Council Minutes 5th September 2007

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council of the City of Sheffield held in the Council Chamber within the Town Hall, Sheffield, on Wednesday, 5th September, 2007 pursuant to notice duly given and Summonses duly served.

PRESENT

THE LORD MAYOR (Councillor Arthur Dunworth)

THE DEPUTY LORD MAYOR (Councillor Jane Bird)

1 Arbourthorne Ward	10 Dore & Totley Ward	19 Mosborough Ward
Tim Rippon	Mike Davis	David Barker
Julie Dore	Keith Hill	Sam Wall
	Anne Smith	Mike Peat

2 Beauchief/Greenhill Ward	11 East Ecclesfield Ward	20 Nether Edge Ward
Simon Clement-Jones	Vic Bowden	Colin France
Clive Skelton	Graham Oxley	Pat White
	Pat Fox	Ali Qadar

3 Beighton Ward	12 Ecclesall Ward	21 Richmond Ward
Chris Rosling-Josephs	Mike Reynolds	John Campbell
Helen Mirfin-Boukouris	Roger Davison	Liz Naylor
Ian Saunders	Sylvia Dunkley	Martin Lawton


4 Birley Ward	13 Firth Park Ward	22 Shiregreen & Brightside Ward
Denise Fox	Chris Weldon	Peter Price
Mike Pye	Alan Law	Peter Rippon
Bryan Lodge	Joan Barton

5 Broomhill Ward	14 Fulwood Ward	23 Southey Ward
Shaffaq Mohammed	Andrew Sangar	Leigh Bramall
Alan Whitehouse	Janice Sidebottom	Gill Furniss
Paul Scriven	John Knight	Tony Damms

6 Burngreave Ward	15 Gleadless Valley Ward	24 Stannington Ward
Ibrar Hussain	Denise Reaney	Vickie Priestley
Steve Jones	Garry Weatherall	David Baker
Jackie Drayton	Terry Fox

7 Central Ward	16 Graves Park Ward	25 Stocksbridge & Upper Don Ward
Jillian Creasy	Ian Auckland	Martin Brelsford
Bernard Little	Bob McCann	Alison Brelsford
Jean Cromar	Peter Moore	Martin Davis

8 Crookes Ward	17 Hillsborough Ward	26 Walkley Ward
John Hesketh	Steve Ayris	Penny Baker
Sylvia Anginotti	Janet Bragg	Jonathan Harston
Brian Holmes	Robert MacDonald	Diane Leek

9 Darnall Ward	18 Manor Castle Ward	27 West Ecclesfield Ward
Harry Harpham	Jenny Armstrong	Alan Hooper
Mazher Iqbal	Jan Wilson	Trevor Bagshaw
Mary Lea	Pat Midgley	Kathleen Chadwick

		28 Woodhouse Ward
		Mick Rooney
		Ray Satur
		Marjorie Barker

1.	APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
	Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Tony Holmes and John Robson.

2.	DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR PAUL ROSE
	The Lord Mayor (Councillor Arthur Dunworth) referred in sympathetic terms to the recent death of former Councillor Paul Rose. A number of members paid tribute to his wonderful sense of humour, the high respect in which he was regarded, his willingness to help people, both as a Councillor and a Trade Union representative and the valuable work he carried out in his constituency, particularly his contribution to the establishment of the Parson Cross Festival. A minute’s silence was then observed in his memory.

3.	YORKSHIRE IN BLOOM 2007
	The Cabinet Member for Transport and Streetscene (Councillor Bryan Lodge) reported that Sheffield had won the Gold Award in the Yorkshire in Bloom 2007 competition and had been invited to represent the county in the Britain in Bloom competition in 2008. He added that Sheffield had also won the Best in Category award and the judges’ special discretionary award for the high standard of the city centre. He also reported that, in the various Small Village, Large Village, Urban Community and Small Country Town categories, Bolsterstone, Bradfield, Burncross, Grenoside, Firth Park and Stannington had received silver awards, Beighton and Stocksbridge had received silver gilt awards and Broomhall had received a bronze award, with Oughtibridge and Chapeltown having to withdraw due to the flooding in June. He paid tribute to Council staff and all the residents, businesses, local communities and education facilities for all their hard work and support in contributing to the success and the resilience displayed by them following the devastation caused by the flooding.

4.	MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
	RESOLVED: On the motion of Councillor Pat Midgley, seconded by Councillor Jean Cromar, that the minutes of the meeting of the City Council held on 25th July, 2007be approved as a correct record.

5.	PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
5.1	Petitions
	(a) Petition concerning A6102 Middlewood Road
	The Council received a petition containing 299 signatures from residents of Worrall and the surrounding areas and heard representations made on their behalf by Joanne Nettleton urging the Council to reinstate the A6102 Middlewood Road outside Middlewood Tavern as a matter of urgency to enable vehicular access in both directions and, in the interim, to take any road safety measures necessary to alleviate traffic congestion in and around the diversionary routes.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Transport and Streetscene (Councillor Bryan Lodge) who stated that the Council was working with consultants to provide a technical solution to rebuilding the road and that it was proving to be a much bigger job than originally expected. In the meantime, the Council was working with the Highways Agency to achieve a more satisfactory diversionary route with more permanent signage to divert traffic through to the A61and better localised diversion signs to direct traffic through Worrall and Oughtibridge. He added that he was conscious of the associated road safety issues, but stressed that the Council was working hard to balance the needs of everyone and would be working to get the road open as soon as possible.

	(b) Petition requesting closed circuit television cameras at the shopping parade on Margetson Crescent
	The Council received a petition containing 235 signatures supporting the Margetson and District Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and the Parson Cross Community Development Forum in their requests for the City Council to consider the installation of closed circuit television cameras along the Margetson Crescent shopping parade. Representations on their behalf were made by Mrs. Norma Ashmore who drew attention to the recent £1.1m major streetscene investment in the area, much of which had been vandalised, resulting in more money being spent to repair the damage done. She requested CCTV cameras not only to stop the vandalism, but to act as a deterrent and help identify the culprits and protect the investments already made and to keep the improvements looking good for the future.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon) who indicated that he shared the concerns expressed by Mrs. Ashmore and undertook to visit the area and meet Mrs. Ashmore to discuss what could be done, with the assistance of the Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Area Team.

	(c) Petition concerning the threat of deportation of Wahid Azizi
	The Council received a petition containing 420 signatures calling for support to stop the deportation of Wahid Azizi to Afghanistan and heard representations made on his behalf by Sid Cordle who explained that Wahid Azizi had fled from Afghanistan and, since arriving in this country in 2002, had become a Christian and was now married with two children. He had been denied permission to stay in this country and told to return to Afghanistan, although he would not be able to take his wife and children with him and would be in serious danger if deported, particularly as a Christian in that country.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Adult Services (Councillor Mick Rooney) who stated that, whilst he could not comment on the individual circumstances of this case, he would be prepared to meet with Mr. Cordle and others to find the best way of assisting Wahid Azizi in supporting his application for refugee status.

	(d) Petition concerning withdrawal of D1 Bus Service
	The Council received a petition containing 61 signatures requesting the Council to help to save the D1 bus service which was about to be stopped and heard representations made by Mrs. P. Jones on behalf of workers travelling to and from the Waverley site and elderly people travelling in and around the Darnall and Attercliffe area.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Jan Wilson), who responded as a Council representative on the Passenger Transport Authority, indicating that the PTA had little influence in the matter as it was a commercial decision to withdraw the service that was originally intended for access to jobs and alternative bus services were available. However, she undertook to pursue the matter through the Passenger Transport Authority.

	(e) Petition concerning the S1 and S2 bus service
	The Council received a petition containing 119 signatures requesting the Council to help to save the S1 and S2 bus services operated by Sheffield Community Transport and heard representations made on their behalf by Mrs. S. Barlow who highlighted the need to retain the service as it was a vital link for residents, particularly elderly people, in the Wincobank area to travel to shops in the area and to Northern General Hospital.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Leader of the Council (Councillor Jan Wilson) who responded as a Council representative on the Passenger Transport Authority, indicating that, in addition to representations made by the local Member of Parliament, she had written to the PTA urging the retention of the service.

	(f) Petition concerning proposed Sharrow Vale Parking Permit Scheme
	The Council received a petition containing 35 signatures of residents of Everton Road and heard representations made on their behalf by Mr. Randall Cousins expressing strong opposition to the inclusion of their road in the proposed Sharrow Vale Parking Permit Scheme, complaining about lack of consultation on the proposals and requesting that the Council removes Everton Road from the scheme.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board and the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transport (Councillor Bryan Lodge) who stated that there had been extensive consultation in the area concerning the proposals and that, whilst it was difficult to balance the needs of everyone in the area, he would ask officers to review the proposals in the light of the petitioners’ request and respond direct to Mr Cousins.

	(g) Petition concerning anti-social behaviour around Sycamore Park and Towngate Road
	The Council received a petition containing 20 signatures of residents of Towngate Road, Worrall drawing attention to the continuing problem of anti-social behaviour around Sycamore Park and Towngate Road and heard representations made on their behalf by Mr. Ray Battye who explained that the problems involved noise from cars and radios, motorbikes, litter and alcohol drinking, thus creating a threat to those in the locality, with the consequence that Sycamore Park was becoming a “no go area” especially in the evenings and sometimes at weekends, with some residents too afraid to walk on Towngate Road in the evening.
	The Council referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon) who expressed sympathy with the residents’ problems and undertook to visit the area and meet with residents to discuss how the problems might be addressed.

	(h) Petition requesting security perimeter fencing at Stocksbridge Nursery and Infant School
	The Council received a petition containing 252 signatures calling upon the Council to fund the provision of security perimeter fencing at Stocksbridge Nursery Infant School and referred it for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services (Councillor Harry Harpham) who stated that he had spoken to the local Councillor and was working with him, along with Council officers and the Headteacher of the school on how to address the issue.

	(i) Petition requesting the provision of CCTV cameras at the shops on Nethershire Lane, Shiregreen
	The Council received a petition containing 313 signatures requesting the Council to install closed circuit television cameras overlooking the shops on Nethershire Lane, Shiregreen and referred the petition for consideration by the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon).

5.2	Public Questions
	(a) Public Questions concerning the threat of deportation of Mr. Wahid Azizi
	With reference to the Council’s responsibility relating to the care and education of children, Peter Scruton asked what legal powers the Council had to support children whose father was under the threat of deportation. Rosemary Childs asked why the Council tried to claim rent arrears from failed asylum seekers who could not claim benefits and were unable to find work.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Adult Services (Councillor Mick Rooney) stated that, whilst he was unable to discuss the individual circumstances of the case, he would discuss the matter with the Council’s Asylum and Refugee Seekers Team and provide a written response. The Cabinet Member for Childrens Services (Councillor Harry Harpham) added that, whilst he did not know Mr Azizi’s circumstances, if his children were registered, the Council had the same responsibility to them as to any other children in the City in relation to its responsibilities for their education and social care. In response to the question concerning rent arrears, the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon) stated that the Council was bound by legislation which precluded the Council from housing refused asylum seekers and had a legal responsibility to chase up rent arrears.

	(b) Public Question concerning anti-social behaviour
	Harry Rodgers drew the Council’s attention to problems of anti-social behaviour in the area around Halfway Gardens involving smashed windows, loud music, drugs and people running amok with wheelie bins and asked if there was anything that could be done about it. He asked if anyone was prepared to go around the area with him after midnight to observe the problems.
	In response, the Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods (Councillor Chris Weldon) undertook to contact Mr. Rodgers to make arrangements to visit the area and to look into how the problems might be resolved.

6.	MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS
6.1	Urgent Business
	There were no questions relating to urgent business under the provisions of Standing Order A18(6).

6.2	Questions
	A schedule of questions to Cabinet Members, submitted in accordance with Standing Order A18(2) and which contained written answers was circulated and supplementary questions under the provisions of Standing Order A18(4) were asked and answered by the appropriate Cabinet members.

6.3	South Yorkshire Joint Authorities
	No questions were asked relating to the South Yorkshire Joint Authorities under the provisions of Standing Order A18(6).

6.4	Yorkshire and Humber Assembly
	No questions were asked on the discharge of the functions of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly under the provisions of Standing Order A18(6).

7.	REPRESENTATION, DELEGATED AUTHORITY AND RELATED ISSUES
	RESOLVED: On the motion of Councillor Jean Cromar, seconded by Councillor Pat Midgley that (a) approval be given to the following changes to the memberships of Boards, etc. and the appointment of representatives to serve on other bodies:-

	Children and Young People Scrutiny and Policy Development Board	-	Councillors Jenny Armstrong, Marjorie Barker and Denise Fox to replace Councillors Liz Naylor, Gill Furniss and Alan Law; and Councillor Steve Ayris to replace Councillor Mike Reynolds


	Health and Community Care Scrutiny and Policy Development Board	-	Councillor Jean Cromar to replace Councillor Sam Wall; and Councillor David Baker to replace Councillor Pat Fox

	Strategic Resources and Performance Scrutiny and Policy Development Board	-	Councillors Julie Dore and Pat Midgley to replace Councillors John Campbell and Mike Pye

	Successful Neighbourhoods Scrutiny and Policy Development Board	-	Councillor Robert MacDonald to replace Councillor John Robson

	Licensing Board	-	Councillor Jonathan Harston to fill a vacancy

	Building Schools for the Future Strategic Board	-	Councillor Paul Scriven to replace Councillor Pat White

	Sheffield Science Park Company Ltd – Directors and Members	-	Councillor Tim Rippon to replace Councillor Mike Pye

	SIBTEC Ltd - Directors	-	Councillor Tim Rippon to replace Councillor Mike Pye

	Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe Healthy Living Centre Trust	-	Councillor Robert MacDonald to fill a vacancy

	Yorkshire South Tourism	-	Councillor Mike Pye to replace Councillor Tim Rippon

	(b) Councillor Mike Peat be appointed to serve as Chair of the South-East Area Panel in place of Councillor Chris Rosling-Josephs;
	(c) it be noted that, in accordance with the arrangements approved by the City Council at its Annual Meeting held on 16th May, 2007, Councillors Ian Saunders and Peter Price have been appointed to serve as Deputy Chairs of the City Centre, South and East and West and North Planning and Highways Area Boards, respectively; and
	(d) the inclusion of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and Horse Passports Regulations 2004 in the list of delegated powers pertaining to Environment and Regulatory Services be confirmed.

	(NOTE: The Lord Mayor (Councillor Arthur Dunworth) and Councillors Simon Clement-Jones, Clive Skelton, Alan Whitehouse, Shaffaq Mohammed, Paul Scriven, John Hesketh, Sylvia Anginotti, Brian Holmes, Mike Davis, Keith Hill, Vic Bowden, Graham Oxley, Pat Fox, Mike Reynolds, Roger Davison, Sylvia Dunkley, Andrew Sangar, Janice Sidebottom, John Knight, Denise Reaney, Ian Auckland, Bob McCann, Peter Moore, Steve Ayris, Colin France, Pat White, Ali Qadar, Vickie Priestley, David Baker, Martin Brelsford, Alison Brelsford, Penny Baker, Jonathan Harston, Diane Leek, Alan Hooper, Trevor Bagshaw and Kathleen Chadwick abstained from voting on paragraph (d) of the above resolution and asked for this to be recorded).

8.	ITEMS REFERRED TO COUNCIL
8.1	Corporate Plan 2007-2010