Agenda and minutes

Jan Leyland, Neighbourhood Partnership Manager, submitted an update on the process for the redevelopment of project proposals to be funded through either LAGBI or identified budgets within Neighbourhood and Adult Services.  Such proposals would enable the delivery of local initiatives which met community priorities as identified in the Area Plans of the Area Assemblies.

Appendix 1 of the report submitted contained detailed proposals of projects to be funded within the 2008/09 financial year from the Rotherham South and Wentworth South Co-ordinating Groups.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the projects to be funded from identified Neighbourhood and Adult Services’ budgets be approved.

(2)  That the LAGBI project proposals be submitted to the Cabinet for ratification.

In accordance with Minute No. 98 of 1^st October, 2007, an update report was submitted on energy and affordable warmth matters.

The Government had announced 11 new measures to increase energy efficiency in homes and to combat fuel poverty via increased investments in Energy Efficiency Programmes.  They were:-

Measure 1      Duty on energy suppliers to promote reductions in carbon emissions for households

Measure 2      Under CERT, a minimum discount of 50% to be made off the price of cavity and loft insulation

Measure 3      £74M increase in funding for the Warm Front programme

Measure 4      Increase uptake of direct debit payment of energy bills

Measure 5      Ensure that eligible customers receive the social energy tariff

Measure 6      Eliminate ‘over-charging’ on pre-payment meters

Measure 7      Increase in cold weather payments for the vulnerable

Measure 8      Launch of £350M Community Energy Saving Programme

Measure 9      Increase in winter fuel payments

Measure 10   Free loft and cavity insulation for the over 70’s

Measure 11   Revoked (related to double glazing)

Details of each of the Measures were set out in the report submitted.

Through the Neighbourhood Energy Action Scheme, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley Councils had secured external funding to support an exciting new initiative to tackle fuel poverty within their respective areas. 

An area-based approach to target the most vulnerable Wards in Rotherham had been adopted to deliver a package of measures to address affordable warmth, health, comfort and safety.

Four Neighbourhood Energy Officers were providing a face-to-face ‘One Stop Shop’ service to address fuel poverty and energy efficiency.

It should be noted that the measures were short term and interim solutions to the growing problem of fuel poverty and rising fuel prices.  The Council would continue to maximise opportunities to lever funding into the Borough’s households in pursuance of the Government target to eliminate fuel poverty by 2016.

Discussion ensued on the report and those properties that had received energy efficiency measures through the Decent Homes Programme and via various grants.  It was recognised that statistical information and thermographic imaging about the energy performance of housing was helping to target affordable warmth resources and this was being focused towards pre-1991 private rented stock.   Work was taking place with 2010 Rotherham Ltd. through their newsletter that went to every household highlighting the grants that were available and signposting tenants as to how to get the best out of their homes.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the successful energy saving and affordable warmth measures implemented across the Borough be noted.

(2)  That energy performance statistical information and analysis be submitted to a future meeting,

(3)  That the fact that householders did not have to be in receipt of benefit to qualify for grants be the focus of further publicity.

The Interim Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods submitted a report setting out the current practices for under age sales test purchasing together with a proposed variance to the practice.

In April, 2006, the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) issued a practical guide for those organisations involved in the conduct of test purchasing operations involving young people and the sale of age-restricted products.  These guidelines were followed however, it was apparent that, during recent test purchasing exercises, on more than 1 different occasion, officers had been told by the retailer that they were aware they had just been tested as they knew that the child had told the truth during a test purchase operation.  The retailers were not aware of the identity of the person they were speaking to.

There were no evidence that the retailers would have sold should the child have lied about their age, however, it provided worrying evidence that the procedure for test purchasing operations was generally known and, should a retailer be blatantly flouting the law, then they would use it to their advantage. 

Resolved:-  (1)  That Council officers maintain compliance with the LACORS guidance with respect to test purchasing and review testing procedures to ensure the effective collection of evidence without compromising the integrity or safety of the testing team.

(2)  That clarification be sought as to the legal status of the young person in relation to employment liabilities.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under those paragraphs listed below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs indicated below of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Director of Independent Living submitted a report proposing to integrate the Council’s sheltered housing warden role with that of the domiciliary care enabler role to create a broader preventative service available for any older person in Rotherham.

It was proposed that the Council’s in-house sheltered warden within the Independent Living Services be integrated with the care enabling service to provide 1 holistic service capable of dealing with a range of presenting needs, both social care and housing related.

It was noted that the report had been considered by the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health on 23^rd March, 2009.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the proposal to integrate the sheltered housing warden role and that of the domiciliary care enabler role be supported to lead to one service being delivered.

(2)  That a detailed project plan be worked up that included an analysis of all financial and workforce implications, a risk register and communication and change management plan.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Interim Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services submitted a proposal to bring the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVAS) under the management of the Council based within the Community Safety Unit of Safer Neighbourhoods. 

Current funding and contract arrangements for the Service were ending on 31^st March, 2009, and consequently the Safer Rotherham Partnership had requested a review of the Service both in terms of cost and service demand.

In reviewing the Service, including taking the view of the Government Office for Yorkshire and Humber on board, it was recommended that locating the IDVAS within the Community Safety Unit, with direct management by the Safer Rotherham Partnership’s Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, would retain independence from other statutory services e.g. South Yorkshire Police.  The move of the Service from the current contracted management body would require transfer of staff under TUPE arrangements.

Resolved:- (1)  That, on confirmation of funding from the Safer Rotherham Partnership, the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service be brought under the management of the Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods, Community Safety Unit.

(2)  That, in order to retain the current level of IDVA service provision during 2009/10, option 1 at Appendix A be the preferred option.

(3)  That a letter be sent to the current contracted management organisation explaining the rationale for the decision.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

In accordance with Minute No. 98 of 27^th October, 2008, the Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted a report on possible ways of building Council houses on sites approved for affordable housing provision.

The report set out the capacity of the Council to initiate a direct build Council house building programme together with three financial scenarios for building new homes across identified sites and highlighting the key requirements necessary to support delivery.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report and the key requirements necessary to enable a Council housing direct build programme be noted.

(2)  That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet Member detailing the range of further options available to deliver new Council homes.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services for information.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted the Maltby Masterplan which included plans and an evidence base for change in Maltby.  The suite of documents provided a comprehensive assessment of the challenges which were apparent in the settlement and proposals on how it could become stronger and more sustainable over time.

The Masterplan identified the areas in Maltby which, if appropriate, interventions taking place would contribute to a stronger and more sustainable Maltby.  The key areas were Admirals estate, Birk Holt, White City, The Model Village, High Street, Little London and Braithwell Road.

Consultation had taken place over an 18 month period with local Members, Service provider stakeholders, community organisations and individual customers.  The masterplan recommendations were sensitive to the views expressed by the community during the consultation.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the principles expressed in the Masterplan be supported.

(3)  That the setting up of a Member-led Area Development Framework Steering Group to oversee and champion the masterplan’s delivery be supported.

(4)  That the seeking of funding to support the masterplan objectives from a range of external sources be approved.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

In accordance with Minute No. 95 of 15^th September, 2003, a report was submitted seeking approval for the re-housing of the remaining residents at Maltby Tarran Estate as a matter of special priority.

To date, 78 of the 86 households had been successfully re-housed to alternative accommodation with 9 awaiting re-housing.  Appendix A of the report submitted demonstrated that a number of households were becoming isolated and there was a need to ensure the management of the re-housing and demolition process in a way which support the remaining households and maintained a safe and secure environment in the interim.

Of the remaining 9 residents, 5 were Council tenants and 4 were owner-occupiers.  A number of one-to-one visits with all residents that had all been given a number of options for re-housing.

It was noted that the remaining residents had been awarded Priority Plus status as recognised by the new Housing Allocations Policy.

Resolved:-  That the report be noted.

 (Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted a request to engage the market, through a competitive process, to facilitate the redevelopment of the Braithwell Road site.  Through the appointment of a private sector partner it was anticipated that a new development would deliver a mixed tenure settlement providing a mix of both affordable and aspirational housing in line with the Maltby Masterplan aspirations and Section 106 affordable housing requirements.

A development brief had been drafted and, subject to agreement with the Planning Service and Member approval, would be presented to the market in support of the process of market engagement and to reflect housing development aspirations for the area.

Consultation had taken place with Maltby Ward Councillors who supported the redevelopment of the estate and were keen to resolve relocation and management challenges associated with the decanting process.

Residents who remained on the estate had been engaged and the brief contained statements from the community reflecting what they felt were important within the redevelopment.  Remaining residents were keen to influence the final design and development proposal.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That market engagement to facilitate the disposal and redevelopment of the Braithwell Road site, having regard to the Braithwell Road Development Brief, be supported.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted the Brampton Bierlow Masterplan which provided a comprehensive assessment of the challenges which were apparent in the settlement and proposals of how the settlement could be made stronger.  The plan was within the Wath Area Development Framework and benefited from Housing Market Renewal funding.

The Masterplan identified Brampton Bierlow as a village in need of change and intervention to bring about longer term settlement sustainability.

Local Members had been consulted and supported the vision.  Consultation with the community had resulted in a mixed response.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the principles expressed in the Masterplan be supported.

(3)  That the identification of funding from a range of external sources to achieve the masterplan’s objectives be supported.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted options for 225 homes at Brampton Bierlow which included 94 Council properties at Becknoll Road, Rother Street and Chapel Avenue which were suspended from the Decent Homes Programme pending the completion of masterplan work by NIS and a recommendation to the Cabinet Member.

The properties suffered from very poor construction and a number of structural weaknesses.  The report detailed the following four options:-

§               Decent Homes work and minimal structural works to Council properties including new roofs, lintels and wall ties

§               Decent Homes, full structural and thermal efficiency works to Council properties plus improved street scene and environmental works to the neighbourhood

§               Decent Homes to council properties plus full structural and thermal efficiency works to all properties plus improved street scene and environmental works to the neighbourhood

§               Full clearance and redevelopment of 225 properties.

Consultation had been carried out with the wider public at the time the consultants were undertaking the masterplanning work.  The North ADF Steering Group had been regularly updated on the progress of the options as well as the local Ward Members and Parish Council.

Resolved:-  (1) That option 1 be approved i.e. Decent Homes work and minimal structural works to Council properties including new roofs, lintels and wall ties.

(2)   That the Neighbourhood Investment Service conduct a five yearly stock condition survey to ensure Health and Safety matters relating to the properties can be understood and any changes monitored.

(3)  That the future of two structurally defective properties, Nos. 34/36 Becknoll Road, be excluded and subject to a separate report.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted the Dinnington Masterplan which included plans and an evidence base for change in Dinnington.  The suite of documents provided a comprehensive assessment of the challenges which were apparent in the settlement and proposals on how it could become stronger and more sustainable over time.

Consultants had been appointed in 2007 to deliver Masterplan options and a Masterplan building on the baseline survey.  The baseline identified issues which the Masterplan needed to overcome under the themes of Housing, Environment, Integration and Demographic. 

The Masterplan contained a vision for Dinnington which had gained the overwhelming support of local people through the consultation process.  The key areas for intervention were Town Centre, East Street, Victoria and Scarsdale Area and Leicester Road Area.

Consultation had taken place over 12 months with local Members, Service provider stakeholders, community organisations, Town Council and individual customers.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That the principles expressed in the Masterplan be supported.

(3)  That the setting up of a Member-led Area Development Framework Steering Group to oversee and champion the masterplan’s delivery be supported.

(4)  That the seeking of funding to support the masterplan objectives from a range of external sources be approved.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

The Neighbourhood Investment Manager submitted a report on the above properties including three options for consideration.

The Council and the owners of the properties had been unable to resolve the clearance of Nos. 28-48 Monksbridge Road since 1984.  Due to Closure Orders on a number of the empty homes, the properties could neither be improved or demolished.  7 of the 11 properties are privately owned by residents who live in the 2 habitable properties in the terrace.  4 of the 11 properties are owned by the Council.

The condition of the row of properties was very poor.  Since 2006 renewed dialogue and exploration of a number of options had taken place with the owners.  The owners had confirmed support for a specific voluntary agreement proposed set out as option 3 in the report. 

The three options were:-

-              Compulsory Purchase Order of 7 private properties and the demolition of 11, compensation and relocation of 2 households

-              Compulsory Purchase Order of 2 private properties and the demolition of 6 properties

-              Voluntary acquisition of 7 privately owned properties and the demolition of 11 dwellings

The Neighbourhood Investment Service had provisionally secured Regional Housing Board funding to support Monksbridge Road acquisition, clearance and gateway improvements during 2009/10.  The funding had to be formally approved by Government Office Yorkshire and Humber through Transform South Yorkshire.

Resolved:-  (1)  That option 3 be approved and that the Planning Board be requested to consider an outline planning application as soon as practical. 

(2)  That the reservation of Regional Housing Board funds in order to achieve option 3 during the period 2009/10 be supported.

(3)  That, further to Minute No. 303 of May, 2007, a dual Compulsory Order and voluntary agreement approach be pursued to resolve matters relating to Nos. 28-48 Monksbridge Road.

(4)  That appropriate timescales be built into any legal agreement.

(5)  That the Cabinet Member be kept informed of progress and a report submitted prior to the Compulsory Purchase Order hearing to approve the scheme and reserve compensation.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act - (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the Council))

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act – information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual)

It was noted that an Appeals Panel had been held on 16th March, 2009, comprising Councillors Goulty (in the Chair), McNeely and Nightingale, to review a decision to terminate an Introductory Tenancy.

The Panel had confirmed the decision made on 12th February, 2009.

Resolved:-  That the Panel's decision be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 of the Act - information likely to reveal the identity of an individual)