Commissioner changeover as more powers are returned to Rotherham Council

The changeover comes as more powers are returned to Rotherham Borough Council from the Government.

Adult social care, town centre management and street cleaning are among the responsibilities back under councillors’ control.

Sajid Javid

Communities secretary Sajid Javid said: “The return of additional powers to Rotherham reflects the significant progress made by the council under the watchful eye of our commissioners. 

“The council will have control over a further seven functions, including important services such as adult social care. 

“However, the commissioners, now led by Mary Ney, will remain in place and continue to work with the Council to help restore full democratic powers.”

RMBC was stripped of all executive powers after the 2015 Casey report found the council unfit for purpose in the wake of the CSE scandal.

Sir Derek Myers

Mr Javid paid tribute to Sir Derek, who will step down from the £800-a-day role at the end of the month.

He said: “I am grateful for the leadership he has shown in taking a failing authority in hand and steering it through a rapid and wide-ranging improvement journey. 

“As there is now a reduced role for commissioners, I will not be appointing any additional commissioners.”

Ms Ney, who will take over from April 1, led the taxi licensing overhaul which introduced mandatory CCTV and audio equipment for Rotherham cabs.

Powers still with the commissioners include children’s social care, HR, waste collection, community safety and asset management.