-election.

The report was seconded by Councillor Allen.

Councillor A Carter indicated that by voting for this report they were passing no comments on the other groups nominations.

Resolved: That Council:

1.    Noted the new political balance of the Council as a result of the by-election.

2.    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 as detailed in the Mayor’s Letter.

POLITICAL GROUPS

*Figure includes Kilnhurst and Swinton East Vacancy

**Non-Aligned Members: Councillor(s) Bennett-Sylvester, Wilson, Elliott, Jones

***maternity leave from 7 August 23

NOMINATIONS TO COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND PANELS

To approve the Audit Committee Annual Report 2022/23.

In proposing the report Councillor Baker-Rogers explained the report presented a final draft of the work undertaken by the Audit Committee in 2022/23. In publishing the report RMBC was going beyond what was required for legal compliance and demonstrated best practice.

The key outcomes were an unqualified external audit opinion on the Councils statement of accounts confirming their accuracy and completeness. The timely signoff of the accounts to the amended timetable and the annual governance statement that reflected the changes within the Council, the positive opinion from the Head of Internal Audit in his annual report and a risk management process that was embedded within the Council. There was also an updated terms of reference for the Audit Committee for 2023/24 reflecting the revised CIPFA guidance.

She offered her thanks to all members of the Audit Committee, officers and external auditors.

Councillor Browne seconded the report.

Resolved: That the Audit Committee Annual Report 2022/23 be approved.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Dinnington 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 Dinnington 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 Whomersley, Castledine-Dack and Hall provided an update on Dinnington Ward.

Councillor Whomersley drew particular attention to:

·       The privilege he felt at being a ward councillor.

·       How much he enjoyed talking, listening to and helping local residents.

·       The five ward priorities were:

o   Improving local environment and supporting crime prevention strategies.

o   Target anti-social behaviour in hotspot areas.

o   Supporting initiatives to improve the town centre market and investment in local economy.

o   Support improvements to highway maintenance.

o   Support and develop initiatives to improve wellbeing.

·       A range of information including the 2021 new ward profile, previous ward priorities, actions taken to address them along with feedback from residents was used to inform the current ward profiles.

·       The ward was very mixed with larger rural areas along with some very deprived urban streets.

·       The aim was to put communities at the heart of everything they did, to make people healthier, happier and safer.

·       The community clean-up days were great examples of communities working together along with volunteers and partner organisations.

·       They had recently started holistic projects in line with their wellbeing priority working towards residents being happier and healthier.

Councillor Castledine-Dack drew particular attention to:

·       It was a diverse ward with a large urban centre and a collection of rural communities, and the ward plan needed to adapt to the diverse needs of the whole of the ward.

·       They supported the creation of Billington’s new Queen Elizabeth, the seconds community woodland.

·       They had engaged with schools enabling children to actively participate in clearing litter and planting trees.

·       They had been advocating for the repair of damaged verges and street furniture and the town’s historic cross.

·       They engaged with the local police teas to address community concerns including the provision of home and vehicle security items.

·       A number of speed watch sessions were organised.

Councillor Hall noted the following:

·       She had lived in Dinnington all her life and was enthusiastic about making it a better place for everyone.

·       A scarecrow competition had been arranged with a BBQ.

·       She wanted to thank each and every one of the officers and the

·       coordinators who had taken the time to speak with her to help ease her into be in the role of a councillor.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Wales 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 Wales 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 Beck and Havard provided an update on Wales Ward and drew particular attention to:

·       Noting that it had always had a great community that had supported each other from the first and second world wars to the miners’ strike and through to today’s cost of living crisis and rising mental health issues.

·       It was a proud and tight-knit community that looked out for each other.

·       Thanks was offered to the community leaders, amazing teaching staff, staffing the neighbourhood teams.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Anston and Woodsetts 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 Anston and Woodsetts 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 Baum-Dixon, Tarmey and Wilson provided an update on Anston and Woodsetts Ward.

Councillor Baum-Dixon drew particular attention to:

·       He offered his thanks for the Neighbourhood ward officers, and the PCSO’s who helped deliver their ideas.

·       They had helped to fund play equipment at the primary school and assisted the Neighbourhood Watch with CCTV cameras, along with installation of Ring Doorbells.

·       He noted that road safety had been a key focus and consultation was being carried out on a wide-ranging speed reduction project.

·       Arranged for the removal of some trees and shrubs in areas where drug dealing, and anti-social behaviour was taking place and tidying up other areas.

·       He highlighted the issues of rural and wildlife crime in the area and how a WhatsApp group set up by locals was already having success in helping to catch criminals.

·       He was very proud of everything they had achieved.

Councillor Tarmey made the following points:

·       He thanked Nicky, Andrea, Kylie and council colleagues who helped implement their plans.

·       They had supported local scout groups amongst other community groups.

·       Road safety was a big priority for their ward.

·       A community orchard had been planted in North Anston.

Councillor Wilson highlighted the following:

·       She was pleased at the regeneration that was being carried out, that would help residents and businesses have a much more pleasant space to be in.

·       They had created a Covid memorial area for people to go and remember their loved ones.

·       Again, she thanked the neighbourhood co-ordinators and PCSO’s.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked that information on purchasing Ring Doorbells be passed on to assist other members.

Notice of Motion – Adoption of a proportional mechanism for nomination of the Deputy Mayor

To be moved by Councillor Drew Tarmey and seconded by Councillor Adam Carter:

That this Council:

a.    Recognises the important role the Mayor and Deputy Mayor play in the civic life of the Borough.

b.    Accepts that every citizen in the Borough should have the opportunity over a period of time to be represented by a ‘first citizen’ who shares their individual values and lived experiences.

c.     Accepts that, although the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are not political appointments, it has been the convention in recent years for the majority political group to select the Deputy Mayor as a consequence of its overall voting majority.

d.    Accepts that in recent years the political composition of the council and the expectations of the public have changed; therefore, consideration should be given to the principle of political balance when mayoral appointments are made.

e.    Seeks to adopt a voluntary protocol to ensure that the right to nominate the Deputy Mayor (and therefore the mayoralty) rotates between council groups.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

a.    Avoid multiple nominations for the office of Deputy Mayor by adopting a protocol to ensure that the right to nominate the Deputy Mayor rotates between political groupings on the basis of the number of ‘points’ accrued by that group.

b.    Adopt a points-based system, the balance of which is to be maintained by the relevant Officers, as follows:

a.    Each political group accrues points equal to the total number of elected members in their group on the 1^st January each year (to a maximum of 59).

b.    The group having the greatest number of points in any year will be invited to nominate the Deputy Mayor, and 59 points will be deducted from the balance of that group (a negative balance is permitted).

c.     In the event of two groups having the same number of points, the group holding the mayoralty least recently invited to nominate the Deputy Mayor.

d.    Where a group is not able to nominate a member, they shall lose 50% of the points for nominating a Deputy Mayor. This rule may be waived by agreement in consultation with group leaders (for example, very small groups).

e.    In the event that a group ceases to exist its points are lost and are not transferrable to another group. Similarly, if a group splits, points will be retained by the largest of the successor groups.

f.      In the event that a member retires or is not re-elected to the council during their term as Deputy Mayor or Mayor, the same group shall nominate their successor. If the Mayor retires or is not re-elected the Deputy Mayor shall become Mayor and will serve more than one full term, the group of the departing member shall nominate the Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the year only.

g.    The adoption of this protocol does not alter the right of the Council  ...  view the full agenda text for item 35.

Notice of Motion – Adoption of a proportional mechanism for nomination of the Deputy Mayor

To be moved by Councillor Drew Tarmey and seconded by Councillor Adam Carter:

That this Council:

a.    Recognises the important role the Mayor and Deputy Mayor play in the civic life of the Borough.

b.    Accepts that every citizen in the Borough should have the opportunity over a period of time to be represented by a ‘first citizen’ who shares their individual values and lived experiences.

c.     Accepts that, although the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are not political appointments, it has been the convention in recent years for the majority political group to select the Deputy Mayor as a consequence of its overall voting majority.

d.    Accepts that in recent years the political composition of the council and the expectations of the public have changed; therefore, consideration should be given to the principle of political balance when mayoral appointments are made.

e.    Seeks to adopt a voluntary protocol to ensure that the right to nominate the Deputy Mayor (and therefore the mayoralty) rotates between council groups.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

a.    Avoid multiple nominations for the office of Deputy Mayor by adopting a protocol to ensure that the right to nominate the Deputy Mayor rotates between political groupings on the basis of the number of ‘points’ accrued by that group.

b.    Adopt a points-based system, the balance of which is to be maintained by the relevant Officers, as follows:

a.    Each political group accrues points equal to the total number of elected members in their group on the 1^st January each year (to a maximum of 59).

b.    The group having the greatest number of points in any year will be invited to nominate the Deputy Mayor, and 59 points will be deducted from the balance of that group (a negative balance is permitted).

c.     In the event of two groups having the same number of points, the group holding the mayoralty least recently invited to nominate the Deputy Mayor.

d.    Where a group is not able to nominate a member, they shall lose 50% of the points for nominating a Deputy Mayor. This rule may be waived by agreement in consultation with group leaders (for example, very small groups).

e.    In the event that a group ceases to exist its points are lost and are not transferrable to another group. Similarly, if a group splits, points will be retained by the largest of the successor groups.

f.      In the event that a member retires or is not re-elected to the council during their term as Deputy Mayor or Mayor, the same group shall nominate their successor. If the Mayor retires or is not re-elected the Deputy Mayor shall become Mayor and will serve more than one full term, the group of the departing member shall nominate the Deputy Mayor for the remainder of the year only.

g.    The adoption of this protocol does not alter the right of the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

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 meetings of the Audit Committee be adopted.

Mover: Councillor Baker-Rogers   Seconder: Councillor Browne

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

To confirm the minutes as a true record.

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

Mover: Councillor Alam                Seconder: Councillor Allen

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, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11(5).

Question 1: Councillor Burnett:

This question was withdrawn.

Question 2: Councillor Burnett:

Could you inform me when the last review of fire cover was conducted in Rotherham?

Councillor Wyatt responded that the Service held discussions in relation to fire cover at Rotherham in 2014 whilst Close Proximity Crewing was being considered.  The day staffing appliance was introduced in 2017.  Currently the service was preparing for a new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).  As part of that process a full fire cover review in South Yorkshire would be conducted.

Question 3: Councillor Burnett:

With the amount of housing and warehouses being built within the borough, should the second night shift at Rotherham station be a permanent night shift?

Councillor Wyatt responded that any re-integration of a permanent second night shift appliance at Rotherham would be based on overall risk, which would and did change over time. The service considered risk across the whole service when looking at resource allocation and any such change would be determined by the fire cover review planned as part of the CRMP process. 

In his supplementary question Councillor Burnett indicated his understanding was Rotherham should have 9 fire fighters 24 hrs a day, but it had 8 during the day and 4 on a night shift.  He believed that one of the fire engines was shipped out to cover elsewhere, 90% of the time, thus reducing firefighters in the Rotherham station to 4.  There was a reduction in Dearne.  Rotherham was potentially getting busier, and he accepted there was going to be a review, but did he support the additional nightshift crew in Rotherham to protect residents and businesses now as there had been an increase in housing and warehouses?

Councillor Wyatt indicated that a response would be provided in writing to the supplementary question.

Question 4: Councillor Burnett:

Please could you provide the council with an update on the forecasted  financial position of SYP for the current year?

Councillor Haleem responded indicating that South Yorshire Police’s financial position was presented bi-monthly to the PCC’s Public Accountability Board (PAB). 

The South Yorkshire Police Force forecasted financial position as reported to Police Accountability Board on 7th September 2023 and as published on the website showed an underspend of £1.49m.

Budget monitoring reports contain a forecasted financial position only and, as we know from the council’s own reports, forecasts change from month to month.

The next report was due to on 6th November which would, also be published on the website.

In his supplementary Councillor Burnett noted that when he asked about the precept rise earlier in the year, you indicated you fully supported the rise in the precept, that you were happy to follow the advice of the financial experts but did critise another member for their views about the rise, who was critical and voted against the rise.  That Member was not able to have a voice in the chamber, but the reasons were for this were now understood.  It was noted that the Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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

Question 1: Councillor Hoddinott:

Given the new statutory guidance on school uniforms to make things cheaper and easier for parents, it’s disappointing to see issues at the start of the new term. Who could intervene to ensure schools were complying?

Councillor Cusworth responding indicating that non-statutory guidance was issued in June 2023 by the Government to be read alongside the previous statutory guidance around the cost of uniforms from 2021.  Both put more emphasis on governing bodies with regard to uniform being more affordable. 

In the first instance any issues should be raised with trustees and/or school governors who had responsibility to ensure that all policies and statutory guidance was followed.  Governors should take account of affordability when approving policies and ensure they were fit for purpose and the guidance was considered.  Should any complaints needed to be raised regarding this a form was available on the Government website.

Thankfully Uniform banks were now being used by many without as much taboo as historically seen, often with swops taking place.

In her supplementary Councillor Hoddinott noted that the Youth Cabinet were considering the cost of school uniforms and uniform banks, and this would be considered as part of the Children’s Take Over Challenge.  It was queried if the Cabinet Member would be supporting them with this issue?

Councillor Cusworth clarified that the Youth Cabinet would be supported.

Question 2: Councillor Tinsley:

The School Crossing Patrol Service Celebrated 70 Years in England this year. While Unison promoted earlier on in the year their everyday action hero’s, which included Maltby’s very own Lollipop Lady Sandy who was turned into a 3d printed action Hero. Would the service in Rotherham be celebrating the 70th Anniversary and recognising their contribution in the borough?

Councillor Cusworth said she was pleased to meet Sandy.  She noted that Facilities Services had recognised the anniversary in February.  A commemorative badge was issued to complement their uniform, along with a letter of recognition being sent to all employees as a gesture of thanks for their continued dedication to their role.

In his supplementary Councillor Tinsley noted the dangers school crossing patrols faced and asked if the Council took staff and children’s road crossing safety seriously?

Councillor Cusworth responded saying road safety was taken very seriously, which was why road traffic schemes were rolled out.  She explained that every near miss was reported back in.  Consideration had been given to wardens wearing body cameras however it was deemed inappropriate. 

Question 3: Councillor A Carter:

Would the cabinet member assure him that any council plans to undertake moving traffic enforcement on Wood Lane in Brinsworth, would not apply when the three other road routes out of Brinsworth were blocked due to flooding, and signage be put up to that effect?

A written response would be provided to this question.

Question 4: Councillor A Carter:

Following the in-year reduction in district heating charges, meaning that residents were paying less for their energy, could the council confirm to him that they would reimburse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items to consider.