Taxi powers to return to Rotherham council

TAXI licensing powers will be returned to Rotherham Borough Council using a “phased approach”, the Government has announced.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid said the government would continue to oversee decisions until March 2019 to “secure the safety of the area’s most vulnerable residents”.

The Government appointed five commissioners to exercise all executive and some non-executive functions at the council in February 2015, following the publication of the Jay and Casey reports.

The reports found significant failings at the council including poor taxi licensing policies, which contributed to at least 1,400 children being sexually exploited.

Mr Javid said: “I’ve 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.

“However, keeping people in the borough safe is a priority for this government. This is why I’ve asked the commissioners to continue to keep a watchful eye over the decisions that are taken.

“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.”

Commissioners will continue to run children’s social care services, adult social care and audit functions.