Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest of a pecuniary or non-pecuniary nature from Members in respect of the items on this agenda.

To consider suspending Standing Order 13(5) in respect of items 3-7, insofar as it relates to restrictions on Members speaking more than once.

The Council will receive a presentation and report from the External Auditor summarising the key issues identified during the audit of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL FROM THE AUDIT AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:-

(i)            That the External Auditor’s (ISA 260) Report 2022/23 be approved; 

(ii)          That the findings on the current position with regard to the Value for Money conclusion be noted (as not completed); and

(iii)         That the findings from the audit work in relation to the 2022/23 Financial Statements be noted.

To consider a report of the Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Assurance seeking the approval of the Annual Governance Statement 2022/23.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL FROM THE AUDIT AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:- that the final Annual Governance Statement 2022/23 be approved and adopted.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL FROM THE AUDIT AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:-  that the audited Statement of Accounts 2022/23 and Letter of Representation be approved.

To receive a report of the Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Assurance detailing the role of the Audit and Governance Committee and how it has discharged its responsibilities during 2022/23.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 28 September 2023.

To consider any communications to be submitted by the Mayor or the Chief Executive.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:- that the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and its associated recommendation be adopted.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:- That Council notes the recent decision of Cabinet to delegate approval to the Head of Paid Service to give the Authority’s consent to the making of an order to provide for both the Mayor of South Yorkshire to exercise functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner(PCC) in relation to South Yorkshire with effect from May 2024 and the reduction of the current mayoral term to align with the PCC election cycle in May 2024.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:- that the outcomes of the recent inspection be considered and noted.

To consider the following changes to Council Committees:-

Planning Regulatory Board

Proposed to:-

Remove – Councillor Burnett

Note 1x Labour Vacancy and 1x Liberal Democrat Vacancy

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Note 1 x Liberal Democrat Vacancy

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Healthy Barnsley Workstream (To be drawn from the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

Note 1 x Liberal Democrat Vacancy.

To consider the following appointments to the following outside bodies:-

Advisory Group for the Family Nurse Partnership

Proposed – Councillor Clarke

Barnsley Transport User Group

Proposed – Councillors T Cave, Denton, Leech and Moyes

National Park Management Plan – Partnership Group

Proposed – Councillor Richardson

National Park Management Plan – Delivery Group

Proposed – Councillor Richardson

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel (required due to Councillors in Sheffield changing political party, which has impacted on political proportionality across South Yorkshire).

Proposed to:-

Remove Councillor Peace

Appoint Councillor Hunt

To receive a report of the Head of Governance which seeks Full Council’s approval for a number of constitutional updates and amendments.

To consider the following questions which have been received from Elected Members and which are asked pursuant to Standing Order No. 11.

1.    Councillor White

‘Is the Council considering or investigating introducing ULEZ anywhere across the Borough in the foreseeable future?’

2.    Councillor Webster

‘After the recent excellent campaign highlighting the issues on breast cancer and the focus of it on the females of the community, does the Cabinet Member agreed that we should also be raising the profile of male breast cancer?  This is a rare as a cancer but still needs men to be aware and have the knowledge of how to check themselves and the confidence to report any issue to their GP as a matter of urgency.’

3.    Councillor Fielding

‘When will the council be replacing the six properties lost to fire on Woodland Drive?’

4.    Councillor Hunt

‘When will Market Gate bridge be open?’

5.    Councillor Fielding

‘Why has the council allowed the project on the plot of land in front of Dodworth Library to remain incomplete for so long?’

Mover – Councillor Kitching

Seconder – Councillor Fielding

The Council notes the importance of inclusive playgrounds for disabled children for early childhood development and community integration for the whole family. The Council further notes with concern findings from the disability equality charity Scope that half of families across England and Wales with disabled children have accessibility problems with their local playground.

This Council recognises the need to improve playgrounds across Barnsley borough to achieve inclusivity for the community and to work with families of disabled children to guide the development of inclusive playgrounds.

This Council believes:

·         That playgrounds are important spaces for community engagement and childhood development, and these spaces should be built with inclusivity as a core principle.

·         That playgrounds in this area should be improved to ensure they include accessible design and inclusive equipment that disabled children can engage with.

·         That all children have a right to play and this should be reflected in the community play spaces.

The Council resolves:

·         To embed principles of inclusive design to ensure that going forward every development or refurbishment of a council playground in Barnsley considers inclusivity.

·         To seek opportunities to embed inclusive design through Council strategies for local planning and community spaces.

·         To adequately consult with parents and carers of disabled children, and those with lived experience, to inform the design of inclusive playgrounds so they are appropriate for the community spaces.

·         To champion the rights of disabled children to play alongside their peers.

·         To advertise accessibility measures and inclusive equipment of local play areas to local residents, via the Council website, the Council social media channels and relevant local information boards.