Minutes:
(1) Councillor Cutts asked what were the total inclusive breakdown costs of diversity in Rotherham?
Councillor Hussain was unclear as to what Councillor Cutts was asking for and so suggested that he provide further information so an answer could be provided.
However, he did point out that all of the Council’s budget was spent on diversity as the Council aimed to meet the needs of all of Rotherham’s community which comprised many groups and individuals.
Question 2 was not answered as the Member was not present.
(3) Councillor Fenoughty referred to the BBC “Inside Out” report which showed that the national average of town centre shop vacancies was 14% when in Rotherham it was 28% and one of the worst in the whole country. He asked what were the Cabinet Member’s feelings on this?
Councillor R. S. Russell considered the figures suggested to be somewhat flawed, but reported that the Council had invested significantly in Rotherham Town Centre, especially to encourage new retailers into the town centre, with investments including:-
· Funding for town centre vitality grants to encourage new businesses into town and to allow them to diversify.
· Smartening up empty shops - with artwork and vinyl displays.
· Free Saturday and free after 3.00 p.m. parking during 2010.
Thirty-eight new businesses have opened already this year, compared to fifteen for the whole of last year. Twenty-four businesses have closed, which still represented a net increase of fourteen new businesses. This compared favourably to most town centres in the current climate. A more recent survey that had been undertaken indicated that Rotherham was bucking the trend by encouraging new businesses into the town centre.
(4) Councillor Mannion referred to the Council being allowed to sell off assets, including land and property at a discount so asked what amount was allowed per annum, what monies have been lost to Rotherham through discounted sales allowed each year since 1990, how much so far this year and what was planned to be given away in future?
Councillor Smith reported the Council was permitted to sell assets at less than best consideration. There was no set amount per annum as each asset sale was considered on a case by case basis and Members were advised on the market value of the asset to compare with the amount of the proposed discounted sale. In this way Members were able to make an informed decision.
Records of sales to Registered Social Landlords were not maintained and, therefore, that information was not available as requested.
The only two pieces of information of sales held for 2010 were:-
· One asset sale completed at less than best consideration - St Witholds Garage Site – Sold for £15,000 (Registered Social Landlord Sale). The open market value of this asset at the date of decision to sell was £85,000.
· The only other asset in the Capital Receipts list was the St Ann’s Car Park land on which the Council had recently (8th November, 2010) granted a long term lease (40 years) to Chantry YMCA for the construction of the MyPlace building. This was at an initial nominal rental amount of £50 per annum. The open market value of the land at the date of the decision to grant the lease was £210,000.
(5) Councillor Parker pointed out that according to recent press reports the Council spent approximately £180,000 on wallpaper for the recent refurbishment of the Town Hall and asked could the Cabinet Member confirm the exact amount that was spent and the exact amount that was spent on wallpaper for the Mayor’s and Mayoress' parlours.
Councillor Smith confirmed that the cost of the wallpapering for the project was approximately £154,000. The approximate wallpaper costs for the Mayor's Parlour and the Mayoress’ Parlour were £1,100 and £725 respectively.
(6) Councillor Turner pointed out it had been suggested to his colleagues that due to uncertainties as to the strength of the foundation on Forge Island and consequent new cost dimensions, the Master Plan for the island and the town would not take place and asked if this information was correct and if so were we still to buy the island and then sell it ?
Councillor Smith was uncertain as to what information Councillor Turner had on the foundations on Forge Island. At present officers were working with solicitors to finalise and hopefully close the deal with TCN for the sale of the Civic Site. As part of this agreement the Council would have an option to purchase Forge Island, which in turn kept the option open for a new Cultural Centre.
(7) Councillor Cutts referred to a thirty year old mother with two children working as a labourer in the fields who defended her believes as a Christian, then was accused of “blasphemy” and sentenced to death. He asked why this Council could not support “RELEASE” and send a letter of support to the Pakistani Ambassador?
Councillor Hussain confirmed that he, and other Councillors, received an email from Councillor Cutts about the situation. Councillor Akhtar had forwarded a letter to the High Commissioner of Pakistan and Councillor Ali had asked the Pakistan Secretary to the High Commissioner in London to pardon the lady in question.
Councillor Hussain pointed out that he had acknowledged Councillor Cutts’ email, but would deal with it on his return from holiday. A letter of support had now been sent along with one from the Leader.
Questions 8 to 14 remained unanswered after the thirty minute guillotine and the answers would be provided for all Members in writing.