{"id":77213,"date":"2016-12-13T16:35:22","date_gmt":"2016-12-13T16:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=0348ca9393ebbcc3a5c2a78ebbd9f90c"},"modified":"2016-12-13T16:35:22","modified_gmt":"2016-12-13T16:35:22","slug":"press-release-powers-over-licensing-return-to-rotherham-councillors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=77213","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Powers over licensing return to Rotherham councillors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Powers over licensing including taxi services are to return to Rotherham council, but government-appointed commissioners will continue to oversee these decisions, Sajid Javid announced today (13 December 2016).<\/p>\n

The Communities Secretary said this \u201cphased approach\u201d would ensure these new responsibilities could be returned in a way that secures the safety of the area\u2019s most vulnerable residents.<\/p>\n

It follows advice from the Lead Commissioner, Sir Derek Myers, who has provided robust evidence that sufficient improvements have been made for control over licensing functions to be returned to directly-elected councillors.<\/p>\n

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said:<\/p>\n

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I\u2019ve seen for myself how Rotherham councillors have made progress over the past year. It is now appropriate for them to take back control over licensing.<\/p>\n

However, keeping people in the borough safe is a priority for this government. This is why I\u2019ve asked the commissioners to continue to keep a watchful eye over the decisions that are taken.<\/p>\n

I consider this phased approach to be the best way to return powers to elected councillors as soon as is practically possible, while at the same time ensuring that the failings of the past are not repeated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Reforms to increase protection<\/h2>\n

In February last year, the government appointed 5 commissioners to exercise all executive functions and some non-executive functions at Rotherham council.<\/p>\n

It followed critical reports by Baroness Alexis Jay and Dame Louise Casey, which found significant failings at the council including poor policies and procedures with taxi licensing contributing to child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.<\/p>\n

Since then the commissioners, led by Sir Derek Myers, have overseen significant reforms of the service, including:<\/p>\n