Agenda item

5.1

Petition Regarding Road Safety on Town End Road

5.1.1

Jeff Wager presented a petition, containing 62 signatures, requesting the Council to install speed cameras immediately along Town End Road. 

5.1.2

Mr Wager stated that he had witnessed vehicles regularly exceeding the speed limit on the road, often up to 70 mph on a 30 mph road, which he viewed as totally unacceptable.  The majority of the 62 people who signed the petition lived within the community, and were requesting action as a matter of urgency as they considered a serious accident was waiting to happen.

5.1.3

In response, Councillor Bob Johnson (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development) stated that the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership was the responsible body for making decisions as to where speed cameras could be installed but, in the meantime, he would request officers to check accident statistics at this location.  He stated that he had already been informed of the residents’ concerns, and indicated that there could be a potential for signage, road humps or build outs, which would hopefully encourage drivers to slow down.  Councillor Johnson stated that he would report the receipt of the petition to the Partnership, and send them Mr Wager’s contact details, whilst also speaking to local Ward Councillors regarding the possibility of arranging a site visit, to which Mr Wager would be invited to attend.

5.2

Petition Requesting That Sheffield Libraries Be Saved

5.2.1

The Cabinet received a petition, organised by Matt Smith and containing 127 signatures, requesting that Sheffield Libraries be saved.

5.2.2

Paul Robinson (Democratic Services) read out the details of the petition, at Mr Smith’s request, indicating that the petitioners were requesting the Council to abolish volunteer libraries, and bring back all 28 city libraries back under the management of Sheffield Libraries, with them being run by Council library staff.  The petition was also requesting the immediate implementation of the funding allocated to the Central Library for essential repairs, to abolish library fines, to study options to apply for external funding to renovate and, in the case of the last two, reopen and re-staff the Central, Tinsley Carnegie and Walkley libraries. 

5.2.3

Mr Smith’s statement indicated that library use in Sheffield continued to decline overall and was a victim of a fragmented, and severely reduced, service delivery model.  In addition, transfer to volunteers had seen funding become more transient, and the individual collection of books at Sheffield volunteer libraries not being available on the main Sheffield Libraries catalogue.  He indicated that Leeds, a similar size city to Sheffield, had over 30 libraries, still run by Council library staff, many of which were even open Sundays, and over the Christmas holidays.  This was despite Leeds having suffered similar cuts to Sheffield under austerity.  The Save Libraries petition demanded that Sheffield Libraries take back all 16 volunteer-run branch libraries under Council control, that library fines be abolished and that efforts be made to apply for funding to restore Central, Walkley Carnegie and Tinsley Carnegie libraries to their former glory.

5.2.4

In response, Councillor Mary Lea (Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure) stated that there had been a decline in library use nationally and in Sheffield over a number of years.  Since 2014, there had been approximately 900,000 loans a year from Council-operated libraries in Sheffield, approximately 1 million visits to libraries a year and around 6,500 home visits a year.  There had been an uplift in terms of e-books and children’s borrowing over the last few years.  At the start of the pandemic, the Council had invested £20,000 into its e-book service, which had resulted in an increase in around 2,000 people signing up as borrowers.  She stated that associate libraries had seen a reduction in loans from the city catalogue, although they do have their own collections.  Current national data did not include statistics regarding book loans from volunteer-run libraries, and there was a need to ensure that such information was included in the data.  Councillor Lea stated that funding for associate libraries currently stood at around £209,000, together with a one-off fund of £10,000 this year, for each library, including Council-run libraries, to be used for whatever they wanted it for, but in consultation with the local community.  Associate libraries still had the book collection they had when they first started, and any underspend they had could be used to purchase books.  Approximately £1.7 million savings had been made since the time of the libraries review.  In terms of the comparisons with Leeds, Councillor Lea stated that that city had a population of around 800,000, and had 30 libraries, whereas Sheffield, with a population of around 650,000, had 28 libraries.  Leeds sold off a number of their library buildings, in response to Government cuts, and invested in community hubs, which combine their library services with other Council services.  Leeds’ hub staff worked alongside other front-line Council staff undertaking other duties as well as library services-related duties.  In addition, Leeds Central library was open for shorter working hours on Sundays, but closed during Christmas holidays.  As regards the Carnegie library at Tinsley, Councillor Lea stated that this was last used as a library in 1985 and the library was then housed in a rented shop building which closed at the time of the library review.  She commented that work has started on a new library in Tinsley which will be housed at the One Stop Shop/Tinsley Forum and would open as soon as the situation with the pandemic permits.  She added that Walkley library was run by volunteers who have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund to renovate the building.

5.3

Public Questions

The Chair (Councillor Julie Dore) invited two members of the public to ask questions which they had submitted prior to the published deadline for submission of questions. There had been additional questions received after the submission deadline from five members of the public.  The questions received on the day of this meeting would be answered in writing after the meeting, and the Chair indicated she would read out the questions received the previous day as these related to the petition on libraries.

5.4

Public Questions Regarding Libraries (Read Out By The Chair)

5.4.1

Laura Swaffield’s question stated that she very much applauded the efforts of volunteers to keep library buildings open.  She questioned what research had the Council done to evaluate the performance of these volunteer centres as actual library services, given the huge drop in both visits and book issues at all of them, the very low reading attainment in certain catchment areas and the extra needs for supported internet access in others?

5.4.2

Shirley Burnham’s question stated that some years ago she lived on Empire Road, as a single parent, with a little daughter who attended Sharrow Lane Primary School.  She stated that it was tragic to her that a City that had one of the best library services in the country had decided to allow them to be ‘DIY'd’.  Now, after Covid-19, she respectfully asked the Cabinet whether there were any plans to revitalise those libraries and take them back under Council control.  She considered that they could be the means of rebuilding Sheffield communities and vital infrastructure; therefore could be very useful.

5.4.3

David Hayes’ questions were what had been done to assess the viability of the proposed catering and office development at Walkley Carnegie Library given the current downturn in trade due to coronavirus and the extreme likelihood of an ensuing economic depression. He asked whether the Council was aware that the Charity Commission had written to the volunteer sites at the former Stannington and Broomhill Libraries to remind them of their responsibilities regarding safeguarding and recruitment of volunteers after it was revealed that their respective volunteer application forms allegedly either did not ask for references or state that these may not be taken up.  What action will the Council be taking on this issue?  He added that given that 61% of children in the Darnall Ward, which included Tinsley, were failing to meet the required standard of reading at Key Stage 2 - does the Council think that now is the right time to reinstate a professionally staffed library service from the former Carnegie Library building on Bawtry Road?

5.4.4

In response, Councillor Mary Lea (Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure) stated that, to her knowledge, no formal academic work had been carried out with regard to the associate/volunteer-run libraries.  She agreed that the volunteers were doing an excellent job and stated that a peer review had recently been carried out by the Local Government Association, which had included consultation with a number of partner organisations, including the associate libraries.  The outcome of the review had indicated that the model used in Sheffield was of national significance.  Councillor Lea stated that the low reading attainment in parts of the City was a very complex issue, and not just linked to the lack of library services, but included a number of other factors.  Whilst libraries did play a key part in children’s learning, the Service continued to arrange a number of educational events with schools, and she added that libraries can, and do, play a major part in digital inclusion.  Councillor Lea stated that the Council had followed national guidelines with regard to Walkley Library and, in respect of Stannington Library, she was aware of the receipt of a letter from the Charity Commission, and confirmed that the Council did seek references for volunteers taken on to work in and around the Library.

5.5

Public Question Regarding The Understanding Of Covid-19 By People With A Disability

5.5.1

Adam Butcher questioned whether, in the light of different research reports and the Sheffield Covid-19 Plan, which was submitted to the Cabinet on the 20^th May 2020, how was the Council making sure people with a disability could understand what was going on?

5.5.2

Councillor Jackie Drayton (Cabinet Member for Children and Families) responded that this was a very important, and complex, issue and she confirmed that people in Sheffield with a learning disability were supported in many different ways, with the nature of care depending on where they resided, such as in residential care, supported living or at home on their own.  It had been very difficult for the Council to provide clear and consistent advice to people with a disability on the basis that the advice from Government and Public Health England had been constantly changing.  The Council continued to work closely with residential care homes, nursing homes and supported living schemes, together with other care providers to ensure that they were all having regular conversations with their residents in connection with current issues regarding Covid-19.  All such conversations were held based on the capacity of the individuals. In addition, Care Trust staff and all Service staff and community teams were in contact with them.  Councillor Drayton stated that it was clearly more difficult in terms of people living on their own and, in the light of this, the Council and Public Health England were providing advice.  The Council was also working closely with its partners in connection with publicising this advice and guidance through Disability Direct, Citizens’ Advice Bureaus, Mencap and other individual providers.  In addition, the Council was in touch with people via its e-helpline, particularly those who were shielding, with regard to assistance with their shopping, obtaining medicines and social contact.  Councillor Drayton stressed the need for people to receive sufficient support as they could feel isolated.  In terms of safeguarding, Councillor Drayton stated that there was a telephone number for people to ring if they had any concerns.  The Covid Bill granted the Council extra flexibility, but had not enacted any easements in Sheffield.  In fact, Adult Social Care were providing more support to people.  The Council was carrying out all its statutory duties under the Care Act, as well as being forced to deliver such services using new flexibility, creativity and technology, and in conjunction with its partners in health, housing, public health and care providers.  Councillor Drayton concluded by encouraging people with any specific concerns to contact the Council, and officers would investigate their concerns.

5.6

Public Questions Regarding the Impact of Covid-19

5.6.1

Nigel Slack stated that given the current 20% contraction of the economy due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the now seeming inevitability of a 'No Deal' Brexit, whilst locally Sheffield Hallam University were no longer expecting to develop the site opposite the Rail Station into a 30+ storey tower, some companies were recognising their ability to continue to do business without huge office spaces.  There was no guarantee that we will ever return to the old normal from before the pandemic, and many argue that we should not try.  With this in mind, would the Council continue to review their plans around the redevelopment of major new office and retail space?  Perhaps steering away from a concentration of development in ever greater density and looking to increase the space available for people and wellbeing within the City Centre, including outdoor spaces, and creating for what may need to be the new normal for our City?

5.6.2

Mr Slack asked whether the Cabinet Member for Transport and Development could comment on plans for extending the pedestrianisation of the City Centre, particularly with a view to timescales and any planned consultation with the public and businesses?

5.6.3

Mr Slack stated that whilst we were all cognisant of the stresses the Council was under during these difficult times, it is important that democracy and, from his point of view, public scrutiny, continued to be seen to be done.  The webcasting and the remote inclusion of public questions was a welcome part of this, but he queried what the Council’s expectations were about responding to outstanding issues from prior to the pandemic?  For himself, there were outstanding responses concerning the Hanover Tower report, the ongoing saga of the disposal of Mount Pleasant and issues under the Portfolio of the Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change.

5.6.4

Councillor Mazher Iqbal (Cabinet Member for Business and Investment) stated that how cities moved forward after the Covid-19 pandemic represented a global challenge.  The Council had, and would continue, to ensure that there were public spaces for people to meet in the City, not just in the City Centre.  The pandemic would obviously have a long-term impact on the City, and both the public and private sector were currently looking at how to progress their respective development schemes.  Councillor Iqbal referred specifically to the Heart of the City II scheme, referring to how the Council, working closely with its development partner, was looking at each individual element of the scheme, looking at all the various factors and progressing each one with due diligence.  He stated that he could not provide any firm details as to how the scheme would progress, but did state that, based on the information available at the present time, the Council would be progressing with the Radisson Blu hotel development as part of the scheme.

5.6.5

Councillor Bob Johnson (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development) reported that the schedule for the pedestrianisation works in the City Centre, to allow for social distancing in preparation for the re-opening of the City Centre, had been brought forward under the Covid legislation.  Due to the timescales, the works had been undertaken without prior public consultation, although he was happy to receive any comments from anyone, either directly or via their local Ward Councillors, and adjustments would be considered.  Councillor Johnson confirmed that all the works were temporary for the time being, and if any were to be proposed to remain permanent, this would require a formal consultation process.

5.6.6

The Chair (Councillor Julie Dore) reported that, in response to the Government’s recent announcement on support for construction projects, the Sheffield City Region had commenced discussions on identifying “shovel-ready” projects which could be promoted, and projects relating to outdoor activity and public spaces were being considered. She stated that most of the main Council Committees were back in operation, albeit virtually, with the Planning and Highways, and Licensing Committees having held meetings, the Cabinet having already met, and discussions were being held in terms of holding full Council meetings.  Fortnightly Member briefings on the pandemic were being held with officers and, on the alternate weeks, the Members of Parliament were having similar briefings.  In addition, local community response teams were meeting weekly, involving community groups and organisations.  Members of the public could keep updated on Council news and activities via the Newsroom or via Twitter and Facebook.  Councillor Dore stated that everyone was trying the best they could, in difficult circumstances, and would try and get back to normal as soon as it was possible and safe to do so. 

5.6.7

Councillor Terry Fox (Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Governance) reported that the final legal contracts in respect of Mount Pleasant were to be exchanged very shortly, and that this would provide an opportunity for Shipshape to have a lease on their current building, to enable the site to then be handed over to the developer.

5.6.8

Councillor Paul Wood (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety) reported that although the Council had committed to holding a public meeting with the residents of Hanover Tower Block, this had not been possible due to Covid, and with Zoom not being practical for such a meeting, Members and officers had consulted with the Tenants’ and Residents’ Association to establish all the different languages required for the translation of the information to enable the report to be issued within the next few weeks.  The residents would be given the choice as to whether the report be published, and residents offered the chance to feedback any concerns to the Council, or to wait and hold a public meeting, albeit sometime in the future. 

5.6.9

Councillor Mark Jones (Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change) stated that he would arrange a Zoom meeting for himself, Mr Slack and relevant officers, to look at protocols regarding Amey and stress-testing.