Return of more powers for Rotherham

The Secretary of State has planned a return of more powers to Rotherham Council, potentially bringing most functions back under council democratic rule.

Sajid Javid, Communities Secretary, has confirmed that he proposes to return powers for five of the last six services which currently sit with commissioners, including community safety, waste management, performance management, asset management and HR.

The only function which may not be brought back to the council is children’s social care. The powers for this function will remain with the government-appointed commissioners while improvements continue.

Under the latest plans, commissioners will also retain powers over domestic abuse services, meaning cabinet members must take on any formal advice of commissioners in these areas while progress takes place.

The announcement follows the submission of evidence from Lead Commissioner Mary Ney.

Javid will consider any representations from the council before making a final decision on whether to return these functions. The commissioners have been given until March 2019 to improve and hand back all functions.

Ney said: “We have seen sustained progress across the Council, and I and my fellow commissioners are confident that significant improvements have been made in many more of the council’s core services.

“We have recommended to government that Rotherham councillors are in a strong position to take responsibility and accountability for five of the six services which currently reside with commissioners, and that the organisation is fit to support them in doing so for local people.

“In terms of children’s services, much has been achieved and robust improvements have been made, but there is still more to do to make sure the remaining services are fit for purpose and for that reason commissioners will retain powers in this area at present.”

Chris Read, leader of the council, said: “This is the most significant indication so far from government that the council is firmly on the right track. It is testament to the hard work of many staff and councillors over the last two and a half years and should give residents confidence in the steps we’ve taken over that time.

“There is still more to do, there is no complacency, and we will continue to focus our improvements also around children’s services in order to return the council fully to democratic decision-making.”