Agenda item

5.1

Public Question in respect of Review of Council Meetings

5.1.1

Nigel Slack commented that he was aware that a cross party group were currently looking at how to make Council meetings more effective and engaging for the public. Mr Slack suggested that he had a bit of experience in these areas and had been approached for his thoughts. He was also aware that it seemed unlikely that the proposals would be subject to public consultation. With this in mind would Cabinet be open to Mr Slack sending in some observations and suggestions?

5.1.2

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Olivia Blake responded that an initial report had been submitted to Full Council. There would be public consultation on any changes, but some changes would be implemented from September.

5.2

Public Question in respect of Devolution

5.2.1

Nigel Slack commented that, with the decision by the City Region to make no decision until September at the earliest in respect of the future of devolution, would it be possible for Sheffield and Rotherham to wish Barnsley and Doncaster farewell and proceed with the two tier Councils? If not, what are the Council’s hopes for September?

5.2.2

Councillor Olivia Blake responded that a decision had been deferred until September whilst Doncaster and Barnsley looked at other possible devolution offers. However, there was no other offer on the table from the Government than the current one, so Sheffield needed to make sure that this was followed through and made to happen.

5.3

Public Question in respect of Sculptural Work at the Hallam Tower Hotel

5.3.1

Nigel Slack stated that, it had come to his attention, via the Sheffield Modernist Society, that the Hallam Tower Hotel, currently awaiting demolition, housed on its façade some potentially important sculptural works by Henry and Joan Haigh. Henry was a noted sculptor and stained glass artist and these panels were one of very few examples of his secular work.

5.3.2

Mr Slack added that it would be a shame for these modernist pieces to become so much rubble on the floor, as we tended to be less respectful of modern architectural pieces than we might. Could planning officers look into a means of securing the fate of this sculpture?

5.3.3

In response, Councillor Ben Curran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, commented that the application referred to by Mr Slack was a live application. Retention of the sculptural works could be considered but what would help was a valuation of the works and Sheffield Modernist Society could be contacted with the same request. Any information gathered could strengthen the case for retention of the works.

5.4

Public Question in respect of the Amey Contract and Health and Safety

5.4.1

Nigel Slack submitted a question regarding the Amey contract and health and safety. As the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment and Streetscene, Councillor Bryan Lodge, was not in attendance at the meeting it was agreed that he would provide a written response to Mr Slack following the meeting.

5.5

Public Question in respect of Council Job Advert

5.5.1

Nigel Slack commented that a recent advertisement for job vacancies in Sheffield City Council read “Sheffield City Council job vacancies. Who will get the job?” and featured a series of photographs of mad, bad, insane, megalomaniac murderers, the cast from the tv programme, Game of Thrones. Mr Slack was not sure that this was something we should be encouraging in the City’s staff. Would the Cabinet agree?

5.5.2

Councillor Blake stated that she was not aware of the advert referred to by Mr Slack other than in his description. She would find out the background to this and provide a written response to Mr Slack.

5.6

Public Question in respect of Public Protests

5.6.1

Nigel Slack asked a question in respect of public protests related to the Streets Ahead Contract. As the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment and Streetscene, Councillor Bryan Lodge, was not in attendance at the meeting it was agreed that he would provide a written response to Mr Slack following the meeting.

5.7

Public Question in respect of Access to Properties during the Streets Ahead Contract

5.7.1

Nigel Slack asked a question regarding access to properties during the Streets Ahead Contract. As the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment and Streetscene, Councillor Bryan Lodge, was not in attendance at the meeting it was agreed that he would provide a written response to Mr Slack following the meeting.

5.8

Public Question in respect of Contact with Protesters regarding the Streets Ahead Contract

5.8.1

Nigel Slack asked a question regarding contact by the Council with protesters in respect of the Streets Ahead Contract. As the Lead Cabinet Member for Environment and Streetscene, Councillor Bryan Lodge, was not in attendance at the meeting it was agreed that he would provide a written response to Mr Slack following the meeting.