Decisions

Use the search options below to find information regarding decisions that have been taken by the Council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

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Decisions published

15/03/2023 - Purchasing Electricity from Renewable Sources ref: 3446    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

12.1

The report details the energy tariff options available to the Council from its new electricity supplier (EDF).

 

The report sets out the Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) arrangement the Council has under the contract with its current supplier (which will expire in March 2023) and recommends that the Council purchases the standard product under the contract with its new supplier (which commences in April 2023).

 

The standard product does not involve the purchase of REGOs. The report sets out the Council’s intention that monies previously allocated for the purchase of REGOs is deployed on building a comprehensive communications and engagement package that will allow communities and organisations to learn about and access specific renewable energy funding and investment opportunities, subject to separate Council approval.

 

This decision will allow the Council to realise a significant cost avoidance for the financial year 2023/24 and years moving forward and by allocating the monies to local renewable energy projects it will have a positive effect on the Council’s route to net zero by 2030.

 

 

12.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) approves the Council purchasing the standard option for electricity generation with EDF, as set out in this report; and

 

(b) notes that the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee will consider the internal reallocation of monies previously allocated for the purchase of REGOs to support the Council’s local renewable energy and climate change projects.

 

 

12.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

12.3.1

There will be a cost avoidance for the year 2023/24 of £287,091 against the Clean Renewable option, £198,354 cost avoidance against the Renewable for Business option or £417,587 against the Select Renewable option.

 

 

12.3.2

The purchasing of REGOs has no effect on the Council’s route to net zero.

 

 

12.3.3

The Council intend on allocating the £40k a year previously spent on REGOs internally to support the Council’s local renewable energy and climate change projects. The £40k will be deployed on building a comprehensive communications and engagement package that will allow communities and organisations to learn about and access specific renewable energy funding and investment opportunities. Officers will work with Local Area Committees, businesses and community organisations to allocate SCC climate resources.

 

 

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

12.4.1

Option 1 – Purchase Renewable for Business option from EDF

 

Advantages:

- This would be a continuation of the Council procuring REGO’s for its electricity supply.

- This would enable the Council to declare that its electricity is generated from renewable sources for its market-based emissions.

 

Disadvantages:

- The cost to the Council would increase.

- This option would be a further draw on the Council’s budget alongside already known increasing energy costs.

- This option has no impact on the route to net zero.

- The purchasing of REGOs does nothing to reduce demand for electricity.

- This option does not contribute to the Council’s journey to net zero.

- This option includes electricity from biomass generation

 

 

12.4.2

Option 2 – Purchase Clean Renewable for Business option from EDF

 

Advantages:

- This would be a continuation of the Council procuring REGO’s for its electricity supply.

- This would enable the Council to declare that its electricity is generated from renewable sources for its market-based emissions.

- This option does not include biomass generation

 

Disadvantages:

- The cost to the Council would increase.

- This option would be a further draw on the Council’s budget alongside already known increasing energy costs.

- This option has no impact on the route to net zero.

- The purchasing of REGOs does nothing to reduce demand for electricity.

- This option does not contribute to the Council’s journey to net zero.

 

 

12.4.3

Option 3 – Purchase the Zero Carbon for Business option from EDF.

 

Advantages:

- The cost of this option is lower than that for renewable energy - £52,198.43

- The Council will be able to declare that its electricity is generated by zero carbon generation for its market-based emissions.

 

Disadvantages:

- The Council will be unable to declare that its electricity is generated by renewable technologies for its market-based emissions.

- This option is based on nuclear energy generation which is subject to some controversy regarding the storage of nuclear waste produced by this method of electricity generation.

- This option has no local impact on the route to net zero.

- This option does not contribute to the Council’s journey to net zero.

 

 

12.4.4

Option 4 – Purchase the Blended Zero Carbon for Business option from EDF.

Advantages:

- This would enable the Council to declare that its 50% of its electricity is generated from renewable sources for its market-based emissions and that the remaining 50% was from zero carbon generation.

 

Disadvantages:

- The cost to the Council would increase.

- This option would be a further draw on the Council’s budget alongside already known increasing energy costs.

- This option has no impact on the route to net zero.

- This would involve the purchasing of REGOs which does nothing to reduce demand for electricity.

 

12.4.5

Option 5 – Purchase of Select Renewables option from EDF.

 

Advantages:

- This would be a continuation of the Council procuring REGO’s for its electricity supply.

- This would enable the Council to declare that its electricity is generated from specified renewable sources for its market-based emissions.

 

Disadvantages:

- The cost to the Council would increase, this is the most expensive option available.

- This option would be a further draw on the Council’s budget alongside already known increasing energy costs.

- This option has no impact on the route to net zero.

- This would involve the purchasing of REGOs which does nothing to reduce demand for electricity.

 

 


15/03/2023 - Update on Marketing of the Former Cole Brothers Building ref: 3452    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

16.1

To provide an update the current position with the marketing of the former Cole Brothers store in Barkers Pool.

 

 

16.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) notes the current position in respect of the former Cole Brothers store in Barkers Pool and approval given to the next steps, as set out in the report; and

 

(b) agrees that the process to secure a developer continues as planned and that a further report be brought back to this Committee following the elections in May for selection of the preferred developer.

 

 

16.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

16.3.1

Officers are pleased with the range, number and quality of submissions received at the current stage of marketing, particularly given concerns raised when the building was listed. The next steps set out in this report will give sufficient time for the bids to be fully explored and further clarifications obtained in advance of final bids.

 

 

16.3.2

The timescales proposed are considered to be sensible given the need to give officers and the developers the opportunity to secure the best outcome for the future of the building and positive benefits of the Heart of the City project and wider city centre.

 

 

16.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

16.4.1

This report simply updates Members on the current position and next steps with the marketing of the building and decision making timescale. Members could decide to pause the process but to do so would lead to further delays and uncertainty around what is an important building for the regeneration of the city centre and of a lot of interest from many people both within and outside of Sheffield. There is also a risk that developers currently interested in the scheme, could withdraw.

 


15/03/2023 - Updates on the Review of Housing Related Support ref: 3451    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

15.1

The report submitted:

 

(1) provides an update on the findings of the Housing Related Support Review project;

 

(2) describe proposals for the redesign of the provision to better align with strategic priorities delivering better outcomes for customers;

 

(3) outlines the principle and components for the future operating and delivery model that will focus on the positive outcomes, providing Housing support and services that allow individuals to have the support, skills and tools to live independently within their own tenancies.

 

 

15.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

(a) notes the recommendations arising from the review of housing-related support, outlined in this report; and

 

(b) supports the development of a Business Case and Implementation Plan, based on the information outlined in this report

 

15.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

15.3.1

The proposal for the new delivery model of Housing Related Support seeks to offer an improved customer experience by promoting independence through a stronger emphasis on prevention. This will enable customers to avoid supported accommodation where possible and receive the support, skills and tools required to successfully move on to live in their own home, where supported accommodation is needed.

 

 

15.3.2

The service will be better aligned with strategic priorities that focus on achieving better outcomes through a more effective and efficient commissioning and delivery model. Through avoiding crisis there will have a wider benefit to the range of public sector resources that are deployed in the city, including Housing, Care, the NHS, Community Safety and Criminal Justice.

 

 

15.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

15.4.1

To remain as is, with a range of services that provide limited prevention, intervention, outreach, accommodation and support, presents a picture that is not viable going forward as current costs cannot be sustained and customers’ needs are not met.

 

 

15.4.2

Other areas we spoke to told us how they are closing large hostels and moving towards a mix of dispersed properties and small shared schemes for specific customer groups. They also told us that they are experiencing increasing levels of need and complexity amongst their customers.

 

 

15.4.3

The new delivery model of Housing Related Support will enable a tailored and personalised approach for those customers considered ‘vulnerable’. The current activity focussed on prevention will continue and develop, while the new delivery model enables customers to achieve positive and consistent experiences and outcomes to either retain or attain independent living. Without this new approach there is a risk that more resources will be needed to tackle ongoing demands and existing issues will persist.

 


15/03/2023 - Local Authority Housing Funding (LAHF) ref: 3450    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

14.1

To outline the allocation of funding from the Local Authority Housing Fund and to outline the proposed use to purchase homes.

 

To seek approval to receive and spend the funding and progress to acquiring new housing.

 

To approve use of capital to supplement the grant with repayments of the loan being met from rental income.

 

 

14.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) approves the acceptance and spend of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) grant offer of £2,803,007 from the Local Authority Housing Fund;

 

(b) approves capital funding of £2,959,672, as set out in the report; and

 

(c) approves the acquisition of up to 39 properties, as set out in the report.

 

 

14.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

14.3.1

The authority completed a validation form with the proposed minimum number of properties on 25th January 2023. Completion of the validation form doesn’t commit the local authority, only when a grant award is confirmed, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed by would the authority be committed to the scheme.

 

 

14.3.2

To secure the full funding the LAHF Team confirmed that ideally all purchases should be complete by 30th November 2023. If purchases are within the legal process at that point but not complete the funding for those properties will still be provided. Acquisitions currently being purchased can be included in this programme. To secure all funding, it is recommended to allocate this funding to current purchases within the Stock Increase Programme. This fund will then allow surplus funding of up to £2.8m to be generated for use within the Stock Increase Programme to deliver further additional properties.

 

 

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

14.4.1

No alternative options were considered.

 


15/03/2023 - King's Coronation and Eurovision Cultural Celebrations ref: 3449    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

11.1

The report sets out key events taking place in May 2023 which will mark moments in history in the lives of all our communities. The Coronation of King Charles III will be a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to celebrate a day history is made; whilst the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK provides an opportunity to celebrate Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s Ukrainian and diverse communities.

 

The earlier report to Strategy & Resource Urgency Sub-Committee on 8th August 2022 identified that should our hosting bid not be successful, there would be a commitment to host a smaller cultural ‘fringe’ style festival. Since then, and through collaboration with the BBC, the proposed Eurovision Song Contest Fringe event, as outlined in this report, presents significantly more benefits than originally anticipated.

 

 

11.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) approves the plans and notes the resources required to deliver an event for the King’s Coronation in the Peace Gardens, under the banner of ‘The Lord Mayor’s Coronation Party’ and to deliver the Eurovision Song Contest fringe event(s) in the Devonshire Green, as set out in the report;

 

(b) notes that in line with communications from the Secretary of State, Sheffield City Council supports communities to engage in Street Parties, Coronation Big Lunch and The Big Help Out opportunities;

 

(c) approves for the revenue costs of up to £296,000 to be funded from the Council’s reserves (Flexible Development Fund reserve) to ensure the events are delivered, this includes financial support of £5,000 for each of the seven Local Area Committees to deliver local community events as is appropriate for the specific community;

 

(d) notes that an application for grant funding of £30,000 has been submitted to Arts Council England which will reduce the funding required from the reserves if successful. The acceptance of this grant is subject to a formal approval by External Funding team and Director of Economy, Skills and Culture; and

 

(e) notes that additional funding may be provided by both the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) (via SYMCA) and BBC (but not confirmed at this stage) which will reduce the funding requirement from the reserves further. The acceptance of this funding is subject to a formal approval by External Funding team and Director of Economy, Skills and Culture.

 

 

11.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

11.3.1

The recommendations are made on the basis that celebrations to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III and the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK will:

 

·       provide opportunities to create inclusive events for Sheffields communities to celebrate

·       will drive footfall and increase dwell time in the city centre in support of local businesses

·       will enable neighbourhood communities to come together

·       will show support for Ukraine and other diverse community groups

 

 

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

11.4.1

An option not to create a public celebration of the King’s Coronation and/or Eurovision has been considered. This would lead to there being no public record of King Charles III Coronation being celebrated as a civic event.

 

 

11.4.2

At the time of bidding to host the Eurovision Song Contest, SCC’s commitment was to engage with and support Ukrainian communities across South Yorkshire; and to create a cultural event in support of Ukraine should the Eurovision Song Contest bid not be successful. If no celebration is delivered, this commitment would remain unfulfilled leading to Sheffield City Council’s reputation being damaged.

 


15/03/2023 - Capital Approvals - Month 10 2022/23 ref: 3447    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

13.1

This report provides details of proposed changes to the existing Capital Programme as brought forward in Month 10 2022/23.

 

 

13.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

(a) approves the proposed additions and variations to the Capital Programme listed in Appendix 1;

 

(b) approve the acceptance of grants as detailed in appendix 2 of the report:

 

(c) approves the variation to the Future High Streets Fund schemes detailed in Appendix 3, subject to confirmation being received from Department for Levelling Up Housing & Communities of their acceptance of change in scope of project.

 

 

13.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

13.3.1

The proposed changes to the Capital programme will improve the services to the people of Sheffield.

 

 

13.3.2

To formally record changes to the Capital Programme and gain Member approval for changes in line with Financial Regulations and to reset the capital programme in line with latest information.

 

 

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

13.4.1

A number of alternative courses of action are considered as part of the process undertaken by Officers before decisions are recommended to Members. The recommendations made to Members represent what Officers believe to be the best options available to the Council, in line with Council priorities, given the constraints on funding and the use to which funding is put within the Revenue Budget and the Capital Programme.

 


15/03/2023 - Transport Review ref: 3445    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

10.1

To provide an update on the transport policy environment, Sheffield’s role in achieving regional objective, meeting carbon zero targets and the related investment programmes designed to deliver transformational connectivity

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) notes the initial update on the Sheffield Transport Strategy and Programme, and the success achieved in securing significant investment into Sheffield and the progress being made to deliver the City’s transport objectives; and

 

(b) notes that the Transport, Regeneration, and Climate Policy Committee will:

 

(1)  provide oversight to the scope of the refresh of the Sheffield Transport Strategy, and development of the associated delivery plans, ensuring that the city’s commitment to Net Zero is fully reflected;

(2)  support officers to review the professional capacity required to support the successful development, delivery and influence of policy, programmes and initiatives to support Sheffield’s ambitions; and,

(3)  review the approach to communications, consultation and engagement at a programme and project level and determine the level of appropriate resources required.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

As outlined in the report, given the changes in central government policy with regard to transport investment and a focus on carbon reduction, it is becoming apparent that updating the local transport policy will be a key part of the strategic narrative around the changes being developed as part of the Transforming Cities Fund and Active Travel Fund. It is also relevant to the future capital allocations, such as, the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

 

 

10.3.2

An update on a local level is therefore considered beneficial and will be brought forward, subject to agreement by this Committee and the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

Alternative options are not considered applicable. The information contained in this report is for reporting purposes with no direct decision being requested. Any further related decision will be brought forward through the relevant Policy Committee, on a specific decision basis.

 


15/03/2023 - Response to the Peer Review ref: 3444    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

9.1

The recent LGA Corporate Peer Challenge of Sheffield City Council was undertaken by a team of officer and Member peers from other authorities and was based on discussions with over 170 people (Elected Members, staff, representatives of partner organisations and other stakeholders), and involved over 50 meetings over the four days the team were on-site. The peer team’s report focuses on the corporate governance and leadership of the organisation and highlights a number of areas of strength, as well as some areas for improvement.

 

The report asks Strategy and Resources Committee to consider the findings of the peer challenge and to note and accept the recommendations made. The report also sets out a suggested SCC response to the recommendations and an action plan, which the committee is asked to consider and agree to

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(a) notes and welcomes the Corporate Peer Challenge report and its recommendations;

 

(b) thanks the Corporate Peer Challenge team for their work in undertaking the review and producing the report;

 

(c) agrees the council’s response and accompanying action plan and to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, to take the steps required for its implementation;

 

(d) notes that the peer team will undertake a follow-up visit to Sheffield approximately 6 months after the initial review to provide a stocktake on initial work towards the recommendations;

 

(e) requests an update to the Strategy and Resources Committee on progress towards the action plan within 12 months.

 

 

9.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

9.3.1

The recommendations will strongly support the Council’s ongoing improvement journey as set out in the strategic goals paper and Delivery Plan agreed by Strategy and Resources Committee in June 2022 and August 2022 respectively.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

As a condition of undertaking the peer review, the council agreed that the final report should be considered in a public meeting, alongside a proposed response to the recommendations made.

 

 

9.4.2

Therefore, the other options open to Members are not to accept some or all of the recommendations made by the peer team. The recommendations made were based on evidence gathered from over 50 meetings, and discussions with more than 170 people from within and outside the council. There is strong alignment between the recommendations and other pieces of work, such as the 6 month review of governance, work on the Delivery Plan, City Goals development, and the Future Sheffield transformation programme. As such, the option of rejecting some or all of the recommendations is not advised.

 


15/03/2023 - Conversion Practice Position Statement ref: 3448    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Decision published: 20/03/2023

Effective from: 15/03/2023

Decision:

8.1

The Sheffield Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board is seeking endorsement on its proposal to produce a position statement on Conversion Therapy or Practice and to note its direction of travel.

 

Conversion Practice is any intervention that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It works towards one goal and that goal is to cure someone from being LGBTQIA+.

 

The proposal for a position statement supports the rights and autonomy of all people, regardless of sexual identity, and takes a gender affirming perspective. We are asking our Council members and wider organisations to endorse the position statement which condemns this harmful and unethical practice.

 

 

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and Resources Policy Committee:-

 

 

(1) approves sign up to the Adult Safeguarding Board Conversion Practice Position statement and delivery plan; and

 

(2) requests the Director of Adult Health and Social Care to bring an update to Committee on an annual basis regards implementation of the statement.

 

 

8.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

8.3.1

Endorsing and noting the direction of travel will:

 

• Raise awareness of the practice of Conversion therapy in Sheffield.

• Encourage the LGBTQ+ community to speak out with confidence where they are subjected to this practice.

• Provide strategies within a framework to support the LGBTQ+ community.

 

 

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

8.4.1

A position statement is proposed to define the issues and implement strategies that will produce a measurable and positive result for the LGBTQ+ community. It will also provide a framework for guidance rather than a mandatory policy which cannot be enforced across the numerous organisations which we hope to sign up.

 


08/03/2023 - School Calendar 2024/25 ref: 3458    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Education, Children and Families Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2023 - Education, Children and Families Policy Committee

Decision published: 16/03/2023

Effective from: 08/03/2023

Decision:

7.1

John Bigley was in attendance to present a report which sought to secure agreement of the school calendar for the 2024/25 academic year for Voluntary Controlled and Community Schools.

 

 

7.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee approve: -

 

 

 

-       The School calendar for the 2024/25 academic year. 

 

 

7.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

7.3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is recommended that Appendix A be approved as the model school calendar for the 2024/25 academic year.  The calendar applies to all Community schools, Voluntary Controlled Schools, Community Special Schools and maintained nursery schools.  Voluntary Aided Schools, Trusts and Academies that are their own Admission Authority are recommended to adopt the model calendar to promote consistency across the City.

 

 

7.3.2

 

 

 

It is likely that Church Aided Schools will have their Easter Break around the religious festival.  This has always been the case and Aided Schools will continue to set their own dates at Easter.

7.3.3

There was overwhelming support for fixing the Easter break at the beginning of April when the proposal was first consulted upon for the 2017/18 school calendar.  It is accepted that there are many different views and opinions on the school calendar. The purpose of the consultation was to invite opinion and comment from all stakeholders. There have not been many responses to the proposed calendar, nor has there been any strong opposition to the proposed calendar for 2024/25 which indicates that the support expressed under last year’s consultation continues.

 

 

7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

7.4.1

In response to the overwhelming support for fixing the Easter Break during the 2017/18 consultation process the Authority has only consulted on this single model for 2024/25.

 

 

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13/03/2023 - Biodiversity Working Task and Finish Group ref: 3453    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 13/03/2023 - Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Decision published: 15/03/2023

Effective from: 13/03/2023

Decision:

9.1

The Head of Parks and Countryside introduced the report which sought approval to appoint a Task and Finish Group to oversee work to respond to the declaration of a Nature Emergency in Sheffield. Membership will be drawn initially from the Communities, Parks, and Leisure Policy Committee. The Terms of Reference of the Group were appended to the report.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Approve the appointment of a Task and Finish Group on the terms of reference at Appendix A to oversee work to respond to the Nature Emergency declared by Sheffield City Council on 16th June 2021.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The Task and Finish Group will bring together a small, focused group of members to examine key challenges around the nature emergency and provide clear advice and direction to officers developing an action plan for the Council and city. Cross party representation will mean that political agreement is reached at an early stage of the process allowing the strategy to progress. The group will feed back advice given, and progress on the work programme to the Policy Committee, so the Committee can make informed decisions on any future actions.

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

An alternative would be to deliver a series of Knowledge Briefings for the Policy Committee. This was rejected as it would not enable constructive debate and advice to be provided to officers.

 


13/03/2023 - Library Theatre Fees ref: 3454    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 13/03/2023 - Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Decision published: 15/03/2023

Effective from: 13/03/2023

Decision:

8.1

The Service Manager introduced the report which sought approval for the proposed increase in hire fees for the use of the Library Theatre, to reflect increasing cost pressures and the need to ensure financial sustainability for the future.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Approve the proposed Scale of Charges for the Library Theatre to take effect from June 2023 set out at paragraph 1.6 of the Report.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

It is recommended that Committee approve proposed increase to Library Theatre Hire Fees.

8.3.2

It is recommended that this increase comes into effect 3 months after Committee make their decision.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The option of keeping fees at their current level was considered. However, this would put the Library Theatre in a situation where it will cease to cover its running costs and will no longer be financially viable. Removing the Library Theatre as a venue would reduce the options for lower priced venues and have a particular impact on amateur dramatic and community group performances.

8.4.2

The Library Theatre’s bar prices have been increased to raise revenue and reflect increasing costs of stocking the bar. However, this is not a viable alternative option for the longer term, as the bar cannot generate sufficient revenue on its own to cover the wider increased running costs.

 


13/03/2023 - Bereavement Fees and Charges ref: 3455    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Made at meeting: 13/03/2023 - Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Decision published: 15/03/2023

Effective from: 13/03/2023

Decision:

7.1

The service manager for Coronial and Bereavement Services introduced the item which outlined the Bereavement Services team proposal to increase fees by 4% for burials, cremations and memorials from 1st April 2023, with some exceptions (as outlined within the report).

 

The purpose of the report was to provide detail on, and seek agreement for, the proposed price increases.

 

7.2

RESOLVED: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:-

1.     Agree a general 4% increase (rounded up) to all Bereavement Services fees and charges from 1st April 2023, alongside the specific changes listed within the report.

 

7.3

Reasons for Decision

7.3.1

Raising fees as outlined is recommended in order to minimise the impact delivery cost increases will have on the service delivered to customers.



7.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

7.4.1

Not increasing fees would lead to a significant reduction in the quality of services provided.

 

7.4.2

Increasing fees by more than 4% to match inflation would be beneficial for the development and delivery of the service but would provide an additional financial burden on bereaved customers when accessing this essential service at a time when cost of living is already increasing significantly.