Agenda and minutes

Presentation by Sue Venton, External Relations Manager for South Yorkshire, JobCentre Plus.

The Chairman introduced Sue Venton, External Relations Manager for South Yorkshire, Job Centre Plus.

Sue explained she was currently Deputy District Manager for Partnership Working with the public, private and voluntary sector.  She appreciated that there were concerns about changes to services and their impact on Rotherham and on regional worklessness.

Assisted by a PowerPoint presentation an explanation was given of:-

• The background to the creation of Job Centre Plus in 2001
• The move to modernisation:-  web and telephone based services
• Local impact of changes
• Problems encountered with the telephone service, insufficient staff, complex IT; delays in benefits processing
• Measures to address the identified problems
• Key Priorities
• New publications and publicity
• Consolidating work with existing partners e.g. the Council in respect of the LEGI Bid; with Phoenix Enterprises on the Stepping Stones initiative
• targeting resources better to tackle the harder to reach groups and reduce worklessness

The following issues were raised and responses provided:-

-           How available was face to face contact?

All customers had an initial face to face appointment with a personal advisor.

-           How well was the service working with partners to ensure social inclusion?

-           How was the service working to match vacancies with training locally?

-           How did the service encourage people to take local jobs rather than travelling elsewhere?

It was explained that this was being mapped to assess what customers wanted compared to what employers had to offer.  Some funding for specific training was available from the Learning and Skills Council.  The mapping exercise should be completed by October.  Local partnership managers had only been in place since April.

-           What was the acceptable time for processing applications?

-           What measures were being taken to bring down the number of people claiming incapacity benefit?

It was explained that the different elements of the benefits process had different timescales and targets.  For Job Seekers Allowance it was 12 days.  For Income Support/Incapacity benefit it was 18-19 days.  The Service was currently running with approximately 5 days head of work.

Resolved:-  That Sue Venton be thanked for her informative presentation.

Head of RiDO/Senior Economic Strategy Officer to report.

- to note the report and progress made on a number of new initiatives working towards delivering Rotherham’s recently endorsed Employment Plan.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Economic Strategy Officer, relating to the current activity and progress on employment initiatives in Rotherham following the endorsement of the Rotherham Employment Plan.

Particular reference was made to:-

• Pathways to Work
• Stepping Stones pilot project
• Section 106 – Local Employment Condition
• City Strategies

It was explained that as Objective 1 funding would run out other sources of funding were being sought.

Resolved:-  That the report and progress made on a number of new initiatives working towards delivering Rotherham’s recently endorsed Employment Plan be noted.

(Councillor R. S. Russell declared a personal interest in this item, being a member of the Board of Phoenix Enterprises Ltd.)

Research and Spatial Analysis Officer to report.

-           to note the content and key points of the report.

Further to Minute No. 96 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 13^th September. 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Research and Spatial Analysis Officer, relating to the replacement of the old Labour Force Survey by the Office for National Statistic, with a new Annual Population Survey.

The survey produced estimated data relating on the percentage of working age people who are employed, unemployed or economically inactive.

The report on Rotherham’s progress covered the period January to December 2005.

Statistics contained within the report, illustrated in tables and graphs, gave a comparison of how Rotherham compared with South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire and Humber region and Great Britain.

Re:  Employment rate:-

Statistics indicated that Rotherham’s employment rate had remained close to the national average through 2005 but was now ahead of the regional average and almost 3% points above the South Yorkshire rate.

Re:  Unemployment rates:-

Unemployment within Rotherham remained at 4.1% which was below national, regional and South Yorkshire levels

Re:  Economic Inactivity:-

This figure remained close to the 2004/05 figure, which consolidated on the large improvement seen since 2002.  Currently economic inactivity in Rotherham was down to the regional average, and only 0.5% behind the national average.

Included in the report were also claimant (Jobseekers Allowance) counts available by ward.

Reference was made to the influx of Eastern European migrants which impact on these statistics.

Resolved:-  That the contents of the report be noted.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 12^th July, 2006.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

Reference was made to Minute No. 22 of the meeting of the Board held on 12^th July, 2006 re:  Herringthorpe Playing fields – Lease Agreement.

It was noted that the Club did not now wish to proceed.

Resolved:  That the present position be noted and a report on the implications be submitted to the next meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board.

-           to receive the minutes of the first meeting of this group

Consideration was given to the first meeting of the above sub group of this Board, held on 11^th July, 2006.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

-           to receive the minutes and note any issues.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the above meeting.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be noted.

-           to consider Minute No. 77 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 17th August, 2006.

Consideration was given to Minute No.  78 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 17^th August, 2006, relating to issues regarding Land at Brook Hill, Thorpe Hesley.

Resolved:-  That the minute, and the implications of this issue and any other similar application, be noted.

Research and Spatial Analysis Officer to report.

-           to note the content and key points of the report.

Further to Minute No. 5(2) of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 14^th June, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Research and Spatial Analysis Officer, detailing the amount of vacant floorspace on Rotherham’s industrial estates at the end of 2005 that had been vacant for four or more years.

It was pointed out that, from analysis, the majority was situated in the central and northern areas of the borough, with only a small proportion in the south.

Specific sites were noted and an explanation was given for some of the various reasons why this floorspace had remained unoccupied. 

The following key points were highlighted:-

• the amount of floorspace which had been vacant for over 4 years represented less than 3% of the total floorspace on Rotherham’s industrial estates.

• 12,700 square metres of this floorspace was due to be demolished (17% of all floorspace which had been vacant over 4 years).

• the majority of vacant units at Manvers (30,000 sq.m. or 40% of the vacant floorspace) were relatively modern and under offer or receiving enquiries from potential investors.

• the remaining vacant floorspace was predominantly older less desirable units in private ownership, the majority situated in the Eastwood and Meadowbank industrial areas. 

It was suggested that the issue of the re-allocation of the land use should be a discussion topic for the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group.  It was also pointed out that there were environmental issues which needed addressing to make some of the areas more attractive.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the content of the report, and key points as highlighted, be noted.

(2)  That the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group be asked to discuss this topic at a future meeting.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under Paragraph 3, of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (information relating to the business or financial affairs of any person (including the Council)):-

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 Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Project Officer to report.

-           to update Members on the issue of the Sinking Fund.

Further to Minute No. 23(3) of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 12^th July, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, relating to the establishment of a sinking fund to allow a revenue stream to maintain the high quality area of the town in the long term where capital money would not be available.

Reference was made to discussions, and agreement in principal, with Transform South Yorkshire and Yorkshire Forward.

The appendix to the report set out proposals for:-

• Street maintenance
• Reduction of crime and fear of crime (particularly around the evening economy)
• Town centre screen – publicity Town centre management
• Landscape maintenance re: public safety e.g. shop and pub watch scheme
• Update of the Lessons Learned Website
• Café/bar – funding of design fees and honoraria

Resolved:-  (1)  That support be given to the strategy for the Sinking Fund to provide future maintenance and town centre management for the Demonstrator area following completion of the project.

(2)               That it be noted that the fund also made provision for the construction of a Website and an honorarium for the Café/bar design competition within the area.

(3)  That a review of the fund be undertaken in 2009 (to cover the period April 2006 to March 2009).

Project Officer to report.

-           to report approval of RERF funding.

Further to Minute No. 28 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 5^th June, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Project Officer, informing the Board of the approval of money from Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund (RERF) towards the costs of the Westgate Demonstrator Project – Public Relations Initiative.

The application for funding was to promote easy assess into the town centre by providing a free bus service from the Sheffield Road car park.

Resolved:-  That the granting of RERF be noted.

Assistant Town Centre Manager to report.

-           to report approval of RERF funding.

Further to Minute No. 27 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 5^th June, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, relating to the approval of Rotherham Economic Regeneration Funding (RERF) for the commissioning of a consultant to complete a Retail Strategy for Rotherham Town Centre.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the granting of RERF towards the development of the Retail Strategy be noted.

(2)                 That the Strategy be presented to the Regeneration and Asset Board at a later stage.

(3)  That HMR Team Leader submit a report to a future meeting in respect of the amount of residential development expected in the town centre over the next ten years.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to report on identifying and processing the sale of freehold ground rents to support the capital programme.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, which set out a proposed a process for the sale of freehold ground rents to support to capital programme.

Reference was made to the different legislation in respect of residential and non-residential.

Further details in respect of the current process for dealing with residential properties were given in the report, and it was noted that the Head of Service had discretion to decide whether or not to retain the freehold interest in the properties.

It was pointed out that three tranches of commercial ground rents sales had been sold to support the capital programme so the potential for receipts was limited.  It was also pointed out that an evaluation would take place in consultation with the Head of Corporate Finance due to the effect on the revenue budget.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the existing approved policy and process, described in Section 7 of the report now submitted, for the sale of residential freehold ground rents to support the capital programme remains in place and be re-affirmed.

(2)  That the new policy and process (as described in Section 7 of the report now submitted) for the sale of non-residential property freehold ground rents that support the capital programme be approved. The existing disposal process will not be significantly changed except that:-

(i)  the property asset be not declared surplus so any income accruing from the asset remains with the service until sold.

(ii) consultation take place with the PCT or Parish Council(s) where appropriate.

(3)  That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board in respect of sales by auction of commercial property freehold ground rents.

Asset Manager to report.

-           to provide an update on the progress of the Customer Service Centres  Programme.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Asset Management, in respect of the progress of the Customer Service Centre Programme.

Reference was made to current issues including:-

Slower than anticipated building

Take up of accommodation by partners

Low footfall

Location

Failure to meet the timescales and targets of the Corporate Plan.

Financial arrangements

Specific issues in respect of the proposed Rawmarsh Customer Service Centre were reported, and it was noted that discussions with Ward Members and other Programme Areas were continuing.  Concerns were also expressed regarding the current programme for Aston.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current position and issues be noted.

(2)  That the Customer Service Programme proceeds in line with Minute No. 114 of the meeting of the Property Board held on 18^th May, 2005.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to outline the options for the disposal of the above-mentioned sites.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, relating to the above sites that had been declared surplus to the requirements of Neighbourhoods prior to June 2003.

It was reported, however, that disposal had not taken place chiefly due to issues relating to the lack of resolution on complex title problems.  In addition there were difficult site conditions.

It was pointed out that the sites lie within the Rotherham East Development Framework and the Head of Neighbourhoods had requested that the sites be re-appropriated to the Neighbourhoods Programme Area for inclusion in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder Programme in Dalton.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the land at Whinney Hill and Wood Street, and sites at School Street, be removed from the Property Bank and returned to the Neighbourhood Development Services for service delivery.

(2)  That Neighbourhoods pursue a claim for ownership of Site 2 and consider the future of the properties on Site 3 at School Street, in connection with the overall redevelopment scheme.

(3)                 That Neighbourhoods register the Council’s Title to the land and deal with any encroachment issues.

(4)   That consideration be given to the acquisition of adjacent land and premises to provide a comprehensive development scheme at Whinney Hill. site.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to seek approval for the release of a restrictive covenant attached to the title deeds.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, relating to a request for the release of a restrictive covenant attached to the title deeds of the above property.

Further details of the request and the covenant were set out in the report.

The view of the Head of Planning and Transportation was that the proposed application for a separate dwelling was likely to be viewed unfavourably.  The view of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services was also contained in the report. Options for the Council were also detailed in the report.

Resolved:-  That the Council retains the covenant and the applicant be informed accordingly.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to seek approval to remove the above-mentioned Neighbourhoods asset from the Property Bank.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, relating to the release of the above-mentioned area of land from the Property Bank as, in its current condition, it was un-saleable.  It was proposed that the land be returned to the Neighbourhoods Programme Area.  The land in question was identified on the plan accompanying the report.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the asset be removed from the Property Bank and returned to Neighbourhoods.

(2)  That Neighbourhoods continue to manage the land and resolve unauthorised access in a way that maximises potential development of the site.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to seek approval for the appropriation of the above-mentioned site from Asset Management Service, Economic and Development Services to Culture and Leisure Service, Children and Young People Services.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval for the appropriation of the above-mentioned site from Asset Management Service to Culture and Leisure Services, Children and Young People’s Services.

It was noted that it was proposed to re-instate the site as green space and re-integrate it into Ferham Park.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the appropriation, at a nil value, of the former community centre on Kimberworth Road from Asset Management Service, Economic and  

Development Services to Culture and Leisure Service, Children and          Young People Services be approved.

(2)  That the Head of Legal and Democratic Services completes the necessary documentation.

(3)    That the Head of Corporate Finance arranges the appropriate budgetary adjustments.

Principal Valuer to report.

-           to acquaint the Board of current issues relating to the Commercial Property Account.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Head of Rotherham Investment and Development Office, detailing current issues in respect of the Commercial Property Account.

Resolved:-   That consideration be deferred pending the submission of a further report to the next meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board.

Principal Valuer to report.

-           to acquaint Members of the current situation regarding this site.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Valuation Manager, relating to the current situation regarding the above-mentioned site.

The Board was advised that currently the agents for the Diocese of Sheffield had stated “that their clients have reviewed the situation and decided, certainly at this moment in time, they do not wish to proceed with a disposal”.

Resolved:-  That the current position be noted.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Acting Head of Resource and Access, Children and Young Peoples’ Services, relating to the progress with negotiations with the Council’s preferred builder, D C Leisure, including details of the latest timetable.

It was noted that planning permission was now expected around Christmas 2006, and that the new Customer Service Centre would be completed by Summer 2008, with the Leisure Centre being completed one year later.

Resolved:-  That the progress and current situation be noted.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Development Surveyor, updating the Board of the current position regarding major land transactions throughout the Borough.

Updates on the following were detailed in the report.

Daneshill – contract now completed

Kiveton Park Depot

Zamor Crescent, Thrybergh – note the moratorium

Flash Lane, Bramley – competed August 2006

Manvers West – Express Parks – on-going discussions to finalise terms and access at Bolton Ings

Lakeside – anticipated completion by December

Dalton Depot – conditional contracts should be exchanged Autumn 2006

Resolved:-  That the position on the current status of land sales be noted.

Wednesday, 18^th October, 2006 at 10.00 a.m. at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board be held on Wednesday, 18^th October,2006 at 10.00 a.m. at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.