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Latest news in Yorkshire: March 28, 2019 10:43:35 AM
Rotherham Council’s period of government intervention formally comes to
an end this weekend, the Secretary of State for Local Government has
confirmed.
Last September Ministers removed the three remaining Commissioners from
the Council, but required a further independent health check of progress
before the planned end of the intervention period.
In their review, which is published for the first time today, the former
Commissioners endorsed the ending of the intervention, saying “the pace
of improvement across the Council has increased beyond [their]
expectations, which bodes well for future prospects”, adding that “the
political and managerial leadership of the Council have re-established
the Council’s moral compass. There is clarity on the Council’s values
and ethos and a whole council commitment to safeguarding young people.
This gives confidence that the council will be vigilant in protecting
the vulnerable, will avoid back-sliding or failure to address adverse
issues as they arise.”
Following the health check, today the Government has published a letter
confirming that the intervention will formally come to an end as planned
this Sunday, 31 March.
In a joint letter to the Council Leader and Chief Executive released on
the Government website today Secretary of State for Communities James
Brokenshire and Children’s Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “We are writing
to confirm that we are content to let the Directions in Rotherham
Metropolitan Borough Council lapse on 31 March 2019. Further to the
recent Independent Review, led by former Lead Commissioner Mary Ney we
see no evidence that suggests that Government should seek to extend
these Directions or put in place new ones.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank you both for your
leadership, helping to transform Rotherham from a failing authority to
one that is reinvigorated and fully autonomous.”
Council Leader Cllr Chris Read said: “Over the last four years,
Rotherham Council has undergone a transformation. The recent report
reflects that huge progress that has been made over that period of time,
not just in Children’s Services, but also the way we approach the big
challenges that we face. The end of the intervention is an important
milestone, and one that should give residents confidence in the changes
that we have made. But we take nothing for granted, and we continue to
work hard to deliver the services that people rely on.”
Chief Executive Sharon Kemp added: “The review highlighted that the
progress made since September has surpassed the expectations of the
former Commissioners and that the Council has regained its moral
compass.
“We are obviously pleased that the review confirms the progress made and
makes clear the Council remains committed to its continuous
improvement.”
She added the Council acknowledges the challenges identified with regard
to the delivery of the medium term financial plan and the authority’s
performance targets, but said it was good to see the review team were
reassured that the Council can deliver on these.
The Council was placed under the control of five Commissioners after
Dame Louise Casey’s report in 2015 found significant failings at the
Council that contributed to child sexual exploitation in Rotherham. The
team reduced to three in recent years as powers were gradually returned
after the Council has worked hard to turn services around.
To view the Ministerial letter and independent report:
See Gov. Docs
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rotherham-intervention-conclusion
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https://wath-on-dearne.com/wathondearne/around-the-dearne-valley/
[tags government, intervention, rotherham]