Agenda item

3.1

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Tony Downing) reported that five petitions and questions from thirteen members of the public had been received prior to the published deadline for submission of petitions and questions for this meeting.  On all five petitions, representations were to be made on behalf of the petitioners.  All thirteen questioners had been invited to attend the meeting to ask their questions.

3.2

Petitions

3.2.1

Petition Requesting Action to Deter Fly Tipping

The Council received a petition containing 552 signatures requesting the Council to reintroduce Bring Your Own Rubbish days in Sheffield.

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Michelle Hinson, a member of the Sheffield Litter Pickers and the S20/S21 Litter Pickers groups. Ms Hinson stated that she had been part of work removing hundreds of bags of rubbish and fly tipping, which was then reported to the Council or through the Fix my Street app. She said that Sheffield had significant fly tipping and litter issues, which created a lot of work for both the Council and volunteers. Ms Hinson said she had spoken with local residents in her area, and that they suggested the fly tipping was due to low-income households not being able to afford to pay somebody to remove their items. Ms Hinson said she had received good feedback following the Bring Out Your Rubbish days, and that it had drastically reduced fly tipping. Ms Hinson stated she felt reintroducing Bring Out Your Rubbish days would be more cost effective for the Council and would significantly reduce fly tipping and littering. Ms Hinson referenced recent TV programmes, which she said indicated it remained difficult to catch the perpetrators of fly tipping and littering. Ms Hinson suggested prevention was the best way to progress.

The Council referred the petition to Councillor Mark Jones (Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change). Councillor Jones thanked Ms Hinson for the petition, and for her work to remove litter. Councillor Jones agreed that prevention was the best way forward. He stated that at the last full Council meeting, proposals were put forward for the establishment of Local Area Committees (LACs). He hoped that through the LACs, Bring Out Your Rubbish days could be established in co-ordination with local Councillors. Councillor Jones said he believed the best way to establish Bring Out Your Rubbish days was at a local level, developed with local communities.

3.2.2

Petition Requesting the Council Introduce CCTV in Page Hall

The Council received a petition containing 6 signatures requesting the Council to bring in CCTV in Page Hall.

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Damien Callaghan who stated that his father and family had lived there for over 20 years and issues have increased in the area, leading to South Yorkshire Police bringing in an independent police team in the area. Mr Callaghan said that a number of crimes were taking place there, and that CCTV would allow them to identify the perpetrators.

The Council referred the petition to Councillor Paul Wood (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety). Councillor Wood thanked Mr Callaghan for the petition and stated that there were new community safety plans being introduced which would include CCTV which would be trialled in a number of areas. Councillor Wood said that to be effective CCTV needed to be monitored either by the police or Council. He added that if the trials were effective, CCTV would form a tool within the community safety plans which could be deployed into any area of Sheffield. Councillor Wood stated that Local Area Committees would likely be involved in this process to assess whether there was a local need for CCTV.

3.2.3

Petition Requesting a Pedestrian Crossing on Abbey Lane

The Council received an electronic petition containing 5,700 signatures, requesting a Pedestrian Crossing on Abbey Lane between Ecclesall Woods.

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Chloe Cheeseman, who informed the Council that Ecclesall Woods offers thousands of Sheffield residents the opportunity to visit nature; however, she stated that visiting the woods or its popular discovery centre is not always safe due to crossing Abbey Lane. She added that Abby Lane has a speed limit of 40mph and there are no crossing facilities across that Lane leading to various issues and risks when crossing the road. Ms Cheeseman shared comments from petitioners regarding these risks and stated that the lack of crossing most significantly affects elderly and disabled citizens.

Ms Cheeseman asked the Council to act urgently by investigating and planning suitable crossing improvements, in consultation with the Friends of Ecclesall Woods group. She asked that a plan be produced which includes a budget by the summer.

The Council referred the petition to Councillor Julie Grocutt (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development). Councillor Grocutt thanked Ms Cheeseman for presenting the petition, and said she understood the concerns raised. Councillor Grocutt stated that the pandemic had led to an increased number of requests for improved road safety measures throughout Sheffield. She added that the Council would want to encourage an increase in pedestrian activity for leisure purposes and is looking into what measures would be suitable on Abbey Lane to reflect the increased popularity of Ecclesall Woods. She added that there are many points when people using the woods might cross Abbey Lane, and that the Council needs to consider what methods would be suitable to address this increased demand. Councillor Grocutt stated that any measures introduced must be sympathetic to the tree-lined, peaceful location of Abbey Lane. She said that a feasibility study has been commissioned to identify various options to install crossing facilities on Abbey Lane. Councillor Grocutt stated she would keep Ms Cheeseman and the Friends of Ecclesall Woods group updated on this study.

3.2.4

Petition Requesting a Speed Camera in Mosborough

The Council received an electronic petition containing 424 signatures, requesting a speed camera in Mosborough and that the Council work with the police to tackle speeding in Mosborough.

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Kurtis Crossland, who began by thanking the Lord Mayor (Councillor Tony Dowling) for his work. Mr Crossland informed the Council that he had been contacted by a number of residents in Mosborough whose vehicles had been written off due to speeding in the area. He added that there had been a number of accidents within the last few weeks in the area. Mr Crossland requested that the Council find solutions to these issues in order to improve road safety in the area.

The Council referred the petition to Councillor Julie Grocutt (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development). Councillor Grocutt thanked Mr Crossland for presenting the position. She informed Mr Crossland and his fellow petitioners that the introduction of speed cameras was managed by South Yorkshire Police as part of the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership. Councillor Grocutt stated that as the Council moves towards Local Area Committees (LACs) it would be possible for a resident to contact their LAC and request that they work with the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership and South Yorkshire Police to look at how these situations can be resolved. She stated that the petition had been forwarded to the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership for their attention; however, she said that petitioners should be aware that there had been an unprecedented increase in these requests and that it may be some time before mobile enforcement occurs in Mosborough. Councillor Grocutt said she had requested that Mosborough be included in the Community Speed Watch initiative. She stated that the initiative had been paused due to COVID-19 but will recommence once restrictions are lifted.

3.2.5

Petition Requesting that Recycling Centres Open 7 Days a Week and the Reintroduction of Bring Out Your Rubbish Days

The Council received an electronic petition containing 265 signatures requesting that household recycling centres open 7 days a week and that Bring Out Your Rubbish days be reintroduced.

Representations on behalf of the petitioners were made by Adil Mohammed, who began by thanking litter picking volunteers. Mr Mohammed stated that there had been a number of issues with accessing recycling centres and disposing of rubbish in Sheffield, which had increased during the pandemic. Mr Mohammed requested that the Council bring back Bring Out Your Rubbish Days and extend the opening hours of recycling centres to 7 days a week. He suggested a booking system could be used at recycling centres and added that these had been used in other Local Authorities.

The Council referred the petition to Councillor Mark Jones (Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change). Councillor Jones thanked Mr Mohammed for his petition and for his work removing litter. Councillor Jones stated that the Council had worked hard to keep its services running during the pandemic, and added that Sheffield was one of only two Councils in the country that kept its household waste recycling centres open throughout the pandemic. He added that Sheffield had received national recognition for the work it carried out, and was used as a template to inform Local Authorities in their handling of their recycling centres during the pandemic. Councillor Jones stated he was proud of the work that had been done by Sheffield City Council staff, and all those working at Sheffield recycling sites, and thanked them for their dedication and hard work during the pandemic.

Councillor Jones explained that Sheffield had 5 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), and discussions have been ongoing around how to address local residents’ concerns. Councillor Jones announced that following these discussions all sites in Sheffield would now be open 7 days a week, 9.30am-5.30pm, from the 1st of April 2021. He added that the earlier opening times are in response to a consultation which has been in progress for a number of months.

In addition, Councillor Jones stated that the Blackstock Road and Beighton sites would have extended opening hours over the Bank Holiday weekend. He added that the restrictions regarding numbers of people on site would now be lifted. He said face coverings would need to be worn, but more people would now be able to access the sites. Councillor Jones said it would be the responsibility of members of the public to maintain social distancing and added that staff would not be able to assist members of the public in removing items from their vehicles due to increased safety measures.

Councillor Jones added that there would be a trial using Veolia’s waste transfer service at Tinsley Park Road to allow people to dispose of waste. He said that the further extension of opening hours was under review, but any changes would need to be in accordance with planning and site licensing requirements.

In response to the Bring Out Your Own Rubbish days, Councillor Jones referred Mr Mohammed to the answer provided to Ms Hinson.

3.3

Public Questions

3.3.1

Public Questions Concerning Cladding, Repairs and Building Safety

Peter Housley asked the following question: ‘Many thanks for your involvement with the urgent, ongoing and soon to escalate issues on fire risks in many apartments in Sheffield.

One of my many questions (as a directly involved leaseholder), is:

How can so many buildings be built to an inferior standard, with poor workmanship, incorrect design, unsuitable and not up to specification materials?

There are, correctly so, authorities and official bodies in place to monitor, check and sign for these works before being declared safe (Building Control, Architects, surveyors, legal, insurers, developers, NHBC, etc).  Where did it all go so very wrong?’

Jennie Garratt (Sheffield Cladding Action Group) asked the following question:-

‘We note that Sheffield City Council is due to consider a Motion given by Councillor Paul Wood at the upcoming meeting regarding the cladding and building safety crisis which is impacting thousands of leaseholders and residents in Sheffield.

We ask: 'Will the Council commit to questioning any developer which applies for construction contracts/planning permission within Sheffield on their suitability for the works if existing residential buildings of theirs have unresolved cladding and/or fire safety issues related to the original construction of the building?'

We do not think it is fair for developers which have left leaseholders in their existing buildings without support in remediating fire safety defects to be granted further work in our city until the urgent remedial work is funded by the responsible party.’

Olivia Hill asked the following questions:-

1.    ‘How can the Council help spread the word on the severity of the situation to people living in these affected buildings?’

2.    ‘How can we prevent people unknowingly buying these problem properties (many of which are for sale)? How can estate agents and local law firms ensure people’s life savings are making a safe investment?’

3.    ‘How could the Council support Sheffield CAG. Is there any funding for volunteer groups such as ourselves? Help with scaling up our activism, support for planning events in future such as protests, etc.’

Phil Carter asked the following question:-

‘Re: agenda item on Building Safety, this is so important for thousands of Sheffield leaseholders / voters it should be higher up the agenda. 36 buildings in Sheffield have applied to the Government´s Building Safety Fund for grants, in the hope that crippling remediation costs (that the original developers should be paying) are not passed down to them. Lots of words on the agenda about what the Government should be doing, but what about the Council & commitments made months ago to write to those developers & others who were culpable? The Council needs to be as proactive as its City’s MPs.’

Councillor Paul Wood (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety) thanked the questioners for their time.

In response to Mr Housley’s question, Councillor Wood stated that the deregulation of building control was a factor. He explained that regulations have increasingly become controlled at government level rather than at a local level. Councillor Wood stated that he and the Director of Housing, Janet Sharpe, had meetings with the Government Minister who had agreed to put forward some amendments to the Housing Bill which would give Local Authorities the power to issue a Right to Reside certificate. He added that this was in progress.

In response to Ms Garratt’s question, Councillor Wood said that while ever he is the Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing, he would instruct officers to look out for any irregularities in lease holder properties when carrying out any development. He added that he was responsible for social housing, but he would speak to Councillor Julie Grocutt (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development) to see what could be done collectively across the entire housing and building sectors. He said that the Council would need to confirm what could be legally done at a local level, but he stated he would support not using contractors who have blatantly disregarded building controls and had taken cheap options in order to maximise profits in the private sector.

In response to Ms Hill’s question, Councillor Wood said the Council had supported CAG through lobbying extensively for the funds required to fit alarms in some of the buildings. He stated that there is a £500,000 grant available, and there had been discussions around further grants to allow for more alarms to be fitted in additional buildings. Councillor Wood stated that the Council had recognised 133 buildings which required full investigations. He added that the private rented sector team and private landlord team would investigate each of these buildings to ensure the fire regulations are appropriate. Councillor Wood said that the grants should enable immediate cladding work, however; the grants would not be given for fire safety unless for alarm systems. Councillor Wood stated that the Council had spoken with the CAG almost weekly in order to process grants.

Councillor Wood stated the Council would work with government, lobby in conjunction with the Cladding Action Group, press for any grants available and would provide all other Council services which include mental health and debt advice. Councillor Wood expressed his sympathy to all those affected.

(NOTE: The questions on the same issue, which had been submitted by Lindsay Hewson and William Martin, but were not asked at the meeting, would receive written responses from the Cabinet Member)

3.3.2

Public Questions Concerning the Closure of the John Lewis Store

Nigel Slack asked the following questions:-

1.    ‘With the closure of the John Lewis store, how can SCC (Sheffield City Council) help ensure that the John Lewis Partnership provides proper support for the employees that are about to be thrown out of a job?’

2.    ‘What is the financial impact of the loss of rent and rates on the building?’

3.    ‘Will this be compensated by the penalty clause for the early end of the lease and to what amount?’

4.    ‘There is a deal of positivity about future uses for the building but much of this will depend on the refurbishment needs of the building. Is the building in need of structural repair as well as refurbishment? What are the current estimates for that refurbishment, and will SCC be carrying that out before future plans are in place?’

Councillor Mazher Iqbal (Cabinet Member for Business and Investment) was not present at the meeting at this point in the proceedings, therefore the Lord Mayor (Councillor Tony Downing) requested that an answer be given to Mr Slack in writing at a later time.

3.3.3

Public Questions Concerning Acorn Sheffield

Zobia Rafique asked the following questions:-

1.    ‘I am aware that some of the Councillors in this meeting are friends or associates of an association called Acorn Sheffield. I am also aware that a few of the Councillors in this meeting have had similar experiences of people hoaxing and turning up outside their homes protesting. You had all condemned this behaviour then, so do you today Councillors of my city also condemn Acorn's action of protesting on this occasion towards me?’

2.    ‘Acorn failed to investigate this landlord/tenant matter prior to marching to my home and later to accept the DPS (Deposit Protection Scheme) decision. Do you agree that they discriminate against landlords as all bad and act as vigilantes?’

3.    ‘Do you think that the Council should offer support for not only tenants but also landlords such as myself who felt particularly targeted due to being not only an Asian but also a female, I was labelled as "one of the 50 rogue Landlords" in a recent protest outside the Town Hall by Acorn?’

4.    ‘Disregarding whether this is a criminal matter or not, do you find this behaviour acceptable?’

Councillor Paul Wood (Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety) stated that as the questions presented involved a number of organisations including the Council, and due to the fact that these are ongoing matters which could have legal ramifications, he had been advised by the Council’s Legal and Governance Service that he could not pass comment on these events. Councillor Wood apologised, and stated he had to respond to the advice given to him by the Council’s Legal service.

The Lord Mayor (Councillor Tony Downing) confirmed that Councillor Wood was not able to respond to these questions and stated he would confirm the reasons behind this.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed stated that he had received an email from Ms Rafique which he had responded to. He asked for clarification around the legal advice given to Councillor Wood. Councillor Wood stated he would discuss this with Councillor Mohammed following this meeting. The Lord Mayor (Councillor Tony Downing) stated a written response would be provided to Ms Rafique at a later time.

3.3.4

Public Questions Concerning the Archiving of Tree Felling Information and Public Questions

Justin Buxton asked the following questions:-

1.       ‘Further to the 'Archive' that the Council has promised its citizens, of all information relating to the Street Tree felling scandal in Sheffield.  Please could the Council categorically confirm and rigorously ensure that ALL information (data as specified by FOIA legislation) held by 'Amey' pursuant to Clause 90.2.1 of the Streetsahead contract is retained and will be archived - over and above any 'Data Retention Policy' agreed between the Council and Amey.’

2.       ‘Does the Council's action (policy) of reading out public questions submitted to February's Full Council meeting (03/02/2021) demonstrate and prove that it is unnecessary for the questioner to be present at council meetings for both their question(s) and any subsequent response(s) to be minuted?’

Councillor Terry Fox (Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Governance and Deputy Leader of the Council) responded to question two. Councillor Fox thanked Mr Buxton for his question and explained the Public Questions process. He said that the public could submit a public question which would then be sent to the relevant Cabinet Member for a response. Councillor Fox said he would ask for guidance on whether this would then be included in the minutes and provide this information to Mr Buxton.

3.3.5

Public Questions Concerning the Blackstock Road Recycling Facility

Janet Ridler asked the following question:-

‘During the pandemic, capacity at the Gleadless Valley Recycling Centre has been greatly reduced whilst essential social distancing measures have been in place. However, demand for the recycling facility continues to grow and the resulting queues of traffic waiting to use the facility is now causing serious problems for local residents, with local buses having to be diverted and the real possibility of a serious road traffic accident happening on Blackstock Road. This is understandably causing great concern amongst local residents and frustration from people queueing to use the recycling centre but who are being moved on. I would be grateful if the Cabinet Member responsible for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change could please outline what is being done to resolve the problem of lack of capacity at the Blackstock Road Centre and to relieve the impact that this is having on local residents?’

Councillor Mark Jones (Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change) thanked Ms Ridler for her question.  He stated that he was aware that the pandemic had affected the usage of recycling centres, with Blackstock Road’s Centre’s usage increasing. Councillor Jones stated that the Blackstock Road Centre was a small site, used by a large number of people, and more needed to be done to control the traffic around that site. Councillor Jones explained that the road had a number of crossing points and was also on a bus route which caused issues when trying to manage traffic. Councillor Jones stated that the Council had encouraged users of the site to come back at a later time to reduce queuing on the road. He added that opening hours at this site would be extended, and that he would hope these extended hours would have a positive impact on traffic. Councillor Jones said the Council was in conversations with third-party groups to discuss the possibility of further recycling centres being opened in Sheffield and that there was an ongoing trial of pop-up sites. Councillor Jones stated the Council had encouraged people to dispose of their own rubbish where possible and to use sites other than the one at Blackstock Road. Councillor Jones added that should the Council feel that the road traffic conditions were unsustainable, advice would be taken from the police regarding closing these sites at certain times.

3.3.6

Public Questions Concerning ‘Best Value’, Freedom of Information Requests and a Labour Councillor

Russell Johnson asked the following questions:-

1.    ‘In the context of the Liverpool City Council scandal triggered in part by an investigation into failure to ensure 'Best Value', is SCC confident that the destruction of public assets with a CAVAT value of c. £30m during the Tree Felling Fiasco does not constitute a breach of the legal requirement for the Council to secure Best Value in its actions or those undertaken on its behalf?  Furthermore, is the Council aware that the charade (which was a politically driven, less than sincere sham consultation exercise, as clearly and undoubtedly evidenced by facts now available in the public) known as the ‘Independent Tree Panel’ costing £132K itself may well be deemed unlawful under Best Value obligations?  An Elected Member’s answer should in this case be supported by a named senior SCC legally qualified Officer: clearly the view of a layperson in a matter such as this would not carry any credibility.  Should this be unavailable at the meeting please assure me that a proper written answer will be provided within a reasonable time period and that this will form part of the Meeting Public Record.’

2.    ‘Please would The Leader explain the Council’s alarmingly dismal performance in complying with its legal obligations to provide the public with responses to Freedom of Information and Subject Access Requests in a timely manner?  Long delays are being experienced even where the work required is minimal and even where the Information Commissioner has expressed concern. Cabinet Members should note that the reason for this systemic obstruction, where given, is not pandemic or staffing capacity related.  Is Cllr Johnson aware that this pattern is building suspicion that the Council is seeking to hide incriminating information, and would he not prefer that further reputational damage to his organisation and Party is avoided by demonstrating transparency, honesty and conscientious adherence to the law?’

3.    ‘Please would Cllr Johnson on behalf of the Cabinet distance himself from the scurrilous tweets made by a back bench Labour Councillor, whom I understand I may not name in a public question, which sought to dishonestly suggest that the It’s Our City community group is a front for a political party?’

Councillor Mark Jones (Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change) stated he could not provide an answer to question one at this time; however, he said he would speak with the legal department and provide a written answer to Mr Johnson when possible.

Councillor Terry Fox (Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Governance and Deputy Leader of the Council) responded to question two. He stated he would provide Mr Johnson with a full written response. Councillor Fox explained that he had been asked a similar question regarding Freedom of Information requests in Member’s Questions, and that he would share this response with Mr Johnson.

In response to question three, Councillor Fox stated he was not on social media but that he or Councillor Bob Johnson (Leader of the Council) would send a full written response to Mr Johnson.

3.3.7

Public Questions Concerning Play Streets

Oli Johnson asked the following question:-

‘Will the Council put a temporary play street policy into place to make it easier for residents to apply for regular play streets and to show council level support for the idea?’

Councillor Julie Grocutt (Cabinet Member for Transport and Development) thanked Mr Johnson for his question. Councillor Grocutt stated that she was pleased to hear that Mr Johnson had had a good experience of the Play Street policy. She confirmed that the Council was supportive of Play Streets and said that on the Playing Out website, Sheffield City Council had been confirmed as an active area on the Local Authority map. Councillor Grocutt explained that there was a link on the Playing Out website to Sheffield City Council’s Street Party Licence page. She added that this form should also be used for Play Street applications, and she stated she would instruct officers to clarify that this form is for both Street Party and Play Street applications. 

3.3.8

(NOTE: Questions regarding the Council’s decision making structures, which had been submitted by Mark Smith, but which were not asked at the meeting, would receive written responses from the relevant Cabinet Member).