Agenda and minutes

Resolved:-  That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government act 1972 (negotiation of terms).

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 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (negotiation of terms).

Discussion took place on the role of the Group and its relationship with the LDF Working Group and the Planning Board.   It was suggested that the Group required Terms of Reference along the following lines:-

§                     Recommend to the Cabinet changes in the overall Pathfinder Programme

§                     Provide information on strategic direction of the Programme

§                     Consider the relationship to the LDF

§                     Consider the linkages between proposals in different ADFs and other strategic Policies

§                     Consider the contribution of ADFs to the overall headline change

§                     Progress reports on the delivery of the Programme

§                     How it relates to Transform South Yorkshire

Agreed:-   (1)  That advice be sought from the Head of Legal and Democratic Services with regard to Terms of Reference for the Group.

(2)  That Terms of Reference/Roles and Responsibilities be included as an agenda item for the next meeting.

(3)  That the Chairs of the ADFs be invited to attend this Group on a 3 monthly basis.

The HMR Team Leader circulated a paper illustrating the current position with regard to recruitment.

Significant progress had been made but there were still a number of posts unfilled including the 4 Project Managers positions.  Discussions were ongoing with the Council’s strategic partners with regard to them hopefully providing project management until the posts were filled.

Agreed:-  That an update be provided for the next meeting.

The HMR Team Leader reported that Propsectus 2 had been submitted in accordance with the July deadline.

Negotiations had taken place between TSY and each Authority following the ODPM’s request to profile down the investment strategy.  It had had to be scaled down from £121M to £100M.  Rotherham had taken a cut of 7.89% from an overall cut in the Programme of 17.63%.

There would be a series of meetings between now and the middle of the Autumn as it was possible that the ODPM would further cut the funding.  The Authority had to fully understand what significance further cuts to the Programme would have and to fight hard to protect the investment. 

Discussion took place with the following points raised:-

§                     Deliver 1 visible project in each ADF

§                     Produce mini masterplans for a number of areas but being careful not to raise expectations

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

(2)  That when costed, proposals for an ADF be submitted to this Group for consideration and referred to the Regeneration and Asset Board and Cabinet.

The 4 ADF Managers gave a brief summary of Housing Market Renewal projects and Regional Housing Board projects within the 5 ADFs.   The summary consisted on the main projects, early wins and action to be completed by 2005/06.

Discussion ensued on each ADF.  

Agreed:-  That the report be noted.