Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 March 2021, as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

Resolved:-

1.    That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 March 2021 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 there were no members of the public or representatives of media organisations present at the meeting and there were no questions in respect of matters on the agenda.

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 a report in respect of a scrutiny review and action plan progress.

Consideration was given to a report in respect of a completed review of the Aids and Adaptations Service which was undertaken by the Tenant Scrutiny Panel as part of a continuous programme of service reviews. The work of the Panel was facilitated and supported by Rotherfed, the Council’s Tenant Federation provider. The aim of the Panel was to investigate the customer journey for those using the Aids and Adaptations service in terms of accessibility, clarity and fairness. The Tenant Scrutiny Panel completed its review and submitted a report detailing the Panel’s findings, together with recommendations for service improvement. The action plan associated with each recommendation were summarised.

In discussion, Members requested and were provided assurances regarding contractor work flow and capacity as it relates to users being able to access the service. Officers noted that work stopped during the COVID lockdowns; therefore, these jobs have rolled forward. Contractors have agreed to work with as much resource as possible to resolve the 480 jobs, and if there is a need to increase capacity further, there is the option to go out to secondary contractors.

Members requested further information about budgeting and forecasting demand. The response from officers described how forecasting is an integral part of the budget-setting process.

Clarification was requested as to the timeliness of jobs. The target 98% had not been reached; however, 96% were completed on time, an improvement on the previous rate of 94%.

Clarification was also requested regarding the use of occupational therapists for assessments. The response from officers noted that the service was currently being reviewed by the Hospitals, as it was acknowledged that there is work to do to better utilise this skills sector.

Resolved:-

1.    That the Tenant Scrutiny Panel be thanked on behalf of the Chair for their contribution to the Aids and Adaptations Service Review.

2.    That the progress against the action plan be noted.

3.    That a further update be brought in 12 months’ time, and that this update include, as part of the forthcoming policy review, assurances that residents in greatest need are served first.

To receive and discuss a draft schedule of scrutiny priorities for the 2021/22 municipal year.

Consideration was given to an initial scrutiny work programme draft. The Chair invited Members to contribute possible areas of work which can be added to the draft on the basis of three criteria: priorities of the Council’s, potential value added by scrutiny, and importance to residents of the Borough. A further draft would be compiled and submitted to the next meeting for endorsement.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted.

2.      That the Chair and Governance Advisor meet with the relevant Cabinet Members and link officer for IPSC to receive feedback on these proposed areas of work.

3.    A revised report proposing the formal work programme for 2021/22 will be submitted to the meeting in July of 2021 in order for Members to agree a clear set of priorities for this municipal year.

To appoint a representative to the Health, Welfare, and Safety Panel for the 2021/22 municipal year.

Cllr McNeely was appointed as representative from Improving Places Select Commission to the Health, Welfare, and Safety Panel.

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 meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 20 July 2021, commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.

The Chair announced that the next meeting of Improving Places Select Commission will take place on 20 July 2021, commencing at 1.30 pm in Rotherham Town Hall.