Agenda item

5.1

The Central Area Manager, Adeel Zahman, gave a presentation on the Central Local Area Community Plan 2022/23.

5.2

It was mentioned the Community Plan would evolve, as the Council continued to engage with the public.

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.

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.

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:

• Hillsborough
• Walkley
• Broomhill & Sharrow Vale
• City

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.

5.7

Following engagement activities with residents in the central area, the following 5 priorities were highlighted:

• Transport & Highways
• Environment
• Community & Neighbourhoods
• Community Safety & Crime
• Business, Employment & Skills

5.8

The presentation outlined an action plan for each of the 5 priority themes.

5.9

The Chair thanked the Central Area team for developing the community plan.

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.

5.11

Reasons for Decision

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.

5.12

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

None. A key element in establishing LACs is the principle that each LAC will develop a Community Plan.

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:

5.14

Transport and Highways

• Sheffield needed better public transport services
• Needed to look at bus franchising
• Reduce the amount of pavement parking
• Needed to be easier routes for people to report local issues

5.15

Communities and Neighbourhoods 

• Look at venues in the city for community groups
• Understanding that long term residents had different priorities to short term residents
• Needed to engage more with people who do not have access or use Computers
• Wealthier parts of the city received the same funding as other areas
• Look at community mapping so that organisations can see who they can work with

5.16

Community Safety and Crime

• To reduce the amount of Fly tipping and Graffiti in the area should be a priority
• The LAC should aim to assist Community Groups and students
• Look at Police attending future meetings
• Needed to be more Police presence on estates
• Needed to ensure better safety for the females in the city
• Needed to improve safety on the local parks, would like to see more Police presence
• Needed better ways to report local crime

5.17

Environment

• Needed to look into Student housing
• Needed to look at how students can engage more with the Council
• Aim to reduce litter in the wards
• Needed to engage with landlords and aim to stop the reduction of greenery at properties
• Look at how bin management and recycling can be improved
• Needed to encourage more people to travel to green spaces in the city
• Look at Community groups doing activities with children

5.18

Business, Employment and Skills

• Needed to look at ways to upskill people who were looking for jobs
• Look at what Universities and Colleges were doing to upskill students
• Improve people’s IT skills
• Look at female led business networking opportunities
• Needed to be a safe space for people to talk to each other about employment

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.