Meeting of the Council of the City of Sheffield to be held on Wednesday 6th June, 2007
CITY OF SHEFFIELD
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
COUNCIL SUMMONS
Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of the Council of the City of Sheffield will be held in the Council Chamber within the Town Hall, Sheffield, on Wednesday, 6th June, 2007, at 2.00 p.m.
PUBLIC INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS AND ACCESS TO MEETINGS
Council Meetings are open to the public. Admittance to the public gallery can be gained via the First Point Reception, Old Town Hall, Pinstone Street. Details of the business to be transacted can be viewed in advance at the First Point Reception which is open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Monday – Thursday and between 9.00 a.m. and 4.45 p.m. on Friday, or you can ring on telephone no. 2734552. A copy of the Council Summons and any reports are also available on the Council’s website at www.sheffield.gov.uk.
THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS IS PROPOSED TO BE TRANSACTED-
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
To receive (a) the record of the proceedings of the meeting of the Council held on 2nd May, 2007; and
(b) the Annual Meeting held on 16th May, 2007, and to approve the accuracy thereof.
2. PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
To receive any questions or communications from the public, or communications submitted by the Lord Mayor or the Chief Executive and to pass such resolutions thereon as the Standing Orders permit and as may be deemed expedient.
3. MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
(a) Questions relating to urgent business - Standing Order No. A18(6).
(b) Supplementary questions on written questions submitted at this meeting - Standing Order No. A18(4).
(c) Questions on the discharge of the functions of the South Yorkshire Joint Authorities for Fire and Rescue, Passenger Transport, Pensions and Police - Section 41 of the Local Government Act, 1985 - Standing Order No. A18(6).
(d) Questions on the discharge of the functions of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly –
Standing Order No. A18(6).
4. REPRESENTATION, DELEGATED AUTHORITY AND RELATED ISSUES
To consider any changes to the memberships and arrangements for meetings of Boards etc., delegated authority, and the appointment of representatives to serve on other bodies.
5. MATTERS DEFERRED FROM ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
APPOINTMENT OF SCRUTINY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND OTHER BODIES ETC
To consider the following amendments to Motion B, regarding the Appointment of Scrutiny and Policy Development Boards, Committees and other Bodies etc., which were moved and seconded at the Annual Meeting of the Council on 16th May, 2007, and were deferred without discussion to the next ordinary meeting of the Council in accordance with the provision of Standing Order A5:-
(a) Amendment moved by Councillor Paul Scriven, seconded by Councillor David Baker
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of the following words at
the end of paragraph (f):-
‘with the exception that the ordinary monthly Council meetings shall forthwith comprise a general ‘business’ meeting format with provision for Members’ Questions and Notices of Motion at each meeting, and the arrangements for the debate on a topic or topics chose by a Scrutiny Board and/or the Scrutiny Management Board be discontinued and the provisions of Standing Order A7(2) be amended accordingly’.
(b) Amendment moved by Councillor Jillian Creasy, seconded by Councillor Bernard Little
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of the following words at
the end of paragraph (f):-
‘with the exception that the ordinary monthly Council meetings shall forthwith alternate between a general ‘business’ meeting format with provision for Members’ Questions and Notices of Motion at such meetings, and a format under which Members’ Questions and Notices of Motion are replaced by a debate on a topic or topics chosen by a Scrutiny Board and/or the Scrutiny Management Board on a ratio of two general business meetings to one alternate ‘scrutiny’ style meeting and the provisions of Standing Order A7(2) be amended accordingly’.
6. ITEMS REFERRED TO COUNCIL
OUTCOME OF FURTHER CONSULTATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF MYERS GROVE AND WISEWOOD SECONDARY SCHOOLS
To consider any decision which may be referred by the Cabinet at its special meeting to be held on 4th June, 2007.
7. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR JAN WILSON
That this Council:
(a) endorses the position in relation to community cohesion as outlined in the Council resolution of 6th December 2006 given by Councillor Steve Jones and seconded by Councillor Ibrar Hussain, which reads:
‘this Council
(a) believes that Sheffield has a rich and diverse population and a proud history of welcoming people into the City;
(b) believes that the cornerstone of a peaceful society is respect for one's neighbour, including respect of people's faiths and beliefs as well as respect for those of no faith;
(c) believes that we live in a democratic society where certain freedoms are a fundamental right;
(d) believes that in acknowledging our rights we must also recognise our responsibilities;
(e) believes that for communities to live together in unity, we must promote a better understanding of all faiths, and dispel the myths that may lead to divisions between communities;
(f) believes that we must all work to create unity and cohesion within Sheffield's communities;
(g) recognises that all groups in the City have a duty to work towards a more unified Sheffield so that we can remove the barriers that stand in the way of cohesive communities;
(h) notes that recent world events have threatened to change people's views about other groups within our communities and believes that this makes it more important for us to actively find ways of understanding and accepting diversity in culture and creed;
(i) believes that the City Council, as the elected body within Sheffield, has the duty to promote the well-being of the whole City;
(j) believes therefore that it is the Council who should take the lead in bringing together communities to talk about how we can ensure that the Sheffield we leave for our children is a place where everyone is valued and respected, and is as welcoming a City as we hope and believe it has been in the past; and
(k) therefore calls on the Chief Executive to prepare a report which outlines a strategy for how we move forward on the issue of community cohesion.’;
(b) is therefore pleased that a report is due to be considered by this Council’s Cabinet on 13th June which outlines how the City can build on its strong community relations and ensure that as a Council we play a lead role in promoting cohesion in Sheffield;
(c) notes this report sets out values that show what Sheffield aspires to be and behaviours that show what we would expect from all residents in the City;
(d) further notes that it is proposed that these draft values and behaviours are tested through a City debate on ‘what it means to be a ‘Sheffielder’;
(e) notes the following ‘values’ that are outlined in the report:
· Sheffield is a diverse City. The mix of different people is a strength and contributes to it being a creative and vibrant place.
· Sheffield is a welcoming City, with a history of integrating people seeking a new life here.
· Sheffielders are open, honest people. They are friendly, the sort of people who talk to their neighbours and others they meet.
· Sheffielders are proud of their City. It is a passionate City, with traditions in football, politics, religion and industry.
· Sheffielders believe in justice and solidarity.
· Sheffielders are caring people, who stand up for their neighbourhoods and communities.
· Sheffielders appreciate quality. They know their City is full of amazing parks and open spaces. They create world-class cutlery, art and music.
· Sheffielders are tolerant people. What unites them is their pride and passion in being part of one Sheffield:
(f) notes the following behaviours that are outlined in the report:
As a Sheffielder I will….
(i) Treat people with fairness and respect. Everyone is equally a Sheffielder and deserves to be treated as one.
(ii) Be open to different cultures and groups in the City. I will listen and learn from
people themselves. I will form my own judgements.
(iii) Play a role in my community and in the wider City. I will use my skills to be part of my neighbourhood and the people who live there.
(iv) Take an active interest in my children’s education.
(v) Make sure both my children and I can speak and write English well. I will also ensure they value any other language we speak at home.
(vi) Stand up for people who are being abused, harassed or bullied. I will make sure that people who use racist, homophobic or any other abuse at home, at work, or at school understand it is completely unacceptable.
(vii) Obey the law and take responsibility for my behaviour. I will make sure that my
family treats others as I would like to be treated. I will work with the Police to eradicate crime and anti-social behaviour in my community.
(viii) Welcome new people to my community. I will reach out to different people on the basis of what we have in common: our families, homes and jobs. ; and
(g) hopes and believes that every Member of Sheffield City Council will support the values and
behaviours outlined above and will be committed to the advancement of measures to ensure that Sheffield remains a cohesive and welcoming City.
8. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR STEVE AYRIS
That this Council:
(a) resolves that the present administration's proposal to close both Wisewood and Myers Grove Secondary Schools was clearly rejected in the local elections and therefore directs that the process for closures is immediately stopped;
(b) believes that the sham consultation carried out by the present administration in proposing
closures was a whitewash, as the present administration had already decided to close both
Schools, regardless of the local communities' clearly felt views against this;
(c) condemns the consultation, as it was about unfairly dismissing valid arguments in order to justify
closures rather than being a genuine listening exercise, and further notes that the overwhelming message from the community was to keep Wisewood School open, which the present administration has chosen to ignore. This has now even been acknowledged by the Leader of the Council, Coun Jan Wilson, who said in the Star, 23rd May 2007; “It is absolutely clear that we lost due to new voters voting against Labour on the school amalgamation issue – we need to take notice of that”;
(d) believes that the present administration have failed to listen to local people, who also made it clear that they want two local community schools and not one school;
(e) condemns the present administration for not having carried out open, detailed and real consultation with local people, which should have included the option of two local community schools at the present Wisewood and Myers Grove sites, with the 14-19 Centre on the Myers Grove site, and notes it is clear that this option is viable;
(f) therefore directs that a new round of consultation takes place that includes the option of keeping the two existing community schools on the Wisewood and Myers Grove sites and the 14-19 Centre on the Myers Grove site;
(g) directs that this fresh consultation will be genuine and open and, to ensure this, it should be run by an appropriate independent individual or organisation brought in from outside this Authority, as the local community has lost all trust with the administration on this issue; this is to be funded from reserves as a one-off item if it cannot be funded from existing budgets without detriment to existing services;
(h) directs that the aforementioned consultation takes place as soon as possible within the statutory period and that the results of this consultation should not be brought back to Cabinet, but instead be presented to a special full Council meeting for a decision on the way forward; and
(i) believes the additional proposal by the present administration of redrawing catchment areas is a disgraceful bid to pit community against community and nothing more than an attempt to draw attention away from the planned closures of two community schools in the area, and therefore directs that there should be no change in catchment areas.
9. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR JACKIE DRAYTON
That this Council:
(a) reaffirms that Sheffield is a City which is very proud of its links with the Royal Navy;
(b) notes that the City recently marked the 25th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Sheffield, which was hit by an Argentinian missile on 4th May 1982, during the Falklands War;
(c) notes that Sheffield has long and historic links with shipbuilding and has over 70 years links with three previous HMS Sheffields;
(d) further notes that in 1999 the City bestowed on HMS Sheffield its highest honour, the Freedom of the City;
(e) believes that, having accepted the Freedom of the City it is important that any ship connected with the City should be named ‘HMS Sheffield’;
(f) is pleased that the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield 2006-2007, all local MPs and the Sheffield Star have called on the Navy to rename one of their newest ships HMS Sheffield;
(g) calls on local Sheffielders to support the Sheffield Star’s campaign to persuade the Navy to change its mind and honour the City’s proud Naval links;
(h) therefore asks that the Royal Navy reflect on the importance of this connection and name a ship ‘HMS Sheffield’; and
(i) directs that copies of this Motion are sent to the Rt. Hon. Des Browne MP, Secretary of State for Defence, the First Sea Lord and the Chief of Naval Staff.
10. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR DIANE LEEK
That this Council:
(a) notes the recent report in 'the Star' that the Council has turned down an offer from the Royal Navy for Sheffield to be affiliated with the HMS Diamond;
(b) is incensed that this decision was taken behind closed doors and in secret without the knowledge of Members of the Council, appropriate groups such as veterans associations and the people of Sheffield;
(c) believes that any such decision should have been properly consulted on and taken by the full Council as the elected representatives of the people of Sheffield;
(d) directs that an investigation is set-up in order to look into how the aforementioned issue has come about; furthermore directs that the investigation should:-
(i) be on a cross-party basis and be chaired by a member of the largest opposition group;
(ii) uncover who took the decision to turn down the Royal Navy's offer;
(iii) uncover the reason why the decision was taken behind closed doors and in secret;
(iv) uncover the reason why such a decision was not consulted on;
(v) uncover the reason why it was felt that a meeting of full Council should not make a decision on the matter; and
(vi) recommend measures to be taken to ensure that any similar mistake in the future is not made;
(e) directs that this investigation should report back to full Council with its findings and conclusions within two months;
(f) furthermore, directs that Council officers go back to the Royal Navy to see if the offer of affiliation is still available and report back to the next Council meeting; this affiliation to be on the basis first and foremost to get a Ship named HMS Sheffield but, however, if this is not possible then to look at affiliation with another named ship; and
(g) directs the Council as part of its campaign to get a Ship named HMS Sheffield shall start an online petition on its website and copies of the petition to be placed in all Council public buildings asking for the Royal Navy to rename a Ship HMS Sheffield; this petition to then be handed into the Royal Navy by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the people of Sheffield.
11. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR TIM RIPPON
That this Council:
(a) shares the disappointment felt by many Sheffielders at Sheffield United’s recent bad fortune;
(b) notes that the Premier League’s failure to dock West Ham United points for breaking League rules has allowed the London club to stay in the Premiership, condemning Sheffield United to relegation;
(c) believes that Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premiership will have serious implications for Sheffield;
(d) supports the calls for a resolution of this matter to be found, which may include consideration of a temporary increase in the number of clubs in the Premier League;
(e) calls on all political parties in Sheffield to stand together on this important issue; and
(f) directs that copies of this Motion are sent to the Chairman of Sheffield United, Sheffield Members of Parliament, the European football body UEFA, and the Chief Executive of the Premier League.
12. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR IAN AUCKLAND
That this Council:
(a) believes that the people of Sheffield want this Council to do its utmost to preserve and improve all our green spaces and parks in Sheffield as they are a valuable resource for our local people and communities across the City;
(b) is therefore concerned at the proposal to locate a new St Luke's Hospice site on land at Graves Park, especially considering that there are other appropriate locations for this highly respected local Hospice;
(c) believes that there should be no new buildings on land within Graves Park (unless directly supporting the charitable objects of the Graves Park Charity) and supports the Friends of Graves Park who object to any such proposal;
(d) passionately supports and appreciates the vital service that St Luke's Hospice offers the people of Sheffield; and
(e) therefore directs that Council officers work with St Luke's Hospice to find a more appropriate location.
13. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR BERNARD LITTLE
That this Council:
(a) notes that the proposals by the Highways Agency for the Transpennine Route A616/A628 and Mottram/Tintwistle Bypass are predicted to increase the traffic flow on the A616 (Stocksbridge Bypass) by 35 – 100% by the year 2015;
(b) notes that the proposals are detrimental to three of the four Local Transport Plan objectives, namely congestion reduction, air quality improvement and casualty reduction;
(c) notes that both the A628 and its offshoot, the A6024, pass through highly protected landscape, including Longdendale Valley, Langsett and Woodhead which contain an internationally important Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest;
(d) notes that the projected increase in Heavy Goods Vehicles and other traffic would have a serious impact on the landscape, wildlife, plant life, tranquillity and access to highly significant heather moorlands and woodlands in the National Park;
(e) notes that the Peak District National Park Authority recently elected to oppose the bypass in principle and that the Highways Agency’s first public consultation on the proposal received 1400 letters of objection;
(f) regrets the lack of effort to investigate alternatives to these proposals, such as the re-opening of the Woodhead tunnel and rail link to Manchester;
(g) therefore proposes to reverse its decision to support in principle the Highways Agency proposals and lodge a non-statutory objection;
(h) instructs Council Officers to make representations along these lines at the public enquiry on the 26th June 2007; and
(i) directs that copies of this Motion be sent to the Highways Agency, the Secretary of State for Transport, the Peak District National Park Authority, Barnsley and Kirklees Councils and the South Yorkshire Planning and Transport Members Steering Group.
14. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR SYLVIA DUNKLEY
That this Council:
(a) believes that Post Offices are a vital part of the communities they serve and are of social importance to many individuals around Sheffield;
(b) notes with concern the recent announcement from the Government that they plan to close at least 2,500 across the UK; this goes against the concept of sustainable communities;
(c) notes that although the Government has not published the list of Post Offices to be closed, but with one in five post offices nationwide set to shut, it is unlikely that Sheffield will escape;
(d) believes the closure programme is unnecessary and calls on Government to:-
(i) end the branch closure programme;
(ii) remove the Royal Mail restrictions on the Post Office to open up further business
opportunities for the network;
(iii) stop removing Government business from Post Offices;
(iv) carry out a review of which additional Government functions could be carried out through Post Offices; and
(v) invest in the Post Office network; and
(e) calls on all local Members of Parliament for Sheffield to lobby Ministers to save the Post Office from gradual demolition and to protect this vital service for the people; and further calls on local Members of Parliament to report back to this Council on what action they have taken.
15. NOTICE OF MOTION GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR JILLIAN CREASY
That this Council:
(a) recognises that with the political parties now finely balanced in terms of numbers of Councillors, full Council is vital to the decision making process and should be the place where we are, and are seen to be, at our best;
(b) believes that more could be done to create an environment conducive to constructive debate and mutual respect between participants; and
(c) therefore requests the Modernisation Local Government Working Group to:-
(i) Explore the feasibility of changing the layout of the Council Chamber from “Victorian classroom” to “senate” style; and
(ii) revisit the presumption that motions are debated for an unlimited period;
(d) further requests the Scrutiny Management Board to explore more imaginative ways of using Scrutiny Councils both in terms of subject matter and process;
(e) requests the Chief Executive to assist these bodies by producing a report on best practice in other Councils; and
(f) will consider firm proposals and any necessary changes to the constitution at a full Council meeting within 4 months.
16. OBSERVATIONS
To receive observations on the minutes of the meetings of the various Council bodies for the period 14th April to 18th May, 2007.
Dated this 29th day of May, 2007
Chief Executive
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