Officer Decisions

Officers exercise delegated decision making powers in respect of both non-executive and executive functions of the Council.

The present Scheme of Delegation from the Leader of the Council, which sets out how executive functions will be discharged, provides for delegated decision making by officers. Appendix 9 of the Constitution sets out the non-executive functions delegated to officers. All executive functions, other than those reserved by Cabinet, may be discharged by officers.

The Chief Executive and Strategic Directors of the Council have established their own sub-schemes of delegation detailing which and how both non-executive and executive functions will be discharged on behalf of the authority.

Decision records for the discharge of functions by officers are published below. These decision records set out the following information:-

  • Date of the decision.
  • Decision maker name and job title.
  • Specific delegated power (if any).
  • Brief description of the decision.
  • Reasons for the decision.
  • Details of alternative options considered and rejected.
  • Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision.
  • Dispensations granted (if any).
  • Reports considered.

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by Council officers.

Earlier - Later

Officer Decisions

20/07/2021 - (FCS) Request for Flexible Retirement - ERP0199 ref: 1232    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 20/07/2021

Decision:

 

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER NON-EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date Of Decision:

 

20 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Judith Badger

Section 151 Officer

Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Appendix 9 of the Constitution (Responsibility for Functions) – Delegation to the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services to determine requests for early release and flexible retirement, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

Approval was given to request ERP0199 for a flexible retirement in the Regeneration & Environment Directorate

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

 

The employing service had considered service delivery implications and was supportive of the request.  There was no cost associated with granting the early release of pension entitlements.

Details of Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

 

None

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

 

None

Background Papers:

 

 

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the decision in relation to a flexible retirement request in the Regeneration and Environment Directorate

 

 

Signed by the Decision Maker                                 

Dated         6October 2021

 

Name:        Judith Badger                              

Job Title:   Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services, S151 Officer

 

 

 

Lead officer: Judith Badger


20/07/2021 - (FCS) Request for Flexible Retirement - ERP0198 ref: 1227    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 20/07/2021

Decision:

 

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER NON-EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date Of Decision:

 

20 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Judith Badger

Section 151 Officer

Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Appendix 9 of the Constitution (Responsibility for Functions) – Delegation to the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services to determine requests for early release and flexible retirement, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

Approval was given to request ERP0198 for a flexible retirement in the Regeneration & Environment Directorate

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

 

The employing service had considered service delivery implications and was supportive of the request.  There was no cost associated with granting the early release of pension entitlements.

Details of Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

 

None

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

 

None

Background Papers:

 

 

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the decision in relation to a request for flexible retirement in the Regeneration and Environment Directorate

 

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

                    

Dated         6October 2021

 

Name:        Judith Badger                              

Job Title:   Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services, S151 Officer

 

 

Lead officer: Judith Badger


20/07/2021 - (FCS) Request for Compulsory Redundancy - ERP0197 ref: 1226    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 07/10/2021

Effective from: 20/07/2021

Decision:

 

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER NON-EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date Of Decision:

 

20 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Judith Badger

Section 151 Officer

Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Appendix 9 of the Constitution (Responsibility for Functions) – Delegation to the Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services to determine requests for early release and flexible retirement, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

Approval was given to request ERP0197 for the compulsory redundancy of an employee in the Children’s and Young People’s Directorate

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

 

It was not financially viable to continue offering the service where the individual was employed and the employee had not been successful in being redeployed. 

 

Details of Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

 

Redeployment options had been explored and no suitable alternative post found.

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

 

None

Background Papers:

 

 

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the decision in relation to the compulsory redundancy of an employee in the Children’s and Young People’s Directorate

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

                           

 

Dated         6 October 2021

 

Name:        Judith Badger                              

Job Title:   Strategic Director Finance & Customer Services, S151 Officer

 

 

Lead officer: Judith Badger


14/07/2021 - (R&E) Approval of Public Realm Material framework ref: 1214    Recommendations Approved

Rotherham Borough Council are seeking to establish a framework for the supply of public realm materials and products for Rotherham Town Centre and wider township and village schemes. This framework will support delivery of the Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan whilst also supporting improvement projects across the borough in townships and villages where infrastructure has not received investment for several years The framework will be divided over 5 lots and bidders are welcome to bid for any or all lots, there is no restrictions on the number of lots any bidder can be appointed to. The lots are as follows: Lot 1: Concrete Paving Products Supply and delivery of concrete paving materials, channels, kerbs and edgings. Lot 2: Natural Stone Paving Products Supply and delivery of natural stone and granite paving, setts, channels, dished channels, kerbs and edgings. Lot 3: Natural Stone Tree Surrounds, Grilles and other Bespoke Stone Architecture Manufacture, supply and delivery of bespoke natural stone and granite tree surrounds.Lot 4: Street Furniture Supply and delivery of street furniture including but not limited to seating, benches and perches, raised planters, bollards, waymarking posts and totem and features signage, cycle racks and stands. Lot 5: Feature and Specialist Lighting Supply and delivery of feature lighting including but not limited to plaza floor lighting, tree uplighters, under seat lighting, catenary lighting, GOBO projector lighting and feature bollard/pillar lighting. As the estimated value of this framework exceeds £250,000 there will be a requirement, on award of the agreement to publish an Officer Delegated Decision record, which will be informed from the information contained in the tender evaluation report, approved by Simon Moss (Assistant Director; Planning, Regeneration and Transport).

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 23/08/2021

Effective from: 14/07/2021

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER NON-EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date of Decision:

 

14 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Simon Moss - Assistant Director – Planning, Regeneration and Transport

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Nonspecific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

Rotherham Borough Council are seeking to establish a framework for the supply of public realm materials and products for the Rotherham Town Centre and wider township and village schemes. 

This framework will support delivery of the Rotherham Town Centre Masterplan whilst also supporting improvement projects across the borough in townships and villages where infrastructure has not received investment for a number of years.

The framework is divided into five lots as follows:

Lot 1: Concrete Paving Products

Lot 2: Natural Stone Paving Products

Lot 3: Natural Stone Tree Surrounds, Grilles and other Bespoke Stone Architecture

Lot 4: Street Furniture

Lot 5: Feature and Specialist Lighting

Following the evaluation for this tender, it was the recommendation of the project team that the Council progresses to issue awards to Ark Lighting, Broxap Ltd, James Burrell Ltd, Langley Design Ltd, Marshalls Mono Ltd and Urbis Schreder Ltd for the associated lots referred to above.

(There were no bids submitted in relation to Lot 3.)

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

 

The result of a competitive procurement procedure.

 

The procedure was undertaken as an Open Tender exercise which was conducted in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and the Council’s own Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules.

Details of Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

 

n/a

Where the decision is made under specific delegation from a decision-making body, the names of any member of the relevant body who has declared a conflict of interest in relation to the decision and name of the body granting the specific delegation and the date when it did so:

n/a

Background Papers:

 

Tender evaluation report

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the decision in relation to the award of a contract in respect of the establishment of a framework for the supply of public realm materials and products for the Rotherham Town Centre and wider township and village schemes. 

 

             

Dated: 14 July 2021

 

Name: Simon Moss                                  

Job Title:   Assistant Director – Planning, Regeneration and Transport

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Rory Battye


21/07/2021 - (ASCH&PH) Rapid Testing Fund - Round Three ref: 1213    Recommendations Approved

To allocate 70% (£376,892) of the Rapid Testing Fund Round III in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and to distribute the 30% (£165,700) discretionary element.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 23/08/2021

Effective from: 21/07/2021

Decision:

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date of Decision:

 

21 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Anne Marie Lubanski

Strategic Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

 

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

To allocate 70% (£376,892) of the Rapid Testing Fund Round III in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and to distribute the 30% (£165,700) discretionary element as set out below.

 

Additional guidance has been issued indicating that £35,549 of the 30% discretionary element should be ringfenced for Community Care providers in respect of the associated costs of PCR testing.

 

It is proposed to offer a range of organisations the opportunity to bid for a grant from the discretionary fund.

 

These organisations are:

·       Any CQC registered provider of residential care to adults with a registered location in Rotherham.  This includes care homes for older people and under 65 provision, including smaller homes to implement lateral flow testing as they may face relatively higher costs compared to larger homes.

·       Supported Living Providers.

·       Extra Care Housing Providers.

 

The above is in line with the conditions of the 30% discretionary grant.

 

In terms of reviewing the applications, these will be considered in this order of priority:

·       Supported Living Providers – providers not able to access the 70% mandatory grant.

·       Extra Care Housing Providers – providers not able to access the 70% mandatory grant.

·       Smaller care homes – as they may face relatively higher costs compared to larger homes.

·       Any CQC registered provider of residential care to adults with a registered location in Rotherham.  This includes larger care homes for older people and under 65 provision.

 

For care homes, the provider will need to have spent (or forecast to have spent due to the timescales of the reporting) their mandatory allocation (70% element).

 

This element will be allocated based on an assessment of the emerging risks, and in line with the wider testing strategy.

 

The providers will be asked to certify actual expenditure at the end of the reporting period and any unspent allocations returned to the council.

 

Any unspent grant funding is to be returned to Government.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

On 2 July 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the extension of the Infection Control and Testing Fund 2021. The Fund has now been extended until 30 September 2021 and will provide an additional £251 million to support Adult Social Care.

 

The Council has been allocated £542,592 from the Rapid Testing Fund Round III.

 

The two grants do have some distinctions in how the monies are to be distributed. Both parts of the Fund are time limited, and need to be spent by 30 September 2021, and have clear eligibility criteria.

 

The Council has facilitated the distribution of the specified 70% of the Rapid Testing Fund in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions. If a provider refuses its allocation the funding will be added to the 30% discretionary element, in accordance with the grant conditions. This is recorded via the Record of Officer Executive Decision from the Strategic Director of Adults, Housing and Public Health.  

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

None considered.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

 

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

N/A.

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

None considered.

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision in relation to the payment of 70% of the Rapid Testing Fund Round III in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and distribution of the 30% discretional element.

 

 

Signed by the Decision Maker                                     Dated: 3 August 2021

 

 

Name:  Anne Marie Lubanski

 

                    

Job Title: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Anne Marie Lubanski


21/07/2021 - (ASCH&PH) Infection Control Fund - Round Four ref: 1212    Recommendations Approved

To allocate 70% (£497,000) of the Infection Control Fund Round IV in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and to distribute the 30% (£213,000) discretionary element.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 23/08/2021

Effective from: 21/07/2021

Decision:

 

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date of Decision:

 

21 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Anne Marie Lubanski

Strategic Director, Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

 

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

To allocate 70% (£497,000) of the Infection Control Fund Round IV in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and to distribute the 30% (£213,000) discretionary element as set out below.

 

It is proposed to offer a range of organisations the opportunity to bid for a grant from the discretionary fund.

 

These organisations are:

·       Day opportunity services (including micro-enterprises) and other providers who are not eligible to access the mandatory element of the grant.

·       Care homes and supported living services for people who are under 65.

·       Any other CQC registered service who are operating in Rotherham.

 

This element will be allocated based on the applications which are received, and if the criteria for the grant will be met.

 

The applications from non-CQC registered services will be considered as a higher priority. The CQC registered providers will be expected to have forecast to have spent their allocation of the mandatory grant.

 

The providers will be asked to certify the expenditure at the end of the reporting period and any unspent allocations returned to the Council.

 

Any unspent grant funding will be returned to Government.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

On the 2 July 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced the extension of the Infection Control and Testing Fund 2021. The Fund has now been extended until 30 September 2021 and will provide an additional £251million to support Adult Social Care.

 

The Council has been allocated £710,000 from the Infection Control Fund round IV.

 

The two grants do have some distinctions in how the monies are to be distributed. Both parts of the Fund are time limited, and need to be spent by 30 September 2021, and have clear eligibility criteria.

 

The Council has facilitated the distribution of the specified 70% of the Infection Control Fund in accordance with the grant conditions. If a provider refuses its allocation the funding will be added to the 30% discretionary element, in accordance with the grant conditions. This is recorded via the Record of Officer Executive Decision from the Strategic Director of Adults, Housing and Public Health.  

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

None considered.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

 

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

N/A

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

None considered.

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision in relation to the payment of 70% of the Infection Control Fund round IV in accordance with the mandatory grant conditions, and distribution of the 30% discretional element.

 

 

Signed by the Decision Maker                                     Dated: 3 August 2021

 

 

Name:  Anne Marie Lubanski

 

                    

Job Title: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Anne Marie Lubanski


12/07/2021 - (R&E) Anti-Social Behaviour (Revised) Policy 2021 ref: 1196    Recommendations Approved

The Anti-Social Behaviour Policy has been refreshed to include the latest legislation and service provision.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 26/07/2021

Effective from: 12/07/2021

Decision:

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date of Decision:

 

12 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Paul Woodcock, Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Nonspecific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

1.  That the updated Anti-Social Behaviour Policy be approved.

 

2.  That a further review of Policy be undertaken within a two-year period.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

It is a statutory requirement to have in place a policy in relation to anti-social behaviour and in addition, there have been a range of changes both nationally and locally which the new Policy aims to capture.

 

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

The Council could choose not to update the Policy however, due to the legal requirement for a clear Policy to be in place, alongside the need to update and reflect legal changes since the Policy was last agreed, this option is not recommended.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director - Regeneration and Environment - Revised Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 2021.

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision in relation to the Revised Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 2021

 

 

 

 

      

Signed by the Decision Maker  

Dated:       12 July 2021

Name:        Paul Woodcock                           

Job Title:   Strategic Director, Regeneration & Environment

 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Sam Barstow


23/07/2021 - (R&E) Reopening the High Street Safely Fund (RHSFF) and Welcome Back Fund (WBF) ref: 1201    Recommendations Approved

To agree to a proposed list of activities and interventions funded by the Rotherham’s RHSHH/WBF allocation of £471,455.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 23/07/2021

Effective from: 23/07/2021

Decision:

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

23 July 2021

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Paul Woodcock, Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

That the proposed list of activities contained in the report are approved for implementation using the Welcome Back Fund monies.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

To agree to a proposed list of activities and interventions funded through the Rotherham’s RHSS/WBF allocation of £471,455

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

That the proposed list of activities is agreed and officers commence delivery as quickly as possible – Recommended option.

 

If some or all of the activities are not approved, new activities would need to be identified and submitted to MHCLG, costing time and making it more likely the full allocation would not be spent in time.

 

The Council could consider not utilising the funding and returning the allocation (or part) to MHCLG (Government). This is not recommended as the proposals put forward seek to utilise the funds in order to benefit Rotherham both in terms of economic recovery but also assisting with managing the spread of Covid 19.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

Not applicable.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

All spend must completed by 31st March 2022, with claims made quarterly in arrears on defrayed spend.

 

The Council is the accountable body for the project, signing a grant funding agreement with MHCLG.

Reports or parts of reports considered

Report of the Strategic Director and associated appendices.

 

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of executive decision regarding the approval of the proposed list of activities contained in the report for implementation using the Welcome Back Fund monies.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

Paul Woodcock

 

 

Dated:       23 July 2021

Name:        Paul Woodcock                 

Job Title:     Strategic Director Regeneration and Environment

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Simeon Leach


23/07/2021 - (R&E) Waste Service – Impact of Covid-19 ref: 1200    Recommendations Approved

To approve the suspension of garden waste collections, from Monday 26th July, initially for a period of two weeks in order to ensure that priority waste collection services can be delivered reliably and to ensure the continuity of critical waste service, given high levels of staff absence.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 23/07/2021

Effective from: 23/07/2021

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

 

22nd July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Paul Woodcock

Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

 

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

 

Brief Description of Decision:

 

To approve the suspension of garden waste collections, from Monday 26th July, initially for a period of two weeks in order to ensure that priority waste collection services can be delivered reliably.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

To ensure the continuity of critical waste service, given high levels of staff absence.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

See enclosed report.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

 

No conflicts of interest declared.

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

Not Applicable.

Reports or parts of reports considered

 

Report to Cabinet Member of Waste, Roads and Community Safety dated 21st July 2021.

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision in relation to approve the suspension of garden waste collections, from Monday 26th July, initially for a period of two weeks in order to ensure that priority waste collection services can be delivered reliably.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker     

 

Dated         22.07.21

 

Name:           Paul Woodcock

Job Title:       Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Tom Smith


19/07/2021 - (R&E) Claim to add public footpaths to the Definitive Map at Kimberworth. ref: 1198    Recommendations Approved

The Council has received an application asserting that a number of public footpaths exist at an area of land off Droppingwell Road, Kimberworth. These routes are currently not recorded as rights of way on the Definitive Map. The Council has a statutory duty to assess the claims within 12 months of receipt through due process.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Decision published: 19/07/2021

Effective from: 19/07/2021

Decision:

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Date of Decision:

19 July 2021

 

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Paul Woodcock, Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Nonspecific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

1.    That the Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment requests that Legal Services make a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) to add the routes as detailed in the officer’s report to the Definitive Map as public footpaths.

 

2.    That the statutory consultation takes place for the required 6-week period.

 

3.    That in the event of no objections being received, or if such objections are received and are subsequently withdrawn, that the Order be confirmed.

 

4.    That in the event of any objections being received, and that are not subsequently withdrawn, that the Order be referred to the Secretary of State for determination.

 

5.    That officers work with media outlets, local interested parties and through site signage to ensure that members of the public are aware of the situation relating to public access to the site until the matter is formally resolved.

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

To comply with the Council’s statutory duty to assess claims made under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 section 53(3).

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

The Council appointed an experienced consultant to investigate the claim. The report advised that many, but not all, of the claimed routes ‘subsists or [are] reasonably alleged to subsist.’ Officers have carefully studied the report, its evidential based investigations and conclusions, and are happy that it represents a fair and comprehensive assessment of the claims.

The Council could, on reflection and further investigation, choose to ignore the report or open further investigations of their own. However, this option was not recommended as the investigative report had been undertaken by a consultant of considerable experience and expertise.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

The report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment - Claim to add public footpaths to the Definitive Map at Kimberworth.

 

 

I certify that this is a true record of executive decision regarding a claim to add public footpaths to the Definitive Map at Kimberworth.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

Paul Woodcock

 

 

Dated:       19 July 2021

Name:        Paul Woodcock                 

Job Title:   Strategic Director – Regeneration and Environment

 

Wards affected: Keppel;

Lead officer: Richard Pett


14/07/2021 - (FCS) Blue Badge Discretionary Enforcement Arrangement ref: 1197    Recommendations Approved

That the Blue Badge discretionary enforcement arrangement in place until 31 July 2021, continues indefinitely (subject to this arrangement remaining compliant with the local authority  responsibilities set by the Department for Transport) . 

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Decision published: 16/07/2021

Effective from: 14/07/2021

Decision:

 

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

 

Date of Decision:

 

14 July 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Judith Badger

Strategic Director of Finance and Customer Services

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

 

Non-specific

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

The Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for the legislation that sets out the framework for the Blue Badge (Disabled Persons’ Parking) scheme. The Council is responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the scheme.

 

Effective  from 30 August 2019, the DfT introduced a number of legislative changes to the Blue Badge parking scheme; requiring the Council to change its administrative processes and applicants to provide more detailed and descriptive responses. The time it can take for some applicants to obtain the newly required documentation and evidence can create anxiety for existing Blue Badge holders who now have to reapply rather than renew their Blue Badge when it expires.

 

In November 2019 the Council took steps to mitigate the adverse impact this might otherwise have on existing Blue Badge holders and implemented a permissible local discretionary arrangement.  The arrangement was reviewed in September 2020 and a continuation of the discretionary arrangement approved by SLT Gold until 31st July 2021.

 

Following a further review in June 2021 it was agreed that the discretionary enforcement arrangement should continue indefinitely whereby:

 

·       the enforcement team are instructed to avoid issuing a PCN purely on the grounds of an expired blue badge being displayed; subject to the displayed badge being no more than three months out of date.

·       this is a local discretionary arrangement which only applies to use of an expired Blue Badge within the Rotherham Borough and only when using ‘on street’ parking or when parked in a Council owned car park.

·       the arrangement will be kept under regular review to ensure continued compliance with the Council responsibilities as set out by the DfT

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

·       The rationale put forward in October 2020 to support the recommendation for the local discretionary enforcement arrangement remains valid. Customers continue to experience delays when trying to acquire evidence/professional input and there is no current indication that the DfT plan to introduce any new and/or significant changes to the scheme that might alleviate/remove these challenges.

 

·       The Council can legally apply leniency for existing blue badge holders and the three-month grace period does not appear to contravene any legislation or guidance.

 

·       The current discretionary arrangement provides a temporary and local extension of three months beyond the date of an expired Blue Badge. Where there are delays in obtaining information and evidence, this grace period helps minimise the impact any delay might otherwise have on the customer and their ability to make an essential journey. It is considered that a three month grace period is sufficient but this will be kept under review.

 

·       The Parking Services Manager considers that the continuation of this arrangement presents low potential risk of abuse; but this will be kept under review.

         

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

An option to withdraw the local discretionary arrangement was considered and rejected on the basis that:

 

·       There is no indication that the DfT plan to introduce any new and/or significant changes to the scheme that would change the information/evidence the Council needs customers to provide and the associated timescales.

·       Customers continue to report difficulties/delays when trying to obtain the appropriate information/evidence to support their application and the varying nature of individual health conditions mean such delays are always likely to occur for some people. Whilst it is the customers’ responsibility to provide the Council with this information, it can be difficult for applicants to secure an appointment with their health professional.

·       If the 3 month grace period for existing Blue Badge holders is removed, those  customers with an expired badge who are awaiting an award decision are likely to be unable to undertake essential journeys because they would not be able to park close enough to their destination and/or make use of wide bays to help them exit/enter the vehicle.

In view of all of the above, it is considered highly probable that removing the current discretionary arrangement would immediately reintroduce similar issues to those first experienced in September and October 2019 before the local parking enforcement arrangement was applied.  ie. limit the ability of some residents to make essential journeys, increased customer anxiety and a greater number of complaints.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

No conflicts of interest

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

 

None

 

Reports or parts of reports considered

Briefing Paper:

Blue Badge Parking Scheme – Review of Enforcement Arrangements

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision in relation to Blue Badge Enforcement Arrangements

 

 

 

 

      

Signed by the Decision Maker                                    

 

Dated:          14 July 2021

 

Name:          Judith Badger

Job Title:     Strategic Director, Finance and Customer Services

 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Judith Badger


13/07/2021 - (ASCH&PH) Highfield Farm Strategic Acquisitions ref: 1204    Recommendations Approved

The Highfield Farm housing development in West Melton is
bringing forward six affordable homes under ‘Section 106’ planning
provisions; the homes will be provided as two-bedroom
bungalows. The Council has previously submitted an offer to
purchase the homes at a discount from the open market value and
this officer decision allows the Council to conclude the purchase
and enter into contract. Once ready, the homes will be brought into
the Council’s existing housing stock and offered to suitable
households on the Housing Register.

Decision Maker: Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Decision published: 13/07/2021

Effective from: 13/07/2021

Decision:

ROTHERHAM METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

RECORD OF OFFICER EXECUTIVE DECISION

 

Decision Title

Highfield Farm Strategic Acquisitions

Date of Decision:

 

29 June 2021

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

 

Simon Moss, Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport, in conjunction with,

Anne Marie Lubanski, Strategic Director for Adult Care, Housing and Public Health (acting for Tom Bell, Assistant Director for Housing)

Specific Delegation:

(If any)

Delegated authority was sought from and approved by Cabinet at the Cabinet meeting of 13 July 2020.

Brief Description of Decision:

 

 

The Highfield Farm housing development in West Melton is bringing forward six affordable homes under ‘Section 106’ planning provisions; the homes will be provided as two-bedroom bungalows. The Council has previously submitted an offer to purchase the homes at a discount from the open market value and this officer decision allows the Council to conclude the purchase and enter into contract. Once ready, the homes will be brought into the Council’s existing housing stock and offered to suitable households on the Housing Register.

Reasons for the Decision:

 

 

Section 106 planning policy provisions allow for affordable homes to be made available to registered providers of social housing at a discount from the full open market value. Purchasing such homes therefore provides a cost-effective means for the Council to replace existing stock which is being lost through the Right to Buy and thereby to help meet demand from the Housing Register. The Council is paying 66% of the open market value for these homes.

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

 

Not proceeding with the purchase of the new homes was rejected on the basis that this would be a missed opportunity to purchase discounted homes and to increase Council housing stock.

 

Further options to purchase more than six homes from the scheme, as set out within the July 2020 Cabinet report, we’re not pursued as the developer elected to sell all non-discounted homes on the open market.

Conflicts of interest declared by any Executive Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

None

Reports or parts of reports considered

Strategic Acquisition of 12 Units at Highfield Farm, West Melton – Cabinet 13 July 2020

 

I certify that this is a true record of the executive decision to purchase six two-bedroom bungalows from the Highfield Farm housing development, to bring into the Council’s housing stock.

 

Signed by the Decision Maker  

 

 

Dated:          5 July 2021

 

Name:          Simon Moss           

Job Title:    Assistant Director for Planning, Regeneration and Transport

 

 

 

Text, letter Description automatically generated

 

Dated:       13 July 2021

 

Name:        Anne Marie Lubanski

Job Title:   Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

 

Wards affected: Hoober;

Lead officer: Simon Moss