Agenda and minutes
PDF 92 KBVenue: Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.
Contact: Richard Bellamy (Ext 2058) Email: richard.bellamy@rotherham.gov.uk
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Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th September, 2006 To consider the minutes of the last meeting and update any matters arising Minutes: Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th September, 2006.
The following issues were reported on:-
Minute No. 26(2) Blue Badges:- Wentworth South Area Assembly had a Co-ordinating Group and a briefing note in respect of blue badges would be presented to its next meeting.
Minute No. 27(2) Working Days lost due to sickness absence:- Statistics were presented for the quarters ended 30th June, and 30th September for Corporate Services together with a comparison with Rotherham Brought Together.
Information was also presented from the 2001census in respect of:-
Minute No. 29(2) Corporate Services Revenue Budget Monitoring:- the budget report, which would identify pressures, was being prepared for the next meeting of the Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel as part of the formal budget process, and the Cabinet Member would be invited to attend.
Minute No. 34 RBT – Doncaster MBC Network Consultancy/Visit to Sandwell:- it was reported that the terms and conditions of the agreement with Doncaster were about to be agreed. Sandwell were still progressing through the procurement process, currently at the “best and final” offer stage.
Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting held on 11th September, 2006, be approved as a correct record, and updates be noted. |
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Freedom of Information Requests - Progress To consider the attached report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Minutes: Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Data Protection and Information Security Officer, which detailed the requests received by the Council since January 2006 for the provision of various information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
The following details were noted about the requests received:-
- 156 requests had been responded to, with a further 10 currently outstanding - 24% from pressure groups (eg: Council Watch or Tarran Residents’ Action Group) - 40% were from individuals - 18% were made by commercial organisations - 12% were from the media - 8% from other interest groups or welfare organisations - 5% from solicitors - 2% from MP’s on behalf of customers
- 94% of the total number of requests were dealt with within the 20 working days time limit; 9 were not, mainly due to staffing issues.
- 86% of cases had the requested information provided - 9% of requests were refused because the Council did not hold the requested information - 3.2% were refused because the information was exempt from disclosure - 1.2% were refused because they exceeded the cost limit - 0.6% was refused because it was considered vexatious
It was pointed out the volume of requests had been constant throughout the year.
In addition it was reported that 3 applicants had taken a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office. Brief details were set out in the report submitted.
Concern was expressed about solicitors and commercial organisations using this route to their advantage and the implications in terms of public money.
Resolved:- (1) That the contents of the report be noted.
(2) That the Data Protection and Information Scrutiny Officer discuss, with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, the issue of the FOI system being exploited for commercial gain with a view to sending a letter to the Chancellor and the Local Government Association expressing the Council’s concern about the inappropriate use of public money. |
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Schools Private Finance Initiative Project Update To consider the attached report of the Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Services Minutes: Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships, concerning the Schools Private Finance Initiative project, a partnership between the Council and Transform Schools (Rotherham) Ltd. The contract included the rebuilding/refurbishment of fifteen schools and their facilities management for a period of thirty years from 1st April, 2004.
It was reported that the project was successful in the Contract Journal Awards 2006 for “PPI/PFI Award”. This Award, and the “Best Operational Education Project” which had been received at the PFI Awards in May 2006, would be acknowledged at the November 2006 Council meeting.
By the end of December 2006, the project would provide:-
· New schools for Coleridge, Ferham, Kimberworth, Maltby Crags Infant, Maltby Crags Junior, Meadowhall and Thornhill Primary Schools and Winterhill, Wingfield and Wath Secondary Schools; It was also noted that an additional classroom had been added at Thornhill.
· Part new build and refurbished schools at East Dene and Wath CentralPrimary Schools and Clifton, Thrybergh and Wickersley Secondary Schools.
It was noted that the project was now three years into the contract and works were now within the last tranche of construction.
Additionally, it was important to note extended school use would be provided as follows:-
- new Key Young Person’s Centres will be provided at Thornhill Primary School and Wath Secondary School and significantly refurbished centres at Wingfield, Clifton, Thrybergh and Winterhill Secondary Schools.
- SureStart facilities at Ferham, Thornhill and Wingfield.
- Space for Sports and Arts facilities at Ferham.
- Children’s Centres at Coleridge and Kimberworth.
- Clifton Project facilities at the Cranworth Road site (The Place).
Currently nine schools had been delivered to full services and five more were due for September, 2006.
It was pointed out that the partnership approach had enabled delivery within the timescales including substantial variations. It was also noted that some demolition of old buildings had yet to be done and this would continue into 2007.
Reference was also made to the following:-
Resolved:- (1) That the progress of the Schools PFI Project be noted.
(2) That a report be submitted to a future meeting setting out what facilities were now being provided in comparison to before the project, together with evidence of the effectiveness of the I Love My School Campaign. |
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RBT Performance Update To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive, RBT Additional documents: Minutes: The Business Development Director, RBT, introduced Chris Holmes and gave a brief summary of his background and the aims and objectives of his post.
It was noted that Our Future Groups 5 and 6 would be looking at ICT and reviewing the RBT Contract.
Consideration was given to a report detailing the progress and performance of RBT for the month of August, 2006, highlighting:-
· Streetpride 2 had gone live within the Customer Service Centre · Human Resources & Payroll were on track with Job Evaluation work · ICT achieved 100% performance on Service Level Agreements · Procurement savings £139K ahead of plan · £1/4 million additional benefits take-up achieved by Revenues and Benefits this year · Successful Revenues & Benefits promotion resulting in increased take-up of Direct Debit by Council Tax payers
It was reported that it was proposed to establish a more regular communication regime in respect of business development in conjunction with the Client Officer. It was agreed to include the highlights of the Business Development Client report in future RBT Performance Updates to this meeting.
A Service by Service Overview was also given in respect of the following:-
§ Customer Services/Public Access:- · Staffing and recruitment issues within Rotherham Connect · Success of the support service provided by Welfare Rights
§ HR and Payroll:- § concentration on accuracy of pay § increased volume of calls re: schools pay changes and new starters
§ ICT:- § Renewal of Schools Connect and Rotherham Grid for Learning § Council requested changes to the Desktop P.C./Laptop refresh programme and the subsequent impact on customer perception of ICT service § Review of SLA targets
§ Procurement:- § E-invoicing § progress on BVP 18 – undisputed invoices paid within 30 days § savings – particularly in respect of construction § issue of addressable spend
§ Revenues and Benefits:- § proposal that the Neighbourhoods Benefits office staff be nominated for the HEART award § increase in the number of Council Tax Direct Debit payers § BV09 - % of Council Tax collected § BV78(b) time taken to process changes in circumstances § Draft report received from the Audit Commission indicating retention of 4* score
§ Progress against Corporate Initiatives:- § Equalities:- LSC funding had been received for external training to achieve Level 4 of the Equality Standard § Investors in People – report was awaited § Progress against Corporate Initiatives § Consultation/Complaints:- to note the appointment of the Principal Corporate Complaints Officer § Audit Updates § Schools
Details were also provided of the Service Level Agreement underperformance during the months of June, July and August, 2006 with reference to:-
Procurement:- SLA 06 –no. of hours spent providing support to local suppliers to develop their ability to complete the pre tender questionnaire. SLA 08 - % of orders placed against electronic catalogue framework agreements
HR and Payroll:- SLA 10 - % of contracts of employment issued within 15 working days SLA 17 - % of enquiries resolved by front line HR advisors over the telephone
Resolved:- That the contents of the report be noted. ... view the full minutes text for item 39. |
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Minutes of a Meeting of the Procurement Panel To consider the minutes of the meeting of the Procurement Panel held on 11th September, 2006 Minutes: Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of the Procurement Panel held on 11th September, 2006.
The Cabinet Member reported that the Corporate Assessment had flagged up the good joint working between Elected Members and officers, and in respect of work done on commissioning external services.
Resolved:- That the contents of the minutes be noted. |
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Liaison with RBT To consider any questions received from Elected Members Minutes: No issues had been notified. |
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E-Learning Minutes: It was reported that “Learning Pool” would go “on the road” throughout Yorkshire and Humberside and was scheduled for Leeds on 21st November, 2006.
Resolved:- That the Client Manager investigate the website. |