Agenda and draft minutes

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

The Mayor formally opened the meeting and made reference to his level of activity since the last meeting; the detail of which was appended to the Mayor’s Letter.  He also confirmed he had been honoured to attend a variety of different engagements from Holocaust Memorial Day at which he was joined by local faith leaders, dignitaries, and partners to remember and commemorate those who had lost their lives during genocides across the world.

Fragility of Freedom was the 2024 theme with songs from Saint Bernard’s Catholic High School and Eastwood Village Primary school children and musicians along with speeches from guests that were also in attendance. 

This was the first time Holocaust Memorial Day was held in Clifton Park and it had been very well received.

The Mayor had also attended a number of tree planting events and the High Sheriff Awards.

The Mayor also took the opportunity to express his sincere thanks to those Members who, whether through end of term, personal choice or the will of the electorate, were attending their last Council meeting.

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

Resolved:-  That apologies for absence be received from Councillors Atkin, Hunter and Miro.

To receive the record of proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 17^th January, 2024, and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous Council Meeting held on 17^th January, 2024.

Councillor Ball confirmed no procedural rules had been broken as part of the withdrawal from the agenda of the Palestinian motion.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting of Council held on 17th January, 2024, 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.

Consideration was given to the submitted report which confirmed the receipt of one petition that had been received since the last Council meeting containing 4031 valid signatures calling on the Council to commit to a permanent ceasefire and promote peace in Palestine and in the region.

Representatives of the petitioners were given five minutes to present the petition at the meeting and the petition was then discussed by Councillors for a maximum of fifteen minutes.

In accordance with the Petitions Scheme and Council Procedure Rule 13(7) the Council shall decide how to respond to the petition and shall decide either:-

(a) to take the action the petition requests;

(b) not to take the action the petition requests for reasons stated in the debate;

(c) to commission further investigation into the matter, which may include reference to a particular committee for its views, prior to consideration at a future meeting of the Council; or

(d) to refer the petition to the Cabinet where it relates to an executive function, in which case the Council may make recommendations to the Cabinet, but Cabinet will not be bound by those recommendations in discharging its executive functions.

The Leader thanked the presenters of the petition for the dignified presentation of family history and the challenges being faced by the people of Palestine.   The issues were indeed complex and in bringing them to the Council’s attention it was proposed the principles one and two in the petition be adopted by way of  publicly condemning the Israeli Government’s human rights and demand the UK Government calls for permanent ceasefire.

On this basis it was proposed to refer the other issues to a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board for further discussions to take place and consider what else might be appropriate.

In seconding this proposal Councillor Alam expressed his full support to the recommendations of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and was mindful that many people in the UK had close ties to the region and expressed his sympathy to all of them.

No reasonable person supported any form of terrorism on both sides of the conflict and upholding the law was very important.  He too called on the UK Government to act urgently and to ask for immediate ceasefire and was disappointed that the UK Government had not brought key stakeholders together to bring immediate solution to protect the people of Palestine.

Councillor Yasseen joined her voice to the conversations she had had with people in Rotherham, the  suffering endured by Palestinian people and the scenes which were heartbreaking.

She called for moral accountability as the plight of thousands of innocent Palestinians murdered could not be ignored.  She asked for a stand to amplify voices and advocate for the innocent and demand an end of these unconscionable acts.  She had a moral obligation to speak against injustice and advocate peace of Palestinian and Jewish residents.

Councillor Tarmey in proposing an amendment to the petition immediately withdrew when being advised by the Monitoring Officer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

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.

Councillor McNeely declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Minute No. 104 (HRA Business Plan and Rent Setting) on the grounds of being a Council tenant and was granted a dispensation to vote.

Councillor Tinsley declared an interest in Minute No. 106 (Maltby Neighbourhood Plan) on the grounds of being a Maltby Town Councillor.

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.

(1)  Mr. S. Currie asked due to the amount of traffic and students using this dangerous crossing pinch point outside the school gate, why had Kimberworth Community Primary School not been considered for an automated pedestrian crossing?

The Leader responded that had been a request but it dated back some time.  The Leader was happy to take that through the process.

In a supplementary question Mr. Currie asked if Kimberworth, St. Bede’s, Blackburn, Meadow View or Redscope could not get an automated crossing when children crossed the road twice a day, what criteria had been required for the all singing and dancing crossing on Meadowbank Road at the bottom of Pembroke Street, which was effectively a road to nowhere.

The Leader confirmed he would need to consult with Highways.  The crossing on Meadowbank Road was following a request from the community.   He would ask that the technical details be provided with a response in writing.

(2)  Mr. Thorp was unable to attend the meeting so he would receive a response in writing.

(3)  Dr. M. Yusufi explained this Council had adopted the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. However, this definition was heavily contested due to its conflation of Judaism with Zionism. 104 civil society organisations have warned that the IHRA definition infringed upon freedoms of speech and harmed the fight against antisemitism. Dr. Yusufi asked would this Council consider adopting a more universally accepted definition, like the UN's framework on anti-Semitism?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance, confirmed that when the Council adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism it also stated its abhorrence for all forms of racism.  That position remained unchanged.

He understood that three quarters of councils used the IHRA definition and that this definition was recognised by the United Nations. So while some people have offered a critique, it remained the most widely used definition and, therefore, logical for this Council to continue to recognise it.

In a supplementary question Dr. Yusufi asked about the 104 organisations that have raised concerns against this and asked the Council to think about this.

Councillor Alam confirmed the issues raised would be considered.

(4)  Ms. H.Yusufi indicated that 66% of the British public wanted a ceasefire. Yet M.P.’s have vilified all those actively calling for this as ‘intolerant’ ‘Islamic extremists’.  Disturbingly, in spite of this Council’s Equality Duty and the diverse nature of Rotherham, some members of this Council have publicly supported this blatantly Islamophobic narrative. Ms. Yusufi asked would the Leader and the Cabinet challenge and condemn this divisive rhetoric?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance, thanked Ms. Yusufi for her question and confirmed he too wanted to see a ceasefire.  He had written to the Foreign Secretary calling for this and confirmed the Leader had also recently written to the Prime Minister to seek an immediate ceasefire.

The Council was committed to delivering its duties as set out in its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

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.

The Leader presented his statement and made to reference to:-

·              Holocaust Memorial Day in Clifton Park on the 25^th January, 2024.

·              Tenth project for the Towns and Villages Fund in Thurcroft.

·              Successful Employment Solutions Event held last Friday in Riverside House with more than 600 people were in attendance.

·              Magna Science Adventure Centre would host Boeing’s Newton Room installation.

·              Awards presented on 8th February, 2024.

·              Waleswood Camp Site receiving Highly Recommended in the Campsite Awards.

Councillor Ball commended the work of Councillors that had been undertaken which had been very hard.  There was a need for different councillors so challenge was very important.

He thanked staff and others who had helped him and others over past few years.

Councillor Reynolds asked if the Leader could instruct the Cabinet to be far more citizen friendly rather than having rules and protocols if they did not like what they were being asked to do.  He asked if the Leader would cascade this for a more diplomatic and consensual approach from the Cabinet.

Councillor McNeely referred to the Employment Solutions Event held in Riverside where over six hundred people attended.  The timing was unfortunate in that students of schools and colleges could not attend so if possible could this also be facilitated in an evening so they could attend.

Resolved:- That the Leader’s Statement be received and the contents noted.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 22nd January and 12th February, 2024.

Consideration was given to the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 22nd January and 12th February, 2024.

Councillor Ball noted the concerns about Maltby Cemetery and asked what work was taking place to find space to allow the people to bury their loved ones in the home town of Maltby.

The Leader confirmed this was an ongoing piece of work and would ask the Cabinet Member with responsibility to respond.

Resolved:- That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 22nd January and 12th February, 2024, be received.

Mover:- Councillor Read                                    Seconder:- Councillor Allen

To consider and approve the Cabinet’s recommendations in respect of the Budget and Council Tax for the 2024-25 financial year.

Pursuant to Minute No.146 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 12 February 2024, consideration was given to the report that proposed the Council’s Budget and Council Tax for 2024/25.

In moving the budget report, the Leader thanked all Members who had worked so hard to put together the proposals for this year. He thanked Finance staff, Cabinet colleagues, the Chief Executive and especially Councillor Alam in ensuring serious budget proposals were brought forward for the coming year. As ever this year’s budget marked the culmination of many months of hard work and long nights.

The Leader explained Rotherham was in a better position than many other Councils across the country with six Councils declaring they could not balance their budget, Somerset seeking the ability to increase council tax by 10%, Bradford asking for additional financial help from the Government to help fill a £120 million budget shortfall over the next five years and Sky News reporting last week that out of one hundred and twenty-nine councils, only eight proposed a lower council tax increase than the maximum allowed by the Government’s cap; five of those were proposing more than 4.8%.

The Leader was pleased to propose an increase below the referendum cap for the fifth year in a row and believed this to be the second lowest increase of any Council with social care responsibilities anywhere in the country and the lowest in Yorkshire.

Having taken tough decisions a Band D Council tax payer in Rotherham had nearly £200 more in their pocket today than they would have done otherwise.  The Council would continue the Council Tax Support Top-Up payments for a further year worth £121.96.  It would again support 14,000 Rotherham households of working age through the cost-of-living crisis, lifting 10,000 of those out of borough-wide Council tax altogether.

The Leader further explained that after £200 million of cuts under this Government, communities in Rotherham were poorer not just in their private lives, but also in their public spaces.

To avoid the future remaining fragile the Council needed to be sustainable, reliably funded, based on multi-year settlements to better provide for the needs of families, who were more often the hardest hit.

The number of children in the borough needing free school meals had risen by 25% in the last three years. This equated to an extra two and half thousand extra children.

In proposing universal baby packs in this budget the Leader explained this would ensure every newborn child had the essentials and every parent had access to the help and support that they needed. Launching this later this year would make it as simple and easy as possible to get good quality basics and by registering at a local children’s centre, the Council could ensure parents had the right support from day one.

By reinvesting £370,000 a year, this would increase the number of open access sessions in children’s centres and bolster youth work provision for older children too. By creating hundreds of additional sessions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

To consider and approve the HRA Business Plan, Rent Setting and Service Charges 2024-25.

Further to Minute No. 126 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 22nd January, 2024, consideration was given to the report which was seeking approval for the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 and proposed increases in housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating charges and other service charges. It was recommended that Council dwelling rents be increased by 7.7%. 

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) recorded all expenditure and income relating to the provision of Council housing and related services, and the Council was required to produce an HRA Business Plan setting out the investment priorities over a 30-year period. Following the introduction of HRA self-financing in 2012, the Council was awarded control over its HRA in return for taking on a proportion of national housing debt.

The proposed 2024/25 HRA Business Plan made funding provision of £126m for hundreds more Council homes by 2026 and committed £856m to investment in the housing stock, alongside day-to-day housing management and repairs and maintenance costs. Over the short to medium term forecast, the Business Plan was operating at or around the minimum balance, with a small surplus of £9.432m by Year 30 of the Business Plan period. However, it was likely that investment in decency and energy efficiency would need to increase over the coming years: the Business Plan made provision for enhanced stock condition surveys which will support future investment decisions.

The HRA Business Plan was updated annually to ensure it reflected the current operating environment and in moving the report Councillor Allen outlined how the current year’s Business Plan prioritised investment in the following areas:-

·          Continued delivery of housing growth.

·          Safety and quality of the housing stock, including damp and mould.

·          Preparation for proactive consumer regulation from April 2024

·          Meeting statutory minimum energy performance standards in the housing stock by 2030.

·          Refreshing the Council’s stock condition data by 2026.

The overall position remained challenging. Substantial inflationary pressures were evident in some costs increasing by more than 15% over the last two years, pressures felt most acutely in the Housing Delivery Programme.

The Government’s decision to limit rent increases in 2022/23, led to a permanent reduction of financial capacity within the Business Plan. It was likely that investment in the quality and energy efficiency of the Council stock would need to increase over the coming years, putting further strain on the Business Plan. At the same time, the Council wanted to support tenants to manage their finances during a cost-of-living crisis, recognising that housing costs were often the largest single financial outgoing residents face.

The Government’s rent setting policy allowed social housing providers to increase rents by Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) plus 1%, i.e. 7.7% in 2024-25. Around two-thirds of tenants in Rotherham were in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit which wholly or partially covered their rent. Given the rate of inflation in 2023-24, a one-off rent cap was introduced for one year and was set at 7%, which the Council followed.

As at 31st March, 2023, the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

To approve a calendar of meetings for the Council and its committees for the 2024-25 municipal year.

Consideration was given to a report, submitted in accordance with the rules of procedure as detailed in the Council’s Constitution, that set out the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

Resolved:- That the calendar of meetings for the 2024-25 Municipal Year be approved.

Mover: - Councillor Allen                         Seconder: - Councillor Read

To consider the report on the outcome of the Maltby Neighbourhood Plan Referendum.

Consideration was given to the report that had been submitted seeking approval for the Maltby Neighbourhood Development Plan to be adopted as part of the Statutory Development Plan for Rotherham Borough after the proposed plan had been supported in a referendum held on Thursday, 8^th February, 2024.

It was noted that the Localism Act (2011) allowed for local communities to prepare plans and strategies for development in their area called Neighbourhood Plans that had given Parish Councils and local communities the power to write their own plans and  to take more control of planning policy for their areas.

Councillor Tinsley confirmed this plan had been seven years in the making.  Maltby residents democratically voted for the acceptance of this plan, which focussed on affordable housing and for more money to be spent in Maltby and deal with more takeaways on Maltby High Street.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the outcome of the Maltby Neighbourhood Plan Referendum as set out at paragraph 1.5 of the report submitted be noted.

(2)  That the Maltby Neighbourhood Development Plan be adopted as part of the statutory development plan for Rotherham Borough.

Mover:- Councillor Lelliott                       Seconder:- Councillor Bird

(Councillor Tinsley declared an interest on the grounds of being a Maltby Town Councillor)

To receive updates from ward councillors from Dalton and Thrybergh 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 update for Dalton and Thrybergh as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

An update report had been provided as part of the agenda. However, each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Bennett-Sylvester introduced the report and commented on:-

·              The improved facilities and opportunities for children, young people and families.

·              Building on strong empowered neighbourhoods that value diversity.

·              Ensuring neighbourhoods were safe, clean, tidy and celebrated.

·              Contributed to the improvement of health and wellbeing of local citizens.

·              Thanked the Housing Team and Jo Talbot Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, his Ward Colleague, Councillor Baker-Rogers and Councillor Allen for the Neighbourhood Working agenda.

·              Work with High Greave School and with external agencies and partnerships.

Councillor Baker-Rogers further reported on:-

·              Instilling civic-pride and the CAP meetings to understand the difficulties residents are facing. 

·              Action taken and focusing on anti-social behaviour hotspots, holding local engagement days, increasing Police presence and undertaking leaflet drops so residents know who to call.

·              Success in community payback including painting of play area in East Herringthorpe.

·              Undertaking speed watches at several locations in the Ward.

·              Providing a facility for residents who did not have transport to visit the recycling centre.

·              Outdoor focal point to meeting communities to improve wellbeing.

·              Towns and Village Fund to provide an opportunity at Ridgeway Community Gardens of which pupils of Trinity Croft School assisted with the planning.

·              Thanks for Councillor Bennett-Sylvester in his attendance at litter picks.

·              The play area in East Herringthorpe.

·              Work with Parish Councils.

·              Thanking Jo Talbot for all of her hard work.

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

Mover:- Councillor Bennett-Sylvester      Seconder:- Councillor Baker-Rogers

To receive updates from ward councillors from Sitwell 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 update for Sitwell as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy.

An update report had been provided as part of the agenda. However, each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Griffin introduced the report and commented on:-

·              Continue working with partners to mitigate the impact of flooding.

·              Work with local partners to improve provision for both young people/elderly.

·              Work with partners to improve the environment.

·              Road safety/traffic.

·              Crime/Anti-Social Behaviour.

·              Strong and effective team work with Neighbourhood Team and PCSOs.

·              Multi-agency clean-up of Whiston Brook.

·              Whiston Youth Club.

·              Large numbers of elderly people in the ward and supported through coffee mornings and bowling clubs, with more to do in this area.

Councillor Fisher further reported on:-

·              The aim to support health and wellbeing of residents.

·              Creating a new walk at Whiston Meadows and provided funding for two gates and a stile and two information posts at the site.

·              Engagement with Rotherham Y3A.

·              Supported improvements to Herringthorpe Valley Park and the surrounding woodland.

·              Towns and Villages Teams to improve both Stag and Worrygoose roundabouts.

·              Continue to work with all agencies to tackle crime.

·              Engaged with local schools and contributed to IT equipment and supported variety of projects.

Councillor Burnett rounded up the Ward Report by adding:-

·              Each of the three Ward Councillors were newly elected in 2021 and the support of the Neighbourhood Team had been excellent.

·              Sitwell Ward been put first and the three Councillors had not entered into party politics which meant plans for the area were supported.

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

Mover:- Councillor Griffin                        Seconder:- Councillor Fisher

To be moved by Councillor Bacon and seconded by Councillor Ball:

That this Council:

1. Notes that good practice on all aspects of governance, lead to better outcomes for both the public and the authority.

2. Believes that effective scrutiny leads to enhanced governance and accountability, leading to better outcomes for people the Local Authority serves. In order to achieve this, the council will look at a range of best practices other local and regional authorities administer.

3. Believes that increasing public engagement, and comprehension, is important for the democratic process. Therefore, most aspects of our governance arrangements should be easily comprehended.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1. During meetings of the full Council, afford the right of the Leader of the Opposition to question the Leader of the Council following the ‘Leaders statement’ via a new agenda item, on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items or statement, perpetually for a period of no longer than 10 minutes.

                 1.1.         Subsequently, afford the right of the Leader of the third largest group to question the Leader of the Council via a new agenda item, on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items or statement, perpetually for a period of no longer than 5 minutes.

2. That the Leader of the Council attend the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board quarterly, for scrutiny on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items, via a new agenda item ‘Leader Scrutiny’. Reflecting the scrutiny practice that currently takes place on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Board.

3. Upgrade existing chamber camera system, to record meetings in at least 1080P HD to improve video quality of webcasts and enhance public scrutiny and user experience.

4. Streamline the user experience of members of the public looking for their local Councillor on Rotherham Council’s website by bringing the ‘Member index’ segment into the ‘Home’ section via a direct link.

5. During meetings of the full Council, arrange the seating order of councillors strategically, increasing public comprehension of the political makeup of the council, by reflecting this makeup across the chamber, not just on one side. Mirroring the ‘front & backbenches’ system other authorities use.

                 5.1.         That the leader of the opposition sits opposite the leader of the council, adjacent to the deputy leader of the opposition and so on, in consultation with all political group leaders.

Moved by Councillor Bacon and seconded by Councillor Ball

That this Council:-

1.     Notes that good practice on all aspects of governance, lead to better outcomes for both the public and the authority.

2.     Believes that effective scrutiny leads to enhanced governance and accountability, leading to better outcomes for people the Local Authority serves. In order to achieve this, the Council will look at a range of best practices other local and regional authorities administer.

3.     Believes that increasing public engagement, and comprehension, is important for the democratic process. Therefore, most aspects of our governance arrangements should be easily comprehended.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:-

1.           During meetings of the full Council, afford the right of the Leader of the Opposition to question the Leader of the Council following the ‘Leader’s statement’ via a new agenda item, on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items or statement, perpetually for a period of no longer than 10 minutes.

                  1.1.    Subsequently, afford the right of the Leader of the third largest group to question the Leader of the Council via a new agenda item, on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items or statement, perpetually for a period of no longer than 5 minutes.

2.           That the Leader of the Council attend the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board quarterly, for scrutiny on all matters, notwithstanding any agenda items, via a new agenda item ‘Leader Scrutiny’. Reflecting the scrutiny practice that currently takes place on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Overview and Scrutiny Board.

3.           Upgrade existing chamber camera system, to record meetings in at least 1080P HD to improve video quality of webcasts and enhance public scrutiny and user experience.

4.           Streamline the user experience of members of the public looking for their local Councillor on Rotherham Council’s website by bringing the ‘Member index’ segment into the ‘Home’ section via a direct link.

5.           During meetings of the full Council, arrange the seating order of Councillors strategically, increasing public comprehension of the political make-up of the Council, by reflecting this makeup across the chamber, not just on one side. Mirroring the ‘front & backbenches’ system other authorities use.

             5.1.         That the Leader of the Opposition sit opposite the Leader of the Council, adjacent to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and so on, in consultation with all political group leaders.

On being put to the vote, the motion fell.

To be proposed by Councillor Tinsley and seconded by Councillor Ball:

The Little London Estate was built to house munition workers during World War two for the nearby Royal Ordnance Factory Maltby. Two of the Streets were named after Parliamentary Ministers one being Churchill Avenue and the other Morrison Avenue. The Houses of a flat roof design was only designed to have a lifespan of around thirty years.  The estate is largely owned by two landlords with pockets of independent landlords. Work on the majority of the Rivergrove properties were carried out to bring them up to meet HHSRS Standards. Although the properties are known to suffer chronically from damp issues and leaky roofs.

Works to refurbish properties were undertaken back in 2016 leaving two blocks of houses unfinished and derelict. The houses have caused Anti-social behaviour and suffer from fly tipping along with rife with rodents.   The landlord has submitted a full application to demolish the properties and rebuild. Although there is little confidence from Residents that this will be conducted and could prolong the blight and issues in the area.

In the past the Council have tried to compulsory purchase the properties previously but failed in this process. We believe the council should reengage to try and purchase the properties and bring this before OSMB and the Full Council.

This Council notes:

1.    The Estate of little London has been blighted by derelict houses for at least the last 8 years.

2.    As of May 2021, the derelict properties were openly accessible to the public and were causing instances of ASB and fires. Both Ward Councillors Adam Tinsley and Lee Hunter have been proactive working with officers for action on the estate. Including pushing the need for the properties being secured back in 2021 and the surrounding area tidied up.

3.    Big Power for London Group have championed the need for improvements for improved housing conditions on the housing and around the surrounding estate.

4.    With occupied houses on the estate being “brought up to HHSRS Standards “the council and the landlord are operating under a special arrangement. Where the need for the area being put under selective licencing wasn’t necessitated.

5.    The landlord has recently made a full application to demolish and rebuild the properties.

This Council believes:

1.    That by the Council becoming a stakeholder in the estate it would create more Council housing locally, improve property standards, remove the derelict housing that has been a blight on the estate and would restore community pride in the area.

This Council resolves to:

1.    The Council should open negotiations with the landlord to purchase the derelict properties with or without planning. Any proposal by the Council to purchase is to be reported back to OSMB and the full Council to scrutinise and vote on.

Moved by Councillor Tinsley and seconded by Councillor Ball

The Little London Estate was built to house munition workers during World War two for the nearby Royal Ordnance Factory Maltby. Two of the Streets were named after Parliamentary Ministers one being Churchill Avenue and the other Morrison Avenue. The houses of a flat roof design was only designed to have a lifespan of around thirty years.  The estate is largely owned by two landlords with pockets of independent landlords. Work on the majority of the Rivergrove properties were carried out to bring them up to meet HHSRS Standards. Although the properties are known to suffer chronically from damp issues and leaky roofs.

Works to refurbish properties were undertaken back in 2016 leaving two blocks of houses unfinished and derelict. The houses have caused anti-social behaviour and suffer from fly tipping along with rife with rodents.   The landlord has submitted a full application to demolish the properties and rebuild. Although there is little confidence from residents that this will be conducted and could prolong the blight and issues in the area.

In the past the Council has tried to compulsory purchase the properties previously but failed in this process. We believe the Council should re-engage to try and purchase the properties and bring this before OSMB and the Full Council.

This Council notes:-

1.           The Estate of Little London has been blighted by derelict houses for at least the last 8 years.

2.           As of May 2021, the derelict properties were openly accessible to the public and were causing instances of ASB and fires. Both Ward Councillors Adam Tinsley and Lee Hunter have been proactive working with officers for action on the estate. Including pushing the need for the properties being secured back in 2021 and the surrounding area tidied up.

3.           Big Power for London Group have championed the need for improvements for improved housing conditions on the housing and around the surrounding estate.

4.           With occupied houses on the estate being “brought up to HHSRS Standards“ the Council and the landlord are operating under a special arrangement. Where the need for the area being put under selective licencing wasn’t necessitated.

5.           The landlord has recently made a full application to demolish and rebuild the properties.

This Council believes:-

1.           That by the Council becoming a stakeholder in the estate it would create more Council housing locally, improve property standards, remove the derelict housing that has been a blight on the estate and would restore community pride in the area.

This Council resolves to:-

1.           The Council should open negotiations with the landlord to purchase the derelict properties with or without planning. Any proposal by the Council to purchase is to be reported back to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the full Council to scrutinise and vote on.

An amendment to the motion was moved by Councillor Read and seconded by Councillor Andrews:-

“The Little London Estate was built to house munition workers during World War two for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

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.

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 be adopted.

Mover: Councillor Bird                            Seconder: Councillor Sheppard

To receive and consider reports, minutes and recommendations of the Staffing Committee including approving the Pay Policy Statement 2024/25 for publication under Chapter 8 of the Localism Act 2011.

Resolved: That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Staffing Committee on 12th February, 2024, including approving the Pay Policy Statement 2024-25 for publication under Chapter 8 of the Localism Act 2011 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, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11(5).

(1)  Councillor Elliott would receive a written response to his question as Councillor Haleem had left the meeting.

(2)  Councillor Ball would receive a written response to his question as Councillor Haleem had left the meeting.

(3)    Councillor Ball asked with the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service raising its precept, how would this impact the tax payers of Rotherham?

Councillor Wyatt explained that, as set out in the 2024/25 Annual Revenue Budget and Council Tax Setting Report the option approved by the Fire and Rescue Authority on 19th February, 2024 of a 2.99% increase raised the precept to £85.05 for a band D property. This equated to an increase of less than 5p per week for a Band D household, noting the majority of properties in South Yorkshire were in Bands A or B meaning the annual and weekly increase would be less than that.

 Approving this precept increase allowed the Fire and Rescue Authority to set a break-even budget by generating £1.2m of funding and avoids cuts to services totalling this value. 

The Fire and Rescue Authority had budgeted to deliver £2.6m of efficiency savings in 2024/25 (reducing pay budgets by 2% and non-pay budgets by 9%).  If the precept increase had not been approved the service would need to reduce investments in service improvements or its assets or generate further efficiency savings to the value of £1.2m.

In a supplementary question Councillor Ball confirmed there was money in reserves by investing in other places.  Council Tax being raised increased further pressure yet the spokesperson attended the  Fire Conference paid by service so what justified this for the taxpayers of Rotherham.

Councillor Wyatt confirmed both he had Councillor Ball had received the same papers and the same invitation.

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 local Tory MP criticising the Towns and Villages Fund in Wickersley and Greasbrough which were not even in his constituency so asked should local residents not have their say instead? 

Councillor Allen confirmed that everyone should be respectful and referred to the projects in the Towns and Villages Fund, which was developed locally and especially via locally elected Ward Members. In addition engagement and consultation happened with residents and businesses before the scheme started on site to ensure people could provide input and to develop and agree a scheme that local people and locally elected members approved. 

The local neighborhoods teams worked across all parties and undertook consultations with local communities and local residents had their say.   Feedback was positive and the well commented on illuminated clock tower at Wickersley was locally well regarded, a popular local landmark and produced delight. 

The Greasbrough Scheme, the ward of both Councillors Allen and Elliott, worked with local people to turn ideas into reality and an innovative green corridor project had made a real difference to residents and in the neighbourhood. 

It was suggested that it would be unwise of local politicians to contradict the views of local residents as they knew what was best for their own areas.

In a supplementary comment Councillor Hoddinott confirmed receipt of some positive feedback from residents so took the opportunity to thank Councillor Allen for the work in leading neighbourhoods and getting projects delivered all over the borough with residents being consulted on what they wanted.

(2)   Councillor Monk explained that following announcements from the Government of a significant expansion of early education entitlement and asked how did the Council plan to ensure there was sufficient, high quality childcare and education to meet increased demand across the Borough.

Councillor Cusworth explained the Council developed an annual Early Years and Childcare Sufficiency Report 2023 which detailed the areas where it was projected that additional capacity may be needed to meet any anticipated demand. It was evident that there would be additional demand across the Borough where additional places would be required from September 2024 and September 2025 (when children from nine months old would be entitled to a free place).

The Government had given local authorities an amount of capital funding to increase capacity for both the Early Years entitlements and wraparound childcare programme but it was just £538,000 for Rotherham. 

Officers had been working with the sector to develop the mechanisms to enable both schools and providers to access the funding available. The bidding process had been subject to extensive consultation and bids were now being invited in order to distribute the available funds quickly and equitably, in accordance with the national guidelines which had been provided.

Additionally work was ongoing with the Rotherham Inward Development Office to agree a business advice package for providers. In addition the Council was working with a range of partners to develop and implement a training and recruitment drive to increase the availability  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items for consideration.