Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 October 2020, as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

Resolved:-

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 October 2020, be approved as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions relating to items of business on the agenda from members of the public or press who are present at the meeting.

The Chair advised that no questions had been submitted.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

The Chair advised that there were no items of business on the agenda that would require the exclusion of the press or public from the meeting.

To receive an annual report that illustrates the progress in delivery of the Thriving Neighbourhoods Strategy and the Neighbourhood Working model.

Consideration was given to a report regarding progress on the delivery of the Thriving Neighbourhoods Strategy and the Neighbourhood Working model. It was noted that this report presented information regarding the last year.

In discussion, members requested clarification around budget numbers on the Appendix. A correction was offered in writing.

Members also requested assurances that continuity on neighbourhood working would be maintained following the changes in wards. In response, the Cabinet member provided assurances that this would be part of the induction programme for new members. Officers also provided assurances that as close a fit as possible would be the approach to maintain the knowledge and the level of support. An additional neighbourhood coordinator would also be added in advance.

Members requested clarification around the Housing Hubs. The response noted that the ward housing hubs came into being at the beginning of the last financial year as a move away from housing panels to more ward based meetings, each ward with a proportioned budget which is weighted based on the council housing in that area. At the hubs, tenants and housing officers meet to discuss the priorities and issues related to housing in the ward.

Members noted that it was not known by partner organisations such as Rotherfed who or what was involved in these Housing Hubs. In response, the Cabinet member noted that not all wards will be holding housing hubs in the same way currently. An example was provided of how the hubs worked in a specific ward. The decisions around how to use budgets were made based on conversations with as great a number of residents as possible. Members noted that there was insufficient information regarding the Housing Hubs. It was suggested by the Cabinet member that the Cabinet member for Housing and colleagues present more information about Housing Hubs at a later time.

Members noted the strengths in the report and complimented the work that has gone into the progress reflected in the report.

Members noted the historic difficulty throughout the previous year in garnering strong attendance at housing ward meetings. It was noted that it was not a slight on Neighbourhoods staff but sometimes it is just the ward councillor and the Neighbourhoods officer in attendance. It was noted that representatives of housing tenancy were needed as well. Members expressed hope that a review could capture this learning to take forward in the upcoming organisation of ward meetings. Members concurred that often ward meetings are spearheaded by one or two people, and that a strategic overview would be taken in regards to these meetings moving forward to reinvigorate these groups and get them back on their feet after COVID. The response from officers provided assurances that a strategic overview is being taken not just in Rotherham but across the whole of South Yorkshire, in consultation with community organisations, Voluntary Organisations, Rotherfed, etc to find out the pressures and mitigate the problems these organisations have experienced as a result of the pandemic. Neighbourhoods works to support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110.

To receive a briefing in respect of progress in implementation of the Cultural Strategy.

Consideration was given to a report identifying how the Borough’s Cultural Strategy has been implemented over the past year through the formation of the Rotherham Cultural Partnership Board with its associated partners. The report highlighted the “7 Game Changer” themes that The Cultural Partnership Board has developed in order to deliver its mission, and it highlighted the successes of the reporting partnerships.

The report further provided details regarding a selection of the projects the Strategy has delivered over the past year and noted a number of future action points. The Cabinet member noted the innovative and engaging work that has taken place, and introduced the possibility of a potential eighth “Game Changer” related to physical activity.

In discussion, Members asked how the pandemic has affected the existing cultural offer, such as Waleswood, ensuring that attractions were protect and survive for the post-pandemic offer for local residents and those outside of the area. In response, it was explained that the Council had proactively supported cultural and sports bodies to access grant funding opportunities to be able to continue post pandemic.

Regarding the Rotherham show, Members hoped as early a decision as possible would be made to limit the early expenses incurred by participating businesses and individuals.

Members also expressed hopes regarding the Moving Rotherham initiative, that the FA nationally and locally might be consulted, so that grassroots organisations are involved in getting young people connected to these activities. In response, it was acknowledged that this was a hugely exciting project and that the FA was actively involved and working closely with officers. A legacy plan had recently been submitted to the FA, which would include a part-time officer shared between Rotherham and Sheffield to support the Moving Rotherham initiative.

Members provided some very detailed feedback in respect of design improvement and typographical errors in the strategy document, which would be addressed following the meeting. Further commentary was provided on the issues of the chairing of the Cultural Partnership Board, with Members stating their preference for the relevant Cabinet Member to continue holding that position in view of their connection to all councillors and other partners. In response, the Cabinet Member indicated that the proposal for a representative of another body to take the Chair had come from her to demonstrate to other partners that the partnership was not all about the Council. It had been her intention for the Vice-Chair position to be filled by the relevant Cabinet Member to continue to provide leadership support to the partnership. Some additional discussion took place with regard to the inclusion of Boston Castle as part of ‘Yorkshire’s Hidden Gems’ and the need to include Rotherfed as a key part of the Cultural Partnership Board. Officers agreed to go away and review that position with a view to including them.

A plea was made to ensure that the Chesterfield Canal Steering Group continued to be a priority for the authority and assurances were provided that the Cultural Partnership Board has included it within its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

To receive an update in respect of the self-management of Rotherham’s allotments.

To receive a briefing in respect of outcomes from the recent MIP Review Working Group held on 19 October 2020.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed the outcomes from the Major Incident Plan Review Working Group, which had met as part of the bi-annual review of the Commission’s recommendations made in 2017.

Members noted that 12 of the 15 recommendations made in 2017 had been implemented, however recommendations in respect of an “away day” for frontline responder training had not yet taken place and the events of the past twelve months had meant that it had not been possible for such arrangements to be made. It was also noted that the recommendation for the appointment of a Community Resilience Officer had not been implemented, however it was explained that the challenges of the past twelve months had shown how well the community came forward to work to support the response to major incidents. 

Resolved:-

1.    That the briefing be noted.

2.    That the Major Incident Plan be highlighted in the educational programming as part of the induction of new Members following the 2021 Council election.

3.    That the Major Incident Plan continue to be reviewed every two years.

To receive a briefing on outcomes resulting from the recent working group on Flood Alleviation which convened on 30 November 2020.

Consideration was given to a report which detailed the outcomes of the Flood Alleviation Working Group, which provided information about the impact of flooding across the borough in November 2019 and the progress made since that time.

It was noted that a number of suggestions had been made by Members of the working group, as well as the report setting out the ways in which the Council is able to support residents and communities in responding and preparing for flooding events.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That the next update be brought in 12 months’ time.

To receive a briefing regarding progress in respect of the agreed work programme.

Consideration was given to an update briefing regarding progress in respect of the agreed work programme. Attention was given to upcoming meetings of scrutiny working groups.

Resolved:-

1.    That the updated work programme be approved.

To consider any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair advised that there were no urgent items of business requiring the Commission’s consideration.

The next virtual meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 2 February 2021, commencing at 1.30 pm.

The Chair announced that the next virtual meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 2 February 2020, commencing at 1:30 pm.