Agenda item

To put questions, if any, to Cabinet Members and Committee Chairpersons (or their representatives) under Council Procedure Rules 11(1) and 11(3).

There were 22 questions:

1.    Councillor Thorp: I was talking with someone from RMBC ground maintenance at the Swinton roundabout who explained that the 2 roundabouts are cut weekly with no traffic management even though there is a 45 degree slope onto the road, could you tell me why these 2 roundabouts are so different to the likes of Worrygoose roundabout that has no slope?

Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities, explained that maintenance arrangements for roundabouts were determined through site-specific risk assessments that considered factors such as traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, road layouts, visibility and risk control measures. It was noted that Worrygoose Roundabout had been assessed as presenting a higher level of risk due to its location within a largely dual carriageway network with higher traffic volumes and speeds, whereas Swinton Roundabout had been assessed as lower risk and could be maintained using specialist equipment designed for steep slopes. Councillor Allen offered to arrange further discussions with appropriate Street Scene officers to provide more detailed information on the risk assessments and maintenance requirements for specific roundabouts.

In his supplementary, Councillor Thorp welcomed the offer of further discussion and raised concerns about the cost and frequency of maintenance on roundabouts. It was noted that the roundabout was cut only a limited number of times each year and that additional funding had been required to undertake further maintenance. He stated that the costs of maintaining the roundabout were significant and suggested that alternative approaches could be explored. Councillor Thorp emphasised the importance of maintaining the appearance of Swinton roundabout and expressed a desire to ensure that current standards were not reduced.

Councillor Allen welcomed any suggestions on how the Council could improve.

2.    Councillor Bacon: Persistent littering, ASB, and Flytipping continue on the A57. When will the Council finally implement a PSPO on the Aston & Todwick A57 and work with stakeholders to crack down on racing and ASB?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, explained that, as Councillor Bacon was already aware, the Council had considered this as an option, including officers attending a public meeting organized by the MP. However, it was not seen that a PSPO would add anything to the enforcement powers which already existed across agencies. The Council therefore had no current plans to introduce a PSPO in the area to deal with nuisance vehicles. It would, however, keep the matter under review. Should information, and reports, demonstrate that a PSPO could be beneficial to tackle problems on the A57, then officers would again consider the feasibility of introducing a PSPO.

In his supplementary, Councillor Bacon challenged the suggestion that policy decisions should be influenced by a public meeting with the Member of Parliament and expressed concern about ongoing anti-social behaviour across Aston, Todwick, Dinnington and surrounding areas in the south of the Borough. He asked whether the Council would consider appointing a dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for the southern area, similar to arrangements operating elsewhere in the Borough.

Councillor Alam stated that there were already dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour Officers working across the borough and he encouraged Councillor Bacon to raise his concerns at his local CAP meeting.

3.    Councillor Baggaley: Following the opening of Waverley Medical centre will the cabinet member work with residents and wards members to support a pharmacy opening?

Councillor Baker-Rogers, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, stated that this was something everyone would like to see happen, although it depended on receiving agreement from NHS England. Reference was made to the opening of a new GP practice in June 2026, increasing local demand for pharmacy services, together with ongoing housing growth and employment development in the area. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the Council would continue to work with NHS partners to progress discussions regarding the provision of an additional community pharmacy for local residents.

In his supplementary, Councillor Baggaley expressed the need to act quickly on this matter.

Councillor Baker-Rogers asked Councillor Baggaley to email her outside of this meeting to continue discussions.

4.    Councillor Bower: Under what circumstances would the council withdraw its support for the reopening of Doncaster/Sheffield airport?

Councillor Read, Leader, reaffirmed the Council’s support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, describing it as an important asset for the sub-region, a driver of economic growth and a project that enjoyed significant public support. The Leader noted that recent agreement between Doncaster Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority had identified a route to reopening the airport within available funding resources, helping to reduce risk to the taxpayer and providing the best opportunity for the airport’s future success.

In his supplementary, Councillor Bower stated that there were three possible outcomes for the airport. It could succeed, it could fail for the same reasons it did before or it could struggle on with the problems it had before, requiring more tax payer money to be invested due to the political capital involved.  He asked if Rotherham Council had set any red lines to say when enough was enough.

Councillor Read advised that the proposed funding arrangements were intended to ensure that public investment remained below the overall value of the airport site, thereby allowing public funds to be recovered should the project ultimately fail. He explained that this approach provided a degree of protection for taxpayers because the public sector would retain ownership of the asset. The Leader noted that future decisions on investment would remain subject to political consideration but emphasised that investment in major strategic assets was necessary if the region was to secure long-term economic growth and avoid missed opportunities.

5.    Councillor Bennett-Sylvester: With community skips becoming increasingly unaffordable for local budgets is there any extra support being considered to help housing officers support tenants struggling to maintain homes and gardens?

Councillor Cusworth, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People,acknowledged concerns regarding rising skip hire costs and the resulting pressure on ward budgets. It was explained that community skips were intended as occasional community initiatives rather than a regular waste disposal service for tenants. Members were advised that Council properties were cleared to an acceptable standard before new tenants moved in, although there was no dedicated service for removing accumulated household or garden waste between community skip events. Support could, however, be considered on a case-by-case basis, with housing officers able to assist residents and signpost them to available services, including the bulky waste collection service.

Councillor Cusworth noted that increased skip costs reflected wider rises in fuel, disposal and operating costs and confirmed that the Waste Service was reviewing the position with a view to developing arrangements that could help stabilise costs. It was also acknowledged that clarification was needed regarding skip charging arrangements to ensure there were no unexpected additional charges for users. Members were advised that officers were working to address the issue, although a solution was unlikely to be immediate.

In his supplementary, Councillor Bennett-Sylvester emphasised that community skips were not simply one-off waste collection events but also supported wider neighbourhood work. It was noted that skips were used to engage with residents, identify individuals requiring assistance with garden maintenance and promote services such as the bulky waste collection scheme. He highlighted the high uptake of such initiatives within the ward and expressed concern about delays to bulky waste collections. Councillor Bennett-Sylvester asked that consideration be given to additional support for Council tenants, particularly those with limited access to private transport, and requested that information on available waste disposal options and arrangements for personal skips and chargebacks be made clearer.

Councillor Cusworth agreed to arrange a meeting with relevant Cabinet Members and officers to discuss options.

6.    Councillor Bennett-Sylvester: With the welcome news of a £100 energy payment in the budget what lessons have we learned from previous such schemes to ensure residents without access to traditional banking receive the full amount without a pawnbrokers cut?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, explained that the Council were currently await the formal guidance from Government in order to clearly set out how it would approach delivery of the payments. It was likely that the approach to delivering payments would utilise a number of options, such as potentially paying residents via;

·       Direct Debit where the council holds the details of the bill payer.

·       BACs transfers – following collecting banking details via an online form.

·       Vouchers that can be redeemed at Post Offices.

·       Cheques.

·       Crediting Council Tax Accounts with refunds provided if the account is in credit.

·       Or in exceptional circumstances making cash payments, this would only be used later in the process when other avenues have been exhausted.

The guidance would allow the Council to assess what the best suite of options was and how best to operationally delivery the scheme to ensure residents received the payment as intended, as quickly as physically possible.

In his supplementary, Councillor Bennett-Sylvester referred to previous support schemes delivered by the Council and highlighted concerns that residents on low incomes or in the most deprived communities could face barriers in accessing payments if an application process was required. He stressed the importance of ensuring that support reached those most in need, requested a Member briefing on the delivery arrangements, and called for targeted communication and monitoring to maximise uptake among vulnerable households and residents in deprived neighbourhoods.

Councillor Alam agreed that it was important to ensure vulnerable residents received information about the proposed support payments, particularly in light of ongoing cost of living pressures. It was noted that approximately 115,000 households in Council Tax Bands A to D could be eligible for support, representing funding of around £11.5 million. He confirmed that officers would consider how best to ensure the payments reached eligible residents and that appropriate arrangements would be put in place to maximise uptake among those most in need.

7.    Councillor Jones: Can you please explain the process used by the town centre enforcement team for issuing of fines and how you believe it may impact residents visiting Rotherham who may have seen bad publicity?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, explained that the Council's approach to enforcement in the town centre was evidence-led, proportionate and focused on maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses. Fixed Penalty Notices were only issued where an authorised officer has either witnessed an offence being committed or had sufficient evidence available to demonstrate that an offence had occurred.

In his supplementary, Councillor Jones raised concerns about what was perceived as an inconsistent approach to enforcement in the town centre. Reference was made to an incident during an RBL Poppy Launch event where a racially motivated comment was directed at the officiating padre, with no apparent action taken by security staff. In contrast, Councillor Jones highlighted a case in which an 83-year-old partially sighted resident had received a fixed penalty notice after unintentionally dropping a small piece of plastic litter. He asked for an explanation of the differing responses to the two incidents.

Councillor Alam stated that any racist abuse should be reported to the police. He would raise the cases referenced by Councillor Jones with officers outside of the meeting.

8.    Councillor Jones: Can you please explain what level of input highways safety officers have into planning applications and if they ever contest information supplied by applicants?

Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, explained that, yes, the service did challenge developers as part of the planning process and worked alongside colleagues to place conditions on the planning application if needed to ensure the highway was not unduly affected by the development. Highways Development Management worked with the Planning Team to provide advice on all applications that impacted the highway. This meant that all applications were considered, not just the more obvious larger ones.

In his supplementary, Councillor Jones queried why a planning application had been approved despite an earlier application for access at the same junction in 1989 having been refused on highway safety grounds due to poor visibility. He highlighted that traffic volumes on the adjoining road had increased significantly since that time, resulting in congestion and a number of serious accidents, and expressed concern that these issues had not been reflected in the applicant’s road safety assessment. The woodland affecting visibility at the junction had also become denser since the original refusal and Councillor Jones questioned how these factors had been taken into account in reaching the decision.

Councillor Williams stated that he did not know the specifics about this particular application and asked Councillor Jones to email him after the meeting so that the matter could be addressed with officers.

9.    Councillor Tinsley: Following changes to the waste operator’s pricing model, community skips have become unaffordable for most wards. What alternative options have been explored to ensure this well-utilised scheme can continue, given its important role in helping wards keep our local area clean?

As Councillor Tinsley was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

10. Councillor Tinsley: Could the bulky waste collection service be further subsidised in our ward through Councillors’ Community Leadership Funds (CLF) as a cost-effective alternative to community skips which may also encourage people to use it in future?

As Councillor Tinsley was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

11. Councillor Jones: Can you please explain the process for the borough council transferring land to another, either by sale or lease and what the average time it takes to accomplish most transfers?

Councillor Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Safety, explained that the Council was able to dispose of land and property interests either by freehold sale or by the grant of a lease, licence or other property interest, subject to compliance with the Council's Constitution, Scheme of Delegation and relevant statutory requirements.

As a general guide:

·       Simple lease transactions could often complete within 2 to 6 months.

·       Straightforward freehold sales could typically complete within 3 to 9 months.

·       More complex transactions involving development land, multiple stakeholders, legal title issues, planning matters or external funding requirements could take 12 months or longer.

Accordingly, the Council did not operate to a standard average completion period, as the duration was largely determined by the complexity of the individual transaction and the actions required from all parties involved.

In his supplementary, Councillor Jones expressed concern that local residents had only become aware that a parcel of land regularly used by dog walkers and forming part of the published Kimberworth and Rotherham Round Walk had been transferred to another land owner  when a planning application was submitted to deposit approximately 60,000 cubic metres of material, re-contour the site and create two large ponds. He questioned how the transfer of the land could have taken place without apparent public awareness or consultation and referred to reports that the transaction had been completed within a matter of weeks.

Councillor Alam confirmed that a written response would be provided.

12. Councillor Jones: Can you please explain where we are with the redevelopment of the old indoor marketplace and if any changes to the original plans have been made since it was presented to the IPSC two years ago?

Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, acknowledged Councillor Jones’ continued interest in the redevelopment of the market and provided an update on progress. It was noted that traders had relocated to the new Market Hall in July, that the new library was scheduled to open early in the new year, and that work was now entering the final phase involving the former indoor market building. He recognised that the project had taken a significant period of time and had caused disruption for traders, but stated that substantial physical improvements and regeneration of this part of the town centre were now becoming evident. Members were advised that recent engagement sessions had been held with traders and that, as the project progressed, consideration was being given to the most appropriate location for the permanent indoor market across the current Market Hall and the redeveloped former indoor market building. He confirmed that engagement with traders would continue and that their views would be taken into account as future options were developed.

In his supplementary, Councillor Jones reported having been contacted by market traders who believed they had been presented with a choice either to remain permanently in what had originally been described as temporary market accommodation or to relocate into unfinished shell units within the redeveloped indoor market. He stated that these proposals appeared inconsistent with previous information presented to the Improving Places Select Commission and to the wider public, and sought clarification on the Council’s intentions for the future operation and location of the indoor market.

Councillor Williams stated that he would be concerned if traders genuinely felt they had been presented with an ultimatum and emphasised that both he and the Leader had been actively engaged with traders in recent weeks. He confirmed that further engagement sessions would continue and that traders’ views would be taken into account as options for the future of the market were considered.

He advised that, should a decision be taken for traders to remain in the current Market Hall, further investment would be made to improve the facility, including upgrades to heating, insulation and ventilation. Members were also informed that improvements to access arrangements were underway, including new entrances and enhanced pedestrian routes, with the opening of the new library expected to provide an additional route into the market.

It was further noted that support for traders had been extended through the continuation of rent-free arrangements and the waiving of communal charges for storage, electricity and utilities. The Cabinet Member reiterated the Council’s commitment to ongoing engagement with traders and to considering their feedback when determining the future configuration of the indoor market.

13. Councillor Ball: Since June 2024, what action has the Council taken in response to any reports of Legionella contamination in social housing, including use of its Housing Act 2004 enforcement powers, and what assurance can the Cabinet Member give that any identified risks have been addressed?

As Councillor Ball was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

14. Councillor Ball: What is the latest forecast overspend on the Waste and Home to School Transport budgets for 2026/27, what specific actions and timescales are in place to eliminate the overspends, and will further budget uplifts be required in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy?

As Councillor Ball was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

15. Councillor Jones: Leading up to Christmas, other than the lighting of the Christmas tree, can you please explain what measures the council have in place to raise the footfall in the town centre and how they are engaging businesses?

Councillor Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, explained that the Christmas Lights Switch-on was the main event in the town centre over the festive period.  However, a range of events were scheduled to take place at the new Market Hall throughout November and December, including workshops co-created with market traders. Activities would include bauble-making and wreath-making workshops, alongside visits from Santa's elves, the Grinch and Father Christmas. Live music performances would also be provided by Rotherham Music, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere and encourage increased footfall to the Market Hall as well as the wider town centre.

16. Councillor Tinsley: Following the protocol established from my previous question at  council meeting back on 25 May 2022, where planning officers committed to raising defibrillator provision during pre-application discussions for major housing proposals: How many new housing estates in Rotherham have successfully had automated external defibrillators (AEDs) voluntarily funded, fitted, or approved by developers since that date?

As Councillor Tinsley was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

17. Councillor Ball: The Council's own Freedom of Information answer of 12 September shows taxi licences were granted to drivers who failed the safeguarding section of the knowledge test. Why is a test that demands 10 out of 10 on safeguarding being set aside?

As Councillor Ball was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

18. Councillor Yasseen: Who would have thought I’d find an ally in the Chancellor? The Budget has committed £15 million over three years to support organisations such as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and BookTrust. Will the Council now explore a targeted, place-based partnership to bring the Imagination Library to Rotherham’s most deprived communities?

Councillor Marshall, Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, explained that many people would find themselves to be allies of the Chancellor. However, at present, further details of the Government's funding programme were awaited. Once available, the Council would review the eligibility criteria and delivery arrangements to determine whether there were opportunities that could support Rotherham's wider ambitions for literacy, reading and early years development. Until then, Councillor Marshall could add nothing more to her previous answer on this subject.

In her supplementary, Councillor Yasseen welcomed the Government's funding announcement in support of literacy initiatives and expressed support for exploring opportunities such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. She emphasised that interventions should not be viewed as an all-or-nothing approach and suggested that targeted, place-based initiatives could be developed to focus support on areas of greatest need. Drawing on examples from other councils, Councillor Yasseen encouraged the Council to consider aligning such programmes with local priorities and asked that an open approach be taken to exploring these opportunities.

Councillor Marshall welcomed opportunities to encourage children’s reading and expressed support for initiatives that promoted literacy. She highlighted the success of the recent summer reading programme, noting that approximately 28,000 books had been issued or renewed during the six-week period, with 1,580 children participating and 1,103 attending the concluding celebration event at Magna. Councillor Marshall praised the event and extended an invitation for Councillor Yasseen to attend future celebrations.

19. Councillor Yasseen: Government’s new advice asks households to be self-sufficient for three days, yet its research found only 13% feel prepared and 84% want more information. What Rotherham-specific advice and practical support will the Council provide, especially for vulnerable residents? Will it press Government to explain why this public campaign and clear guidance came only now, after many people were left unprepared?

Councillor Read, Leader, advised that the Government's guidance on household preparedness reflected the evolving risks faced by communities and referenced recent incidents affecting food supply systems elsewhere in Europe. He explained that the Council had only recently begun receiving information through the South Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum and that work was underway to consider how best to respond locally. He noted that further work was required to identify how vulnerable residents could be supported, including through arrangements such as priority services registers. He confirmed that the Council would work with partner organisations to develop appropriate guidance and support, ensuring residents were prepared and informed without causing unnecessary concern or alarm.

In her supplementary, Councillor Yasseen noted that the Government’s recent advice on household preparedness had caused concern among some residents. She referred to discussions previously held at a scrutiny meeting regarding access to food and water during emergencies and stated that these issues had been raised before the Government’s announcement. Councillor Yasseen asked whether such arrangements formed part of the Council’s local emergency plan and sought further information on the level of preparedness for supporting residents during disruptions to essential supplies.

Councillor Read advised that the Council worked with partner agencies to provide access to water when supply disruptions occurred and referred to the recent incident in Boston Castle Ward, during which officers had worked closely with Yorkshire Water to make water available to affected residents. He explained that, whilst there was no standalone water-specific emergency plan, arrangements were in place to respond to such incidents and provide support where required. The Leader agreed to seek further information on the matter and provide a more detailed response outside the meeting.

20. Councillor Tinsley: Can solar panels be fitted to the vertical side walls of residential properties under permitted development rights, without the need for planning permission? Given the increasing affordability of solar panels and plug-in solar kits, could clarification be provided on the rules and any restrictions that may apply?

As Councillor Tinsley was not present to ask his question, a written response would be provided.

21. Councillor Yasseen: Working with residents & the Friends of Herringthorpe Playing Fields Group, I have sought a masterplan for Herringthorpe Playing Fields since time has began; two Cabinet Members have promised one. Despite repeated follow-up by the Neighbourhoods Team, Green Spaces has provided no update. When will the Council publish a clear timetable for starting work on the masterplan?

Councillor Marshall, Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Leisure and Green Spaces, explained that there was currently no timetable for developing a Masterplan for Herringthorpe Playing Fields.

In her supplementary, Councillor Yasseen stated that it was very disappointing and she would pick the matter up outside of the meeting.

22. Councillor Yasseen: Does the Council believe its climate emergency declaration remains meaningful while the Government permits new North Sea gas production (£2 billion), what action will the Council take to challenge the governments continued fossil fuel expansion and making its own climate commitments redundant?

Councillor Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities, explained that the Council’s declaration of a climate emergency remained meaningful and continued to provide an important framework for reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security and resilience across the Borough. She emphasised that achieving these objectives required action at both local and national levels and that the Council remained committed to delivering change within areas under its control and influence.

Councillor Allen acknowledged that gas would continue to form part of the United Kingdom’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, whilst the transition to renewable energy sources continued to develop. She noted that the Council’s latest Climate Emergency Annual Report had identified significant challenges in achieving the Council’s net-zero ambitions, including the age and condition of buildings, the existing vehicle fleet and limitations in electricity grid capacity. Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to increasing sustainable local energy generation, improving energy efficiency, reducing reliance on gas and supporting the long-term transition away from fossil fuels.

In her supplementary, Councillor Yasseen acknowledged the Council’s commitment to addressing climate change but expressed concern that the climate emergency had not always been treated with the urgency that an emergency implied. She highlighted what was perceived as an inconsistency in approach, noting that some residents, including those living in deprived communities, could face enforcement action for putting rubbish in the wrong bin while climate targets at national and local levels remained unmet. Councillor Yasseen questioned whether this created an inequality in expectations and responsibilities and asked whether a more balanced approach could be adopted that focused less on penalising residents and more on supporting collective action to address climate change.

Councillor Allen stated that she was concerned about any inequalities, whether real or perceived, and recognised that perceptions could have a significant impact on residents. She advised that she was not aware of instances in Rotherham where residents had been fined for placing incorrect items in recycling bins and undertook to discuss the matter further with officers. Councillor Allen reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to addressing climate change and confirmed that work would continue to reduce energy costs and improve affordability for residents while progressing the Borough’s environmental objectives.