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Council Minutes 3rd September 2003

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2003

Meeting of the Council of the City of Sheffield held in the Council Chamber within the Town Hall, Sheffield, on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2003 pursuant to notice duly given and Summonses duly served.

PRESENT

THE DEPUTY LORD MAYOR (Councillor Mike Pye)

1 Beauchief Ward	11 Firth Park Ward	20 Nether Shire Ward
Peter Moore	Joan Barton	Jane Bird
Andrew Sangar		Doreen Newton
		Peter Rippon

2 Birley Ward	12 Hallam Ward	21 Netherthorpe Ward
Angela Smith	John Knight	Sylvia Anginotti
Bryan Lodge	John Hesketh	Steve Ayris
		Brian Holmes

3 Brightside Ward	13 Handsworth Ward	22 Norton Ward
Peter Price	Mick Rooney	Chris Tutt
Alf Meade	Ray Satur	Garry Weatherall
John Webster	Marjorie Barker	Beverley Wright

4 Broomhill Ward	14 Heeley Ward	23 Owlerton Ward
Paul Scriven	Tessa Hainey	Mark Wilde
	Ian Richardson	Chris Weldon
	Terry Fox	James Hanson

5 Burngreave Ward	15 Hillsborough Ward	24 Park Ward
Ibrar Hussain	Janet Bragg	John Robson
Steve Jones	Robert MacDonald	Julie Dore
Jackie Field	Peter MacLoughlin

6 Castle Ward	16 Intake Ward	25 Sharrow Ward
Jan Wilson	Martin Lawton	Jean Cromar
Mike King	Bob McCann	Mohammad Nazir
Pat Midgley		Basheer Khan

7 Chapel Green Ward	17 Manor Ward	26 South Wortley Ward
Kathleen Chadwick	Harry Harpham	Vic Bowden
Graham Oxley	Jan Fiore	Arthur Dunworth
Pat Fox	Gill Furniss	David Baker

8 Darnall Ward	18 Mosborough Ward	27 Southey Green Ward
Mary Lea	Chris Rosling- Josephs	Tim Rippon
Terry Barrow	Barbara Belcher	Tony Damms
Mohammad Altaf		Steve Wilson

9 Dore Ward	19 Nether Edge Ward	28 Stocksbridge Ward
Colin Ross	Andrew White	Martin Davis
Keith Hill	Pat White
Anne Smith	Ali Qadar

10 Ecclesall Ward		29 Walkley Ward
Roger Davison		Jonathan Harston
Kate Dawson		Veronica Hardstaff

DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR KEN HARTLEY

The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Mike Pye) referred in sympathetic terms to the recent death of former Councillor Ken Hartley. After tributes were paid to his past services to the City Council, Members observed a minute's silence in his memory.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from the Lord Mayor (Councillor Diane Leek) and Councillors Martin Brelsford, Maureen Brelsford, John Campbell, Mike Davis, Sylvia Dunkley, Ilyas Khan, Alan Law, Janice Sidebottom, Elizabeth Taylor, Sam Wall and Alan Whitehouse.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

RESOLVED: On the motion of Councillor Pat Midgley, seconded by Councillor John Webster, that the minutes of the meeting of the City Council held on 30th July, 2003, be approved as a correct record, with (a) the substitution of the name of Councillor Peter Rippon for that of Bill Eddison in the list of Members present and (b) the inclusion of the names of Councillors Kate Dawson and Duncan Kime in the list of apologies for absence.

PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS

4.1 Petitions

The Council considered petitions (a) containing 24 signatures expressing concern at the deteriorating road surface of Arncliffe Drive, Chapeltown and requesting the Council to investigate the matter and, after hearing representations made by Mr. K. Hackett on behalf of the petitioners, referred the petition for consideration by Councillor Harry Harpham, the Cabinet Member for Streetscene who undertook to investigate the matter and respond to Mr. Hackett;

(b) containing 169 signatures requesting the Council as the local Highway Authority, to consider implementing the following three options for preventative road safety improvements for the safety of the children from Birley Schools who have to cross Birley Lane daily:-

(i) to downgrade the current 40 mph speed limit to 30 mph from the junction of Birley Lane with Fox Lane to the junction of Birley Lane with Birley Moor Road;

(ii) to erect and maintain clear signs, just before the junction of Birley Lane with Thornbridge Road, saying "Slow Down Children Crossing"; or

(iii) to install a pedestrian controlled crossing over Birley Lane opposite the entrance to Birley Lane Super Tram stop;

and, after hearing representations made by Mr. R. Greaves on behalf of the petitioners, referred the petition for consideration by Councillor Tim Rippon, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety who undertook to investigate the matter and respond to Mr. Greaves;

(c) a petition containing 15 signatures expressing concern that the small playing field on Fox Lane may become an extension of the Hollinsend Cricket Club car park and at the state of the gullies surrounding the playing field and seeking an assurance that their concerns are unfounded and referred the petition for consideration by Councillor Gill Furniss, the Cabinet Member for Development, Environment and Leisure;

(d) containing 19 signatures expressing concern regarding issues of public order, vandalism, drugs, drinking, litter and safety in Devonshire Green and requesting action from the public bodies and organisations concerned and, after hearing representations made by Mr. T. Coupe on behalf of the petitioners, referred the petition for investigation by Councillor Jan Wilson, the Leader of the Council, who explained that a multi-agency approach was being adopted to combat problems of litter and criminal behaviour, stated that, through doubling the cleaning force, it was hoped to clean up on a more immediate basis and indicated that a longer term management arrangement was needed for the whole area and this would be addressed;

(e) containing 39 signatures requesting that the Council consults local residents prior to any permission being given to any organisation wishing to stage large scale events at Crystal Peaks and, after hearing representations made by Mr. K. Firminger on behalf of the petitioners, referred the petition for consideration by Councillor Gill Furniss, the Cabinet Member for Development, Environment and Leisure who undertook to investigate the matter and respond to Mr. Firminger; and

(f) containing 33 signatures of all the residents of Ingfield Avenue (i) expressing their opposition to the opening of Ingfield Avenue to the allotments for a number of reasons, including (A) there is already enough traffic coming on to the road going to the doctors or the Community Centre and also the church; (B) cars park on the road so residents are unable to park their own cars outside their own houses; (C) there have been quite a few incidents where people have nearly been run over by non-residents coming on to the road; and (D) there is enough pollution and noise coming from the motorway and Bawtry Road without adding to it by opening this road; and (ii) stating that, as a community, they will do everything possible to stop this planning permission from ruining their road; and referred the petition for consideration by the City Centre and East Planning and Highways Area Board.

4.2 Public Question Re: Illegal Motorcycling at Thorncliffe and Mortomley Parks

Dr. Trevor Bagshaw stated that he had sought answers to questions at the last two meetings of the City Council relating to illegal motorcycling and the lack of apparent progress in planned improvements to Mortomley Park and Thorncliffe Recreation Grounds and the Council's continued support and provision for youth services across the City, particularly in the North area. He stated that it was with considerable disappointment that he had to report that, despite the promi, ses as set out in the Council minutes, he had not received the sought after responses. He therefore, asked the Deputy Lord Mayor if it would be in order to ask him to seek via the Chief Executive answers to his questions if the relevant Cabinet Members were not prepared to meet their commitments.

The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Mike Pye) asked for a response to be given by Councillor Tim Rippon, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety who apologised for not responding directly with Dr. Bagshaw but stated that he had written to the petitioners on issues relating to Mortomley Park and Thorncliffe Recreation Grounds.

4.3 Public Question Re: Traffic Calming on

Wortley Road, High Green

Dr. Trevor Bagshaw referred to the considerable concern in High Green at the decision not to proceed with urgently needed traffic calming and road safety measures on Wortley Road which, he claimed flew in the face of Officer recommendations, of the concern of the Area Panel, the Residents' Action Group and the Parish Council. He asserted that traffic and transport matters were major aspects of regeneration and quality of life in that part of the City, adding that the area had seen massive housing developments but still had substantial areas of poverty designated to receive help under Objective 1. He pointed out that three primary schools and the Paces Centre, which works with disabled children, were all accessed from Wortley Road/Mortomley Lane. He felt that the decision seemed to be at odds with the Council's policies for helping disadvantaged communities and for the safety of children, he believed the community needed a proper explanation of the decision. He therefore, asked if the appropriate Cabinet Member would be prepared to attend, with the Chair's agreement, the North Area Panel meeting to be held on 15th October, 2003, and justify the decision to the residents of High Green.

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Councillor Tim Rippon, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety stated that there was a possibility that the scheme could be re-assessed and confirmed that he would be prepared to attend the North Area Panel meeting.

(Note: The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Mike Pye), on advice from the Director of Legal and Administrative Services, ruled that it was inappropriate for Members to consider questions proposed to be asked by Mr. M. Brighton on the grounds that he had indicated that he had referred the issue, with supporting evidence, to the Police that morning.)

RESTRUCTURING OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

ACO Steve Pritchard, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, gave a presentation in relation to the proposals contained in the Government White Paper "Our Fire and Rescue Service" on restructuring and other challenging issues facing the Service. He stated that the White Paper had considerable potential to affect the future of the Fire Service and summarised the main issues facing the Service to be pro-active in preventing fires and other risks, rather than simply reacting to fires; to act in support of the Government's wider agenda of social inclusion, neighbourhood renewal and crime reduction; to have effective institutions that support its role and purpose; be well managed and effective; be committed to developing and adapting to changing circumstances, including the growing threat of terrorism; and to improve fire safety legislation and the way that community fire safety is carried out.

He commented on the modern approach to risk and summarised the goals of the Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) that was being developed to reduce fires, reduce the loss of life through fires and accidents, to safeguard the environment and heritage and provide value for money. He outlined the timetable for the IRMP which involved a general briefing to the Fire and Civil Defence Authority (FCDA) meeting on 12th September, 2003, followed by a meeting later that month to explore the full range of opportunities. A consultation period would then be held between October and December, 2003, leading up to the setting of the FCDA budget on 28th February, 2004.

He elaborated on the new institutional framework advocated in the White Paper which would see the Office of Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) setting overall policy in the National Framework, a Service Improvement Team within the ODPM responsible for delivering the National Framework, the Fire Authorities setting local policy (based on the National Framework) and carrying out operations, a Business and Community Safety Forum which would engage wider stakeholders in fire policy development and a Practitioners' Forum which would engage Practitioners (employers and employees) on professional issues. Within that framework, there would be Function Contributors whereby strategic policy advice would be fed in from ad hoc advisory groups, Professional Standards would be maintained through Fire Service Inspectors and the Fire Service College and Quality Assurance would be achieved through the Audit Commission.

Turning to the regional perspective, he stated that the Government had satisfied itself that larger units were required to run the new Fire and Rescue Services and would be looking, eventually, for control to be exercised through Regional Assemblies. In the meantime, Fire Authorities were expected to enter into voluntary arrangements to create Regional Fire and Rescue Management Boards by 1st April, 2004. He added that, should it be judged that these arrangements were not delivering modernisation quickly, the Government would establish Regional Fire and Rescue Authorities through mandatory combination schemes. The Local Government Association was, therefore, taking the lead in assisting Fire Authorities to develop Regional Management Boards which would look at five areas covering emergency resilience, special common services (fire investigation), regional controls, regional procurement and regional personnel management.

He briefly outlined the proposed reform machinery to deal with disputes and ended the presentation by summarising the benefits of the proposed new arrangements (i) to the public, through improved public safety, fewer fires and value for money, (ii) for business through the reform of fire safety legislation, simpler regimes and less bureaucracy, including no fire certificates, (iii) for the fire community through devolution and delegation to the front line, Fire Authorities and managers having the flexibility and freedom and a stronger regional approach to achieve value for money and (iv) for Fire and Rescue Service staff through a professional and better managed service, broader career options, flexible family friendly working and a proper reward structure.

Members then asked questions, to which answers were given, where possible, from an officer perspective by Mr. Pritchard, who pointed out that many of the issues were due to be discussed by the Fire and Civil Defence Authority on 12th September and, therefore, required political responses.

Councillor Anne Smith asked, if there was a move towards a regional fire service, how to ensure that Sheffield was served properly, where would the regional headquarters be located and what would happen to the Control Centre. She also asked, with reference to the Category C risk cover in the suburbs, whether it was intended to keep open the Ringinglow and Low Edges Fire Stations. She also asked whether regional control would lessen the likelihood of strikes. Mr. Pritchard stated that the Local Government Association was working on how regional fire services would be expected to function, the Fire Service Headquarters would be remaining in Sheffield for the time being and the FCDA would be looking at proposals for the preparation of an Integrated Risk Management Plan and the organisation of a service which meets Government targets to reduce death by fire. No decisions had, as yet, been taken about the future of Ringinglow and Low Edges Fire Stations, but he emphasised that a fundamental goal of the White Paper was to transform the main focus of the Service into one of prevention, as much as responding to fires.

In response to a question from Councillor Mick Rooney about the process of analysing risk, including major occurrences such as power failures, Mr. Pritchard stated that officers were looking at risk as presented by data over the last four years relating to death/injury through fire, road traffic accidents, etc. which were then layered on a map to build up a profile that would be presented to the FCDA on 12th September, 2003. He added that other risks were difficult to quantify, but there was sufficient resilience built in to allow the Service to function even if other services failed. A wide range of risks, including terrorism would be built in and computer software to assist in this was being produced by the Government.

Councillor Roger Davison asked if any change in formula funding was anticipated to reflect the changes in the way the Fire Service would operate. Mr. Pritchard stated that the Government did not intend to reduce funding, the national pay award would be met from within the existing budget but it was not clear what the Government had in mind.

Councillor Colin Ross asked whether the restructuring would cost more money and whether there was any indication that the change of emphasis in the way the Fire Service operated would be funded by the Government or would local council taxpayers have to pay. Mr. Pritchard replied that in the first three years additional sums would be provided to assist with the immediate implications of change and added that the funding settlement would be known in November.

Councillor Alf Meade commented that Fire Authorities presently operated differently and asked, if they were to operate on a regional basis, what plans would there be to standardise them. Mr. Pritchard stated that much would depend on the Regional Fire Management Board. However, the Government would expect Fire Authorities within the Region to consider regional resilience, for example by providing a safe working environment across boundaries and working with each other to understand their differences. Councillor Meade also asked why some people were worried about the location of the Control Room and Mr. Pritchard replied that, from a professional point of view, a regional control room could work effectively.

With reference to the proposed benefits to the public outlined in the White Paper, Councillor Veronica Hardstaff asked how working regionally would improve public safety, reduce the number of fires and provide value for money. Mr. Pritchard stated that it was the Government's view that money could be saved by replacing four levels of management and political operation in Yorkshire and the Humber with one regional management team. Improvements would also be derived from the increased community initiatives.

Councillor Steve Ayris asked Mr. Pritchard if, in his professional opinion, the new proposals would be effective and could be delivered without the potential for closing fire stations. Mr. Pritchard stated that it was not appropriate for him to pre-judge any decision of the FCDA.

Councillor Peter Rippon asked what improvements would there be for the safety of people in Sheffield and would the fire engine turn up as quickly as expected. Mr. Pritchard again replied that it was difficult to pre-judge any future decision of the FCDA.

Councillor Graham Oxley asked if it was proposed that no fire certificates would be required in the future, how would the Service police the premises that had certificates and needed them, for example the fireworks factory at Stocksbridge. Mr. Pritchard stated that separate legislation existed in relation to explosives and the Service would continue to monitor this. He added that fire certificates would still exist in the form of self-certification and the Fire Authority would assist individuals in assessing what level of certification was required.

Councillor Barbara Belcher asked if more could be done through the FCDA, Local Authorities and bodies such as Sheffield First for Safety to improve fire safety particularly with vulnerable people in deprived areas and whether it was possible for the Fire Service to provide every member with a Community Fire Safety Information Pack. Mr. Pritchard replied in the affirmative.

Councillor Jonathan Harston asked if the Fire Authority had a compulsory retirement age and Mr. Pritchard stated that current conditions put this at 55 years of age.

Councillor Terry Fox sought clarification with respect to the new approach as to who would be charged with working out how the Fire Service would be delivered. Mr. Pritchard stated that the Government would charge regional authorities to deliver within their strategy but would not be too prescriptive as to how this should be achieved.

Councillor Peter MacLoughlin asked what implications self certification would have on fire safety and how would this fit in with health and safety legislation. Mr. Pritchard stated that the Fire Service had for many years sought clarification on fire safety legislation so that a more coherent approach could be given towards community safety issues. He added that much would depend on the policing and enforcement arrangements and, as yet, it was not clear how the proposed arrangements would operate.

Councillor David Baker asked, with the emphasis being changed from firefighting to prevention, whether resources would follow and would it lead to fewer fire stations. Mr. Pritchard stated that he had already answered a similar question and emphasised that it was for the FCDA to decide.

Councillor Jane Bird paid tribute to the Young Firefighters Service, which, she felt was a great help to community safety but stated that its funding was on an ad hoc basis. She enquired, therefore if there might be better funding for young firefighters. Mr. Pritchard stated that the Government intended to encourage examples of young citizenship schemes as a main element of the fire service in the future.

The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Mike Pye) then thanked ACO Steve Pritchard for giving the presentation and answering questions.

REPRESENTATION

RESOLVED: On the motion of Councillor Pat Midgley, seconded by Councillor John Webster, that approval be given to the following changes to the memberships of Boards, etc. and the appointment of representatives to serve on other bodies:-

South Planning & Highways Area Board

Councillors Maureen Brelsford, Tessa Hainey and Jonathan Harston to replace Councillors David Baker, Janice Sidebottom and Ian Richardson

North & West Planning & Highways Area Board

Councillors Janet Bragg, Kathleen Chadwick and Arthur Dunworth to replace Councillors Jackie Field, Jonathan Harston and David Baker

Complaints Review Panel

Councillor John Webster to fill a vacancy

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