Decision Maker: Central Local Area Committee
Decision status: For Determination
Is Key decision?: Yes
Local Area Committees (LACs) were established by Sheffield City Council in 2021. The primary purpose of the LACs is to promote the involvement of local people in the democratic process and to bring decision making closer to local people. There are seven LACs, and each one is made up of four wards. Each committee is composed of the elected members for those wards. The Committee does not and will not include council officers, representatives of partner organisations or members of the public, although they may be involved in a supporting or advisory capacity. Through public consultation, each LAC committed to developing a Community Plan that seeks to identify the key issues within their respective area, and develop a series of priorities that will inform the direction of the LAC, and direct the spending of delegated budgets, where the LAC has authority to do so. This Report recommends the approval of the Central Community Plan.
5.1 |
The Central Area Manager, Adeel Zahman, gave a presentation on the Central Local Area Community Plan 2022/23.
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5.2 |
It was mentioned the Community Plan would evolve, as the Council continued to engage with the public.
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5.3 |
Local Area Committees (LACs) were a way for the public to be involved and make a difference in their community. LACs gave the public the opportunity to influence decision-making and contribute to positive changes.
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5.4 |
It was stated the LACs had a budget of £100,000 to deliver and develop priorities in the areas. There was also a fund of £57,000 allocated to reduce fly tipping and graffiti in the central area.
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5.5 |
The presentation explained there was 12 Councillors who represented the Central Local Area Committee. 3 Councillors from each of the 4 wards. The wards were:
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5.6 |
The Central Area Manager explained the Central LAC aimed to improve their engagement with youth residents as only 1% had been engaged so far. Another target group was private and council renting tenants, as most people who responded through the survey was homeowners.
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5.7 |
Following engagement activities with residents in the central area, the following 5 priorities were highlighted:
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5.8 |
The presentation outlined an action plan for each of the 5 priority themes.
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5.9 |
The Chair thanked the Central Area team for developing the community plan.
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5.10 |
RESOLVED: That:-
(1) Approval be given to the Central Community Plan as a statement of the priorities of the area; (2) Authority be given to the Community Services Manager to produce a final version of the Community Plan document, incorporating any amendments approved by the LAC at this meeting, and to publish it on the webpages of the Central Local Area Committee; and (3) Notes that future LAC decisions relating to funding must fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.
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5.11 |
Reasons for Decision
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The proposal to approve the Central LAC Community Plan is recommended on the basis that the Plan provides a clear framework in how the LAC will direct it’s resources to address key issues identified through community consultation.
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5.12 |
Alternatives Considered and Rejected
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None. A key element in establishing LACs is the principle that each LAC will develop a Community Plan.
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5.13 |
At the conclusion of the consideration and voting on the Community Plan, a series of breakout groups were organised which comprised members of the public in attendance, a Council officer and a Member of the Committee leading the discussion, to consider the five key themes that had been highlighted in the Community Plan. The Chair asked each Lead Member of the groups to report back on the discussions held. Feedback were as follows:
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5.14 |
Transport and Highways
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5.15 |
Communities and Neighbourhoods
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5.16 |
Community Safety and Crime
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5.17 |
Environment
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5.18 |
Business, Employment and Skills
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5.19 |
The Chair mentioned there was a suggestion box available for anyone to use if they thought anything else was missing from the group discussions. The Chair added that all feedback would be greatly received and considered.
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Report author: Jayne Foulds
Publication date: 21/04/2022
Date of decision: 21/03/2022
Decided at meeting: 21/03/2022 - Central Local Area Committee
Effective from: 29/03/2022
Accompanying Documents: