Rotherham Borough Council now fit to run itself, say commissioners

A team of five was imposed by the Government in 2015 after serious failings were flagged in the Jay and Casey reports.

But an independent “healthcheck” inspection in February and March found RMBC’s governance and decision-making to be much improved.

The report said: “We saw a developing culture of accountability, honesty, transparency, openness and engagement.”

Lead commissioner Mary Ney said: “Commissioners have seen significant improvement in Rotherham Council, which is evident from the report.

“Members, council officers and partners have worked hard to achieve this and commissioners are confident that the council can continue to make good progress.”

Powers have been gradually returned to Rotherham since the unprecedented 2015 takeover.

Children’s services were always expected to be the last department handed back to local control — and were given a “good” rating from Ofsted earlier this year.

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “The healthcheck confirms our view that the council is on the right track.

“We have seen significant improvements over the last three years, and whilst we continue to face the same challenges as many other local authorities we are now in a strong position to move on from commissioner intervention.

“It is testament to the hard work and collaboration of commissioners, members and officers, to improve services for local people.”

The healthcheck team included Frances Done, a Government commissioner with Birmingham Council; Irene Lucas, a local government chief executive; and Cllr Imogen Walker, deputy leader of Lambeth Council.

The council is awaiting a response from the Government on the commissioner and healthcheck recommendations.

RMBC chief executive Sharon Kemp said: “I want to thank each and every member of staff who has been part of the improvement journey over the last few years.”