19.09.18
Rotherham: Brokenshire to remove commissioners and return all council powers next week
The communities secretary will completely remove government-appointed commissioners from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council after three years, signalling the return of all powers to the authority.
Then-communities secretary Eric Pickles announced he would take control of the authority in February 2015, following scathing reports by Baroness Alexis Jay and Louise Casey which exposed that at least 1,400 children in the Rotherham area had been sexually exploited over a 16-year period – and that the council had been aware of the scandal as far back as 2005.
After proposing to return full powers in July this year, James Brokenshire confirmed today that following strong progress by the council, control of all services will be returned to council on 24 September, including children’s social care. All government commissioners will also be withdrawn.
The return of powers will rest on the condition that the council commissions an independent progress review of delivery of services to be completed by 18 February next year. The action follows the gradual return of selected functions to the council on four separate occasions since the intervention began in 2015.
Brokenshire said vulnerable people who should have been protected were “repeatedly failed” by Rotherham council, but noted that he was pleased by the strong progress made at the authority with the support of the commissioners.
“The return of all powers to Rotherham council is not a decision that I take lightly, but I am satisfied that the council has learnt the lessons of the past and is now able to provide the services its residents deserve and expect,” he said.
Minister for children and families Nadhim Zahawi added: “Every child, wherever they live, needs to have access to the right care and support so they can flourish in life. For too long the people of Rotherham were let down by the authorities in charge of protecting them.
“The handing back of local children’s services to the council marks an important step for this town. I am pleased that vulnerable children in Rotherham are now getting the help they need when they need it, and I hope to see continuing improvements through the independent review next year.”
Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “Today’s confirmation of the early departure of commissioners from the council is testimony to the hard work of many people over the last few years.
“I’m delighted with the progress that we have made. Whilst the work is never complete and we continue to face significant challenges I hope that residents will be able to take assurance that we are firmly on the right track.”
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Image credit: Lynne Cameron, PA Images