Agenda item

To receive an annual report that illustrates the progress in delivery of the Thriving Neighbourhoods Strategy and the Neighbourhood Working model.

Consideration was given to a report regarding progress on the delivery of the Thriving Neighbourhoods Strategy and the Neighbourhood Working model. It was noted that this report presented information regarding the last year.

In discussion, members requested clarification around budget numbers on the Appendix. A correction was offered in writing.

Members also requested assurances that continuity on neighbourhood working would be maintained following the changes in wards. In response, the Cabinet member provided assurances that this would be part of the induction programme for new members. Officers also provided assurances that as close a fit as possible would be the approach to maintain the knowledge and the level of support. An additional neighbourhood coordinator would also be added in advance.

Members requested clarification around the Housing Hubs. The response noted that the ward housing hubs came into being at the beginning of the last financial year as a move away from housing panels to more ward based meetings, each ward with a proportioned budget which is weighted based on the council housing in that area. At the hubs, tenants and housing officers meet to discuss the priorities and issues related to housing in the ward.

Members noted that it was not known by partner organisations such as Rotherfed who or what was involved in these Housing Hubs. In response, the Cabinet member noted that not all wards will be holding housing hubs in the same way currently. An example was provided of how the hubs worked in a specific ward. The decisions around how to use budgets were made based on conversations with as great a number of residents as possible. Members noted that there was insufficient information regarding the Housing Hubs. It was suggested by the Cabinet member that the Cabinet member for Housing and colleagues present more information about Housing Hubs at a later time.

Members noted the strengths in the report and complimented the work that has gone into the progress reflected in the report.

Members noted the historic difficulty throughout the previous year in garnering strong attendance at housing ward meetings. It was noted that it was not a slight on Neighbourhoods staff but sometimes it is just the ward councillor and the Neighbourhoods officer in attendance. It was noted that representatives of housing tenancy were needed as well. Members expressed hope that a review could capture this learning to take forward in the upcoming organisation of ward meetings. Members concurred that often ward meetings are spearheaded by one or two people, and that a strategic overview would be taken in regards to these meetings moving forward to reinvigorate these groups and get them back on their feet after COVID. The response from officers provided assurances that a strategic overview is being taken not just in Rotherham but across the whole of South Yorkshire, in consultation with community organisations, Voluntary Organisations, Rotherfed, etc to find out the pressures and mitigate the problems these organisations have experienced as a result of the pandemic. Neighbourhoods works to support organisations during the pandemic, and it has been seen that new organisations have emerged in the midst of the pandemic. Some have gone online and developed; others have had to ‘mothball’ themselves for the time being. It was noted that three volunteer coordinators had been recruited for the North, South, and Central areas to help support community organisations. These coordinators will be with us for the next 12 months.

Members expressed concerns that the public avenue into ward housing hub meetings has diminished during the pandemic. Assurances were requested that communities are being consulted regarding budget use. The response from the Cabinet member provided assurances that consultation has continued despite the restrictions on in-person public gatherings during the pandemic, because so many other methods of consultation have been leveraged to maintain more diverse communication avenues. Officers concurred with figures of the number of engagements with publications, door knocks, and other types of opportunities for resident engagement. Consultation on priorities had to be discontinued around the middle of March, but that will be continued, and it has continued to expand the ways members of communities have a say in decisions about their ward.

Members expressed positive views about the robust improvisation and hard work that has taken place in order to continue to keep residents involved in decision making throughout the pandemic using a variety of techniques and avenues.

Members emphasised the need for additional inclusion efforts at ward meetings and suggested that councillors be given the opportunity to view publications before these go out to the residents in their ward.

Members also complimented the work reflected in the report as some of the best that the Council has ever done. It was further noted that some ward CAP meetings have very strong attendance. It was emphasised that publicising and attendance and housing budget allocations is the responsibility of members rather than officers.

Members expressed support for the report and noted that often the attendance of the ward meetings often comes down to the same small number of people, but the work reflected in the report is getting to the heart of our communities to involve more people than before. As it is difficult for everyone to turn up to every meeting, it was observed to work well for several members that any decision that is taken at the ward meeting is communicated to all three ward councillors and carried forward from there.

Members noted that not all Members put in the same level of effort.

Members also offered clarification that the desire for improvement was not directed at officers’ work but around the Housing Hubs themselves.

Members noted that the current way of operating Housing Hubs had not been efficacious in all wards. It was understood and agreed that the former area housing panels had needed to be improved, and while progress is welcome, the current arrangement of the housing hubs is unsatisfactory. 

Members requested information regarding the new ward boundaries. The Cabinet member noted that the boundary maps have been available for the past 4 years.

Resolved:-

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That ward meetings such as housing hubs be further publicised among the relevant partner and community organisations with a view to improving attendance and communication.

3.    That the Cabinet Member and relevant colleagues from Housing be invited to present to a Working Group regarding the development of Housing Hubs.