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 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.

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 Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Act - information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council)/consultations relating to labour relations)

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services presented a report highlighting the key issues with regard to the proposed externalisation of the Repairs and Maintenance Service.

Attached, as appendices to the report, were documents produced by 2010 Rotherham Ltd. regarding the downsizing of the IHSP, externalising the Repairs and Maintenance Service, together with the financial implications, changes to the Operations directorate and minor changes to the Capital Programme.

Issues raised on the reports included:-

-        Consultation with staff

-        Publicity

-        Discussions with Trade Unions

-        Rationalisation of activity

The Interim Chief Executive, Operations Director and Finance Director of 2010 Rotherham Ltd. were in attendance to answer questions raised.

Resolved;-  (1)  That 2010 Rotherham Ltd.’s intention to ‘downsize’ staffing numbers be noted.

(2)  That in principal approval be given to the inclusion of Capital Programme works in the Repairs and Maintenance contract in order to reduce the number of redundancies and reduce costs (subject to further discussion and agreement of terms).

(3)  That 2010 Rotherham Ltd. produces, without delay, a clear timeline for all activities including the Council decisions required regarding externalisation and submit a report to the Cabinet before the Summer recess.

(4)  That 2010 Rotherham Ltd. submit a further report setting out clear information about costs once key information has been received regarding voluntary redundancies and pension liabilities,

(5)  That it be noted that 2010 Rotherham Ltd. intended to utilise the £976,000 ‘reserve fund’ to meet the costs of re-aligning divisions within the organisation.

(6)  That 2010 Rotherham Ltd.’s proposal to restructure the Operations directorate and intention to utilise savings from the 2009/10 Management Fee to fund the realignment of the Service be noted.

(7)  That the proposal of 2010 Rotherham Ltd. to vire £200,000 from the Empty Homes budget to the existing Boiler Replacement budget be approved and the Housing Improvement Programme adjusted accordingly.

(Exempt under Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Act - information relating to the financial/business affairs of any person (including the Council)/consultations relating to labour relations)

(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 15th January, 2010, comprising Councillors Atkin (in the Chair), McNeely and P. Russell, to review a decision to terminate an Introductory Tenancy.

The Panel had confirmed the decision made on 27th November, 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)

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

It was noted that a meeting of a Complaints Panel held been held on 19th January, 2010, comprising Councillors Atkin (in the Chair), Jack and P. Russell.  The Panel heard a complaint received from Mr.  C. relating to the Council’s Allocation Policy.

The Panel had not upheld the complaint.

Resolved:-  That the Panels’ findings be noted.