Agenda and minutes

Rescheduled from 5th June 2024, Council - Wednesday 17 July 2024 2.00 pm

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Pinstone Street, Sheffield, S1 2HH

Contact: Paul Robinson, Democratic Services  Email: paul.robinson@sheffield.gov.uk

Media

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes Silence - Death of Former Councillor Bob Pullin

Additional documents:

Minutes:

1.1

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn) reported with sadness, the death, on 3 June 2024, of former Councillor Bob Pullin who had served on the Council from 2015 to 2021, and Members of the Council observed a minute’s silence in his memory.

 

 

 

2.

Apologies for Absence

Additional documents:

Minutes:

2.1

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nikki Belfield, Mike Chaplin, Dawn Dale, Mike Drabble, Marieanne Elliot, Maleiki Haybe, Brian Holmshaw, Ruth Mersereau, Laura Moynahan, Martin Phipps, Janet Ridler, Maroof Raouf and Paul Wood.

 

 

2.2

Further to the reporting of the apologies for absence from Councillor Wood, it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: On the motion of the Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn), seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Safiya Saeed), that in view of the ill-health of Councillor Paul Wood, approval be given for his period of office to be extended beyond 6 August 2024, being the six-month period of non-attendance provided for within Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

 

 

3.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

To identify items where resolutions may be moved to exclude the press and public.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

3.1

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

 

 

4.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Members to declare any interests they have in the business to be considered at the meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

4.1

There were no declarations of interest made by Members of the Council.

 

 

 

5.

Public Questions and Petitions and Other Communications pdf icon PDF 177 KB

(a) To receive any questions or petitions from the public, or communications submitted by the Lord Mayor or the Chief Executive and to pass such resolutions thereon as the Council Procedure Rules permit and as may be deemed expedient.

 

 

NOTE: There is a time limit of one hour for the above item of business.  In accordance with the arrangements published on the Council’s website, questions/petitions are required to be submitted in writing, to committee@sheffield.gov.uk, by 9.00 a.m. on Monday 15 July 2024. Questions/petitions submitted after the deadline will be asked at the meeting subject to the discretion of the Chair (the Lord Mayor).

 

 

 

(b) Petition Requiring Debate

 

The Council’s Petitions Scheme requires that a petition containing over 5,000 signatures from individuals who live, work or study in Sheffield, be the subject of debate at the Council meeting. A qualifying petition has been received as follows:-

 

Petition Relating to the Funding of Therapy Services Delivered by Sheffield Women’s Charity, Vida

 

To debate an electronic petition containing over 27,440 signatures, requesting the Council to provide funding to save Sheffield’s vital free therapy service delivered by Sheffield Women’s Charity, Vida.  The online petition - Petition · Keep our vital therapy service open · Change.org - includes further information.  An update on the financial position of the Charity will be provided at the meeting by the Charity’s Chief Executive Officer. 

 

There is a time limit of 25 minutes for this debate.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

5.1

Petitions and Public Questions

 

 

 

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Jayne Dunn) reported that one ordinary petition was to be received at the meeting and questions would be taken from eleven members of the public.  She added that four further ordinary petitions were to be received in the absence of a presenter.  Finally, a petition containing over 5,000 signatures would be debated at the end of this item of business, and that petition was referred to at item 5(b) on the agenda for the meeting.

 

 

5.2

Ordinary Petitions

 

 

5.2.1

Petition Calling on the Council to Keep Burngreave Vestry Hall Under Council Management

 

 

 

The Council received a paper petition containing 186 signatures calling on the Council to keep Burngreave Vestry Hall under Council management, making it accessible and affordable to all.

 

 

 

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Mohammed Issa, who stated that a local organisation called ACORN had held meetings and asked people to sign a petition with a view to obtaining community support for the group taking over the management of the Hall.  This had included the community being misinformed regarding the price of hiring the premises and regarding its current uses.  Mr Issa advised that the doors to the Hall were kept closed for security reasons but this did not mean the Hall was not used, entry was facilitated by an intercom.  Mr Issa explained that the community was satisfied with the way the Hall was managed, and with its security and access, and wanted the Council to continue to manage it.  He added that, if for any reason the Council did want to cease its management, organisations currently operating from within the building would be happy to discuss that with the Council.

 

 

 

The petition was referred to Councillor Kurtis Crossland (the Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee) to respond.  Councillor Crossland thanked the petitioner and everyone who had signed the petition.  He apologised that the community had been misinformed and confirmed that there were no plans to change the operating model of Burngreave Vestry Hall.  It would continue to be available to the community, for hire.  He advised that any changes to the operating model would follow the relevant Council policies which were currently under development.

 

 

 

Councillor Crossland added that the Council was responsible for managing and maintaining approximately 100 community buildings, as well as owning several others that were leased to voluntary, community, and faith-based organisations.  The new policy would aim to ensure a more consistent, sustainable, and asset-based approach.  The programme was being piloted in the south of the city in collaboration with the voluntary, community and faith sector.

 

 

5.2.2

Petition Calling on the Council to Install Parking Restrictions on Scraith Wood Drive

 

 

 

The Council received a paper petition containing 145 signatures calling on the Council to install double yellow lines along the odd-numbered side of Scraith Wood Drive.  The lead petitioner was Lesley Smith.

 

 

 

There was no speaker for this petition.

 

 

 

The petition was referred to Councillor Ben Miskell (Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 1 MB

6.1      Questions relating to urgent business (submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.6).

 

6.2      Supplementary questions (in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.5) - on the answers, to be circulated at this meeting, provided to written questions (submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.1) to the Leader of the Council, or any Policy Committee (or Sub-Committee) or Regulatory Committee Chair, or a Member appointed by the Council to serve on the South Yorkshire Joint Authorities (under the provisions of Section 41 of the Local Government Act 1985), the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, or any other external body or joint committee, on matters within the functions of that Body.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

6.1

Urgent Business

 

 

 

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

 

 

6.2

Written Questions

 

 

6.2.1

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.

 

 

6.2.2

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).

 

 

 

7.

Notice of Motion Regarding "Debate Not Hate" - Given By Councillor Fran Belbin and To Be Seconded By Councillor Ibby Ullah

That this Council:- 

 

(a)      notes two city wide elections have taken place in Sheffield in the last three months and thanks everyone who voted and all those who helped to administer the elections for playing their part in the democratic process;

 

(b)      believes that debating and respectfully disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of our democracy, but that this cannot cross the line into abuse or intimidation;

 

(c)      further notes that abuse and toxicity in public and political discourse has a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) feel safe and able to represent their residents;

 

(d)      notes that female councillors and councillors from minoritised groups and those with other protected characteristics often receive the most abuse;

 

(e)      believes that the intimidation and abuse of councillors and MPs, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy, prevents elected members from representing the communities they serve, deters individuals from standing for election, and undermines public life in democratic processes;

 

(f)       therefore resolves to:-

 

(i)       challenge the normalisation of abuse against politicians and officers and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does;

 

(ii)       sign up to the Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate campaign and calls on each councillor to sign up to the campaign; the campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the response to and support those in public life facing abuse and intimidation;

 

(iii)      work with the LGA to address the abuse and intimidation of local politicians;

 

(iv)      ensure the Council has a clear reporting mechanism which councillors can use to monitor and record incidents of harassment and abuse of councillors and officers;

 

(v)      regularly review the support available to councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and councillor safety;

 

(vi)      work with the local police to ensure there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of councillors and their families and discuss the need to take a preventative approach that accounts for the specific risks that councillors face, as they do with other high-risk individuals, like MPs; and

 

(vii)     take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of councillors and officers.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

7.1

It was moved by Councillor Fran Belbin, and seconded by Councillor Ibby Ullah, that this Council:-

 

 

 

(a)      notes two city wide elections have taken place in Sheffield in the last three months and thanks everyone who voted and all those who helped to administer the elections for playing their part in the democratic process;

 

 

 

(b)      believes that debating and respectfully disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of our democracy, but that this cannot cross the line into abuse or intimidation;

 

 

 

(c)      further notes that abuse and toxicity in public and political discourse has a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) feel safe and able to represent their residents;

 

 

 

(d)      notes that female councillors and councillors from minoritised groups and those with other protected characteristics often receive the most abuse;

 

 

 

(e)      believes that the intimidation and abuse of councillors and MPs, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy, prevents elected members from representing the communities they serve, deters individuals from standing for election, and undermines public life in democratic processes;

 

 

 

(f)       therefore resolves to:-

 

 

 

(i)       challenge the normalisation of abuse against politicians and officers and uphold exemplary standards of public and political debate in all it does;

 

 

 

(ii)       sign up to the Local Government Association’s Debate Not Hate campaign and calls on each councillor to sign up to the campaign; the campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the response to and support those in public life facing abuse and intimidation;

 

 

 

(iii)      work with the LGA to address the abuse and intimidation of local politicians;

 

 

 

(iv)      ensure the Council has a clear reporting mechanism which councillors can use to monitor and record incidents of harassment and abuse of councillors and officers;

 

 

 

(v)      regularly review the support available to councillors in relation to abuse and intimidation and councillor safety;

 

 

 

(vi)      work with the local police to ensure there is a clear and joined-up mechanism for reporting threats and other concerns about the safety of councillors and their families and discuss the need to take a preventative approach that accounts for the specific risks that councillors face, as they do with other high-risk individuals, like MPs; and

 

 

 

(vii)     take a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of councillors and officers.

 

 

7.2

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Penny Baker, and seconded by Councillor Robert Reiss, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of new paragraphs (e) and (f) as follows and the re-lettering of original paragraphs (e) and (f) as new paragraphs (g) and (h):-

 

 

 

(e)      notes that whilst social media is a valuable tool for councillors to connect with constituents, it has led to the rise of online harassment and abuse directed to elected officials;

 

 

 

(f)       further notes that this online abuse can transcend traditional boundaries into personal spaces 24  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Notice of Motion Regarding "A Health And Social Care Emergency In Sheffield" - Given By Councillor Sophie Thornton and To Be Seconded By Councillor Will Sapwell

That this Council notes:-

 

(a)      that the NHS and social care system face multiple crises of access, staff retention, long waiting times, missed targets and poor outcomes;

 

(b)      that people across Sheffield are struggling to access health and care services;

 

(c)      that in 2023, almost 900,000 GP appointments in Sheffield took place more than two weeks after booking, representing 24% of all appointments that year;

 

(d)      that despite this, primary care providers have not been given the funding to employ more GPs, leaving qualified doctors facing unemployment;

 

(e)      that there is a national dentistry crisis as increasing numbers of practitioners leave the NHS;

 

(f)       that short staffing of Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodivergent Service (SAANS) is causing astronomical wait times for ADHD assessments;

 

(g)      that the Adult Health and Social Care and Education, Children and Families Policy Committees face significant pressure to continue to deliver savings in 2024/25 in the context of increasing demand for services;

 

(h)      that the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee overspend in 2023/24 was greatly reduced by one-off government funding, with no guarantee that this will continue in 2024/25;

 

(i)       that difficulty accessing services increases pressure on acute care such as Accident & Emergency as well as undermining overall population health; and

 

(j)       that both The King’s Fund and the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care have acknowledged the positive vision the Liberal Democrats have for social care reform and that cross-party working is the only way to achieve this;

 

This Council advocates for:-

 

(k)      cross-party collaboration both locally through the Health and Wellbeing Board and nationally through a long-term agreement on funding and provision of social care;

 

This Council resolves to:-

 

(l)       call for:-

 

(i)       the establishment of a cross-party commission to forge a long-term agreement on predictable, consistent funding for free personal care;

 

(ii)       the immediate review of Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding rules so that primary care providers in Sheffield can employ extra GPs; and

 

(iii)      an Emergency Health and Care Budget to put this national crisis at the top of the new government’s agenda; and

 

(m)     request the Chief Executive to convey these calls to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

8.1

It was moved by Councillor Sophie Thornton, and seconded by Councillor Will Sapwell, that:-

 

 

 

This Council notes:-

 

 

 

(a)      that the NHS and social care system face multiple crises of access, staff retention, long waiting times, missed targets and poor outcomes;

 

 

 

(b)      that people across Sheffield are struggling to access health and care services;

 

 

 

(c)      that in 2023, almost 900,000 GP appointments in Sheffield took place more than two weeks after booking, representing 24% of all appointments that year;

 

 

 

(d)      that despite this, primary care providers have not been given the funding to employ more GPs, leaving qualified doctors facing unemployment;

 

 

 

(e)      that there is a national dentistry crisis as increasing numbers of practitioners leave the NHS;

 

 

 

(f)       that short staffing of Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodivergent Service (SAANS) is causing astronomical wait times for ADHD assessments;

 

 

 

(g)      that the Adult Health and Social Care and Education, Children and Families Policy Committees face significant pressure to continue to deliver savings in 2024/25 in the context of increasing demand for services;

 

 

 

(h)      that the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee overspend in 2023/24 was greatly reduced by one-off government funding, with no guarantee that this will continue in 2024/25;

 

 

 

(i)       that difficulty accessing services increases pressure on acute care such as Accident & Emergency as well as undermining overall population health; and

 

 

 

(j)       that both The King’s Fund and the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care have acknowledged the positive vision the Liberal Democrats have for social care reform and that cross-party working is the only way to achieve this;

 

 

 

This Council advocates for:-

 

 

 

(k)      cross-party collaboration both locally through the Health and Wellbeing Board and nationally through a long-term agreement on funding and provision of social care;

 

 

 

This Council resolves to:-

 

 

 

(l)       call for:-

 

 

 

(i)       the establishment of a cross-party commission to forge a long-term agreement on predictable, consistent funding for free personal care;

 

 

 

(ii)       the immediate review of Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding rules so that primary care providers in Sheffield can employ extra GPs; and

 

 

 

(iii)      an Emergency Health and Care Budget to put this national crisis at the top of the new government’s agenda; and

 

 

 

(m)     request the Chief Executive to convey these calls to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

 

 

8.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Laura McClean, and formally seconded by Councillor Ruth Milsom, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by:-

 

 

 

1.       the deletion of paragraph (j) and the re-lettering of paragraph (k) as a new paragraph (j).

 

 

 

2.       the deletion of the section containing paragraphs (l) and (m).

 

 

 

3.       the addition of new paragraphs (k) to (q) (under the section “This Council advocates for”), as follows:-

 

 

 

(k)      greater elected member involvement in developing local healthcare strategies, creating opportunities for experience of communities to be heard and utilised;

 

 

 

(l)       a new national approach to social care, believing successive governments have failed to address the crisis, noting that various political  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Notice of Motion Regarding "Reallocating South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Funding From Doncaster Sheffield Airport To Insulating Homes" - Given By Councillor Paul Turpin and To Be Seconded By Councillor Peter Gilbert

That this Council notes:-

 

(a)      the intention of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to commit £138 million of Gainshare Funding to the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (£5.3million/yr for 26 years);

 

(b)      that £3.1 million of funding has already been allocated to develop an Outline Business Case to support the reopening of the Airport;

 

(c)      the proximity to Sheffield of Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands Airports;

 

(d)      that the Aviation Sector has stated that it will be net zero by 2050 but there is “no single, clear, sustainable alternative to jet fuel able to support flying on a scale equivalent to present day use” according to the Royal Society;

 

This Council believes:-

 

(e)      that any supposed emission savings from “Sustainable” Aviation Fuels will be almost completely negated by growth in flights;

 

(f)       that airport subsidy benefits people who are already relatively privileged and doesn't do anything to address inequality;

 

(g)      that, given the proximity of other airports, giving public money to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is unnecessary;

 

(h)      that airport expansion is incompatible with our local, regional and national climate targets;

 

(i)       that £5.3 million/year funding would be better spent on supporting a scheme to help insulate homes and develop and increase the amount of renewable technologies to reduce carbon emissions and householders’ energy bills;

 

(j)       that long distance train travel needs investment in infrastructure and lower prices to make it cheaper than highly subsidised air travel;

 

(k)      that air travel should be limited to sustainable levels with full costs of environmental impacts charged to airlines and airports;

 

This Council resolves:-

 

(l)       to not support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport;

 

(m)     to express the view that the £5.3 million/year should be reallocated from supporting airport expansion to supporting a scheme to make homes more energy-efficient;

 

(n)      to call on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to release the report on the South Yorkshire Citizens’ Assembly on Climate;

 

(o)      to request the Leader of the Council to convey these views to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; and

 

(p)      to request the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister asking him to support policies to lift the implicit subsidy to the aviation industry and tax aviation fuel fairly in order to use the funding raised to support the development of long-distance rail travel.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

9.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Paul Turpin, and formally seconded by Councillor Peter Gilbert, that:-

 

 

 

This Council notes:-

 

 

 

(a)      the intention of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to commit £138 million of Gainshare Funding to the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (£5.3 million per year for 26 years);

 

 

 

(b)      that £3.1 million of funding has already been allocated to develop an Outline Business Case to support the reopening of the Airport;

 

 

 

(c)      the proximity to Sheffield of Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands Airports;

 

 

 

(d)      that the Aviation Sector has stated that it will be net zero by 2050 but there is “no single, clear, sustainable alternative to jet fuel able to support flying on a scale equivalent to present day use” according to the Royal Society;

 

 

 

This Council believes:-

 

 

 

(e)      that any supposed emission savings from “Sustainable” Aviation Fuels will be almost completely negated by growth in flights;

 

 

 

(f)       that airport subsidy benefits people who are already relatively privileged and doesn't do anything to address inequality;

 

 

 

(g)      that, given the proximity of other airports, giving public money to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is unnecessary;

 

 

 

(h)      that airport expansion is incompatible with our local, regional and national climate targets;

 

 

 

(i)       that £5.3 million per year funding would be better spent on supporting a scheme to help insulate homes and develop and increase the amount of renewable technologies to reduce carbon emissions and householders’ energy bills;

 

 

 

(j)       that long distance train travel needs investment in infrastructure and lower prices to make it cheaper than highly subsidised air travel;

 

 

 

(k)      that air travel should be limited to sustainable levels with full costs of environmental impacts charged to airlines and airports;

 

 

 

This Council resolves:-

 

 

 

(l)       to not support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport;

 

 

 

(m)     to express the view that the £5.3 million per year should be reallocated from supporting airport expansion to supporting a scheme to make homes more energy-efficient;

 

 

 

(n)      to call on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to release the report on the South Yorkshire Citizens’ Assembly on Climate;

 

 

 

(o)      to request the Leader of the Council to convey these views to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; and

 

 

 

(p)      to request the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister asking him to support policies to lift the implicit subsidy to the aviation industry and tax aviation fuel fairly in order to use the funding raised to support the development of long-distance rail travel.

 

 

9.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Tom Hunt, and formally seconded by Councillor Ben Miskell, 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 (e):-

 

 

 

(a)      is committed to regional economic growth and notes that re-opening Doncaster-Sheffield Airport would significantly boost the regional economy, create 3,000-4,500 jobs directly, and thousands more in indirect and catalyst roles across various sectors;

 

 

 

(b)      believes that reopening  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Notice of Motion Regarding "Building Homes And Better Managing Housing Stock To Deal With The Housing Emergency And Improve Lives Of Sheffield Citizens" - Given By Councillor Dianne Hurst and To Be Seconded By Councillor Garry Weatherall

That this Council:-

 

(a)      notes research published by Shelter, which states that:-

 

(i)             between April 2023 and April 2024, 260,000 social rent homes in England have been lost through demolition or purchase;

 

(ii)       over 145,800 children are currently in temporary accommodation due to homelessness;

 

(iii)      landlords are converting their homes into affordable rent housing, which is not social rent housing; and

 

(iv)      in the financial year 2022-23, there was a net loss of 11,684 social rent homes in England;

 

(b)      notes that Sheffield mirrors this picture:-

 

(i)             between April 2014 and April 2023, the number of Sheffield City Council owned and managed homes declined from 41,059 to 38,470;

 

(ii)       in the financial year 2023-24 the main homelessness duty was owed to 843 households, and there were 765 households in temporary accommodation as of 20th June 2024;

 

(iii)      at the same time, applicants are advised to seek private rental homes, incurring higher costs which are unaffordable for many; the average private rent was £850 per month last December, compared to an average social rent of £358 for the last financial year; and

 

(iv)      the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2024-25, which was presented to Full Council in February 2024, acknowledges that the city has a shortage of 902 homes and anticipates a further loss of stock each year; it contains no clear targets for building, investment or acquisition during 2024-25 and, in the absence of a 10-year housing strategy, says that a partnership approach will be required;

 

(c)      believes that this commitment is not sufficiently clear, demonstrates a lack of ambition and, put simply, lets the people of Sheffield down;

 

(d)      resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider using the full range of tools available to borrow monies to increase housing stock;

 

(e)      calls upon central government to restrict the Right to Buy, in order to protect its investment in social housing and the wellbeing of its citizens;

 

(f)       resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider managing remaining properties effectively by:-

 

(i)       reviewing and managing tenancies appropriately where reports of empty homes are received;

 

(ii)       bringing void properties, regardless of their management arrangements across the Council portfolio, back into use as soon as possible; and

 

(iii)      promoting a system whereby properties can be pre-allocated on receipt of notice in order to minimise lost income and prevent damage and vandalism whilst vacant;

 

(g)      also resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider investing in retrofitting existing homes on the basis of ‘worst first’, to create sustainable and desirable homes; and

 

(h)      further resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider building new homes for rent at social rent levels, enabling the regeneration of whole communities as a result.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

10.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Dianne Hurst, and formally seconded by Councillor Garry Weatherall, that this Council:-

 

 

 

(a)      notes research published by Shelter, which states that:-

 

 

 

(i)       between April 2023 and April 2024, 26,000 social rent homes in England have been lost through demolition or purchase;

 

 

 

(ii)       over 145,800 children are currently in temporary accommodation due to homelessness;

 

 

 

(iii)      landlords are converting their homes into affordable rent housing, which is not social rent housing; and

 

         

 

(iv)      in the financial year 2022-23, there was a net loss of 11,684 social rent homes in England;

 

 

 

(b)      notes that Sheffield mirrors this picture:-

 

 

 

(i)       between April 2014 and April 2023, the number of Sheffield City Council owned and managed homes declined from 41,059 to 38,470;

 

 

 

(ii)       in the financial year 2023-24 the main homelessness duty was owed to 843 households, and there were 765 households in temporary accommodation as of 20th June 2024;

 

 

 

(iii)      at the same time, applicants are advised to seek private rental homes, incurring higher costs which are unaffordable for many; the average private rent was £850 per month last December, compared to an average social rent of £358 for the last financial year; and

 

 

 

(iv)      the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2024-25, which was presented to Full Council in February 2024, acknowledges that the city has a shortage of 902 homes and anticipates a further loss of stock each year; it contains no clear targets for building, investment or acquisition during 2024-25 and, in the absence of a 10-year housing strategy, says that a partnership approach will be required;

 

 

 

(c)      believes that this commitment is not sufficiently clear, demonstrates a lack of ambition and, put simply, lets the people of Sheffield down;

 

 

 

(d)      resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider using the full range of tools available to borrow monies to increase housing stock;

 

 

 

(e)      calls upon central government to restrict the Right to Buy, in order to protect its investment in social housing and the wellbeing of its citizens;

 

 

 

(f)       resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider managing remaining properties effectively by:-

 

 

 

(i)       reviewing and managing tenancies appropriately where reports of empty homes are received;

 

 

 

(ii)       bringing void properties, regardless of their management arrangements across the Council portfolio, back into use as soon as possible; and

 

 

 

(iii)      promoting a system whereby properties can be pre-allocated on receipt of notice in order to minimise lost income and prevent damage and vandalism whilst vacant;

 

 

 

(g)      also resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider investing in retrofitting existing homes on the basis of ‘worst first’, to create sustainable and desirable homes; and

 

 

 

(h)      further resolves to ask the Housing Policy Committee to consider building new homes for rent at social rent levels, enabling the regeneration of whole communities as a result.

 

 

10.1.1

(NOTE: With the agreement of the Council and at the request of the mover of the Motion (Councillor Dianne Hurst), the Motion as published on the agenda was altered by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Order of Notices of Motion at Council Meetings pdf icon PDF 57 KB

To agree the order in which Notices of Motion will be listed on the Council Summons for ordinary meetings of the Council during the Municipal Year 2024-25, in accordance with Council Procedure Rules 10.2 (b) and (c).  Details of a proposed order will be circulated at the meeting for approval.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

11.1

It was formally moved by Councillor Paul Turpin, and formally seconded by Councillor Dianne Hurst, that:-

 

 

 

Further to Council Procedure Rule 10.2, and having regard to the fact that the order for this meeting had been determined as Labour / Lib Dem / Green / Sheffield Community Councillors, the order in which Notices of Motion shall be listed on the Summons for the remaining five ordinary meetings of the Council in the Municipal Year 2024-25 shall be as follows:-

 

 

 

4 September 2024 – LibDem / Green / Labour / Labour / Cllr Al-Ahdal

 

 

 

2 October 2024 – Labour / LibDem / Labour / LibDem

 

 

 

6 November 2024 – Green / Labour / LibDem / Labour

 

 

 

4 December 2024 – LibDem / Labour / Labour / LibDem

 

 

 

5 February 2025 – Labour / Sheff Community Councillors / LibDem / Green

 

 

11.2

Whereupon, it was formally moved by Councillor Mary Lea, and formally seconded by Councillor Fran Belbin, that the motion now submitted be amended by the deletion of all the words after the word “that:-” and the addition of the following words:-

 

 

 

“this Council:-

 

 

 

(a)      believes that Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 10.2 which states “Provision shall also be made for the inclusion of any individual Motions that are not submitted through the recognised Groups” is unclear in its meaning;

 

 

 

(b)      notes that a group, by definition, is more than one member, and believes that the provision for Members who are not part of a recognised group to submit a motion for debate at Full Council must be more clearly defined;

 

 

 

(c)      requests that following liaison with Group Whips, the Monitoring Officer brings back a report to the next Full Council meeting suggesting any amendments to the Council Procedure Rules to provide for a more precise and unambiguous definition of how individual motions that are not submitted through the recognised groups should be accommodated within the formula for the order of notice of motions, as well as providing different options regarding formulas; and

 

 

 

(d)      resolves that (i) the order in which Notices of Motion shall be listed on the Summons for the ordinary meeting of the Council on 4th September 2024 shall be Lib Dem, Green, Labour, Labour and (ii) the order of motions for subsequent Full Council meetings in the municipal year 2024/25 shall be determined by Full Council following consideration of the above-mentioned report of the Monitoring Officer.

 

 

11.3

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost, except for paragraph (c) of the amendment, which was carried.

 

 

11.3.1

(NOTE: The result of the vote was FOR - 28 Members; AGAINST - 38 Members; ABSTENTIONS – 1 Member. Although Liberal Democrat Group Members voted against, they voted for paragraph (c) of the amendment.)

 

 

11.4

The original Motion, as amended, was then put as a Substantive Motion in the following form and carried:-

 

 

 

 

 

RESOLVED: That:-

 

 

 

(a)      further to Council Procedure Rule 10.2, and having regard to the fact that the order for this meeting had been determined as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Parental Leave Policy for Members pdf icon PDF 134 KB

To approve, with or without amendment, the recommendations in the report of the Director of People and Organisational Culture, published with this agenda, seeking approval to a Sheffield City Council Members’ Parental Leave Policy.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

12.1

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

 

 

 

(a)      approves the Parental Leave Policy for Members, attached as an appendix to the report of the Director of People and Organisational Culture, and agrees that it be added to the Constitution as an Appendix to the Members’ Allowances Scheme at Part 6; and

 

 

 

(b)      approves that maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave taken under this Policy is an approved reason under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 without needing the further approval of the Council.

 

 

 

13.

Annual Standards Report 2023 pdf icon PDF 50 KB

To receive the Annual Standards Report for 2023 which was approved for submission to full Council by the Audit and Standards Committee at its meeting held on 21st March 2024.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

13.1

The Council received and noted the Annual Standards Report for 2023, which had been referred to full Council by the Audit and Standards Committee at its meeting held on 21 March 2024, and which showed details of the outcome of the Standards complaints received from January to December 2023.

 

 

 

14.

Changes to the Remit of Finance Committee pdf icon PDF 105 KB

To approve, with or without amendment, the recommendations to be made by the Governance Committee, at its meeting to be held on 11 July 2024, relating to proposed amendments to the remit of the Finance Committee. 

 

A report of the General Counsel (and Monitoring Officer) setting out the Governance Committee’s recommendations will be published prior to the Council meeting.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

14.1

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: On the motion formally moved by Councillor Fran Belbin and formally seconded by Councillor Sue Alston, that, as recommended by the Governance Committee,this Council:-

 

 

 

(a)    approves that the Finance Committee be re-established as a Finance and Performance Policy Committee, retaining the same membership; and

 

 

 

(b)    approves the changes to Part 3.3.1 of the Constitution (Matters Delegated to Policy Committees), as outlined in the report to Governance Committee and as set out in the Appendix to that report.

 

 

 

15.

Minutes Of Previous Council Meetings pdf icon PDF 555 KB

To (a) receive the records of the proceedings of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 7 February 2024, the special meeting of the Council held on 6 March 2024 and the annual meeting of the Council held on 15 May 2024, and to approve the accuracy thereof; and

 

(b) give approval for a note of explanation to be added to the minutes of the meeting on 6 March 2024, at the end of section 4.3.2 (Public Questions from Russell Johnson), as follows:-

 

(NOTE: Subsequent to the meeting, it came to light, following receipt of a challenge to the accuracy of the response given at the meeting by the Leader of the Council, that the Leader had inadvertently omitted to state several words which had been included in his pre-prepared written response and that those words were of relevance to his explanation of why the formal complaints received in 2021 had been put on hold. The words which had been omitted at the meeting were “and the Council’s response to it”, and the complete response should have been as follows:- “He stated that the formal complaints submitted in 2021 had not been progressed at that time. This had been because the Independent Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute had been announced, and it had been felt that the Inquiry and the Council’s response to it, would be the better way to resolve the issues raised.”).

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

15.1

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: On the motion formally moved by Councillor Mary Lea and formally seconded by Councillor Joe Otten, that (a) the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 7 February, the special meeting of the Council held on 6 March and the annual meeting of the Council held on 15 May 2024, be approved as true and accurate records and (b) approval be given for a note of explanation to be added to the minutes of the meeting on 6 March 2024, inserted in section 4.3.2 (Public Questions from Russell Johnson), as follows:-

 

(NOTE: Subsequent to the meeting, it came to light, following receipt of a challenge to the accuracy of the response given at the meeting by the Leader of the Council, that the Leader had inadvertently omitted to state several words which had been included in his pre-prepared written response and that those words were of relevance to his explanation of why the formal complaints received in 2021 had been put on hold. The words which had been omitted at the meeting were “and the Council’s response to it”, and the complete response should have been as follows:- “He stated that the formal complaints submitted in 2021 had not been progressed at that time. This had been because the Independent Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute had been announced, and it had been felt that the Inquiry and the Council’s response to it, would be the better way to resolve the issues raised.”).

 

 

 

16.

Memberships of Council Bodies, Representatives to Serve on Other Bodies and Related Issues pdf icon PDF 85 KB

To consider any changes to the memberships and arrangements for meetings of Committees etc., delegated authority, and the appointment of representatives to serve on other bodies, which may be proposed at the meeting.

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

16.1

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

 

 

 

(a)      Councillor Ann Whitaker be appointed as Deputy Chair of the Admissions Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2024/25;

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

-

(1) Councillors David Barker, Laura Moynahan, Minesh Parekh and Ibby Ullah appointed as substitute members of the Committee, with effect from 28th May 2024; and (2) Councillor Denise Fox appointed as substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 7th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Planning and Highways Committee

-

(1) Councillors Rob Bannister, Mia Drazaic, Mark Jones, Gareth Slater and John Wright appointed as substitute members of the Committee, with effect from 15th May 2024; (2) Councillors Peter Gilbert and Toby Mallinson appointed as substitute members of the Committee, with effect from 29th May 2024; (3) Councillor Ibby Ullah appointed as a substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 31st May 2024; (4) Councillor Mark Whittaker replaced Councillor Laura Moynahan, with effect from 5th June 2024; and (5) Councillor Laura Moynahan replaced Councillor Rob Bannister as a substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 2nd July 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Governance Committee

-

(1) Councillor Julie Grocutt appointed as member of the Committee, with effect from 7th June 2024; and (2) Councillor Mark Rusling replaced Councillor Laura Moynahan, with effect from 11th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Audit and Standards Committee

-

Councillor Dianne Hurst appointed as member of the Committee, with effect from 7th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions Committee

-

Councillor Garry Weatherall appointed as member of the Committee, with effect from 7th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Officer Employment Committee

-

(1) Councillor Terry Fox appointed as member of the Committee, with effect from 7th June 2024; and (2) Councillor Ibby Ullah replaced Councillor Laura Moynahan, with effect from 15th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Monitoring and Advisory Board (Adult Services)

-

Councillor Angela Argenzio appointed as member of the Board, with effect from 20th May 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

-

Councillor Garry Weatherall appointed as member, with effect from 7th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Tenant Voices Matter Panel

-

Councillor Douglas Johnson appointed as member, with effect from 26th June 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority – Overview and Scrutiny Committee

-

Councillor Christine Gilligan Kubo replaced Councillor Marieanne Elliot as substitute member of the Committee, with effect from 15th May 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Sheffield Theatres Trust – Directors and Members

-

Councillors Laura Moynahan, Ann Woolhouse and Brian Holmshaw appointed as members of the Trust, with effect from 15th May 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Justice Management Board

-

Councillor Dawn Dale appointed as member of the Board, with effect from 3rd June 2024.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.