The Strategy and Resources Policy Committee for Sheffield City Council held its first meeting of the municipal year. The meeting included the introduction of new members, discussions on various public questions and petitions, and the presentation of the draft housing strategy.

Public Questions and Petitions

Ecology Unit and Street Trees

Isabel O'Leary raised concerns about the resourcing and involvement of the Sheffield City Council (SCC) Ecology Unit in the Streets Ahead contract. She asked about the Council's assessment of the Ecology Unit's resources, improvements made, and the unit's exclusion from oversight of the Streets Ahead contract. The Council responded that a new ecology manager post has been created and that AMEY, the contractor, is required to provide their own ecological monitoring. The Council acknowledged that AMEY had not met some contractual obligations regarding ecology and is working to address this.

Gaza and Ethical Procurement

Sue Owen and Julie Pern questioned the Council's stance on the situation in Gaza and its relationship with Barclays Bank, which invests in Israeli weapons manufacturers. The Council reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and stated that all contracts are let in accordance with the Council's ethical procurement policy. However, the Council is not legally allowed to consider non-commercial matters in its procurement decisions. A review of the ethical procurement policy is underway.

Code of Conduct and Racism

Val Johnson raised concerns about a councillor's remarks that were deemed offensive and potentially racist. The Council stated that the investigation of complaints under the standards regime is confidential and that it is not within the remit of this committee or the leader to order a re-hearing.

Stockbridge Town Deal Board

Simon Ogden presented a petition calling for a review of the governance of the Stockbridge Town Deal Board. The Council acknowledged the concerns and stated that they would be addressed after the general election.

Draft Housing Strategy

The draft housing strategy was presented, focusing on five key ambitions:

1. Providing more homes and housing choice.
2. Reducing housing carbon emissions to achieve net zero by 2030.
3. Providing safe, good quality, and comfortable homes.
4. Creating great, safe neighbourhoods.
5. Ending homelessness and supporting healthy, independent living.

The strategy is a ten-year plan and will undergo further consultation over the summer. The final strategy will be brought back to the committee in the autumn.

Other Items

• The committee noted the progress made in the last municipal year and considered key issues for the coming year.
• The work programme was discussed, with specific items like the ethical procurement policy and Stockbridge governance issues to be reviewed in future meetings.
• The committee thanked retiring staff for their service.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working on the identified priorities and to engage with the public for further input on the housing strategy.