Agenda and minutes

To consider and approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th December, 2019 as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19^th December 2019, were accepted as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

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

Councillor Sheppard declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 (Major Incident Plan, and Future Flood Alleviation Projects) on the basis that he is a member of the Regional Flooding Committee.

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

There were no matters of business requiring the exclusion of press or public.

To receive communications from the Chair in respect of matters within the Commission’s remit and work programme.

Members were apprised of a communication about potential dates for a proposed Member visit.

An update in respect of recommendations from the scrutiny review of the Major Incident Plan (MIP) and an overview of the response to the recent flooding event.

Consideration was given to a report detailing the review of the Council’s Major Incident Plan (MIP), as well as an update on the flooding events of 7 and 8 November 2019, and furthermore, a plan for Future Flood Alleviation Projects.

Thanks were expressed to staff and emergency services for their hard work. Although the impact was less than in 2007, it was acknowledged that there is still room for improvement. It was observed that the Council’s response to major incidents, such as flooding, had been shaped significantly since austerity, which  had removed a number of resources from the authority, including staff. It was reported that a number of households were still affected by loss of property, as a result of the impact of the floods. To put defences in place, the Council was seeking £51 million from central government.

Officers presented slides and spoke in detail about the events of 7 and 8 November and the Council’s immediate response to the flooding incident, as well as the plans for future flood defences.

It was noted that the most significant evacuation area was in Rotherham Town Centre, and that Parkgate became an island during the floods. Details were provided as to the efforts made to provide Rest Centres for evacuated residents and the resources required, such as blankets and food. It was noted that Rotherham Town Hall had opened during the night of the 7 November and throughout 8 November as well to accommodate residents who were displaced by flooding. Coordinated efforts were made to identify everyone at the Rest Centre, identify any needs of the evacuees, and respond to those needs, even making arrangements for how evacuees were going to get home.

Images were shared of the flooding, depicting a few areas of the Borough particularly affected by the rising water.

It was noted that the Council had contributed an additional £100 to the £500 offered as part of the relief packages promised by central government in the aftermath of the event. Further information was provided as to the delivery of recovery programmes and processes, in collaboration with elected Members. Members had been and would continue to be an integral part of group efforts including drop-in sessions and refuse disposal.

Officers provided detail of the damage in the borough. A total of 81 businesses closed, many of which had subsequently reopened.46 roads required remedial work, and many of those repairs were significant.Officers also provided an update about attenuation in Whiston Brook and Eel Mires Dyke at Laughton Common. It was reported that pumps were deployed according to plan.

The presentation concluded with a summary of the review and the projections. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the Council would continue to lobby to request £51 million for further flood defences. 

In discussion, concerns were raised about the Kilnhurst Working Men’s Club drop-in and disappointment in Yorkshire Water’s response. Officers provided assurance that the processes in question were fully operational.

Members also praised the response teams and voiced their thanks  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

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

Two members of the public each asked a question at the meeting. The first question sought clarification about the Council’s plans to improve how evacuation and emergency-related information was disseminated during the recent Major Incident. The second question was in respect of about provisions that will be available for local business owners who have sustained significant losses as a direct result of the floods. Answers to these questions were provided in the meeting by the relevant officers on behalf of the Chair.

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

There were no items of business requiring urgent consideration by the Commission.

The next meeting of the Improving Places Select Commission will take place on Thursday 5^th March, 2020 commencing at 1:30p.m. in Rotherham Town Hall.

Resolved:-

That the next meeting of Improving Places Select Commission be held on 5 March 2020, commencing at 1.30p.m. at Rotherham Town Hall.