Agenda and minutes

1.1

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Angela Argenzio, Rebecca Atkinson, Simon Clement-Jones, Peter Gilbert, Nabeela Mowlana, Alison Norris, Maroof Raouf, Richard Williams and Paul Wood.

2.1

There were no items of business identified where resolutions may be moved to exclude the press and public.

3.1

Councillor Fran Belbin declared a personal interest in item 10 on the agenda (Notice of Motion regarding “Supporting Children's Play and Playwork Through a Joined-Up Strategy For All Ages”) (item 9 of these minutes) on the grounds that she was a trustee of Pitsmoor Adventure Playground and the chair of the Sheffield Play Partnership, both of which were referenced in the Motion.

4.1

Statements from the Lord Mayor and the Leader of the Council

4.1.1

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn) read the following statement:

“In recent weeks up and down the country we have seen violent thuggery and rioting dressed up as protest.  What we saw, and let’s call it what it was, was pure far-right hate.

The events closer to home in Rotherham were abhorrent and shameful. Here in Sheffield, we did see small protests against asylum seekers, Muslims and minority groups but they were very quickly shut down by those who oppose such things, I was proud to see that we were not only a city of sanctuary in name but also in action.

People coming together to stand up for those in need is a fundamental for a cohesive society and we should all hold its values.

I speak about these values at every citizenship ceremony, where I welcome so many who have fled persecution and I see in their smiles, the relief at being able to live in a country, a city that welcomes them, that will encourage them to flourish, play an active role in our communities, and in the growth of our city.    I know just how important belonging here is to them.

I tell them diversity is our strength, it’s at the core of our values.

The hate that was aimed at some of the most vulnerable in our society as well as those with different faiths or a different skin colour was abhorrent. We all need to be mindful of the impact of the language we use and not allow the promotion of derogatory terms that risk damage to Sheffield’s strong resilient communities.

The peaceful rejection we witnessed was so powerful - so much stronger than the hate.

So, thank you to the people of Sheffield who came together to show their unity and support, to reject the racism and hate. I applaud you.

I would like to thank the work carried out by the city’s faith leaders, community groups and organisations.

To our very own council staff that came together working across all our communities, and to South Yorkshire Police for their bravery during the terrible events, and the tireless work to bring those responsible to justice.

Sheffield is a better place for the diversity in its citizens and its culture. As the First Citizen I am extremely proud of the warm and friendly nature of our people. Long may it continue.

Finally, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the families, friends and the community of the 3 young girls who were brutally murdered in Southport. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope now you have the time and space to mourn in peace.”

4.1.2

The Leader of the Council (Councillor Tom Hunt) read the following statement:

“This is the first time that this Council has met since the violent disorder that we saw across the country and in South Yorkshire earlier this month.

What we saw  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.1

Urgent Business

There were no questions relating to urgent business, submitted under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.6.

5.2

Written Questions

5.2.1

A schedule of questions, submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16, and which contained written answers, was circulated.  Members of the Council are able to ask the Leader of the Council, or any Policy Committee or Sub-Committee or Regulatory Committee Chairs, or Members appointed by the Council to serve on the South Yorkshire Joint Authorities, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, or any other external body or joint committee, questions on matters within the functions of those Bodies.

5.2.2

Supplementary questions, under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, were asked by the Members who had submitted the original questions and were answered by the relevant Member, until the expiry of the time limit for Members’ Questions (in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.7).

6.1

It was moved by Councillor Rob Reiss, and seconded by Councillor Richard Shaw, that:-

this Council notes:-

(a)      the announcement by the new Government to end universal Winter Fuel Payments and restrict eligibility to those in receipt of Pension Credits or other benefits;

(b)      that under the new policy, only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 per week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for Pension Credits, significantly lower than the Living Wage rate;

(c)      that only 63% of families entitled to Pension Credits claim them, meaning the 800,000 households across the country missing out on this payment will now also not receive Winter Fuel Payments;

(d)      that data from the Department of Work and Pensions indicates almost 75,000 pensioners in Sheffield will lose access to Winter Fuel Payments under the revised policy;

(e)      that the Energy Price Cap will rise by 10% in October;

(f)       that the 12-month Cost of Living In-Person Support pilot scheme in the Liberal Democrat-chaired South Local Area Committee (LAC), designed to support the most vulnerable, is projected by October 2024 to generate £93,814 in additional income and savings for residents, through helping them claim benefits they are entitled to or reductions in their bills;

this Council believes that:-

(g)      universal Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 have been an essential support to pensioners;

(h)      the ending of universal Winter Fuel Payments combined with the increased Energy Price Cap will push thousands of pensioners into fuel poverty, including in Sheffield;

(i)       the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify has been set too low and many on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments;

(j)       it is important to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credits, to ensure people access the support they are entitled to;

(k)      projects like the Cost of Living In-Person Support pilot in the South LAC are demonstrable success stories in placing money in residents’ pockets;

this Council resolves to:-

(l)       request the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee to consider building on the success of the South LAC Cost of Living In-Person Support pilot scheme by requesting officers bring a proposal to the Committee on introducing a similar scheme that covers the whole of Sheffield;

(m)     also request the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee to consider commissioning other relevant services to urgently commence an awareness campaign to maximise uptake of Pension Credits; and

(n)      request group leaders sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.

6.2

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Mark Rusling, and seconded by Councillor Nikki Belfield, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the deletion of all the words after the words “That this Council” and the addition of the following new paragraphs (a) to (h):-

(a)      acknowledges the significant challenges facing our national economy, including the reported £22 billion budget shortfall inherited by the new Government,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.1

It was moved by Councillor Maleiki Haybe, and seconded by Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo, that this Council:-

(a)      condemns the organised racist and Islamophobic violence by far-right rioters in many towns and cities in England;

(b)      recalls that it resolved on 5 July 2023 to reaffirm our status as a City of Sanctuary;

(c)      believes the divisive rhetoric of some mainstream politicians and media has fuelled the recent violence and the ‘Stop the Boats’ narrative has contributed to division and has helped further stigmatise migrants and asylum seekers;

(d)      notes comments by Dame Sara Khan, former independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience, that successive governments have failed the British people and left local authorities struggling to deal with consistent extremist challenges;

(e)      notes the fear of violence and intimidation terrified many people of colour, especially women, and made people feel unsafe in their home city;

(f)       acknowledges that the threat of serious violence impacted negatively on businesses in the local economy;

(g)      recognises that migrants have always contributed to our society as workers, taxpayers and citizens and that segregation of asylum-seekers into different systems for homelessness, destitution and work creates further division and lack of cohesion in society;

(h)      condemns the policy of austerity, which causes hardship and resentment amongst the communities most left behind;

(i)       welcomes the scrapping of the Rwanda deportation scheme and Bibby Stockholm barge, and also thanks the police and Crown Prosecution Service for pursuing rightful convictions and for the local press for reporting on the sentences;

(j)       thanks the people of Sheffield who came out to show their support for a modern Britain, with a determination to stand against violence, intimidation and racism;

(k)      believes that the majority of people in Sheffield want an asylum system that is fair, well managed and humane; and

(l)       resolves to ask the Chief Executive to write to the Prime Minister with a copy of this motion and to ask him to consider implementing the recommendations of the Khan Review of social cohesion.

7.2

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, and seconded by Councillor Mike Levery, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:-

1.       the addition of a new paragraph (c) as follows and the re-lettering of original paragraphs (c) to (l) as new paragraphs (d) to (m):-

(c)      notes that in 2023, 84,425 individuals made asylum applications in the UK;

2.       the substitution, in new paragraph (d), of the words “rhetoric of some politicians, media, and misinformation on social media sites” for the words “rhetoric of some mainstream politicians and media”;

3.       the deletion of new paragraph (i) [the original paragraph (h)] and the addition of a new paragraph (i) as follows:-

(i)       believes that asylum seekers should have the right to work if they have been waiting for a decision for more than three months, enabling them to support themselves economically and socially through community integration;

7.3

After contributions from six other Members, and following a right  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.1

It was moved by Councillor Zahira Naz, and seconded by Councillor Ibby Ullah, that this Council:-

(a)      believes that our diversity is our greatest strength;

(b)      is proud that Sheffield is a welcoming city for people seeking asylum and is proud that we are a City of Sanctuary;

(c)      believes that the violence we saw across the country, and in South Yorkshire, last month was not protest, but far-right hate;

(d)      condemns those who tried to divide us by targeting asylum seekers, Muslims and minority communities and condemns everyone who engaged in criminal acts of violence and hate on the streets and online;

(e)      believes that racism and Islamophobia hurts all communities and creates fear and pain;

(f)       will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities;

(g)      is proud of the citywide response to the violence and records its appreciation and thanks to:-

(i)       the people of Sheffield who came together in a spirit of unity and compassion to reject racism and hate;

(ii)       Sheffield City Council staff for their hard work to support communities and particularly notes the work of Local Area Committee staff to coordinate the response;

(iii)      the voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector for their work to protect and reassure communities;

(iv)      South Yorkshire Police for their work to protect and support local communities, and sends its best wishes to all officers who were injured in the line of duty; and

(v)      the criminal justice system for taking swift action against those who broke the law;

(h)      believes that the Council’s work to reassure and engage with communities has highlighted excellent practice and partnership working, and further believes that learning from the past month should be captured to develop the Council’s community engagement and partnership work and to develop and strengthen our work on promoting community cohesion; and

(i)       resolves to continue to:-

(i)       celebrate our diversity and to stand firm against all forms of racism and Islamophobia, discrimination, and violence; and

(ii)       support our communities, promote unity and ensure that Sheffield remains a welcoming city.

8.2

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Andrew Sangar, and seconded by Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of a new paragraph (h) as follows and the re-lettering of original paragraphs (h) and (i) as new paragraphs (i) and (j):-

(h)      believes that community cohesion can be further achieved by allowing asylum seekers to work, and so integrate themselves into their communities and support the local economy;

8.3

It was then moved by Councillor Toby Mallinson, and seconded by Councillor Alexi Dimond, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:-

1.       the addition of new paragraphs (h) and (i) as follows, and the re-lettering of the original paragraph (h) as a new paragraph (j):-

(h)      therefore regrets that the Council has not declared Sheffield an Israeli apartheid free zone;

(i)       notes the “Israel Premier Tech Pro-Cycling Team” has funding connections  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Laura Moynahan, and formally seconded by Councillor Dawn Dale, that:-

this Council:-

(a)      notes the well-documented benefits of play, particularly outdoor play, for children’s physical, mental, social, and emotional development;

(b)      believes that play is a vital component of childhood, promoting creativity, resilience, problem-solving, and social interaction;

(c)      supports the essential role of qualified playworkers with knowledge of the Playwork Principles, creating safe environments for children to engage in self-directed, spontaneous play and allowing them the freedom to take risks and learn through their own experiences;

(d)      notes the profound impact of austerity measures and the COVID-19 pandemic on play opportunities and playwork services, with the reduction in funding for community services leading to the closure of vital play spaces and limited access to qualified playworkers, resulting in a diminished play experience for many children;

(e)      believes that despite these challenges, Sheffield City Council has demonstrated its commitment to providing play settings through initiatives such as Pounds Park and ongoing improvements to parks and green spaces across the city, helping to restore much-needed play opportunities for children of all ages;

(f)       notes the invaluable role of the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCF) in supporting play and playwork across the city, with organisations such as Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, Sharrow Community Forum, and Manor After School Kids Klub (MASKK), forming part of the Sheffield Play Partnership, being instrumental in delivering play services;

(g)      believes that the successful joint working between the Play Partnership, the VCF and the Council is pivotal in promoting play and playwork across the city to help work towards sustainable play opportunities for children;

this Council resolves to:-

(h)      welcome and endorse the ongoing joint efforts between Sheffield City Council and the Sheffield Play Partnership to play and playwork for the city’s children;

(i)       call on the Council’s Education, Children and Families Policy Committee, and the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee to consider working together to develop a joined-up strategy for play and playwork within the Council’s Belonging Framework;

this Council commits to:-

(j)       building upon the excellent work currently taking place in family hubs, community youth services, and through the support of VCF organisations;

(k)      ensuring that there is comprehensive support for children of all ages, from 0 to 18 years (or 25 years for those with SEND), with particular attention to the gap in services for children aged 5-10, who often fall between early years and youth services provision; and

(l)       creating inclusive, high-quality play opportunities in communities and ensuring that Sheffield is a child friendly city.

9.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, and formally seconded by Councillor Penny Baker, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:-

1.       the addition of new paragraphs (c) to (f) as follows, and the re-lettering of original paragraphs (c) to (i) as new paragraphs (g) to (m):-

(c)      notes that policies such as the two-child limit on benefits keep hundreds of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Qais Al-Ahdal, and formally seconded by Councillor Maleiki Haybe, that this Council:-

(a)      notes that:-

(i)       children who grow up in poverty are less likely to attain higher education, while more likely to experience mental health issues, and worse employment prospects later in life;

(ii)       a recent report by the Commons Education Committee shows mental health and cost-of-living pressures on families are among the causes for increased students’ absence in schools;

(iii)      according to the Child Poverty Action Group, 250,000 children would be immediately lifted out of poverty if the policy preventing parents from receiving Universal Credit or Tax Credits for more than two children is removed;

(iv)      the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has reported that in the next year, 250,000 more children will likely be affected by the policy, and by the end of the next Parliament, an extra 670,000 children will likely be affected;

(v)      the upfront cost of removing the two-child limit will be approximately £3.4 billion a year in the financial year 2024/25 according to the IFS, which amounts to roughly 3% of the total working-age benefit budget;

(vi)      Muslim and Jewish communities may be disproportionately impacted by the two-child limit policy more than other faith groups; and

(vii)     not a single Labour MP from Sheffield voted to support an amendment to the recent King’s Speech which would have removed the two-child benefit limit to Universal Credit;

(b)      believes that it has a moral duty to advocate for families in need, and pressure the Government to pursue welfare policies that alleviate poverty and the causes of poverty;

(c)      also believes that further research is needed into potential savings on the long-term costs of removing the two-child limit, which the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggests may reduce as overall life outcomes improve;

(d)      recognises that the two-child limit for Universal Credit and Tax Credits stops working-class families from claiming benefits for more than two children, despite the clear need in the current economic crisis;

(e)      further recognises that families affected by the cap miss out on £3,455 annually for every child affected; and that the policy has been widely regarded as a key cause of child poverty;

(f)       believes that Sheffield’s Labour MPs should have voted to remove the 2-child benefit limit, against the Prime Minister’s direction;

(g)      opposes the two-child limit for Universal Credit and Tax Credits;

(h)      requests the Government to copy the Scottish Child Payment benefit policy;

(i)       requests the Government to tax the top 300 richest persons in Britain by an extra 1% to help cover economic deficits; and

(j)       requests that the Chief Executive submits this Council’s resolution to the Prime Minister.

10.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Rob Bannister, and formally seconded by Councillor Tom Hunt, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the deletion of all the words after the words “That this Council” and the addition of the following new paragraphs (a) to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.1

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: On the motion formally moved by Councillor Mary Lea and formally seconded by Councillor Ruth Milsom, that the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 17th July 2024 be approved as a true and accurate record.

12.1

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: On the motion formally moved by Councillor Mary Lea and formally seconded by Councillor Joe Otten, that:-

(a) it be noted that, in accordance with the authority given by the City Council at its annual meeting held on 15^th May 2024, the Monitoring Officer had authorised the following appointments, with effect from the dates shown:-

Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee

-

Councillor Julie Grocutt appointed as a substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 27^th August 2024.

Planning Committee

-

Councillor Mary Lea replaced Councillor Mark Jones as substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 11^th August 2024.

Great Places: Sheffield Housing Board

-

Councillor Elle Dodd replaced Councillor Laura Moynahan, with effect from 2^nd August 2024.

University Technical College Trust Board

-

Councillor Jayne Dunn removed as member, with effect from 27^th August 2024.

(b) it be noted that the Sheffield City Partnership Board and Local Access Forum, on which Members have previously been appointed to serve, both ceased in July 2024; and

(c) approval be given for Councillor Sophie Thornton to replace Councillor Andrew Sangar on the Senior Officer Employment Committee.

(NOTE: 1. Paragraph (c) in the schedule of appointments circulated to the meeting was withdrawn from consideration to allow for further investigations to take place on the places available to the Council on the Beighton Relief in Need Charity; and

2. The above appointments incorporate the appointment of Councillor Sophie Thornton to replace Councillor Andrew Sangar on the Senior Officer Employment Committee, which was reported to the meeting by Councillor Joe Otten as an addition to the schedule of appointments circulated to the meeting.)