Agenda and draft minutes

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

The Mayor asked Members to join him in a minute's silence for former Mayor and Councillor Gerald Smith, who had served on the Council from 1979-2016, following his recent passing.

The Mayor highlighted the silver salver that was on the dais which had been presented to him and the Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Garnett, by the Royal Yorkshire Regiment in celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the formation of the regiment.

Members joined the Mayor in a round of applause for the three Rotherham recipients of honours as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list. They were:

·       MBE - Lucille WINDLE, Executive Headteacher, Abbey School. For services to Education.

·       MBE – David DALTON, former Chief Executive Officer, British Glass. For services to the glass industry.

·       BEM - Frederick LEWIS, Volunteer Appropriate Adult, South Yorkshire Police. For services to Vulnerable People in Custody.

The Mayor also extended an open invitation to all Councillors to join him in his Parlour at the Town Hall in order to ensure every elected Member felt welcome and valued. He also highlighted some of the events he had attended since the last meeting. A full list of Mayoral Engagements was set out in Appendix A to the Mayor’s Letter.

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

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Adair, Ball, Beck, Cowen, Harper, Hussain, Jackson and Knight.

To receive the record of proceedings of the meetings of the Council held on 15th May and 20th May 2026 and to approve the accuracy thereof.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 15 and 20 May 2026.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 15 and 20 May 2026 be approved for signature by the Mayor.

Mover: Councillor Read                          Seconder: Councillor Cusworth

To report on any petitions 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 consider.

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 three declarations of interest:

Councillor Clarke declared a personal interest in Item 13 (Notice of Motion – Protecting Children, Supporting Honest Businesses and Cracking Down on Illicit Vapes, Tobacco and Underage Sales) as she worked alongside Trading Standards Officers. She remained in the Chamber and voted on the item.

Councillor Bacon declared a pecuniary interest in Item 15 (Notice of Motion – Stop Polluting our Rivers and Hiking Our Bills) as he was employed by Yorkshire Water. He left the chamber for this item and did not participate in the debate or vote.

Councillor A Carter declared a personal interest in Item 17 (Notice of Motion – Protecting Rotherham Residents’ NHS and Council Data – Rejecting Reliance on Palantir) as he was a member of the British Medical Association. He remained in the Chamber and voted on the item.

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 six public questions:

1.    Allen Cowles: Leader, In answer to my supplementary question, you said you lobbied the government to assist in holding to account those who knew about CSE. However, there were individuals here, identified by Jay who attended a seminar who knew what had been taking place. Why did this council take no action to hold to account those individuals?

The Leader explained that, as Mr Cowles was a Councillor at the time, he would have been aware that there was never an option within the remit of the Council to take action against individual Councillors. The Council was under Government intervention and acted within the directions that were put in place by the Government. The Labour Party had taken action and held its own investigation which resulted in potential candidates being barred from standing in elections.

In his supplementary, Mr Cowles referenced the internal investigation carried out by the Council which had cost around £450k of taxpayers’ money. He stated that the investigation was carried out by a company who produced a report that, in his opinion and that of others, was inconsequential and worthless. Issues had been raised that remained unanswered, had never been followed up and for which no one had been held accountable. Mr Cowles stated that some Members had been rewarded with new jobs and promotions. He asked if the Leader agreed that the investigation was a waste of taxpayers’ money and that the Council should demand its money back.

The Leader did not agree. He stated that it was right for an investigation to take place and to ask serious questions off the back of those reports about the failings that had occurred. The reports were commissioned from various reputable sources, and the independent adjudication had to be accepted. The Leader shared the frustration that some of the questions were not answered but he did feel that the Council had done everything it could and put all of the information it had into the public domain. That information was still available on the Council’s website. The Leader also confirmed that criminal investigations were still ongoing and he wanted people to suffer the consequences of their actions. He encouraged anyone will any new information to report it accordingly.

2.    Pat Garnett: As a resident of Wellgate House for 11 years, I have repeatedly raised concerns about the council car park and worsening anti-social behaviour, including late-night gatherings, noise, shouting and street parties. What action will the Council now take, including enforcement, CCTV, improved lighting, gating or restricted access, and what clear timescale will be given for finally resolving these longstanding problems?

Councillor Alam firstly stated that he was sorry to hear about the ongoing difficulties. He confirmed that work to address the concerns raised had taken place with joint visits to properties in the area with South Yorkshire Police, targeted monitoring by the Council’s Out of Hours service, engagement with Wellgate House regarding CCTV coverage and how this could be used  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

Should it be necessary, in the opinion of the Mayor, to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting in relation to any items of urgent business on the grounds that private information is likely to be divulged.

There were no items requiring the exclusion of the press and public.

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

The Leader started his statement by sending the condolences of the Council to the friends and family of Ann Widdecombe following her recent alleged murder. The Leader reiterated the Council’s commitment to political pluralism and condemnation of such a heinous crime that unfortunately now had links to Rotherham.

The Leader also reflected on the tragic events that unfolded at Rother Valley over the May Bank Holiday where teenager Muhammed Secka lost his life in devastating circumstances. The Leader expressed his heartfelt condolences to his family and also paid tribute to the staff on site for their professionalism during this difficult event. The Green Spaces team were taking all practical steps to enhance safety and the Leader urged everyone, especially school children about to start the school holidays, to stay out of open water unless it was a designated supervised area.

Since the last meeting, Lord Hardy Court had been rated “Good” by the Care Quality Commission; the Castle View Day Centre had opened; residents had moved in to the new Warden Street Council properties and work had commenced on two sites in Eastwood. Work had also started on the Templeborough Business Zone at Magna and on the Whiston Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Leader was pleased to report that Rotherham had been shortlisted to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028. 398 towns had applied so making it to the final 4 in the “large town” category was a big achievement.

The Leader congratulated Kimberworth Park Partnership for their successful bid to the Cruyff Foundation for a multi-use games area. It was hoped that future international footballers would make use of the excellent facilities. Following on from this, the Leader expressed his and the Chamber’s support for the England Men’s football team in their World Cup Semi-Final match which would take place later in the evening. 

The Leader of the Majority Opposition Group, Councillor Zach Collingham, was invited to respond to the statement. He also expressed his condolences regarding the passing of Ann Widdecombe whom he described as a respected lady and a characterful politician. Councillor Collingham stated that, although a suspect had been arrested in Rotherham, this was not a reflection on the town or the borough. However, he did ask that it be established if anything could have or should have been done locally to prevent the killing.

Councillor Collingham referenced the number of residential fires in the borough, some of which might have been linked to the high temperatures but some of which could be linked to the charging of electrical devices at home, such as e-bikes and mobility scooters. He asked if any discussions could take place regarding raising awareness and improving education on the matter.

In relation to the Whitestone Solar Farm, he asked the Leader to give clear reassurance that the Council will submit initial representations at this stage but also prepare a comprehensive local impact report for the examination stage. Councillor Collingham also asked that the Leader lead the response, ensuring  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To consider the recommendation from Cabinet relating to Primate Licensing.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the proposal endorsed by Cabinet in relation to an appropriate fee for Primate Licences. At its meeting on 6th July 2026, Minute No. 33 refers, Cabinet were informed that recent changes to Animal Health Legislation included the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024 which provided for the licensing of primate keepers.

The Legislation prohibited the keeping of primates as pets unless individuals could meet the rigorous conditions of a new Licensing Scheme, which included the requirement for licence holders to seek veterinary input on the appropriate care of their animals. Primates had complex welfare and social needs, and the standards were designed to ensure that only those who could demonstrate the highest levels of animal welfare would be permitted to keep primates.

An individual who kept, or was proposing to keep, a primate could apply for a Primate Licence. The application must specify a range of details including the species of primate, and the number of primates of each species to be kept under the Licence. It must detail the sex, species, date of birth (or if not known, the approximate date), and the number of any microchips implanted, for each primate. The Council could set a fee for the application and a fee for any inspections. There was already a fee set for Dangerous Wild Animal Licences which covered the same direct and indirect costs of licensing as proposed for Primate Licensing. Consequently, the same fee of £199 was proposed for the Licence fee along with any variation or renewal applications.

Resolved:

That the fees in respect of Primate Licences, in accordance with the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024, be set at £199 for licence applications and any variation or renewal applications.

Mover: Councillor Alam                          Seconder: Councillor Williams

To note Cabinet’s response to the Health Select Commission Scrutiny Review – Access to Contraception.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined Cabinet’s response to the Health Select Commission’s review into access to contraception.

At its meeting on 21st November, 2024, the Health Select Commission agreed to proceed with undertaking a scrutiny review into access to contraception in Rotherham, recognising the importance of supporting residents to make informed choices about their reproductive health. The findings of the Review were approved by the Health Select Commission on 2nd January, 2026, endorsed by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) at its meeting on 3 February, 2026 and presented to Cabinet on 16 March, 2026.

The evidence gathered was structured around 5 key themes, within which the resulting recommendations were grouped. The response to these was as follows:

·       Commissioning and Service Delivery – accepted (section 2.4 of the report.)

·       Education, Public Awareness and Messaging – partially accepted (section 2.5.)

·       Digital Access and Information – partially accepted (section 2.6.)

·       Youth Access and Confidentiality – partially accepted (section 2.7.)

·       Data, Monitoring and Strategic Alignment – partially accepted (section 2.8.)

Proposed responses to each review recommendation were detailed in Appendix 1 to the Cabinet report and each proposed response had an associated timescale for delivery or further consideration.

During the meeting, Members thanked the Health Select Commission Review Group for their work on this important matter.

Resolved:

That Council note Cabinet’s response to the Health Select Commission Scrutiny Review – Access to Contraception.

Mover: Councillor Baker-Rogers             Seconder: Councillor Cusworth

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

Further to Minute No. 55 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19th November 2018, consideration was given to the Ward update for Hoober as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy. An update report had been provided as part of the agenda and each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Brent moved the report and spoke about the geography of the Hoober and its population. He stated that listening to residents and holding surgeries was a vital part of the role of Ward Councillors. The issues regularly raised at the surgeries included speeding, traffic, parking, weeds, overhanging trees, hedges, house repairs and anti-social behaviour.

Two particular projects that the Hoober Councillors had worked on were the traffic calming measures in Wentworth and the planned crossings on Manor Road in Brampton. Residents of Melton Green had also been supported in their fight for road safety schemes. Improvements had been made to green spaces and recreational areas, such as at West Melton Park, Brampton Bierlow Park and Cortonwood Recreation Ground.

Councillor Brent praised the partnership working, particularly with Parish Councils. He also praised the work being done across borders with Barnsley Council regarding bikes causing havoc in parks.

Councillor Lelliott seconded the report and highlighted the use of CIL money to provide free resources for communities who would not otherwise be able to join in with structured sports like football. Work also continued to create play areas and green spaces for the local community. Councillor Lelliott was very proud of the work done on community celebrations. A networking group had been established so that all the different community groups could share resources and ideas and signpost people on.

Councillor Lelliott thanked all the partners that worked in Hoober Ward such as the schools, Police and Parish Councils. She particularly thanked Neighbourhood Co-ordinator Tracey White.

Councillor Williams highlighted road safety improvements. This included the new 20 mile per hour scheme on Harley Road, and the installation of a vehicle activated speed sign in Melton Green. Work had been undertaken to install bollards in West Melton to protect the green space and prevent grass verge parking. A public meeting had been held, and the formation of a community speed watch group is underway. Ward Councillors were looking into how equipment for the group could be funded.

In relation to anti-social behaviour, Councillor Williams spoke regarding the aftermath of the riot at Manvers which occurred in 2024. He was very proud of the way residents and the Council had responded, particularly in relation to the drop-in session that had been held. Regarding the off-road bikes referenced by Councillor Brent, Councillor Williams confirmed that meetings had been held with the Deputy Mayor for Police in South Yorkshire and some small scale measures had been introduced. CCTV had been installed on the Wath Road entrance to the Park and work was underway to reduce entrance points to the Park. It was also confirmed that work continued in relation to the Cortonwood Retail Park issues.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To receive updates from ward councillors from Keppel 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 Ward update for Keppel as part of the Thriving Neighbourhood Strategy. An update report had been provided as part of the agenda and each Ward Member was invited to speak.

Councillor Garnett moved the report and stated that the aim was to identify and implement what mattered most to communities. Partnerships were formed and residents were empowered through strengths-based working. This had led to parks and play equipment being updated. Parking buddies were now in use outside schools to help improve safety. Surgeries, coffee mornings and veterans events had been established. Ward Councillors had been involved in assisting student council events and were continuing to serve residents by being visible and present.  CCTV was helping to address fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. 

Councillor Harrison seconded the report and spoke about the improvements in crime and anti-social behaviour. He asked if more money could be provided for more police and PCSO’s as it was much needed. The CCTV installed had been beneficial in stopping off-road bike activity and great work had been done to remove nitrous oxide canisters. Further work on this included going into schools and educating children against the use of the canisters. He encouraged all residents to report anti-social behaviour matters, particularly canister use, to the police. This issue had been raised with the MP.

Councillor Harrison placed on record his thanks to Councillor Garnett and Councillor Currie for making him feel so welcome in the Keppel Ward over the last 12 months following his election.

Councillor Currie stated that he was speaking to celebrate a community built on resilience, partnership and belief in one another. He thanked the Neighbourhood Officers (Shaun Mirfield, Nicola Hacking and Sarah Ellis) for their hard work. Councillor Currie stated that Keppel Ward Councillors did not just work for their residents, they worked with them. This could be seen in the work done at Lodge Lane Park and the tribute to Kimberly Fuller who had been murdered 20 years ago in Rotherham. He praised the work done at the Chislett Centre and at St Paul’s Church.

In conclusion, Councillor Currie stated that Keppel was not defined by its challenges but by its people. It was shaped by the volunteers who gave up their time and by the tenants and residents who wanted to be heard and valued; by the young people who represented the future and by the businesses who stayed in Kimberworth Park and in Keppel Ward despite the challenges. 

Resolved:

That the update report be noted.

To be moved by Councillor Tinsley and seconded by Councillor Zach Collingham.

An amendment to the original motion was accepted by the mover and seconder of the original Motion and, therefore, in accordance with Procedure Rule 18(14) the amendment was incorporated into the Motion for debate (inclusions highlighted in bold italics). 

The original motion was moved by Councillor Tinsley and seconded by Councillor Zach Collingham. The amendment was moved by Councillor Clarke and seconded by Councillor Sutton. The substantive motion was:

This Council notes that:

1.    Illegal tobacco, counterfeit cigarettes and illegal vaping products continue to be sold within communities across Rotherham, undermining honest local businesses, exposing consumers to unsafe products and fuelling organised criminal activity.

2.    There has been a visible surge in dedicated high-street vape shops and unregulated mini-marts, often situated close to local schools. This has led to an alarming rise in both youth access to vapes, and the proliferation of illegal vapes, whether illegally large, illegally strong, or illegally spiked with dangerous psychoactive substances, including THC (cannabis) and synthetic cannabinoids.

3.    Residents, parents, schools and responsible retailers continue to raise concerns about underage sales and the growing availability of illegal vaping products to children and young people, as do Elected Members.

4.    Parliament has strengthened legislation through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, increasing the importance enforcing standards in the run up to a new licensing regime.

5.    National enforcement agencies have identified organised criminal groups as being heavily involved in the illicit tobacco and illegal vape trade, which has been linked to both the drug trade and the slave trade.

6.    Trading Standards is the lead enforcement authority and effective enforcement relies on partnership with South Yorkshire Police and other agencies. The Police are unable to act alone.

7.    Whilst successful operations have taken place, the response to increasing intelligence and complaints indicates the Council’s Trading Standards Team is understaffed and under resourced. This paralyses local enforcement and undermines public protection, with inaction and delayed investigations enabling rogue traders to operate with impunity.

This Council believes that:

1.    No child in Rotherham should be able to walk into a shop and illegally purchase nicotine products.

2.    No adult in Rotherham should be able to purchase illegal nicotine products.

3.    The overwhelming majority of retailers operate responsibly and enforcement should be firmly targeted at rogue traders.

4.    The illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products harms public health, damages legitimate businesses and funds organised crime.

5.    Those who knowingly sell illegal products or sell nicotine products to children should face the strongest sanctions available.

6.    Fixed financial penalties can be an anticipated ‘cost of business’ for rogue traders and the Council must be equipped, where appropriate, to make full use of Closure Orders, prosecutions, seizure powers and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1.    Request an urgent review of Trading Standards staffing, capacity and resources.

2.    Request Trading Standards, Council Legal Services and South Yorkshire Police adopt a robust, intelligence-led enforcement approach, using Closure Orders against non-compliant retailers where possible to demonstrate a highly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To be moved by Councillor Cusworth and seconded by Councillor Zach Collingham.

It was moved by Councillor Cusworth and seconded by Councillor Zach Collingham that:

The intimidation and abuse of Councillors, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy; preventing Elected Members from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election, and undermining public life in democratic processes.

That this Council notes:

That increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse is having a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors feel safe and able to continue representing their residents.

This Council commits to:

Commits to challenge the normalisation of abuse against Councillors and officers and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does. The Council further agrees to sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate campaign. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of Councillors in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the response to and support those in public life facing abuse and intimidation.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1.    Write to the local Member of Parliament to ask them to support the campaign. (A template letter is available from the LGA)

2.    Write to the Government to ask them to work with the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address abuse and intimidation of politicians. (A template letter is available from the LGA)

3.    Ensure the Council has a clear reporting mechanism which Councillors can use to monitor and record incidents of harassment and abuse of Councillors and officers.

4.    Regularly review the support available to Councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and Councillor safety.

5.    Work with the local police to ensure there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of Councillors and their families and discuss the need to take a preventative approach that accounts for the specific risks that councillors face, as they do with other high-risk individuals, like MPs.

6.    Take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of Councillors and officers.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried.

To be moved by Councillor Adam Carter and seconded by Councillor Tarmey.

An amendment to the original motion was accepted by the mover and seconder of the original Motion and, therefore, in accordance with Procedure Rule 18(14) the amendment was incorporated into the Motion for debate (inclusions highlighted in bold italics). 

The original motion was moved by Councillor Adam Carter and seconded by Councillor Tarmey. The amendment was moved by Councillor Read and seconded by Councillor Steele. The substantive motion was:

This Council: 

1.    Notes with great concern the figures recently released by the Environment Agency that show there was 16,412 hours of sewage discharges in local rivers and waterways in Rotherham last year. This is despite drought being declared across many regions of the UK. Untreated sewage discharging is only legal in periods of extreme rainfall in which drain systems are at risk of being overwhelmed. Across England, a total of 2.65 million hours of sewage discharging took place into natural areas last year. This is a reduction on the previous year. However, during a year of drought and record dry weather across certain months, Council believes the level of sewage discharging at both local and national level is as disgraceful and unacceptable as ever.

2.    Council further believes that local residents should not bear the cost of water companies upgrading decades worth of crumbling infrastructure, while these companies continue to make profits. However, in our Borough, average water bills are set to rise by 6% for Yorkshire Water customers and 10% for Severn Trent customers this year.

3.    Council notes the introduction of a Clean Water Bill in the King's Speech to Parliament that promises to create a super-regulator with wider enforcement powers over the economic and environmental performance of water companies. Though this has been welcomed, many campaigners believe it does not go far enough, fast enough.

Therefore, this Council resolves to: 

1.    Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to make clear the position of this Council and to demand that all loopholes allowing water company bosses to continue to take home huge bonuses are removed.

2.    Invite the Chief Executives of Yorkshire Water and Severn Trent to a special meeting of Full Council Scrutiny with all Members to answer questions from Councillors and members of the public and to establish urgent commitments and timescales to improve their infrastructure and reduce sewage discharges in Rotherham.

3.    Instruct the Chief Executive to write to environmental charities The Rivers Trust, River Action and Surfers Against Sewage to demonstrate the Council’s commitments and support to work with partners to improve water quality in Rotherham.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried.

Councillor Bacon declared a pecuniary interest in this item as he was employed by Yorkshire Water. He left the Chamber for this item and did not participate in the debate or vote.

To be moved by Councillor Ryalls and seconded by Councillor Tinsley.

It was moved by Councillor Ryalls and seconded by Councillor Tinsley that:

Summary/Background:

The recent, devastating surge in water-related fatalities across the UK - hitting heartbreakingly close to home right here on our doorsteps in South Yorkshire - demands immediate action. The recent losses in our local community, including the tragic incidents at Rother Valley Country Park and the River Don in Mexborough, are a stark, agonizing reminder that this is a persistent and entirely preventable public safety crisis. The overwhelming majority of these drownings continue to occur in everyday inland waters during routine activities. In direct response to this ongoing emergency, we highlight the launch of the Daily Mirror’s 'Save Lives for Sam' campaign. This vital movement campaigns for a long overdue, cohesive national strategy regarding water safety. Alongside this, we recognize the tireless efforts of ‘Sam’s Army’, whose dedicated campaigning is driving a critical nationwide push for change. Together, these campaigns demand urgent accountability from landowners, the rollout of widespread public safety education, and the formal legislative passing of 'Sam’s Law' to mandate life-saving rescue equipment around high-risk open waters. Through collective action, we can strive to prevent further tragic losses, protect our local communities, and ensure no more families have to endure such devastating heartbreak.

That this Council Notes:

1.    That every year, an average of 33 children lose their lives to drowning in England.

2.    The launch of the Mirror’s “Save Lives for Sam” campaign, which highlights the urgent need for a cohesive national strategy on water safety.

3.    The tireless efforts of Sam’s Army in campaigning and raising awareness to prevent further tragic losses.

4.    The proposal of Sam’s Law, which calls for a legal requirement for adequate, maintained safety equipment at all high-risk bodies of water.

5.    The lack of a dedicated Minister for Water Safety, leading to a fragmented approach to water safety education and infrastructure.

6.    This Council recognises that the prevention of drowning is a public health imperative requiring a co-ordinated national response, and that local authorities require stronger national support, guidance and legislation to protect residents effectively.

Therefore, this Council resolves to:

1.    Formally endorse the “Save Lives for Sam” campaign and support the ongoing work of Sam’s Army.

2.    Write formally to: The Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, Samantha Dixon MBE MP; The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP; and The Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP; urging them to take the following urgent action:

a.    Urgently appoint a dedicated Minister for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention, to provide clear national leadership, accountability and co-ordination for both prevention work and operational response, working alongside a designated lead department.

b.    Commit to greater long-term support for prevention and public education, including national support so that every child and young person receives consistent, high quality water safety education regardless of where they live.

c.     Work closely with the National Fire Chiefs Council and the National  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

To be moved by Councillor Yasseen and seconded by Councillor Bower.

An amendment to the original motion was accepted by the mover and seconder of the original Motion and, therefore, in accordance with Procedure Rule 18(14) the amendment was incorporated into the Motion for debate (inclusions highlighted in bold italics).

The original motion was moved by Councillor Yasseen and seconded by Councillor Bower. The amendment was moved by Councillor Read and seconded by Councillor Garnett. The substantive motion was:

That this Council:

Notes that:

1.    In November 2023, NHS England awarded a seven year contract worth up to £330 million to Palantir Technologies to provide the NHS Federated Data Platform. The platform brings together information already held in different NHS systems to support patient care, hospital management, waiting-list planning and wider NHS decision making.

2.    Palantir is a foreign (US based) private software and data analytics company with extensive involvement in military, intelligence, surveillance and immigration enforcement systems.

3.    The Federated Data Platform infrastructure can access and process identifiable and highly sensitive patient information. Therefore raising legitimate questions about which companies should be trusted to operate essential NHS data infrastructure, what access their personnel may require and how that access is independently monitored.

4.    The information people share with their GP, hospital and other health services may include diagnoses, medication, mental health, disability, sexual and reproductive health, family circumstances and other deeply personal information. Residents should not need to understand a complex technology contract to know who is handling this information and why.

5.    Palantir has supplied technology to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration surveillance and enforcement operations. In January 2024, Palantir also announced a strategic partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defence to provide technology in support of “war related missions”. These activities have resulted in serious ethical and human rights concerns about the company.

6.    The British Medical Association (BMA) has passed a resolution declaring Palantir an unacceptable partner for the NHS Federated Data Platform. The resolution calls for an end to Palantir’s continued expansion within the NHS, the termination of existing NHS contracts with Palantir and to support doctors who refuse to use data products supplied by companies associated with warfare and human rights violations.

7.    Medact, Amnesty International and patient and health worker organisations have also raised concerns about human rights, transparency, public trust, procurement, privacy and long term dependence on a single supplier.

8.    On 3 June 2026, the cross-party House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee recommended that the Government exercise the February 2027 break clause in the Palantir contract. It called for either an NHS developed replacement or an alternative supplied by UK owned and UK based providers, together with a costed exit plan.

9.    This is already a local issue. The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is using its Federated Data Platform instance for outpatient data quality and patient waiting list validation and is progressing further use of the platform.

10.Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that its current use of Palantir is limited to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To note the minutes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 11^th May and 8^th June, 2026.

Consideration was given to the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 11th May and 8th June, 2026.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 11th May and 8th June, 2026 be received.

Mover: Councillor Read                          Seconder: Councillor Cusworth

To note receipt of the Audit Committee minutes.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Audit Committee be noted.

Mover: Councillor Baggaley                    Seconder: Councillor Blackham

To note receipt of the Health and Wellbeing Board minutes.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board be noted.

Mover: Councillor Baker-Rogers             Seconder: Councillor Cusworth

To note receipt of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee and Licensing Sub-Committee minutes.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Licensing Board Sub-Committee and the Licensing Sub-Committee be noted.

Mover: Councillor Garnett            Seconder: Councillor Brent

To note receipt of the Planning Board minutes.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Planning Board be noted. 

Mover: Councillor Mault                          Seconder: Councillor Taylor

To receive and consider the reports, minutes and recommendations of the Staffing Committee including the recommendation to establish the role of Service Director of Streetscene, Fleet and Highways.

Consideration was given to the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meeting of Staffing Committee held on 6th July, 2026.

Resolved:

That Council:

1. Approve the proposal to establish the role of Service Director of Streetscene, Fleet and Highways.

2. Note receipt of the minutes of the Staffing Committee.

Mover: Councillor Alam                          Seconder: Councillor Marshall

To note receipt of the Standards and Ethics Committee meetings.

Resolved:

That the reports, recommendations and minutes of the meetings of the Standards and Ethics Committee be noted. 

Mover: Councillor Clarke              Seconder: Councillor T Collingham

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).

There was one question from Councillor Yasseen:

1.    When residents request a community meeting about serious safety or safeguarding concerns, what policy determines whether South Yorkshire Police attend a community meeting with a Ward Councillor?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Yasseen was not present to ask her question.

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

There were 13 questions:

1.    Councillor Thorp: Will you look again at traffic calming measures in Whiston on High Street down towards Turner Lane from the Methodist Church?  Repeated request have been met with a straight no. A recent collision highlighted again the issues of visibility due to parked cars and the approaching speed of traffic down High Street from a pinch point by the Methodist Church.

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Thorp was not present to ask his question.

2.    Councillor Thorp: Can the Council please explain how, 14 months since I raised the state of Herringthorpe Valley Park tennis courts, including the state of the courts, the problem with overhanging trees blocking one third of the courts, spending £150,000 to resurface them and 8 months since work started, RMBC Tree Services still have not cut these trees back.

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Thorp was not present to ask his question.

3.    Councillor Bennett-Sylvester: When suggesting the Bulky Waste Service to residents we are often being met with the length of time to collect as an objection. What measures are being taken to reduce lead times for collections please?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Bennett-Sylvester was not present to ask his question.

4.    Councillor Bennett-Sylvester: Press reports indicate we referred over 4,500 cases of Council Tax debt to enforcement agents in 2025/26. How many of these resulted in visits by bailiffs to residents’ homes?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Bennett-Sylvester was not present to ask his question.

5.    Councillor Thorp: Why once again does RMBC let companies rip up our streets and replace it with the cheapest tarmac going. At the bottom of Moorgate Street, at the junction of High Street, around 30 paving slabs have been removed; are we really saying not one slab survived the removal prosses?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Thorp was not present to ask his question.

6.    Councillor Thorp: At the moment collectively the 3 infant schools in the Sitwell Ward, Sitwell, Whiston J&I, and Whiston Worrygoose, have a total PAN number of 120 and were oversubscribed for the coming year. If all 3 schools were to increase their PAN numbers to their maximum for their schools what would the combined PAN number be?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Thorp was not present to ask his question.

7.    Councillor Yasseen: If the consultation on the proposed Broom Road and Wickersley Road Sustainable Transport Corridor demonstrates clear and significant public opposition to the scheme, what criteria will the Council use when deciding whether to proceed or withdraw the proposals?

A response would be provided in writing as Councillor Yasseen was not present to ask her question.

8.    Councillor Yasseen: What arrangements are in place to ensure that Ward Councillors are kept appropriately informed and involved in officer-led meetings, community engagement and decisions affecting the residents they represent?  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Any other public items which the Mayor determines are urgent.

There were no urgent items.