Council and democracy news

• Council triumphs with ‘Excellence in Tenant Engagement’ award

  Published on Wednesday, 21st March 2018

  Council tenants in Rotherham can celebrate after the Council scooped the best engagement award in regional finals.

• Council budget proposals put the most vulnerable residents first

  Published on Wednesday, 7th February 2018

  Adults and children’s social care will be prioritised under Council budget proposals promise leaders, despite the Council facing more bleak funding cuts.

• Jail for man who raped 12-year-old girl

  Published on Friday, 5th January 2018

  A 25-year-old man who was found guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl in Rotherham has been sent to prison for eight years.

• Views sought on Rotherham Council’s 2018/19 budget proposals

  Published on Thursday, 7th December 2017

  People are being asked for their views on how Rotherham Council proposes to save £15 million from its budget over the next financial year.

• Twenty five great new homes to meeting housing needs in Rotherham

  Published on Tuesday, 5th December 2017

  Rotherham Council is taking steps to make sure the housing it offers for rent meets the needs of Rotherham’s residents.

• Welcome of CSE sentencing in first Operation Stovewood case

  Published on Friday, 17th November 2017

  Council leaders have welcomed the first sentences handed out to criminals as part historic investigations into child sexual exploitation by the National Crime Agency.

• Government returns further powers to Rotherham Council

  Published on Wednesday, 13th September 2017

  Rotherham Council has welcomed confirmation from Government that more powers have been returned to the authority.

• Independent investigation reports published by Rotherham Council

  Published on Wednesday, 6th September 2017

  Rotherham Council has today published six investigation reports, commissioned following the findings of the Jay Report (2014) and the Casey Report (2015).

• Council tax break for care leavers

  Published on Wednesday, 30th August 2017

  Extra financial support is being offered to vulnerable young people in Rotherham after plans to exempt care leavers from paying Council Tax were revealed.

• Teenagers celebrate discounted bus fares

  Published on Wednesday, 19th July 2017

  A group of intrepid teenagers are celebrating after working with a bus partnership to secure discounted fares over the summer across Rotherham and beyond.

• Secretary of State plans return of more powers to Rotherham

  Published on Tuesday, 18th July 2017

  Rotherham Council has welcomed the proposed return of more powers by the Government, a move which would bring all functions aside from children's social care back under Council democratic control.

• Votes at 16 motion backed by Full Council

  Published on Wednesday, 12th July 2017

  Council leaders in Rotherham have backed a motion to lower the voting age to 16, following a plea from local teenagers.

• We should be able to vote aged 16, say Youth Cabinet

  Published on Tuesday, 11th July 2017

  Council leaders in Rotherham are being urged to back plans to lower the voting age to 16, following a plea from local teenagers

• Commissioners' latest letter to the Secretary of State

  Published on Wednesday, 5th July 2017

  The Commissioners' latest letter to the Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities is published today on the Council's website.

• Electoral view on Rotherham - Consultation on ward boundaries

  Published on Tuesday, 4th July 2017

  The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is conducting an electoral review of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

• Rotherham General Election results

  Published on Friday, 9th June 2017

  Labour have held all three seats in the Rotherham area, after voters went to the polls to elect MPs in three constituencies.

• Flags at half-mast in tribute to victims of London attack

  Published on Monday, 5th June 2017

  Rotherham Council is lowering its flags to half-mast in tribute to the victims of the attack in London this weekend.

• Flags lowered to half-mast in tribute to victims of Manchester attack

  Published on Tuesday, 23rd May 2017

  Rotherham Council is lowering its flags to half-mast today in tribute to the victims of yesterday’s terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.

• New Mayor of Rotherham sworn in

  Published on Monday, 22nd May 2017

  Cllr Eve Rose Keenan will be the new Mayor of Rotherham for 2017/18.

• Rotherham voters urged to make sure they are registered to have their say

  Published on Monday, 15th May 2017

  With a week left to register to vote in the general election, Rotherham Council is urging residents to make sure they don’t miss the deadline.

• NHS cyber attack - update for customers

  Published on Sunday, 14th May 2017

  NHS services across England and Scotland have been hit by a global cyber-attack.

• Election candidates confirmed

  Published on Friday, 12th May 2017

  Candidates who will stand for local seats in next month's General Election have been confirmed.

• Flags lowered to half-mast in tribute to victims of Houses of Parliament attack

  Published on Thursday, 23rd March 2017

  Rotherham Council has lowered its flags to half-mast today in tribute to the victims of yesterday’s terrorist attack at the Houses of Parliament.

• Secretary of State confirms return of further powers to Rotherham

  Published on Tuesday, 21st March 2017

  Rotherham Council has welcomed today’s (21 March 2017) confirmation, by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, of further return of powers by the Government.

• Mayor's open invitation to tour Town Hall

  Published on Tuesday, 21st March 2017

  The Mayor of Rotherham will be hosting an open day at Town Hall for members of the public to showcase the history and heritage of Rotherham’s democratic hub.

• Protecting the most vulnerable – Rotherham Council agrees 2017 / 18 budget

  Published on Wednesday, 8th March 2017

  Rotherham Council has today agreed its 2017/18 budget – approving proposals to meet a further funding shortfall of £24m, on top of £138m worth of savings which have already been made since 2010.

• Secretary of State plans return of more powers to Rotherham

  Published on Thursday, 9th February 2017

  Rotherham Council has welcomed the proposed return of more powers by the Government - a move which would bring the majority of services back under the council’s democratic control.

• Secretary of State approves return of licensing powers to Rotherham

  Published on Wednesday, 14th December 2016

  Rotherham Council has welcomed the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid’s decision to hand back licensing powers to the authority, with immediate effect.

• Views sought on Rotherham Council’s 2017/18 budget proposals

  Published on Wednesday, 30th November 2016

  People are being asked for their views on how Rotherham Council proposes to save £13 million from its budget over the next financial year.

• Mayor’s Cadets are recognised

  Published on Wednesday, 23rd November 2016

  Three young people have received formal recognition after being selected to carry out special duties of “Mayor’s Cadets.”

• Inspectors' report on Looked After Children's services in Rotherham

  Published on Monday, 21st November 2016

  Rotherham is continuing to improve standards for children in care, although more still needs to be done, a new report shows.

• Commissioners recommend the return of further powers to Rotherham Council

  Published on Friday, 18th November 2016

  Further decision-making powers might be returned to Rotherham councillors under new recommendations to Government – a move which would bring the majority of services back under the Council’s control.

• Eight sentenced for child sexual exploitation

  Published on Friday, 4th November 2016

  Council leaders in Rotherham have welcomed the tough jail sentences handed out to a gang of eight men who carried out horrific multiple crimes of child sexual exploitation

• Changes planned for adult day care and transportation charges

  Published on Friday, 28th October 2016

  On 14 November the Council's decision makers will consider revised charges for adult day care and transport following the Council's consultation in the summer.

• Plans to consult on learning disability services

  Published on Friday, 28th October 2016

  The Council invites people with learning disabilities and families to join a major discussion about the future of support services if Rotherham's decision makers agree to begin formal consultation.

• Secretary of State plans to return licensing powers to Rotherham

  Published on Wednesday, 19th October 2016

  Rotherham Council has welcomed the proposed handing back of licensing powers by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid.

• Rotherham's leaders to host neighbourhood sessions

  Published on Tuesday, 27th September 2016

  Some of Rotherham’s most senior leaders and managers are set to host meetings across the town to talk about the borough's future.

• Response to Government interventions: the use of Commissioners in Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

  Published on Friday, 19th August 2016

  Cllr Read, Leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council:

• Rotherham's chance to have a say on new devolution powers

  Published on Tuesday, 19th July 2016

  Rotherham residents get the chance to have their say this week on how new powers to be given to the Sheffield City Region (SCR) should be used.

• Future of Netherfield Court care home considered as part of adult care transformation

  Published on Wednesday, 6th July 2016

  People who need intermediate health and social care in Rotherham will have access to more beds under plans being considered by Rotherham Council next week.

• Have your say on powers for region

  Published on Friday, 1st July 2016

  A major consultation drive is being launched across the Sheffield City Region this week to ask all residents and businesses how the new powers the area will get under devolution should be used.

• Funding for Rotherham charities to help victims of child sexual exploitation

  Published on Monday, 20th June 2016

  Charities and voluntary organisations in Rotherham are to be given a slice of £322,496 to help victims of child sexual exploitation.

• Flags lowered to half-mast in tribute to Jo Cox MP

  Published on Friday, 17th June 2016

  Rotherham Council has lowered its flags to half-mast in tribute to West Yorkshire MP Jo Cox, who died after being attacked on Thursday (16 June).

• Mayor joins local celebrations for Queen’s 90th birthday

  Published on Thursday, 16th June 2016

  Residents celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday in true street party style at The Potteries Court extra care housing scheme.

• Council part of Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation Conference

  Published on Wednesday, 15th June 2016

  A survivor of child sexual exploitation is to tell her story on a national platform later this month to help agencies work together to tackle the crime.

• Proposal to reshape local enabling service gets the go ahead

  Published on Thursday, 26th May 2016

  A proposal recommending changes to the way that the Council's Enabling Service is run has been agreed today (26 May) at Rotherham Council's Cabinet/Commissioners' Decision making meeting.

• Rotherham Council Leader announces new Cabinet

  Published on Friday, 20th May 2016

  Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, has announced his new-look Advisory Cabinet - with two new figures joining the senior political leadership of the authority.

• Mayor Maggi bows out

  Published on Thursday, 19th May 2016

  Rotherham’s Mayor for 2015/16, Cllr Maggi Clark, reaches the end of her year in office this week.

• Funding provides support to Tata steel staff

  Published on Wednesday, 11th May 2016

  Organisations have been working together to support steel workers affected by Tata’s restructuring in Yorkshire.

• New Commissioner for Rotherham

  Published on Tuesday, 10th May 2016

  The deputy leader of Lincolnshire County Council is to become the new Commissioner for children's social care at Rotherham Council.

• New charges for pre-planning application advice

  Published on Tuesday, 10th May 2016

  Rotherham Council has introduced a charging system for pre-planning advice which helps applicants decide whether planning permission is required and if it is likely permission would be granted.

• Labour retain control over Rotherham Council

  Published on Friday, 6th May 2016

  Labour retain overall control of Rotherham Council with 24 new councillors elected.

• New Adult Care and Housing Strategic Director sees Council senior management team complete

  Published on Wednesday, 4th May 2016

  Rotherham Council has appointed its new Strategic Director of Adult Care and Housing, the final appointment to the authority's new permanent senior management team.

• Commissioner at Rotherham Council moves on

  Published on Wednesday, 13th April 2016

  The man brought in by the Government to oversee Rotherham Council's children's services is set to move on after doing 18 months in the post.

• Candidates in Rotherham Council elections announced

  Published on Friday, 8th April 2016

  Candidates standing in next month’s local elections in Rotherham have now been announced.

• Mel Meggs appointed as new Deputy Strategic Director in Children and Young People’s Services

  Published on Wednesday, 30th March 2016

  Rotherham Council has appointed its new Deputy Strategic Director in Children and Young People’s Services, the latest appointment of the authority’s new permanent senior leadership team.

• Rotherham standing together for National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day

  Published on Friday, 18th March 2016

  People in Rotherham are being encouraged to show their support for National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day (18 March).

• Launch of new Rotherham Together Partnership Action Plan

  Published on Thursday, 17th March 2016

  New partnership plan focuses on positively changing Rotherham.

• Commissioners 12 month progress report to Government published

  Published on Monday, 14th March 2016

  Government appointed Commissioners, led by Sir Derek Myers, have today published a 12 month review of progress since the Government Directions to Rotherham.

• Rotherham Chief Executive Welcomes Apprentices

  Published on Friday, 11th March 2016

  Chief Executive Sharon Kemp takes a young apprentice under her wing to show them the ropes as part of National Apprentice Week.

• Rotherham Council ratifies economic devolution proposal for the borough

  Published on Thursday, 3rd March 2016

  Rotherham Council has formally ratified the proposal for the Sheffield City Region economic devolution agreement.

• Operation Clover verdict - statement from Rotherham Council

  Published on Wednesday, 24th February 2016

  Rotherham Council reacts to today's verdict in the Operation Clover trial.

• Budget for protecting frontline services 2016

  Published on Thursday, 18th February 2016

  Rotherham Council has published its budget recommendations for 2016/17.

• Rotherham Council welcomes return of some powers

  Published on Thursday, 11th February 2016

  Rotherham Council has today welcomed the return of some of its powers.

• Damien Wilson is new Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment

  Published on Thursday, 4th February 2016

  Rotherham Council has appointed its new Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment, the fourth appointment of the authority’s new permanent senior leadership team in 2016.

• Secretary of State plans return of some council powers in Rotherham

  Published on Thursday, 21st January 2016

  The return of some decision-making powers to Rotherham Council moved a step closer today (January 21).

• Views sought on Rotherham Council’s budget proposals

  Published on Wednesday, 20th January 2016

  People are being asked for their views on how Rotherham Council proposes to save almost £21m from its budget over the next financial year.

• LEP Chairman asks business leaders to have their say on devolution

  Published on Thursday, 31st December 2015

  Business leaders are being urged to support the proposed Devolution Deal for Sheffield City Region.

• Some powers set to return to Rotherham Council

  Published on Thursday, 17th December 2015

  Rotherham councillors are set to take back some decision-making powers from Commissioners.

• New Assistant Chief Executive appointed at Rotherham Council

  Published on Wednesday, 16th December 2015

  A new Assistant Chief Executive has been appointed by a Member-led panel at Rotherham Council.

• New look Advisory Cabinet announced

  Published on Monday, 14th December 2015

  A new-look Advisory Cabinet has been announced by Rotherham Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read.

• Residents and businesses asked for views on Devolution Deal

  Published on Wednesday, 2nd December 2015

  Residents and businesses are invite to have their say and get involved in the debate on the in-principle Sheffield City Region Devolution Deal with the Government.

• Rotherham schoolchildren take the lead at Question Time

  Published on Tuesday, 1st December 2015

  Schoolchildren from Rotherham put their communication skills to good use last week when they visited the Town Hall for a question and answer session in the Council Chamber.

• Magna and Rotherham Council look to the future

  Published on Tuesday, 24th November 2015

  The Leader of Rotherham Council, in response to recent media speculation, has today confirmed that the Council will be looking to restructure the debt currently owed by Magna.

• Rotherham announces preferred candidate for Chief Exec role

  Published on Thursday, 12th November 2015

  A selection panel at Rotherham Council has announced the preferred candidate for the role of the organisation’s new Chief Executive.

• Rotherham Youth Cabinet launches new manifesto

  Published on Thursday, 29th October 2015

  Rotherham Youth Cabinet has launched its manifesto for 2015-2016.

• US Mayor visits Rotherham and Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Park

  Published on Friday, 23rd October 2015

  The Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, USA visited the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Catcliffe, Rotherham on Wednesday 21 October.

• Child Mayor takes on official duties

  Published on Thursday, 22nd October 2015

  Now in its 25th year, Rotherham’s unique tradition of having a ‘Little Mayor for the Day’ returns at the end of the month.

• Thank you, says Council Leader as Views From Rotherham report is published

  Published on Friday, 16th October 2015

  Rotherham Council Leader Cllr Chris Read has extended a ‘big thank you’ to over 1,800 residents and workers who gave their time to take part in this summer’s Views from Rotherham consultation.

• Devolution passes new milestone in Rotherham

  Published on Friday, 2nd October 2015

  Council leaders from the Sheffield City Region met with Chancellor George Osborne at Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Park today to announce a proposed agreement on the way forward for devolution.

• Responding to the statement issued by the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner in relation to protests

  Published on Friday, 11th September 2015

  The Leader of the Council and Commissioner Mary Ney have issued statements relating to those issued by the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday.

• New-look website

  Published on Friday, 28th August 2015

  Visitors to the Council's website will see a new refreshed look – and an easier way to access news and information in one place – following a revamp of the site.

• New campaign seeks a new generation of councillors in Rotherham

  Published on Tuesday, 28th July 2015

  A campaign to find a new generation of councillors with a commitment to represent local residents and a passion for change has been launched in Rotherham.

• New Mayor for Rotherham

  Published on Wednesday, 20th May 2015

  Councillor Maggi Clark becomes the new Mayor of Rotherham at a civic ceremony to be held in the Town Hall on Friday May 22.

• New decision-making arrangements agreed

  Published on Thursday, 23rd April 2015

  Details of how decisions will be made by the Government-appointed Commissioners overseeing the Council – and how local people can get involved – have now been agreed.

• Facing the cuts, delivering Rotherham's priorities - Rotherham Council budget proposals released

  Published on Friday, 20th February 2015

  Rotherham Council is pledging to do more to protect children and young people in the town and to preserve the council services people value most in their upcoming budget.

• Licensing Board meeting cancelled

  Published on Monday, 9th February 2015

  A meeting to discuss proposed changes to Rotherham's taxi licensing regulations has been cancelled in light of the recent government report.

• Resignations of councillors

  Published on Thursday, 5th February 2015

  Two further Cabinet member resignations have been announced today.

• Statement from Jan Ormondroyd, Interim Chief Executive

  Published on Thursday, 5th February 2015

  Statement from Jan Ormondroyd, Interim Chief Executive.

• Council response to the Louise Casey report

  Published on Wednesday, 4th February 2015

  The Council has issued the following statement in response to today's report:

• Resignation of Paul Lakin

  Published on Wednesday, 4th February 2015

  Cllr Paul Lakin has confirmed his resignation as Leader of Rotherham Borough Council with immediate effect. He will also stand down as local councillor for Rotherham’s Valley Ward.

• Corporate Governance Inspection Report - Cabinet Statement

  Published on Wednesday, 4th February 2015

  Louise Casey’s report on her inspection in Rotherham has been published.

• Rotherham Leader calls on MP to help signpost support services for CSE victims

  Published on Thursday, 29th January 2015

  The Leader of Rotherham Borough Council today called on anyone who is in contact with victims of child sexual exploitation in the town to encourage them to use the services set up to support them.

• Rotherham councillors to consider future support for Magna

  Published on Thursday, 29th January 2015

  Councillors in Rotherham will consider further financial support for Magna to safeguard local jobs – but only if an urgent independent review of the trust’s future business viability is carried out.

• Launch of Rotherham Standing Together Against Child Sexual Exploitation: A Community Pledge

  Published on Monday, 24th November 2014

  Organisations across the borough are pledging to stand together to keep Rotherham’s children safe.

• New Director of Children's Services

  Published on Thursday, 6th November 2014

  Rotherham Borough Council has appointed a new Strategic Director of Children’s Services.

• Rotherham Council commits to the Living Wage

  Published on Tuesday, 4th November 2014

  Cleaner Ian Drewett is one of nearly 1,500 Rotherham Council employees receiving the Living Wage for the first time this year as organisations across the country celebrate Living Wage week.

• New taxi regulations for Rotherham

  Published on Wednesday, 22nd October 2014

  Rotherham's taxi companies could face more stringent standards in the future.

• Statement from Cllr Paul Lakin, Leader of the Council

  Published on Saturday, 18th October 2014

  Response to the publication today (October 18) of the Home Affairs Committee Report

• Rotherham Borough Council's response to Department of Education announcement

  Published on Tuesday, 7th October 2014

  The government has announced it is to appoint a Children's Social Care Commissioner to oversee children's and young people's services in Rotherham, for an initial period of three months.

• Additional funding for Rotherham charities to help victims of child sexual exploitation

  Published on Thursday, 2nd October 2014

  Charities and voluntary organisations in Rotherham are to be given more funding to help victims of child sexual exploitation, as the first allocations from a £120,000 funding package are determined.

• Improvement Board membership announced

  Published on Thursday, 25th September 2014

  Details of a partnership board set up to steer further improvement by the Council following the publication of the Alexis Jay report have been announced.

• Statement regarding Joyce Thacker

  Published on Friday, 19th September 2014

  Statement from Rotherham Borough Council regarding Joyce Thacker:

• New Cabinet Arrangements

  Published on Friday, 12th September 2014

  Cllr Paul Lakin, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council has announced the Council’s new Cabinet, after it was formally dissolved at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 10 September 2014.

• Statement from Cllr Paul Lakin

  Published on Thursday, 11th September 2014

  Statement delivered by Cllr Paul Lakin, Leader of the Council, at a meeting of the Council on Wednesday 10 September 2014:

• Statement from Martin Kimber

  Published on Monday, 8th September 2014

  Martin Kimber is to step down as Chief Executive of Rotherham Borough Council.

• Statement from Martin Kimber

  Published on Thursday, 28th August 2014

  Statement from Martin Kimber, RMBC Chief Executive, regarding Joyce Thacker, RMBC Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families

• Statement from Joyce Thacker

  Published on Thursday, 28th August 2014

  Statement from Joyce Thacker, RMBC Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families

• Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation

  Published on Tuesday, 26th August 2014

  The Council's response to the Independent Inquiry from Alexis Jay:

• Statement from Cllr Roger Stone

  Published on Tuesday, 26th August 2014

  Today’s publication of Alexis Jay’s inquiry report has highlighted historic failings by Rotherham Borough Council and its partners in tackling the scourge that is child sexual exploitation.

• Tony gets his freedom

  Published on Wednesday, 13th August 2014

  The Chairman of Rotherham's promotion-winning football team will gain the Freedom of the Borough this week.

• New Mayor elected

  Published on Thursday, 3rd July 2014

  Cllr John Foden was elected Mayor of Rotherham for 2014/15 at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 2 July.

• Millers Tony gets his freedom

  Published on Wednesday, 2nd July 2014

  Tony Stewart, Chairman of Rotherham's promotion-winning football team, was given the green light to be made a Freeman of the Borough on Wednesday 2 July.

• Rotherham resident wins big with Your Account

  Published on Tuesday, 13th May 2014

  One local resident has won big, and simplified her life, thanks to a new online feature offered by the Council.

• Children's centre consultation

  Published on Thursday, 1st May 2014

  Consultation with local communities could lead to two more children's centres in Rotherham staying open following the 12 week consultation period that ended yesterday (Wednesday, April 30).

• Council to pay a local "living wage"

  Published on Friday, 11th April 2014

  Almost 1,500 of the Council’s lowest paid employees are set to benefit thanks to the introduction of a local living wage from October this year.

• Council Tax collection helps services

  Published on Tuesday, 8th April 2014

  The Council collected a much-needed additional £6 million in Council Tax and non-domestic rates in the last financial year - a welcome boost in the battle to provide vital front-line services.

• Stay alerted

  Published on Tuesday, 4th March 2014

  Get up to the minute information about the things that matter to you, straight to your email inbox by using our e-alerts.

• A new era for local government as Council sets budget

  Published on Thursday, 27th February 2014

  Frontline services will be protected as ‘as far as possible,’ resources will be targeted to help those most in need and communities will be encouraged to do more for themselves.

• Rotherham in line for local government award

  Published on Tuesday, 14th January 2014

  The Council has been shortlisted for two different partnership projects in the national Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

• Street tribute to Fred

  Published on Thursday, 28th November 2013

  A Rawmarsh street has been named after one of Rotherham's most famous characters - the late civic chauffeur Fred Edwards.