Sue Robb of 4Children talks to Julie Laughton and Alison Britton from the Department for Education about the role of childminders in delivering the 30 hours free entitlement.
Licensing powers returned to Rotherham
Powers over licensing are to return to Rotherham council, but government-appointed commissioners will continue to oversee these decisions.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announced that a ‘phased approach’ would ensure that new responsibilities could be returned in a way that secures the safety of the area’s most vulnerable residents.
In February last year, the government appointed five commissioners to exercise all executive functions and some non-executive functions at the council, following the discovery of significant failings - such as poor policies and procedures with taxi licensing contributing to child sexual exploitation in the area.
Lead commissioner Sir Derek Myers has since overseen additional training for councillors and drivers, the fitting of cameras and audio recording in taxis to increase passenger safety, and an enhanced ‘fit and proper person’ test for existing and prospective drivers.
The commissioners will continue to oversee licensing decisions until 31 March 2019 – ensuring a smooth transition of these powers to councillors in a way that ensures the continued safety of local residents.
Javid said: “I’ve seen for myself how Rotherham councillors have made progress over the past year. It is now appropriate for them to take back control over licensing.
“However, keeping people in the borough safe is a priority for this government. This is why I’ve asked the commissioners to continue to keep a watchful eye over the decisions that are taken. I consider this phased approach to be the best way to return powers to elected councillors as soon as is practically possible, while at the same time ensuring that the failings of the past are not repeated.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Read said: "This is welcome news and is testament to the strength of the work undertaken by the Council over the last 20 months, alongside Commissioners, to deliver necessary improvements. We've lots more to do but it’s a big step in the right direction, for the Council and for Rotherham."
Latest News
19/04/2024 - 11:17
Nicola Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell has been charged with embezzlement in an investigation into SNP finances.
19/04/2024 - 10:55
The Scottish Government has announced a new suite of climate action measures aimed at tackling climate change.
18/04/2024 - 10:19
Pensioners in five Scottish local authorities will be the first to be eligible for a new disability benefit (subject to parliamentary approval of r
18/04/2024 - 09:41
Residents and visitors to Brecon in Wales recently took part in the world's first full-town digital deposit return scheme.
17/04/2024 - 11:58
Applications have opened for a £1.3 million competition to 'transform the transport sector, grow the economy and inspire innovation'.
Company Focus
Just Lanyards is a subsidiary name of Gifts 2 Impress Limited, who have been trading for over 25 years, we therefore pride ourselves in having endless experience covering all aspects of the promotional merchandise industry.
Event Diary
UKREiiF has quickly become a must-attend in the industry calendar for Government departments and local authorities.
The multi-award-winning UK Construction Week (UKCW), is the UK’s biggest trade event for the built environment that connects the whole supply chain to be the catalyst for growth and positive change in the industry.
Supplier Profiles
At GeoEnergy Design, we're on a mission to disrupt the traditional way heating and cooling ha
Latest Features
Professor Harith Alani, director of the Knowledge Management Institute at the Open University explains how AI can be used for good and bad.
Alex Lawrence, head of health & social care, techUK sets out techUK’s Five Point Plan for CareTech.
