Council Response to statement by the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution

The statement is regarding proposed legislation to abolish the committee system and replace it with the leader-and-cabinet model.

Town Hall

Since 2022 Sheffield City Council has been governed using a committee system, chosen by residents in a city-wide referendum.  

Since its implementation, and the publication of the Lowcock Report in 2023, we have been on an improvement journey to listen, change and rebuild trust with the city, a journey which was recognised in our recent nomination for Most Improved Council at the LGC Awards.

We have worked hard to ensure decision making that reflects the needs of the people of Sheffield, to listen to our residents, and we have embedded the principles of openness, honesty and accountability at the heart of our system of governance. 

The culture in Sheffield City Council has been transformed over the last few years, and we are determined to continue on that journey.  We are committed to continuing this collaborative and inclusive approach, ensuring that all voices are heard.

This news comes as a surprise and we were not consulted. We are seeking an urgent conversation with Government on the detail and timescales of the proposed changes, to ensure the experience and perspectives of Sheffield are given due consideration.

Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council