Agenda item

This report is presented for consideration and sets out the findings and recommendations of the OSMB/IPSC Scrutiny Review into attachments to lighting columns which was commissioned following a Notice of Motion approved by Full Council in April 2026.

Councillor Steele, as Chair of the review, introduced the report and thanked Members and officers for their contributions, with particular thanks to Sam Barstow, Service Director, Community Safety and Street Scene for supporting the review and providing the information needed to develop the recommendations.

The review had included engagement with Parish Councils through a questionnaire, which received a good response, and parish representation had been involved throughout the process to ensure local views were reflected.

In presenting the recommendations, the Chair highlighted the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach with Parish Councils while ensuring compliance with the Council's policy and health and safety requirements. It was noted that where installations had been made without agreement, the Council would require them to be removed.

In conclusion, the Chair emphasised that the Council's policy should be applied consistently and made it clear that lighting columns served as an important health and safety function for the people of Rotherham.

Councillor Tarmey welcomed the review and its recommendations as a positive starting point. Concerns were raised about whether future lighting column testing frequencies could be informed by inspection findings if defect rates remained lower than anticipated.

Reference was made to the proposed guidance for Parish Councils, with a suggestion that greater clarity be provided on permitted attachments and when additional testing or approvals would be required. Consideration was also suggested for blanket approvals for simple, low-risk installations.

Councillor Tarmey further suggested that lessons could be learned from how Council policies were communicated to Parish Councils and the public. While acknowledging that the policy was based on legal requirements and best practice, it was noted that future policies could benefit from greater consideration of public perception and clearer communication.

The Chair emphasised the importance of maintaining clear communication with parish councils and keeping them informed of matters affecting them wherever possible, recognising the value of a strong two-way working relationship.

It was noted that lighting columns were subject to a three-year testing regime and that their condition deteriorated over time. The Chair stressed that the primary purpose of lighting columns was to provide illumination and maintain public safety.

Alternative options for displaying banners and other items were highlighted as part of the review. Councillor Steele thanked Members for their involvement, noting that although there had been differing views and extensive discussion, consensus had ultimately been reached on the recommendations.

The Vice-Chair, Councillor Bacon welcomed the review and raised concerns about communication failures, questioning whether the relevant Cabinet Member had been aware of the issue and why it had not been addressed sooner.

The Chair responded that the review had focused on communication issues rather than individual accountability. It was explained that the matter arose from legislative changes affecting lighting column testing requirements. The review had considered policies from neighbouring authorities, and the Chair acknowledged that communication with parish councils could have been improved, highlighting the importance of ongoing liaison arrangements.

The Chair outlined the next steps in the process, explaining that the review report would be submitted to Cabinet, which would have eight weeks to respond to the recommendations. It was noted that, following consideration, the recommendations would be incorporated into Council policy as appropriate.

The Chair also highlighted the work of the review group, noting that, as the review had arisen from a resolution of Full Council, efforts had been made to complete the work and bring it to the Committee as quickly as possible.

The Committee then voted on the report, which was supported unanimously.

Resolved That: The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board:

1. Received the following recommendations for consideration and endorsement.

2. Agreed that the report, together with the approved recommendations, be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and a formal response, and that Cabinet be asked to:

3. Asked Cabinet to formally consider its response to the above recommendations within two months of its receipt, in accordance with the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

4. In responding to these recommendations, it was requested that any response should identify the proposed actions, responsible officer(s), success measures and target completion dates for each recommendation.