Ministers ease back special measures for Rotherham Council

Rotherham council is set to regain control over economic growth and adult social care, as ministers further roll-back special measures on the scandal-hit authority.
Rotherham council officesRotherham council offices
Rotherham council offices

The South Yorkshire council has been under the management of five Government-appointed Commissioners since 2015, following a series of revelations around failures in children’s services and governance.

However, under the leadership of a new chief executive, the local authority has slowly seen its powers return, with Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announcing in October that it would regain taxi licensing functions.

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And the Secretary of State has now proposed handing back further powers, in response to the "steady progress" the council has made toward "restoring local confidence".

This latest offer from the Government includes a phased return of control over economic growth, town centre management, and maintenance of local parks and highways.

It will also see the council take back control of adult social care, as well as its external partnership with bodies like the Children and Young People’s Partnership.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has stressed that Commissioners retain oversight of these services, and have the power to veto decisions if they have concerns about value for money or the safety of vulnerable residents.

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Sir Derek Myers and his team will also continue to have executive powers for service areas such as children’s services.

There will now be a consultation on whether this phased return of powers should go ahead. Remaining measures are expected to be lifted by March 31, 2019.

Announcing his decision, Mr Javid said: "With the support of Sir Derek Myers and his team, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has been making steady progress to restore local confidence and deliver the services local people rightly expect.

“Sir Derek’s latest report makes clear that locally-elected Councillors have demonstrated their ability to take on greater powers. So while I am minded to return these powers to Rotherham, Commissioners will stay in place and ensure this transition happens smoothly."

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The council was put into special measures in 2015, following revelations about widespread child sexual abuse in the town and the subsequent publication of a damning report by Government inspector Dame Louise Casey.

Dame Louise's investigation highlighted concerns about the authority's attitude of "denial" toward "serious and on-going safeguarding failures", its "ineffective" leadership and the "culture of covering up uncomfortable truths".

In October, the DCLG announced the council would regain its taxi licensing powers, following the roll-out of compulsory training for drivers in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and a requirement to install camera and audio facilities in all taxis.

The council has also introduced training for advisory board members responsible for licensing, and enhanced checks on the “previous history and fitness of character” of new drivers.