Agenda and minutes

Simeon Leach, Economic Strategy Manager, to report.

-           to report the findings of the evaluation and to seek views.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Manager, informing the meeting of the main findings of the final evaluation report on the recently completed Rotherham Enterprise Development (RED) project and seeking comments on the content of the report.

It was explained that RED was a £1 million plus business support programme that was supported through Yorkshire Forward’s Single Pot and ran from April 2006 to March 2009.

Reference was made to the activity funded through the project:-

Ø      Promoting enterprise to young people and supporting business growth of young entrepreneurs (led by Rotherham Youth Enterprise, RMBC)

Ø      Promoting and supporting  business start-ups, incubation and employer engagement across the Borough, including targeting of hard to reach Groups (led by RiDO, RMBC)

Ø      Strengthening the town centre retail business environment (led by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce)

It was explained that as part of the project approval it was agreed that a full independent evaluation of the project would be carried out during the final 6 months of its operation. The evaluation process was lead by the Yorkshire Forward Evaluation Team, with input from all project partners.  The aims of the evaluation were set out in the submitted report.

Reference was made to the main conclusions of the evaluation, the details of which were set out in the report.  It was reported that in general outputs exceeded those set out in the project contract and ensured that the full grant was paid out to the Council.    At the conclusion of the project it was assessed that the following had been delivered:-

-                      Jobs created/safeguarded = 352.5

-                      New businesses created = 153

-                      Businesses assisted = 619

Eight recommendations were also made and these were set out in detail in the Appendix to the submitted report.

It was pointed out that subsequent to the RED project the Council was already moving forward the enterprise agenda and it was anticipated this would be delivered over the next 2-3 years funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The following issues were raised and discussed:-

-                      evidence and criteria used for the evaluation

-                      length of time businesses were kept track of

-                      number of new businesses created by this project still in existence

-                      Yorkshire Forward funding of Business Advisers

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

(2)  That a further paper be submitted in 6 months time reporting on progress in implementing the recommendations of the RED evaluation.

Joanna Favill, Economic Strategy Manager, to report.

-           to consider the spend of UKSE funding of Enterprise events and their delivery.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Economic Strategy Officer, which detailed the provision of funding to support enterprise generation through Table Cloth Enterprise and Dragons Den events in Rotherham.

An explanation was given of the events as follows:-

Table Cloth Enterprise:-  the aim of which was that by the end of the session new starters would have refined their business ideas and have notes and ideas on the “table cloth” to follow up and explore.

Dragons’ Den Event:-  targeted at new and early stage businesses.  The Den would be reserved for businesses that offered growth potential and where this potential was more likely to be realised through injection of external resources. 3 events per year were planned.

It was reported that    UK Steel Enterprise would be providing the funding to run both events, and that the money provided would be eligible as match to the next European Regional Development Fund Priority 3 bid.   It was also noted that the events and budget would be managed by the Enterprise Events co-ordinator, and that this position was being established with initial funding from the Working Neighbourhoods Fund.

It was commented that this initiative could possibly link with the Town Centre Business Vitality Grants Scheme in certain instances.

Resolved:-  That the proposals to run Table Cloth Enterprise and Dragons Den events to increase the rate of enterprise starts and support early stage businesses, with a particular reference to ex-Corus employees and their families, be endorsed.

Tim O’Connell, Business Development Manager, to report.

-           to seek approval for the use of LABGI funding to implement a series of measures designed to provide an environment where businesses are supported to grow out of the recession and attract more knowledge based,  innovative and high growth businesses.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Business Development Manager, seeking approval to use LABGI funding to implement a series of measures designed to provide an environment where businesses are supported to grow out of the recession and attract more knowledge based, innovative and high growth businesses.

Reference was made to the four incubation centres, two of which had opened in challenging times.

It was proposed to take the business centres and the incubation process on to a new level by increasing the focus on innovative, knowledge based high growth businesses and to attract new occupiers.

In order to grow out of the current recession it was considered necessary to finance some of the proposals at an early stage by using some of the LABGI funding acting as match funding for European Regional Development Fund money.

The following key parts of the proposals were highlighted:-

(i)                   Green Working Business Clubs

(ii)                 Business Growth Programme

(iii)                Soft Landing Zones

(iv)                Incubation Process Promotion

The aim was to achieve an occupancy rate of 85% and a survival rate of 90% after three years.

Resolved:-  That approval be given to the use of LABGI for the purposes set out in the report now submitted.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, and Richard Waller, Non-Contentious Team Manager to report.

-           to report on the objections to and comments on the proposed South Yorkshire County Council (Various Roads Bramley and Wickersley) (Traffic Measures Consolidation) (Amendment) Order 2009 (“the 2009 TRO).

(Councillor Thirlwall was present for discussion of this item.  A member of the public was also in attendance.)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, relating to the objections to, and comments on, the proposed South Yorkshire County Council (Various Roads Bramley and Wickersley) (Traffic Measures Consolidation)(Amendment) Order 2009 ("the 2009 TRO”).

The Transportation Unit Manager summarised the following (further details of which were set out in the submitted report):-

-                      background

-                      timeline

-                      the purpose of the 2009 TRO i.e. to correct the clerical error in the South Yorkshire County Council (Various Roads Bramley and Wickersley)(Traffic Measures Consolidation) Order 1980 (as amended)

-                      consultation

-                      responses to the 2009 TRO - objections and comments received (detailed at Appendix C);  petitions (Appendices D and E)

-                      reasons stated for objecting (by category) together with the technical officers’ responses

-                      the Statutory procedure that was followed and publicised

Reference was also made to the advice given by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) and to three possible options.  The three options were detailed in the submitted report.

The Cabinet Member invited comments from those present.

A questions and answers session ensued in respect of the following:-

-                      signatories on the petition supporting the current one way system

-                      acceptance of a petition of support after the closing date for receipt of objections

-                      the distinction between objections, comments and communications in support

-                      use of discretion

-                      rights of petitioners

-                      the origin of one of the petitions within the Transportation Unit and subsequent receipting and reporting

-                      the Council’s current differing reporting procedures for petitions depending upon where the petition was received

-                      noting that the petition of support was not dated and there was no lead petitioner identified

Resolved: - (1) That the objections relating to the proposal to correct the clerical error in the South Yorkshire County Council (Various Roads Bramley and Wickersley) (Traffic Measures Consolidation) Order 1980 (as amended) be not acceded to.

(2)               That the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services) be authorised to make The South Yorkshire County Council (Various Roads Bramley and Wickersley)(Traffic Measures Consolidation)(Amendment) Order 2009 and that the 2009 Order be implemented.

(3)  That the objectors and lead petitioner be informed of the decision and the reasons for it.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to consider proposal to digitalise fixed speed cameras.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member that the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership was currently investigating upgrading existing fixed safety camera sites to operate with digital enforcement equipment in Rotherham and the rest of South Yorkshire.

Reference was made to the cost per camera/site and to the overall financial requirement.  It was explained that it was proposed that each site would be reviewed.  Following an initial meeting held between officers from the Transportation Unit and the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership in July 2009 fixed camera sites that had no other realistic measures which could be implemented in place of safety cameras and which as a result should be upgraded to digital cameras in this financial year were identified as follow:-

·        A618 Aughton Road, Aughton

·        A631 Bawtry Road, Wickersley

·        A629 Wortley Road, Rotherham

·        B6089 Greasbrough Street, Thornhill

It was explained that a further meeting would be held in September 2009 to identify if there were any practical alternative solutions, which would maintain the same level of road safety, to the remaining current fixed safety cameras in Rotherham and to make recommendations regarding their upgrading. A second meeting to continue this investigation was planned to be held in October 2009. The sites being reviewed in the second stage were:-

·        A6123 Herringthorpe Valley Road, Herringthorpe

·        A618 Mansfield Road, Wales Bar

·        A630 Doncaster Road, Hooton Roberts

·        A630 Doncaster Road, Whinney Hill, Thrybergh

·        A631 Bawtry Road / Rotherham Road, Maltby

·        A631 Bawtry Road, Brinsworth

·        A631 East Bawtry Road, Rotherham

·        A633 High Street, Rawmarsh

·        A633 Sandygate, Wath upon Dearne

·        Barnsley Road, West Melton

·        Fenton Road, Rotherham

It was pointed out that the cost to upgrade all 14 fixed safety camera sites in Rotherham was very significant and that priorities would have to be set within the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership and other Local Transport Plan budgets, and that the more money spent on upgrades would mean less available for other traffic and road safety measures across South Yorkshire.

The following issues were raised and discussed:-

-                      vandalism

-                      use of mobile cameras and average speed cameras vs. fixed

-                      use of special liveried vans

-                      signing of the speed limit

-                      reduced running costs of digital cameras

-                      the possibility of direct download of information

Resolved:-  (1)  That it be noted that the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership are investigating the upgrade of existing fixed film based safety cameras with digital safety cameras throughout  South Yorkshire.

(2)   That those sites in Rotherham which are to be digitised this financial year [2009/10] be noted.

(3)  That those sites where further investigation is necessary as to whether there are any practical alternative measures available be noted.

(4)  That a further report be presented to Cabinet Member following the investigation.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to provide an update on the work of the Road Safety officers.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, informing the Cabinet Member of the work undertaken by the Road Safety Education, Training and Publicity staff between August 2008 and August 2009.

The following aspects, from the many detailed within the submitted report, were highlighted:-

-                      current staffing levels

-                      year on year reduced budget

-                      redesigned Junior Road Safety materials which commenced September 2009

-                      road safety interactive talk and on the road training for two groups of children from Newman School

-                      a scenario at the crucial crew event for adults aged 50+

-                      a talk on the “Drive for Life” initiative to delegates on the Shared Intelligence information day organised by the Department for Transport

-                      continued co-ordination of the “Drive for Life” project in South Yorkshire and publicity for the project

-                      use of funding from the Safety Camera Partnership to employ an additional Road Safety Assistant on a temporary basis

-                      APE Theatre Company – “Pills, Thrills and Automobiles” production

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of the report be noted and staff of the Road Safety section be commended on their excellent work.

(2) That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.

(3)  That the report be forwarded to the Area Assemblies together with a breakdown of road safety work undertaken in each Area Assembly.

Ken Wheat, Transportation Unit Manager, to report.

-           to report the results of an investigation into the parking problems raised in the 59 Signature petition received from residents of Queensway.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Transportation Unit Manager, detailing the results of an investigation into the parking problems raised in the 59 signature petition received from residents of Queensway.

The report set out the details of the complaints raised by the petitioners.

It was reported that observations on Queensway showed indiscriminate parking was taking place in the area.  Therefore in the short term the Council’s Parking Enforcement Team and the South Yorkshire Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team for Rotherham South had increased their patrols in the area surrounding the hospital to try to prevent illegal parking.

Also the Chair of the Rotherham South Area Assembly had written to the hospital to request its staff to park responsibly and with consideration for residents.

It was explained that it was possible to extend the Controlled Parking Zone into the area of the hospital.  However the costs of the Traffic Regulation Order, consultation and associated works were considerable.

Reference was made to on-going discussions between the Council and Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust regarding the Trust’s proposals to redevelop the hospital with a view to mitigating the effects of the development and assist in solving the current parking issues.  It was pointed out, however, that this would be a matter for determination ultimately by the Planning Board.

The following issues were raised and discussed:-

-                      funding of a Controlled Parking Zone

-                      NHS future plans and ability to fund

-                      priorities within the Transportation Unit

-                      a suggestion that the Hospital adopt the Council’s “Free after 3”

-                      provision of a multi storey car park

-                      charging policy and possible staff parking permits

-                      double yellow lines in residential areas and provision of visitor parking

Resolved:-  (1)  That discussions continue with the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust in order to secure funding for a proposed Controlled Parking Zone associated with the proposed redevelopment at the Hospital.

(2)  That should the action in (1) above be not successful alternative funding sources be pursued.

(3)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet Member.

(4)  That the lead Petitioner be informed of the outcome of the investigation.

(5)  That the additional focus of the Parking Enforcement team and Police Safer Neighbourhood Team on this area be noted.

The following items are likely to be considered in the absence of the press and public as being exempt under those Paragraphs indicated below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006):-

Resolved:-  That the press and public be excluded for consideration of the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those Paragraphs indicated below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended March 2006):-

-                      to note the decisions/outcome of the Stage 3 Complaint Panel.

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 - information relating to a particular individual)

Consideration was given to the notes and decisions of a Stage 3 Complaint Panel held on 5^th August, 2009.

Resolved:-  That the decisions of the Panel be noted.

(Exempt under Paragraph 2 – information relating to an individual)

Julie Roberts, Town Centre and Markets Manager, to report.

-                      to consider the grant application.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 – business/financial information)

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Town Centre and Markets Manager, seeking approval to award Rental Contribution and Capital Grant, under the Town Centre Business Vitality Scheme, to support a project relating to the opening of a clothing and footwear shop at 12A Frederick Street, Rotherham.

Details of the application were set out in the submitted report.  It was pointed out that the applicant wished to secure a lease for a currently empty property on Frederick Street to sell designer clothes, footwear and accessories and wished to open the premises before Christmas.

Details of the applicant’s previous trading background were given and reference was made to the required business plan which had been presented to the Grants Panel.  It was reported that the Grants Panel was satisfied that the application met the required criteria.

It was noted that funding for the Business Vitality Scheme had been secured from both LABGI and RERF.  It was confirmed that the applicant was aware that the grants were discretionary and, if approved, paid in arrears, and that the applicant should have sufficient funds to cover all costs prior to reimbursement of any grant monies.

 Resolved:-  (1) That Rental Contribution be awarded to this project to provide a contribution of 50% of annual rent in year one and 25% of annual rental in year two.

(2)   That a Capital Improvement Grant be awarded to this project to cover 75% of total cost of eligible works (excluding vat), up to a maximum grant payment of £7,500 to include (1) fitting out, (2) shop front signage subject to the submission and approval of satisfactory specifications and quotations.

(Exempt under Paragraph 3 – financial/business information)