Austin Macauley 25 August 2015

Rotherham to remain under Government control until 2019

The Government has said it is likely to take four years until full powers are returned to Rotherham Council following intervention after a sexual abuse scandal emerged in 2014.

It is also planning to launch new measures designed to ensure 'there can be no cover-ups' across local government.

Phased return of council functions are expected to take place between now and March 2019, it said, with the improvement board – installed by ministers last year – remaining in place.

In its response to the communities and local government select committee's report on child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, it said: 'All functions are expected to be returned to the council within four years. The terms of the intervention will remain in force until 31 March 2019, unless amended or revoked at an earlier date.'

It added: 'Rotherham’s successful return to full democratic control will be rooted in the improvements and assurance processes of the intervention itself.'

The Government will also publish new guidance to local authorities and other organisations with safeguarding responsibilities amid fears that failures at Rotherham Council are indicative of widespread problems with local government scrutiny.

This will include 'a new expectation that all organisations that have safeguarding responsibilities must have internal whistleblowing policies in place, which are then integrated into training and codes of conduct'.

It added: 'This will improve how organisations manage whistle blowing cases so there can be no cover-ups.'

A new national single point of contact will be created for child abuse-related whistleblowing reports to ensure all professionals can raise concerns about how their organisation is protecting children from the risk of abuse. This will be used to 'spot patterns of failure across the country and link to the new joint area inspections where there are concerns'.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles had formally intervened at the council following the publication of Professor Alexis Jay’s report into child sexual abuse in the region, which estimated at least 1,400 girls were sexually abused between 1997 and 2013.

The independent inquiry found Rotherham MBC failed in its duty to protect some of the most vulnerable children in the borough, with 'collective failures of political and officer leadership’.

The scandal led to mass resignation at the council, with its leader and entire cabinet pledging to quit.

Visit The MJ (£) to read their interview with Sir Derek Myers on 'progress' in Rotherham.

Photo: ©JThomas

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner