Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the proposed implementation plan.

2.    Commit to receiving a further update in March 2026 once the Team has had time to be established and operational.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the progress and plans for the new Street Safe Team in Rotherham Town Centre and the principal towns. This initiative aimed to provide a welcoming presence for visitors to the area. The team would undertake a broad range of duties which would include signposting or providing information to the public as well as identifying and addressing issues in relation to the general street scene, such as littering, by enhancing the existing enforcement presence. The service was also aimed at enhancing community safety and improving perceptions of safety in town centres. The report highlighted the importance of collaboration, continuous training, and community engagement in achieving the goals of the Street Safe initiative.

In March 2025, as part of the 2025/26 Budget, Council approved the revenue investment to create a new Street Safe Team. The new team represented a significant investment with 10 new front-line officers fulfilling brand new roles alongside the required management resources. This would be embedded within the Community Protection and Environmental Health Team, working in

partnership with a range of internal and external partners across Rotherham Town Centre and the principal towns of Maltby, Dinnington, Wath and Swinton.

In addition to the proactive visible and engaging presence, the Team would also support directly the delivery of a range of Community Protection and Environmental Health services within specific neighbourhoods, including enforcement and regulation, providing regulatory advice and guidance while supporting the delivery of projects aimed at prevention and early intervention, specifically:

• Provide a dedicated resource which will enforce Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) and wider relevant legislation including the Environmental Protection Act.
• Contribute towards the improvement of efforts to address anti-social behaviour and feelings of safety in and around the town centres.
• Proactively network, support and intelligence gather from partners and other RMBC town centre services and resources.
• Provide a visible presence in the target locations, focus upon priorities and determine a working pattern to ensure appropriate coverage for daytime, evening and weekend issues.
• Identify and report issues in the areas the Team are deployed.
• Provide advice and guidance when approached by members of the public.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Town Centre Strategy.

Paragraphs 2.9 to 2.15 of the report detailed the recruitment and training proposals. The induction programme for new enforcement officers was designed to ensure thorough preparation, integration, and support for the new Team members who would be delivering new functions. The induction would span seven weeks, covering essential training, practical experience, partner collaboration, advanced skills, legal and technical training, and independent patrols. The programme aimed to equip officers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to perform their duties effectively and learning and development would continue to be reviewed and delivered as part of continuous professional development.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the proposed implementation plan.

2.    Commit to receiving a further update in March 2026 once the Team has had time to be established and operational.