Dear Constituents

Here is an overview on the work I’ve been doing in February on behalf of the Birley Ward and, I’ve been supported by Birley Ward Labour Candidate for the next election Matt Dwyer.

Thursday 1^st February – As a member of the Licensing Committee I attended a briefing session on Sex Establishment Policy consultation.

Friday 2^nd February – As a member of Community, Parks & Leisure Committee I spent the morning with officers visiting Endcliffe Park and Botanical Gardens.

Friday 2^nd February – In the afternoon myself and Councillor Denise Fox did a 2 hour trip around the Birley Ward with Sheffield City Councils Chief Executive, Kate Josephs and looked at the redevelopment of the Newstead estate, Charnock Hall Primary Academy, Charnock Recreation Ground, Basegreen shops and local area and finished the visit at Scowerdon Community centre to talk about the S12 Community Pantry, the Youth Club and the Mother & Toddler group.

Monday 5^th February – Again as a member of the Community, Parks & Leisure Committee I had a briefing on the review of the Nuisance tree policy. This referred to trees that fall under the Parks & Countryside Service and also Housing Services. This review will outline the current issue, the suggested methods to deal with nuisance trees, the changes required to the current policy and will outline the proposed assessment process. Once the draft is agreed the proposed policy change will be taken through the appropriate committee for a decision (likely to be June or September 2024).  It will need to be included in the wider review of the Trees & Woodland Strategy for wider consultation purposes.

Tuesday 6^th February in the morning I visited the S12 Community Pantry to tlk with the organisers.

Tuesday 6^th February In the afternoon I attended a joint away day session with Communities, Parks and Leisure and Education and Children and Families Policy Committee members. For discussions on Youth Services.

Tuesday 6^th February – at 5 pm I attended the Informal South East Local Area Committee briefing

Wednesday 7^th February – at 12.30 pm I attended the Labour Group pre full council meeting

Wednesday 7^th February  at 2 pm was the Full Council meeting.  We approved the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Budget for 2024/25.  We had motions and debates on:

• Extending the Household Support Fund
• Tacking empty homes
• Five years since declaring a Climate Emergency
• Increasing the number of council homes and the quality of existing stock

Thursday 8^th February – in the afternoon Birley Ward councillors had a meeting with the South East LAC officers to discuss our Ward Pot and CIL monies.

Friday 9^th February – in the evening I attended the Constituency Labour Party Executive Meeting

Wednesday 14^th February – I attended Hackenthorpe lunch club along with Matt Dwyer. We unexpectedly stayed for lunch which was Cottage Pie followed by Apple Crumble and custard.  This is such an important club providing a hot meal for people but also friendship and support. The meals are produced by the Probation Services.

Wednesday 14^th February – Members of the Communities Park & Leisure Committee had a briefing on the councils  Bereavement Strategy and the consultation.

Wednesday 14^th February – In the evening myself and Matt Dwyer attended the public meeting about buses and public transport to listen to Oliver Coppard’s plans to improve public transport in Birley and the rest of the south east of Sheffield, and this gave residents’ the opportunity to raise problems with the current service. I spoke about the issues of poor service of the No. 8 bus going through Basegreen.

Saturday 17^th February – Matt covered the councillors’ monthly surgery at Frecheville library and was able to feedback casework to me which I’ve taken forward.

Monday 19^th February – I was invited along with LAC officers by the users of Seven Steps based in the Birley Ward to join them for an American themed lunch.  Seven Steps provides support for adults with learning disabilities.   I was shown around the facilities, served food and we had a great discussion about the work they had been doing in our community.

Monday 19^th February – Matt covered the councillors’ monthly surgery 2-3 pm at Gleadless library as I had a clash of meetings.

Monday 19^th February – at 2.30 pm I Chaired the Birley Ward Community Action Group (CAG) meeting.  This meeting involves professionals from all relevant areas (such as police, Housing, Streetsahead, Business Sheffield, Youth Services etc.)  We have an Action Plan to tackle problems at a Ward level.  All the various agencies share information and work together to tackling issues that have been identified.

Tuesday 20^th February – We have the Birley Ward Labour Party Branch meeting where Councillor Karen McGowan updated members.

Wednesday 21^st February – Members of the Communities Park & Leisure Committee had a briefing on how the Leisure contract procurement was progressing.

Friday 23^rd February In the morning I attended an away day session with Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee members.  The topics discussed were Team around the Person (TAP), Community Action Groups (CAG) and Crime & Vulnerability meetings.

Monday 26^th February – I was a member on the Licensing Sub Committee.  Three councillors are required to hear cases each Monday and Tuesday.

Monday 26^th February – I was a sub member of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee we discussed:

• School Admissions,
• 16-25 Years Supported Accommodation Framework Contract,
• Proposed Capital Programme for 2024/25,
• Education, Children and Families Committee Climate Statement,
• The Childcare Reforms (Spring Budget 2023),
• Corporate Parenting Plan,
• SEND SEF and Transformation work,
• Update report from the Strategic Director of Children’s Services

Tuesday 27^th February – I reported in as the reserve member for the Licensing Sub Committee but as there was the required number of councillors present I wasn’t required.

Tuesday 27^th February – I attended the Frecheville Community Centre Carnival committee meeting along with Councillor Bryan Lodge and assisted with help and advice on funding and other council related matters.

Thursday 29^th February – Myself and Matt attended the South East LAC public meeting that was held in Birley Academy.  The items discussed were: