Agenda item

Housing and Planning Bill

11.1

It was moved by Councillor Jayne Dunn, seconded by Councillor Karen McGowan, that this Council:-

(a)      reiterates its opposition to the Government’s damaging Housing and Planning Bill and is concerned the Bill will lead to a reduction in the number of social homes in Sheffield;

(b)      notes the Administration’s support for ‘Kill the Bill’ – a national campaign opposing the Housing and Planning Bill, and a rally organised by Sheffield Trades Union Council and Sheffield Defend Council Housing, due to take place on 1^st April 2016 outside Sheffield Town Hall; and

(c)      welcomes the Administration’s commitment to increase the Council housing stock by 1,000 units over the next four years.

11.2

Whereupon, it was moved by Councillor Steve Ayris, seconded by Councillor Martin Smith, as an amendment, that the Motion now submitted be amended by the deletion of paragraphs (b) and (c) and the addition of new paragraphs (b) and (c) as follows:-         

(b)       notes that the Coalition Government oversaw the biggest net increase in social housing for 30 years; and

(c)       notes that despite the Administration’s alleged commitment to increasing social housing, and nationally social house building being at a 30 year high, independent figures show that these are empty words from the Administration, as during the last 4 years, 270 homes for social rent have been completed in Sheffield, whilst nearby Rotherham, Leeds and Wakefield have had 280, 340 and 1020 homes completed, respectively.

11.3

On being put to the vote, the amendment was negatived.

11.4

The original Motion was then put to the vote and carried, as follows:-

RESOLVED: That this Council:-

(a)       reiterates its opposition to the Government’s damaging Housing and Planning Bill and is concerned the Bill will lead to a reduction in the number of social homes in Sheffield;

(b)       notes the Administration’s support for ‘Kill the Bill’ – a national campaign opposing the Housing and Planning Bill, and a rally organised by Sheffield Trades Union Council and Sheffield Defend Council Housing, due to take place on 1st April 2016 outside Sheffield Town Hall; and

(c)       welcomes the Administration’s commitment to increase the Council housing stock by 1,000 units over the next four years.