Four year strategy to address issues raised by Manvers disturbance
A NEW four year strategy has been drawn up by Rotherham Council to address issues raised by the Manvers disorder in 2024.
The Inclusion Strategy 2026–2030 will go to a meeting of the council’s ruling cabinet on February 9, for a decision on whether it will be adopted.
The council links its strategy to the unrest at Manvers in 2024, saying the events highlighted the need to bring communities together, challenge divisive narratives and ensure residents feel safe.
The Manvers disorder saw violent scenes unfold outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, with fires set, windows smashed and police officers injured, prompting widespread condemnation and more than 100 subsequent convictions.
A report to councillors says the strategy is intended to make council services easier to use, particularly for people who do not always feel heard.
Proposals include reaching out more effectively to under-represented communities and introducing new ways for residents to share their views, with plans for an annual inclusion summit to gather feedback.
The council also says it will look at its own working practices, including how staff are recruited and supported to progress, to improve inclusion across the workforce.
In the first year, the focus will be on practical changes, such as clearer, easy-read information, ensuring more services are available online, and exploring real-time British Sign Language support for face-to-face appointments.
The strategy also addresses concerns raised during consultation about safety and belonging, with continued support for cultural events, education programmes and community activity aimed at tackling hate crime and improving cohesion.
Cllr Saghir Alam OBE, cabinet member for finance and safe and clean communities told colleagues at a scrutiny meeting where details were examined: “We will always try to be inclusive in making sure there aren’t any long term issues within communities, and how we work in partnership with the voluntary community sector.
“Every area of the council needs to look at who are our vulnerable people who are excluded, how do we make sure we actually include them in planning and co production?”
Cllr Alam referred to the disorder in Manvers, saying the council was now working with voluntary organisations to improve how different groups engage with one another.
If approved, the strategy will guide council work until 2030, with progress reported annually.