Agenda and minutes

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15^th November, 2006.

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

There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.

Consideration was given to the minutes of a meeting of the Town Centre Accommodation Project Board held on 10^th November, 2006.

Resolved:-  That the minutes be received.

Economic Strategy Manager to report.

-           to update on development of the new ESF Programme and consultation process.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, updating the Board on the development of the new European Social Fund (ESF) operational programme covering the period 2007 – 2013.

It was explained that this was Structural funds money from the European Commission supporting activity which will improve employment opportunities and develop human resources.  ESF had been available in South Yorkshire for the past six years as part of the current Objective 1 Programme.  This new Programme would cover 2007-2013.

It was pointed out that as an ex-Objective 1 area South Yorkshire received a ring-fenced allocation of approximately £110m which was front loaded with £96m to be spent by the end of 2010.

The two main priorities of the Programme were:-

·        to extend employment opportunities – focuses on improving employability and skills of unemployed and  inactive people and tackling the barriers to work faced by hard to reach communities and groups

·        to develop a skilled and adaptable workforce - improve qualifications and skills for those with no or low qualifications. Also develop managers and workers within SMEs.

Consultation on the draft ESF Programme was being sought by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education and Skills on specific questions.

Details of the arrangements for the management of the money were set out in the report. 

It was noted that H. M. Government anticipated that there would be sufficient domestic funds with the Learning and Skills Council and Job Centre Plus to co-finance ESF priorities.  However, local providers were already highlighting the issue of the amount of match funding which would be required.

This issue has been raised with the South Yorkshire Partnership and GOYH.  The Chairman referred to the recent visit to the House of Commons to express concern about the way the money would be distributed and to urge for elected member involvement and scrutiny arrangements.

Appendix 2 to the report set out the proposed corporate response.

Reference was made to the need to match funding to the priorities of the Council’s Employment Strategy.

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

(2)  That should Members of the Board have any comments on the Draft operational Programme they should be forwarded to the Economic Strategy Manager for inclusion in the RMBC response to the Department for Work and Pensions.

(3)  That the Council’s response to the consultation be reported to a future meeting of the Board for information.

Research & Spatial Analysis Officer to report.

-           to note the content of the report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Research and Spatial Analysis Officer, relating to estimates of the number of enterprises registering and de-registering for VAT in 2005 that have been published by the Small Business Service (SBS). It was pointed out that these were the best official guide to the pattern of business start-ups and closures across the UK and in each industry.

The statistics indicated that at the end of 2005 Rotherham had 4,800 VAT registered businesses, an increase of 105 during the year – at 2.2% a larger increase than that experienced nationally or regionally.

However, it was pointed out that despite the recent above average increases Rotherham had a relatively low number of VAT registered businesses for its population compared to regional and national averages.  A table within the report set out the number of VAT businesses per 10,000 adult population.

Also a breakdown of Rotherham’s VAT registered businesses in 2005 illustrated that the highest proportions were found in the wholesale/retail sector, followed by real estate/other business services, construction and manufacturing.  It was also noted that the overall increase of business numbers was not uniform across all sectors, with the largest increase being in the construction and the hotel/restaurant sectors.

Resolved:-  That  the content of the report and the following key points be noted:-

-           during 2005 Rotherham saw a net increase of 105 VAT registered businesses, a 2.2% rise being above both national and regional increases, with 4,800 businesses at the end of the year.

-           actual VAT registrations showed a small fall from 2004 but showed a record low for the number of VAT de-registrations.

-           there are now almost 600 more VAT registered businesses in Rotherham than in 1995 – equivalent to a 14.1% rise, compared to 14.8% nationally and just 10.8% in the Yorkshire & Humber region.

-           despite the recent good performance Rotherham has fewer VAT registered businesses per 10,000 adult population at 237 compared to nationally (379), regionally (327), and to South Yorkshire (256).

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 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular individual (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 (as amended March 2006) (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council)).

Asset Manager to report.

-           to report funding proposals for adult services asset management plan.

(Please note that Appendices D1, D2 and D3 will be provided separately.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Asset Manager, relating to the development of the Adult Services Asset Management Plan to complete the implementation of the Adult Services Modernisation Strategy.

The Board was reminded that the amended Strategy and funding proposals were approved by Cabinet in September, 2005, (Minute No.89 of 7^th September, 2005 refers), and it was pointed out that, following testing of the private sector which proved not to be viable, alternative day care provision would need to be provided to replace that currently provided by the residential establishments.

Details of the proposed changes to the service delivery facilities were set out in the report.  It was noted that at least three facilities (which were identified in the report) would need to be sold to raise the agreed capital receipt contribution, and it was pointed out that the release of a restrictive covenant on one of the facilities would need to be negotiated.

Reference was made to an opportunity to promote joint working arrangement with the Primary Care Trust and library service regarding the re-development of one of the sites for a mini resource centre and customer service access point.  This proposal was supported by the Board.

Reference was also made to the CSCI, Inspection and legislative requirements.

Members of the Board referred to:-

-                      Security of the buildings once vacated

-                      Public perception

-                      Problems associated with any closure of facilities

-                      The need to maximise opportunities for joint working

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Adult Services Asset Management Plan be supported and approved insofar as the Regeneration and Asset Board is concerned, and the Plan be referred to the Cabinet for information.

(2) That, in line with agreed Council policy, the implementation of the Adult Services Asset Management Plan is funded by submission of a bid to the major strategic capital investment block of the medium term capital programme with all the receipts from the sale of properties presently used for existing service delivery used to support the medium term capital programme.

(3) That approval be given, in principle, to the sale of Howarth House to the Primary Care Trust on terms to be agreed by the Head of Asset Management Service.

(4)  That approval be given for negotiations to be concluded for the release of the restrictive covenant on the property required, (identified in the report now submitted), for the modernisation programme.

Asset Manager to report.

-           update on the proposed community buildings review and development of area asset management plans

Further to Minute No. 69 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 18^th October, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by                  the Head of Asset Management, updating the Board on the proposed community buildings review and development of area asset management plans.

Reference was made to:-

-           the requirement to consider a process to implement the Saving Investment Paper

-           the devolution of the running of the community buildings to communities within the framework of the community and corporate plan themes, or disposal, as outlined in the Local Government White Paper

It was reported that the IDeA had invited the Council to take part in forming national guidelines for the development of Asset Management Plans

In view of the connectivity of these issues it was proposed to develop, in consultation with Neighbourhoods and Rotherham’s Communities, one integrated comprehensive strategy and action programme, together with proposed governance, methodology, timescales and resources implications.

It was noted that the proposals were likely to have significant financial and resourcing implications, together with an impact in communities.  It was reported that it was likely that the money to be made available to make community buildings fit for handing over to communities, was likely to be funded on a quasi commercial borrowing basis from the banks.

It was stressed that the Area Asset Reviews needed to include education and neighbourhood establishments, and it was expected that Ward Members would be consulted.

A further report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Board in early 2007.

Resolved:-  (1) That the proposal be approved and the content of the report be noted.

(2)               That a further progress report be submitted to the Board in early 2007.

(3)    That the Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion receive regular updates on the Community Buildings Review and the development of Area Asset Management Plans.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to seek approval to dispose of the asset.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, seeking approval for the disposal of a small area of land (hatched black on the accompanying plan), which was currently an area of amenity open space at Low Golden Smithies.

The background to the acquisition of this area of land was detailed in the report, and reference was made to a covenant stipulating that the Council should hold the property as amenity open space.  However, the Head of Culture and Leisure had declared the subject land surplus to requirements, and the Head of Planning and Transportation had no objection to the proposal.

The Board was also advised that the builders of the adjacent housing estate had indicated their willingness to grant a release of the covenant.

The capital receipt from the sale would support the Medium Term Capital Programme.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a disposal of the area of land, shown hatched black on the accompanying plan, to the adjacent house owner at Low Golden Smithies, be approved on the basis set out in the report now submitted.

(2)  That the Head of Rotherham Investment & Development Office negotiates  the disposal and release of the restrictive covenant.

(3)  That the Head of Legal & Democratic Services completes the necessary  

 documentation.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to consider the options for the future use of the site.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, setting out options for the future use of site of the former Ferham Road Primary School.

It was reported that the site had not been declared surplus.  However the site had been reviewed due to an urgent need for land as identified in the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder project (Rotherham West Area Development Framework).

The Board considered options for the disposal of the site which were detailed in the report.

Reference was made to the following issues:-

-                      Identified housing needs within the area

-                      The financial implications of the suggested options

-                      Current Council policy in respect of capital receipts (Minute No. 79 of the meeting of the Board held on 15^th November, 2006 confirms)

-                      Issues of equality and equity

-                      PFI financial arrangements

Resolved:-  That consideration be deferred for examination of the wider aspects of the proposal to use the land for housing regeneration initiatives and a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board by the Head of Neighbourhood Development.

Strategic Property Manager to report.

-           to provide an update on the latest position.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Strategic Property Manager, updating the Board of changes to the forecast of capital receipts accruing to the General Fund resulting in a revision of the Council’s Capital Programme.

It was reported that there was no significant change to the forecast for 2006/2007.

Resolved:-  That the position on the current status of the capital programme be noted.

(Councillor Wyatt declared a personal interest in Swinton House Club)

(Councillor Wardle declared a personal interest in land at Undergate Road, Dinnington)

ADF Manager to report.

Further to Minute No. 106 of the joint meeting of the Cabinet Members for Neighbourhoods and Economic Regeneration and Development services held on 13^th November, 2006, consideration was given to a comprehensive report, presented by the ADF Manager, relating to the conclusions of a recently commissioned Housing Market Renewal report in respect of the proposed redevelopment of the Bellows Road Shopping Complex, Rawmarsh, as a means of improving the image of the area and better serving the community.

The conclusions of the report included:-

-                      the suggestion that the centre should be redeveloped fully to serve the community better

-                      an indication of the role the Council would be required to take

-                      the suggestion that formal acquisition negotiations commence with the owner of the Bellow Road Complex

-                      the high level of commitment within the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder and the Council Corporate Capital Programme

A detailed explanation was given of the following aspects:-

-                      location

-                      historical background to the building of the centre

-                      its current use/disuse

-                      the trading position of the outdoor market

-                      the current poor condition

-                      recent attempts to facilitate re-development.

-                      present freehold ownerships and lease details, and recent changes

Reference was also made to the following work which had already been carried out:-

-                      the High Street Development Framework Study for the Rawmarsh and Parkgate centres

-                      strategic link to the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder

-                      the overall Area Development Framework Baseline Study

-                      and the Rawmarsh/Parkgate Masterplan Framework

A description of the proposals put forward by GVA Grimley was set out in the report.  This report highlighted the following:-

-                      the need to demolish existing centre

-                      a proposal to develop a transformational residential led mixed use scheme including a new public square

-                      proof of existing demand for new housing

-                      the importance of the location as a local shopping centre

The Executive Director, Economic and Development Services, added that this issue had been debated by the Corporate Management Team and, arising therefrom, a further recommendation had been put forward for the Board to consider.  The Board was therefore asked to consider approval for an overarching review to be conducted of Council owned land in the area, to determine the viability of developing shopping facilities to replace Bellows Road Shopping Centre.

Members of the Board commented on:-

-                      other Council assets on Rawmarsh Hill and in the area

-                      links to the proposed Customer Service Centre

-                      Greenspace provision

-                      HMR funding mechanism and programme

-                      re-orientation of the centre of the community

-                      issues of Best Value

-                      current occupation of the units and customer use

-                      possible use of CPO’s

-                      timescales

-                      acquisition costs and proposed financing

Resolved:-  (1)  That the need for the Council to take the lead role to facilitate the re-development proposals for Bellows Road Shopping Centre be recognised and supported.

(2)                   That authority be given for the opening of discussion/negotiation for the purchase of freehold and lease interests in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

Valuer to report.

-           to consider disposal.

Further to Minute No. 86 of the meeting of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 15^th November, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Principal Office, relating to the progress on the disposal of the former Dalton Depot at Doncaster Road/Herringthorpe Valley Road.

It was confirmed that of the offers received, the highest offer was also a gross offer, and that particular bidder had subsequently submitted a net offer for the site.

Consequently, a further assessment of all the bids received had been carried out and it was now recommended that disposal of the land be to the bidder whose net offer was now the highest offer.

It was also reported that this bidder was ready to exchange contracts immediately.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the disposal of the land to the recommended purchaser, on the basis set out in the report now submitted.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following items in order for the issues referred to to be progressed.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Asset Manager, detailing a review of the security arrangements at the Town Hall.

The report detailed current security issues and set out proposals to improve security including an extended CCTV system and the introduction of a management system, including access control.

The day to day responsibility for the management of the building was explained, together with the role of Facilities Management in respect of the operation of the software.

Consideration was given to funding the proposed works from the Minor Strategic Capital Programme.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the capital investment required for the improvement to security to the Town Hall being funded from the Minor Strategic Capital Programme.

Further to Minute No.  71 of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Development Services held on 31^st July, 2006, consideration was given to a report, presented by the Head of Streetpride, detailing the existing situation in respect of all aspects of the CCTV monitoring system, and which included proposals for change in the way that CCTV equipment is renewed, monitored and managed.

It was reported that consideration had been given to the short term future of Bailey House, the escalating costs of a predominantly obsolete system, and the technical advances in CCTV which would allow improvements to the overall system.

Further issues highlighted included:-

-                      Overtime worked by Council staff – identified by the Audit Commission

-                      Refurbishment of Main Street Control Room

-                      Modernisation and the inclusion of installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras

-                      The ability of systems across South Yorkshire to interlink through a regional contract

-                      Proposed refresh of the terms of reference of the CCTV Management Group

-                      Alignment of the proposals with current Council policies and legislation

Members of the Board commented on:-

-                      Effectiveness of CCTV

-                      Evidential standards

-                      Police priorities and response times

-                      Voice warnings linked to cameras

-                      Utilities costs

-                      Service Level Agreement

-                      Split of responsibilities between the Safer Rotherham Partnership, South Yorkshire Police and Streetpride

-                      Transfer of staff under TUPE

The Board considered recommendations of the Corporate Management Team in respect of the allocation of funding from the Minor Strategic Capital Programme.

Resolved:-   That approval be given to the following:-

(1)  future CCTV monitoring being operated from the single existing control room at Main Street police station and that the control room in Bailey House be decommissioned.

(2)  the 95 cameras, which are linked to Main Street, being replaced at an estimated cost of £250,000 using the South Yorkshire Police sub-regional tender (which has been subject to the OJEU procedure) and to funding from the Minor Strategic Capital programme.

(3)  connection arrangements in respect of the 24 cameras, which are linked to Bailey house, being amended to link them directly to Main Street at an estimated cost of £80,000, to be funded from the Minor Strategic Capital Programme.

(4) exemption from Standing Orders, in respect of recommendation (3) above, to allow the necessary work to be carried out by the existing maintenance contractor, in view of their familiarity with the system and speed required in carrying out the proposals.

(5)  the annual budget for the maintenance of the control room and cameras being increased to £132,000 from £102,000, the increase to be funded from the revenue savings generated by rationalisation of the control rooms.

(6)  the Head of Streetpride being authorised to negotiate an appropriate Service Level Agreement with South Yorkshire Police to allow the transfer of staff, the monitoring of council buildings and the provision of emergency contact arrangements for the parking attendants.

(7) to negotiate, in conjunction with the Safer Rotherham Partnership, the CCTV management arrangements being refreshed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107.

Further to Minute No.  39 of the Regeneration and Asset Board held on 13^th September, 2006, consideration was given to Minute No. 184 of the Local Development Framework Members’ Steering Group held on 17^th November, 2006 in respect of the issue of long term vacant industrial premises, together with an accompanying briefing paper.

Resolved:-  That the minute, and briefing paper, be noted.

-           to consider:-  WEDNESDAY, 17^TH JANUARY, 2007 at 10.00 a.m. at the Town Hall, Rotherham.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Board take place on WEDNESDAY, 17^th January, 2007 at 10.00 a.m. at the Town Hall, Rotherham.