The Rotherham Council meeting on 10 September 2025 included discussion of petitions, scrutiny reports, ward updates, and notices of motion. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss the annual reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Audit Committee.

Petitions

The council was scheduled to consider a petition requesting the installation of speed humps on Melton Green, West Melton, which had 67 valid signatures. Nicholas Barksby was named as the lead petitioner. A response from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment was expected by 24 September 2025.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

The Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25 was scheduled to be presented to the council. Councillor Brian Steele, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB), noted in the report that scrutiny aims to ensure that public services and policies best meet the needs of Rotherham residents.

The report highlighted several key areas of scrutiny activity:

• Children's Takeover Challenge: Rotherham Youth Cabinet led a review on health and wellbeing, engaging over 4,000 young people.
• Housing Repairs and Maintenance: OSMB and the Improving Places Select Commission reviewed the Housing Repairs and Maintenance Policy.
• Modern Slavery Transparency Statement: The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board reviewed the council's ongoing work under the Modern Slavery Charter.
• Annual Compliments and Complaints: The Board reviewed the Annual Compliments and Complaints Report for 2023/24.
• Gaza Petition: The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board considered Cabinet's response to a petition-led set of recommendations.
• Council Plan & Year Ahead Delivery Plan: The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board reviewed progress against the Council Plan and Year Ahead Delivery Plan.
• Call-in: Waste Collection Policy and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board reviewed two key policy decisions following call-in requests.
• Budget & Council Tax: OSMB reviewed the council's 2025/26 Budget.

The report also included updates from the Health Select Commission, Improving Lives Select Commission and Improving Places Select Commission.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The Audit Committee Annual Report 2024-25 was scheduled for discussion. Councillor Jamie Baggaley, Audit Committee Chair, noted in the report that the committee is independent and oversees the audit, assurance and reporting processes that support good governance.

Key highlights from the report included:

• An unqualified External Audit opinion on the Council's Statement of Accounts.
• A value for money opinion overall a positive report.
• An Annual Governance Statement that reflected the developments within the council.
• A positive opinion from the Head of Internal Audit's Annual Report.

The report also detailed the work undertaken by the External Audit, Internal Audit, and the arrangements for Anti-Fraud and Corruption, Risk Management, Corporate Governance and Finance.

Thriving Neighbourhoods Updates

The council was scheduled to receive updates from ward councillors on activities supporting Thriving Neighbourhoods across the Borough, specifically from Councillors representing Aughton and Swallownest and Boston Castle.

Councillor John Blackham and Councillor Drew Tarmey were scheduled to present the update for Anston and Woodsetts. The report noted the ward priorities as:

• Develop and support initiatives that will improve health & well-being and tackle poverty.
• Develop and support initiatives around crime and community safety.
• Develop and support initiatives that will improve the environment and the neighbourhood.
• Support local communities to come together and celebrate local and cultural heritage.

Councillors were scheduled to hear that Aston & Todwick Councillors hold quarterly network meetings with key partners like Parish Councils, South Yorkshire Police, schools, Rotherfed¹, libraries, churches, public health and community groups. Councillors were also scheduled to receive an update for Boston Castle. The report noted the ward priorities as:

• Address concerns in relation to Crime / ASB (and deprivation)
• Support the community
• Improve the environment
• Working with the community to improve Wellgate²
• Address concerns in relation to road safety and traffic # Notices of Motion

Councillor Brian Steele, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, and Councillor Amanda Clarke were scheduled to move a notice of motion to welcome the Orgreave inquiry, affirming commitment to justice, transparency, and community healing. The motion stated that Rotherham Council acknowledges the historic significance of the Orgreave events and the need for a comprehensive inquiry to address longstanding concerns within the community.

Councillor Zachary Collingham, Leader of the Opposition, and Councillor Joshua Bacon, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Vice Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, were scheduled to move a notice of motion regarding migrant accommodation. The motion stated that local communities must be properly consulted before significant decisions are made that impact local services, housing, and community cohesion.

Other Matters

The council was also scheduled to note the minutes from various committee meetings, including:

• Cabinet Meeting
• Audit Committee
• Health and Wellbeing Board
• Licensing Board and Licensing Committee
• Planning Board

Additionally, councillors were expected to raise questions to designated spokespersons and cabinet members.