Agenda and minutes

Councillor McNeely declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No. 26 (Shaftesbury House) as she was a Ward Councillor for the area.  The report was considered by Councillor Stone, the Leader of the Council.

In accordance with Minute No. 8 of 17^th June, 2013, Tom Bell, Strategic Housing and Investment Manager, reported that discussions had been held with individual residents and residents collectively to deal with the issues raised in the petition.  Their concerns included:-

-          A number of elderly and/or disabled residents would be unable to take their rubbish bags to the bin room

All residents had been visited to discuss their individual circumstances.  Where necessary, and with the prior agreement of residents, 3 referrals had been made to Assessment Direct and assessed to have sufficient help and support in place to manage disposal of their waste in the bin room.

Regular visits and contact with residents indicated that they were adapting to the new arrangements.  Residents had been acting as good neighbours and supportive towards the more vulnerable by disposing of their neighbours’ waste on their behalf.

-          Communal Bin room

Following concerns about the condition of the room, a deep clean had been undertaken and would be repeated on a monthly basis with a general sweep and mop conducted weekly.

The door closer had been adjusted to improve access/egress without compromising fire safety.

Following consideration of the issues raised and having undertaken the actions above, it was proposed that residents be advised that:-

-          the practice of waste collection from internal corridors had been ceased

-          the disposal of household waste was the responsibility of individual tenants

-          waste should be bagged and deposited in the bins within the communal bin room at the complex

-          waste bags were not to be left within communal hallways for the reasons stated above.  Should this continue to happen, it would result in enforcement action being taken

-          the measures put into place to improve the cleanliness and accessibility of the bin room, including additional bin capacity, be confirmed

-          there was level access to the bin room including first floor lift access to the ground floor

-          individual circumstances had been discussed with residents and support needs assessed where necessary by Assessment Direct.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the action taken in response to the petition be noted.

(2)  That the proposed arrangements for the disposal of waste at Shaftesbury House be approved.

(Councillor McNeely declared a prejudicial interest in the above.  The report was considered and approved by Councillor Stone, Leader of 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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (Exempt under Paragraph 3 of the Act – information relating to the financial/business 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 item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended 2006 – information relates to finance and business affairs).

Tom Bell, Strategic Housing and Investment Manager, presented a report regarding ongoing discussions exploring the possibility of acquiring 25 new Council houses on a privately-owned site at Rawmarsh from a third party.

The financial information and risks and uncertainties associated with the possible acquisition were set out in detail as part of the report.

Discussion took place with regard to the procurement process.

It was noted that the Ward Members had been consulted and were in agreement with the proposal.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.

(2)  That discussions take place with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services with regard to the procurement process.