To receive a statement from the Leader of the Council in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9.
Minutes:
The Leader was invited to present his statement. He stated that Rotherham’s services for children with special educational needs were judged to have the highest rating by Ofsted and CQC. They described a ‘genuine shared determination across the partnership that all children and young people with SEND are happy, successful and thrive’. Inspectors found ‘most children’s and young people’s needs are identified and assessed quickly and accurately’ and they ‘enjoy attending a range of mainstream schools and specialist provisions.’ On behalf of all Members, the Leader thanked those professionals from across the partnership who made this possible, even in an underfunded and broken national system.
Safeguarding Awareness Week had taken place at the end of November 2024, and it was noted that a number of members present took part to support those activities. Sessions on countering extremism, neglect, domestic violence, elective home education, modern slavery, professional curiosity, suicide, and of course the Evolve service reiterated the seriousness with which these issues were taken across the council, right at the heart of what Members were there to do.
The Children’s Capital of Culture 2025 had launched but the new year weather had not been kind. However the land art installations in Rosehill Park, Kimberworth and at Rother Valley were now in place, and the Otherham light installations – produced in conjunction with Rotherham’ young people – would be illuminating buildings before the end of the end of the month at the beginning of the year-long celebrations.
The Leader thanked the gritting teams who had worked hard over the last week or so to salt the roads and keep residents safe. The team had worked seven days a week and 24 hours a day involving 50 staff coordinating and delivering gritting on the Highway alone. Alongside gritting the highway, the Council had diverted significant resources to hand grit priority routes which had involved all staff from the Council's Ground and Streets Service totalling over 2,500 hours of work both during the normal working week and across weekends. The team had used over 1800 tonnes of grit salt across 30 different runs.
The Parkgate Link road had officially open and was being well used.
The baby packs scheme had launcher and expectant mothers would have the opportunity to sign up at their 26 weeks check-up.
The Leader ended his statement with some farewells. Firstly to Ben Anderson, the Director of Public Health who was leaving to take up a new post with the NHS. Ben had been instrumental in the Baby Pack Scheme.
Secondly, Caroline Webb, Senior Governance Advisor, was to retire the day after the Council meeting. Caroline had worked at Rotherham, mainly supporting Scrutiny, for over 23 years. The Leader stated that she had been a bastion of common sense and would be missed very much.
Finally, the Leader noted that the Chief Executive, Sharon Kemp OBE, would be leaving the authority later in the year. He stated that he had been very looked to work alongside her over the past nine years and more tributes would follow in the coming months.
Councillor A Carter passed on the Liberal Democrats best wishes to Caroline. He asked the Leader if he thought Ofsted were fit for purpose. He also referenced the recent discussions regarding a national inquiry into grooming gang Child Sexual Exploitation and how disappointing it was that the recommendations from the Jay Report had not been actioned. Councillor A Carter asked the Leader if he thought that report went far enough and if he agreed with Sarah Champion MP that a national inquiry was required.
Councillor Yasseen also referenced the CSE inquiry debate and stated that the victims and survivors needed action, not more delays. She asked the Leader if he agreed.
Councillor Z Collingham stated that he felt a national investigation was required and that the experiences from Rotherham would be essential. He also thanked the departing staff and asked the Leader if he agreed that the new Chief Executive was required to have zest in order to effectively run the Council.
Councillor Reynolds thanked all those involved with the Parkgate Link Road and for all those involved in the gritting. He asked if anything could be done about gritting footpaths.
Councillor Currie also thanked those involved in the gritting and stated that it was a fantastic effort. He informed the Chamber that he had compiled a lessons learnt document and asked who he could share this with.
Councillor Ball referenced the Labour Local Elections Manifesto and asked when residents could expect the £600 to come off their energy bills.
Councillor Bacon also referenced the Labour Manifesto and why fining people for putting their waste in the wrong bins was not included in it.
In response to Councillor Carter’s comments on Ofsted, the Leader explained that they were the national regulator. However, it was not adequate just to rely on that and the Council continually did other work to keep high standards.
In response to the comments on CSE the Leader stated that it was past time for action and that the Labour government have committed to implementing the recommendations from the Jay Report. The Leader felt that the current debate in the national media, led by the likes of Elon Musk, was not helpful. In terms of future inquiries, the Leader did not think it was appropriate for victims and survivors to have to wait longer for action.
In response to Councillor Reynolds, the Leader explained that it would be very difficult to commit to gritting footpaths. He encouraged people to register as snow wardens as this could help.
In response to Councillor Ball the Leader noted that the Government were setting up GB Energy which would bring bills down.
In response to Councillor Bacon, the Leader stated that it was not fair on Council Tax payers that 1% of Council Tax was spent on contaminated waste. It was therefore necessary to pilot the new Waste Collections Policy, as agreed at Cabinet in December 2024, to educate residents on waste and introduce punitive measures for those wilfully ignoring the rules.
In response to Councillor Z Collingham’s comments on the recruitment of a new Chief Executive, the Leader stated that it was essential the person appointed had the required energy and enthusiasm for the role as well an exceptional level of organisation.