Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed new and returning Members to the first meeting of the Self-Regulation Select Commission during the 2012/13 Municipal Year and looked forward to the forthcoming year.

A Declaration of Interest was declared by Councillor Atkin as he was a member of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation.

A Declaration of Interest was declared by Councillor Sharman as he was a Director of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation.   

There were no members of the public or press in attendance. 

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Self Regulation Select Commission held on 19^th April, 2012, were considered.  

Resolved: -  That the minutes be agreed as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.  

Resolved: - That the following representatives from the Self Regulation Select Commission be confirmed: -

(1)  Health, Welfare and Safety Panel: - Councillor Sharman (Substitute Councillor J. Hamilton).

(2)  Recycling Group: - Councillor Ellis. 

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Senior Scrutiny Adviser that outlined options for the Self Regulation Select Commission’s work programme during 2012/13. 

The report outlined a number of issues: -

• A retrospective look at the achievements of 2011/12.
• An opportunity for Members to feed in issues of concern into the respective Commissions.
• Priority areas and those referred from the past municipal year.
• It was suggested that the work programme be regularly reviewed by the Self Regulation Select Commission to ensure that issues of greater importance were given higher priority, reflected changing circumstances and events.  In order to ensure that the work programme was manageable and achievable Members would need to decide which items should ‘fall off the agenda’ to accommodate these discussions. 

The overarching strategic priorities that had been identified by the Senior Leadership Team, the Cabinet and Chairs of the Select Commissions were noted. 

Discussion ensued and the following issues were raised:-

• Budget monitoring and scrutiny of the budget setting process;

• District heating and budget – rolled over from previous year;
• Strategic partnerships;
• Performance reports;
• Private Finance Initiative - update;
• Parking charges;
• Road repairs, grass cutting and littering – refer to Overview and Scrutiny Management Board;
• Role of commissioning and whether efficiencies are being made.

Resolved: -  (1)  That the report be received and its content noted. 

(2)  That on the basis of the comments received that the 2012/13 work programme for the Self-Regulation Select Commission be developed.

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods, Neighbourhood and Adult Services, and the Lead Officer of the District Heating Steering Group that provided an update in relation to the number and location of schemes and the broad risks associated with some schemes.

The report outlined the background in relation to the review into district heating to ascertain whether value for money and whether the full recovery of district heating costs was being achieved. 

The major issues attached to the current schemes were: -

·         Need to rationalise the management of the District Heating Schemes so that repairs and maintenance of the systems, buildings and access were managed by one service area.

·         How the most cost effective and fuel efficient provision of heating could be achieved.

·         The cost and frequency of repairs to District Heating Schemes.

·         Communication with District Heating Service users.

·         A number of existing boilers had come to the end of their useful lives, and the Review was an opportune moment to assess the available alternatives. 

·         Issues of Green technology and energy efficiency would also be considered.

·         Billing and accrual of credit opportunities within District Heating Schemes.

Discussion ensued and the following issues were raised: -

·         Exploration of mixed solutions and harnessing future technology capabilities.

·         Contractual issues.

·         Value for money.

Resolved: - (1) That the Review of the District Heating Scheme focus on: -  

-                the rationalisation of the management of the District Heating Schemes as a whole.

-                exploring how the most cost effective and fuel efficient provision of heating could be achieved;

-                the cost and frequency of repairs to District Heating Schemes;

-                improving the communications with District Heating Service Users.

(2)  That the consideration of green technology be included in the Review. 

(3)  That Councillors Atkin, Beck, Currie, J. Hamilton and Tweed be members of the review group, with one place being offered to a member of the Improving Places Select Commission.

(4)  That the Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods present a report to the next meeting of the review group highlighting the first schemes to be considered as part of the Review.

• Thursday 12^th July, 2012, to start at 3.30 pm in the Rotherham Town Hall. 

Resolved: -  That the next meeting of the Self Regulation Select Commission be Thursday 12^th July, commencing at 3.30 pm in the Rotherham Town Hall.