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20080903-Full Motions and Amendments

Contents

  1. 1 ITEM 4.2: APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS FOR SCRUTINY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT BOARDS 
    1. 1.1 Recommendations to Council
    2. 1.2 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy 
  2. 2 ITEM 4.3:  POST OFFICE CLOSURES  
    1. 2.1 Resolution to Council
    2. 2.2 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Mazher Iqbal, seconded by Councillor Chris Weldon
    3. 2.3 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Bernard Little, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy
  3. 3 ITEM 4.4: BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAMME
    1. 3.1 Resolution to Council
    2. 3.2 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Mike Reynolds, seconded by Councillor Colin Ross
  4. 4 ITEM 6. St Lukes Hospice and Graves Park (Lib Dem)
    1. 4.1 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Bryan Lodge, seconded by Councillor Jan Wilson
  5. 5 ITEM 7. Opposing ticket barriers at Sheffield Station (Labour)
    1. 5.1 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy
  6. 6 ITEM 8. Opposing ticket barriers at Sheffield Station (Lib Dem)
    1. 6.1  Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy
  7. 7 ITEM 9. Keeping the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield (Labour)
  8. 8 ITEM 10. Encouraging women entrepreneurs in Sheffield (Lib Dem)
  9. 9 ITEM 11. Congratulations to Team GB in the Olympics (Labour)
    1. 9.1 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Peter Price, seconded by Councillor Harry Harpham
  10. 10 ITEM 12. Veolia, the Council, and waste strategy (Green)
    1. 10.1 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, seconded by Councillor Martin Brelsford
  11. 11 ITEM 13. Congratulations to Team GB in the Olympics (Lib Dem)
    1. 11.1 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Peter Price, seconded by Councillor Harry Harpham
  12. 12 ITEM 14. Opting into the Sustainable Communities Act (Green)
    1. 12.1  Amendment to be moved by Councillor David Baker, seconded by Councillor Janice Sidebottom
 

ITEM 4.2: APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS FOR SCRUTINY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT BOARDS 

Recommendations to Council

[Relevant extract of report on SCC website]
 
6.         Recommendations 
 
6.1       That a pool of 5 observer/substitute Members be appointed from each of the two main political groups and 1 from the minority group, specifically allocated to a particular Scrutiny Board, but with the capacity to serve as a substitute Member on another Scrutiny Board.
 
6.2       That a new Standing Order A49 be incorporated into the Council’s Constitution in the following terms:-
 
“A49    Appointment of Substitutes on Scrutiny and Policy Development Boards.
 
Where an Appointed Member of a Scrutiny and Policy Development Board is unable to attend a meeting of that Board, he/she may arrange for a Substitute Member to attend, subject to the following conditions:-
 
(a)       a Board Member wishing to be substituted will seek a substitute from the approved list for his/her Party Group;
 
(b)       the Chief Executive or his/her representative will record the name of any Member who is in attendance as a substitute; and
 
(c)        the substitution shall last for the duration of the meeting, including an adjourned meeting.”

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy 

That so much of the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 20th August, 2008, as relates to the appointment of substitute Members for Scrutiny and Policy Development Boards be amended by:-
 
1. the deletion of paragraph (a);
 
2. the renumbering of existing paragraph (b) as paragraph (a);
 
3. the insertion of a new paragraph (b) as follows:-  
(b) notes that the formula for appointing to the pool as proposed in the report  is problematic because:
  1. a pool of only one means that the Councillor named cannot themselves be substituted
  2. the number and size of groups on the Council may change in the future
  3. the number and allocation of Members in the pool should reflect the number of Scrutiny Boards on which a group is represented not the size of the group (e.g. this would currently be 5 for each of the larger groups and 2 for the smallest group);” and
4.  the addition of a new paragraph (c) as follows:- 
“(c) therefore resolves that a pool of observer/substitute Members be appointed from each of the political groups, specifically allocated to a particular Scrutiny Board, but with the capacity to serve as a substitute Member on another Scrutiny Board, the size and allocation of the pool to reflect the number and particular Scrutiny Boards on which the political group is currently represented.” 

ITEM 4.3:  POST OFFICE CLOSURES  

Resolution to Council

RESOLVED: That (i) the information contained in the report now submitted be noted; and
 
(ii) the following approach with regard to the City Council’s response to the proposed Post Office closures in the City, be endorsed:-
 
(A)       the Council should continue to campaign to prevent Post Office closures in Sheffield and to work closely with community groups to ensure that the voices of Sheffield citizens are heard;
 
(B)       a rigorous analysis of the impact that the potential closures will have on the local communities in the City be completed and used to challenge Post Office Limited’s proposals;
 
(C)       relevant officers be requested to develop options for how vital services to local communities could be safeguarded in the event of local Post Offices being forced to close, and to submit a report on the options to a future meeting of the Cabinet for consideration; and
 
(D)       the Chief Executive be authorised to request Post Office Limited to agree in principle to a grace period to allow the Council to enter into a dialogue with the Company about how alternative service delivery options might be implemented; and
 
(iii) it be noted that the Council will provide whatever assistance it can to those responsible for the preparation of cases against closure. 
 
(resolution and report on SCC website)

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Mazher Iqbal, seconded by Councillor Chris Weldon

That so much of the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 20th August, 2008, as relates to Post Office Closures, be amended by the addition of the following words as an additional paragraph (iv):-
(iv) it be noted that the following information will be provided for each of the post offices that are threatened with closure, by no later than 15th September, which will enable the post offices to produce robust business cases before the end of the consultation period on 22nd September:
a) population profiles of the areas around each post office;
 
b) density of populations of the areas around each post office;
 
c) changes in population (e.g. through recent housing developments);
 
d) transport links and any recent changes in bus routes, for example any new housing developments schedule;
 
e) percentage retired population;
 
f) percentage car ownership;
 
g) details of any special schools in the area;
 
h) details of any old peoples' homes in the area;
 
i) details of any nursing homes in the area;
 
j) altitude analyses of suggested new distributions of post offices; and
 
k) sustainable community analyses for each area. 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Bernard Little, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy

That so much of the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 20th August, 2008, as relates to Post Office Closures, be amended by:-
 
 1. the substitution of the following words for those in paragraph (ii) (C):-  
 “relevant officers be requested to develop options for how vital services to  local communities could be safeguarded in the event of local Post Offices  being forced to close with particular reference to the Essex model, which  focuses on the importance of retaining a viable network across the whole  patch, and to submit a report on the options to a cross party working group  before the end of October;” 
 2. the substitution of the following words for those in paragraph (iii):-
“it be noted that the Council will provide whatever assistance it can to those responsible for the preparation of cases against closure, including pro-actively contacting all of the 16 subpostmasters or mistresses and local community campaigns that are preparing such dossiers”; and  
 3. the addition of the following new paragraph (iv):- 
 “will support any appropriate citywide demonstration against post office closures” 

ITEM 4.4: BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAMME

Resolution to Council

RESOLVED: That, having taken into account the decision of the Cabinet at its meeting held on 30th January, 2008, and the further matters contained within the report now submitted, including the response from the Schools Minister on the issue of Government funding, the Executive Director, Children and Young People’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning, the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Resources, be authorised to submit to Partnership for Schools the original Outline Business Case for Building Schools for the Future funding, including a single school to replace Myers Grove and Wisewood schools, and to work with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Sheffield.
 
(resolution and report on SCC website)

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Mike Reynolds, seconded by Councillor Colin Ross

That so much of the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet of 20th August, 2008, as relates to Building Schools for the Future Programme, be amended the insertion of a paragraph (a) after the words “RESOLVED: That” and the inclusion of the following words as a new paragraph (b):-
 
“this Council reaffirms the resolution passed by this Council on 30th July 2008, which stated: -
‘That this Council:-
(a) notes that, since the local elections in May, this Council has been working towards a two school solution, a new school for Myers Grove and to stop the closure of Wisewood;
 
(b) notes that, unlike the previous Labour administration, the new Liberal  Democrat administration has listened and worked towards a two school solution which is what local people overwhelmingly said they wanted democratically via the ballot box;
 
(c) therefore condemns the Labour Government for threatening to withdraw around £100 million worth of investment for other local schools if the school closures don't go ahead, an act which was described in the local media as ‘blackmail’;
 
(d) notes that this is even more deplorable given that the Liberal Democrat administration made a £25m offer to fund the extra investment required to deliver a two school solution, just as the Liberal Democrat Group said they would do whilst in opposition and the Labour Group said wasn’t possible;
 
(e) is dismayed that the local Labour Party, including all five local Labour MPs, opposed a two school solution ignoring the democratic wishes of local people;
 
(f) regrets that due to the new barriers put up by the previous Labour administration and the Labour Government, before and after the local elections, it has become impossible to halt the closures without other local schools incurring unacceptable penalties due to the decision from the Labour Government;
 
(g) regrettably accepts that the original outline business case for Building Schools for the Future funding is submitted to Government which would mean Wisewood School closes; and
 
(h) thanks local parents and young people for campaigning to save their local school and is saddened that they have been blocked by the local Labour party and the Labour Government.’   
 

ITEM 6. St Lukes Hospice and Graves Park (Lib Dem)

That this Council:
 
(a)       notes the recent debate over the controversial proposal to relocate St Luke's Hospice onto the Norton Nurseries part of Graves Park and believes that the damaging and unhelpful episode was created by the previous administration, who supported moves to develop on a local park that was given to the people of Sheffield by J.G.Graves; 
 
(b)       is committed to seeing St Luke's Hospice prosper and continue to provide an excellent service to the people of Sheffield but is also committed to protecting all our local parks from development;
 
(c)        is therefore delighted that the new administration have found a positive way forward for all sides and therefore welcomes the agreement to look at alternative sites for the relocation for St Luke's Hospice;
 
(d)       notes that the identified potential site is the former Bluestones Infant School next to Norfolk Park, furthermore notes that any relocation of the Hospice will be subject to full consultation with local people as part of the planning process;
 
(e)       welcomes the change of direction and potential positive way forward brought about by the new administration and looks forward to a report coming forward to Cabinet and Council which will look at the potential terms to be agreed, including a lease, subject to any planning application being agreed that would include consultation with local people;
 
(f)         is disappointed that the Labour Group are still showing resistance to this solution despite the fact that in a recent Sheffield Telegraph poll, 95% of Sheffielders wanted this new home for St Luke's; and
 
(g)       notes that the new administration will take a very different approach from the previous one with regard to parks and green spaces and, whilst every case will be judged on its merits, resolves to take any action it can to prevent inappropriate development on our local parks and commits to rigorously protect the green belt.
 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Bryan Lodge, seconded by Councillor Jan Wilson

That the Motion now submitted, be amended by the deletion of all the words after “That this Council:-“ and the substitution of the following words therefor:-
a) fully supports the valuable work of St Luke’s Hospice in meeting the needs of individuals and families;
 
b) is pleased that a way forward may now be developed and resolves that every effort should be made to ensure that St Luke’s Hospice can continue to provide, and indeed develop its invaluable services for Sheffield people;
 
c) notes that there were widely divergent views on this subject and that Councillors received representations of strongly held views both in favour and against the proposed Norton Nurseries location;
 
d) notes that the Norfolk Park area has strong neighbourhood consultation mechanisms, through which a long-standing ‘masterplan’ for the whole area has been agreed, with the site of the former Bluestones school being designated to meet housing needs and strengthen the residential element of the estate, in order to support community infrastructure, for example the local Post Office, currently under consultation for closure;
 
e) further notes that there was a scheduled meeting of the Area Panel just a few days before it was revealed that the Bluestones site was under discussion as a potential site for the relocation of St Luke’s Hospice, and regrets that the opportunity to consult with both the local residents and local Councillors was missed;
 
f) regrets that despite making numerous public statements about being ‘honest and open’, and promoting the policy of Community Assemblies, the current Liberal Democrat administration has still taken no steps to consult with those residents who have made a long term commitment to the Norfolk Park area;
 
g) further notes that a statement that the consultation will take place as part of the planning process, is a statement of the obvious, as there is a statutory duty to consult on the application and this no way replaces consultation on the actual nature of the land use;
 
h) notes that Members of the Council have diverse duties, amongst which are a duty to promote the well being of Sheffield residents, and also a fiduciary duty to make decisions which reflect good use of public assets;
 
i) notes that, at the time of writing there is no detailed information available on the implications of the suggested location to the site of the former Bluestones School;
 
j) further notes that in order to meet its legal duties, the Council needs to be made aware of the financial implications of this proposal, and therefore looks forward to the imminent Cabinet report;
 
k) requests that, in compiling the Cabinet report, the Chief Executive includes advice on the issue of precedent, so that when the Council does make a decision on the St Luke’s relocation it is fully aware of the implications, if any, of other Charitable Trusts approaching the Council asking for a site disposal at an undervalue;
 
l) notes, for the record, that although St Luke’s announced that they wished to pursue the possible use of the Norton Nurseries, and submitted a formal application, by way of a letter, on 7th December 2007, no detailed application has ever been received by the Trustees of the Graves Park Charitable Trust, which comprises all members of Sheffield City Council;
 
m) further notes that all Members of the Council were advised, in writing, that even if they had formed a provisional view for or against the proposed Norton Nurseries location, they needed to have an open mind to the merits of the argument before making a final decision, on the basis of a detailed report;
 
n) further notes that, as St Luke’s Hospice did not make a detailed proposal to the Council, no such report has ever been produced, and consequently no proper debate on this matter has ever taken place; and
 
o) resolves that the time has come to look forward, and therefore supports St Luke’s in continuing to develop its much valued services for the people of Sheffield.
 
 

ITEM 7. Opposing ticket barriers at Sheffield Station (Labour)

 That this Council:
 (a)       opposes the proposal by East Midlands Trains to implement automatic ticket barriers at Sheffield Station;
 
(b)       in opposing this move, does however fully support improvements in public transport;
 
(c)        notes that the recent internal station improvements cost £16m, comprising £15,070,000 public funding (Strategic Rail Authority – Rail Passenger Partnership, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Railway Heritage Trust) and £820,000 funding from the rail industry (Network Rail and Midland Mainline);
 
(d)       further notes that the external improvements to the station forecourt were funded entirely by the public purse, at a cost of £20m;
 
(e)       notes that the South Yorkshire Supertram stop has been relocated to the rear of the station to assist in integration of the tram with other transport modes;
 
(f)         further notes that this tram stop is named ‘Sheffield Hallam University’ because one of its principle purposes is to serve this University, which is located directly across the passenger footbridge;
 
(g)       notes the value placed on the footbridge by people with disabilities, because the level access enables people with impaired mobility to travel entirely independently;
 
(h)        further that the route through the station provides a vital link for the local residents of Norfolk Park and Manor Castle to both job opportunities and other amenities in the city centre;
 
(i)         notes that this route links two of Sheffield’s major regeneration projects; the Digital Campus and Park Hill;
 
(j)         notes also that in the national ‘Passenger Focus’ survey of stations, the customer satisfaction for feeling safe is higher at Sheffield station than the stations located in any of the other Core Cities, and believes that this is because of the open nature of Sheffield station;
 
(k)        appreciates that it is important to reduce the incidence of ticketless travel, and fully supports East Midlands Trains seeking measures to achieve this;
 
(l)         however, regrets that although East Midlands Trains has attended several community meetings, there does not appear to be any willingness to discuss any option for revenue protection, other than closing the station to members of the public not travelling by train;
 
(m)      therefore resolves that this Council should work with East Midlands Trains to find a suitable alternative to gating the station, which meets East Midlands Trains’ objectives of reducing ticketless travel but allows vital pedestrian access through the station to continue; and
 
(n)        directs that a copy of this motion is sent to Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Transport, Tom Harris MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State for Transport, Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, David Brown, Director General of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, and all Sheffield Members of Parliament.
 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy

 
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the insertion of the following words as new paragraphs (m) and (n) and the relettering of existing paragraphs (m) and (n) as paragraphs (o) and (p):-
“(m) believes that this dispute is another sympton of the loss of public control caused by the privatisation of the railways; 
 
(n) also believes that the rail system in this country should be brought back  into public ownership at the end of the current franchises.” 

ITEM 8. Opposing ticket barriers at Sheffield Station (Lib Dem)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       notes that many people currently use the East Midlands Trains Sheffield Station footbridge for easy access to the City Centre;
 
(b)       notes a substantial sum of public money was invested in Station improvements, including the footbridge and public realm;
 
(c)        notes that local residents from communities on the hill above the station find it the most convenient way of getting into the City Centre;
 
(d)       furthermore notes that tram users getting off at the back of at the station use the footbridge for access to the City Centre in order to switch travel modes, and students from Castle College and Sheffield Hallam University frequently travel through the station;
 
(e)       notes that access through the station makes a significant contribution to regeneration through improving access to employment, retail and leisure opportunities and believes that to prevent access would have a detrimental effect on the city centre and connected communities;
 
(f)         is therefore opposed to East Midlands Trains installing a gating system; and
 
(g)       welcomes the fact that the present administration will continue to put this case to East Midlands Trains on behalf of the Council and local people and hopes that a solution can be reached which satisfies all sides.
 

 Amendment to be moved by Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Jillian Creasy

 
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of the following words as new paragraphs (h) and (i):-
 
“(h) believes that this dispute is another sympton of the loss of public control caused by the privatisation of the railways; and
 
(i) also believes that the rail system in this country should be brought back  into public ownership at the end of the current franchises.”
 

ITEM 9. Keeping the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield (Labour)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       was concerned to learn that sponsors 888.com have terminated their contract with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association after three of their scheduled five years of sponsoring the World Snooker Championship;
 
(b)       notes that the World Snooker Championship, which is the highlight of the snooker calendar, has been held in Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre since 1977;
 
(c)        notes the huge value and importance of retaining the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible, both in terms of the positive benefits for the local economy in promoting Sheffield as a world-class city, and the fact that the snooker is so well-loved and cherished by local people; and
 
(d)       believes that Sheffield is the true home of the World Snooker Championship and confirms that this Council will fight to keep the snooker at the Crucible.
 

ITEM 10. Encouraging women entrepreneurs in Sheffield (Lib Dem)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       notes that Women make up half the population, half the workforce and half the university population, furthermore notes that girls statistically outperform boys at school and yet women are half as likely as men to start a business or become self employed;
 
(b)       recognises the important role that women play in our city's economy but notes with regret that rates of female entrepreneurship in Sheffield are just 85% of the national average;
 
(c)        therefore welcomes the “Celebration of Achievements of Women Entrepreneurs” event at the Millennium Galleries on 10th September;
 
(d)       is determined, in cooperation with local partners and stakeholders, to work towards unlocking the full potential of women as entrepreneurs irrespective of age, ethnicity, social status in order to make Sheffield an outstanding place for women to succeed as entrepreneurs in the business world; and
 
(e)       therefore instructs officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Employment and Enterprise and appropriate partners and stakeholders, to prepare a report on how best to achieve this which will be brought to a future meeting of Cabinet.
 

ITEM 11. Congratulations to Team GB in the Olympics (Labour)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       wishes to congratulate Team Great Britain for their outstanding performance in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games; and
 
(b)       recognises that this exceptional level of performance represents a huge long-term commitment from all the athletes and sportspersons involved and applauds them for their achievements.
 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Peter Price, seconded by Councillor Harry Harpham

 
That the Motion now submitted, be amended by the addition of the following words as additional paragraphs (c) to (f):-
 
c)  also recognises the fact that for the first time in this country's history we have a Government which has taken sport seriously and understood the tremendous value it can be to a nation, both socially and economically, and in improving the nation’s health and well being;
 
d)  congratulates the Rt. Hon. Richard Caborn, MP who within a few months of being appointed Sports Minister in 2001: 
i)  re-organised and refocused Sport England, UK Sport and the School Sports Trust, putting in new personnel at the top, and by using the grant system, forced National Governing Bodies of Sport to produce acceptable development plans for their sport; and
 
ii)  introduced a new coaching structure across the country and funded thousands more coaches, both specialist and generic, some linked to schools, to help produce success in international competition by developing the talents of our young athletes and also increasing the participation levels within our communities, improving the quality of life and the health of our nation, using both lottery and exchequer funding; 
e)  recognises the fact that the Governments massive 'Building Schools for the Future' programme, with superb new sports provision, designed for community access, is laying the foundation for sporting success for future generations; and
 
f) also recognises that the Government 's commitment to secure the 2012 Olympics for this country, has given all those involved in sports development a once in a lifetime opportunity to use the spectacle of the Games to encourage and attract more young people into sport and healthier lifestyles.
 

ITEM 12. Veolia, the Council, and waste strategy (Green)

That this Council:
 
(a)       accepts the following hierarchy of best practice for waste management as set out in the Waste Strategy for England 2007: reduction, re-use, recycling and composting, energy reclamation and finally landfill;
 
(b)       aims to push the management of Sheffield’s domestic waste further up this hierarchy;
 
(c)        believes that the same principles should be applied to industrial and commercial waste, which accounts for two thirds of Sheffield’s waste;
 
(d)       could offer leadership within the region, using its influence and resources to assist neighbouring Local Authorities to follow the above principles;
 
(e)       notes that the terms of the 35-year PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contract with Veolia (signed in 2001 and extended in 2004) place the city in the bottom half of the hierarchy, but could be varied to promote the above principles;
 
(f)         regrets that the council is once again considering a planning application from Veolia without the benefit of an up-to-date waste strategy;
 
(g)       recognises that any environmental benefit from importing waste for incineration which would otherwise have been landfilled would be negated an equivalent amount of waste which would otherwise have been incinerated were to be exported to landfill;
 
(h)        also recognises that there are financial benefits to Veolia and the council from this swap as other local authorities will pay to avoid landfilling domestic waste; and
 
(i)         will therefore:-
 
(i)         press Veolia to spend any increase in profits on delivering more reduction, re-use and recycling of domestic waste in the city;
 
(ii)        request that commercial waste (which is currently incinerated by Veolia) does not slip down the hierarchy of waste management;
 
(iii)       ask the Chief Executive to approach his counterparts in other South Yorkshire Local Authorities to discuss implementing the Regional Waste Strategy (“Let’s take it from the tip”, 2003);
 
(iv)       be open and honest about the outcome of the negotiations proposed in (i), (ii) and (ii) above; and
 
(v)        ask officers to investigate the feasibility of other means of transporting waste than road haulage, for instance by canal or rail, and to bring back a report to Full Council within 3 months. 
 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, seconded by Councillor Martin Brelsford

 
That the Motion now submitted, be amended by the deletion of all the words after ‘That this Council:-’ and the substitution of the following words therefor:-
 
(a) notes that the previous administration failed to make any progress on a  new waste strategy;
 
(b) furthermore notes that the previous administration voted against parts of the current waste strategy, including outsourcing the collection of household waste which included the provision of kerbside recycling facilities for local people;
 
(c) confirms that a new waste strategy, which includes the expansion of recycling facilities for local people, is a priority for the new administration;
 
(d) notes that members and local people will be able to influence any new waste strategy during the consultation period; and
 
(e) regrets the fact that both opposition groups have consistently opposed new  measures that aim to make it easier for local people to recycle.
 

ITEM 13. Congratulations to Team GB in the Olympics (Lib Dem)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       on behalf of the people of Sheffield congratulates Team Great Britain on their excellent performance in the Beijing Olympics;
 
(b)       sends particular congratulations to those athletes who have trained at facilities in Sheffield in preparation for the Olympics;
 
(c)        celebrates the fact that Sheffield born Paul Goodison won gold in the Laser Class Sailing event and resolves to write to Paul to congratulate him;
 
(d)       recognises the dedication of those athletes in attaining the goals they set out to achieve and further acknowledges that they are role models for young people, encouraging them to push their own personal boundaries for each to achieve personal fulfilment; and
 
(e)       recognises the potential benefits that Sheffield can reap from the 2012 London Olympic Games and welcomes the ongoing work being carried out by officers to ensure that Sheffield makes the most out of every opportunity.
 

Amendment to be moved by Councillor Peter Price, seconded by Councillor Harry Harpham

 
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the addition of the following words as additional paragraphs (f) to (i):-
 
f)  also recognises the fact that for the first time in this country's history we have a Government which has taken sport seriously and understood the tremendous value it can be to a nation, both socially and economically, and in improving the nation’s health and well being;
 
g)  congratulates the Rt. Hon. Richard Caborn, MP who within a few months of being appointed Sports Minister in 2001:
 
i)  re-organised and refocused Sport England, UK Sport and the School Sports Trust, putting in new personnel at the top, and by using the grant system, forced National Governing Bodies of Sport to produce acceptable development plans for their sport; and 
ii)  introduced a new coaching structure across the country and funded thousands more coaches, both specialist and generic, some linked to schools, to help produce success in international competition by developing the talents of our young athletes and also increasing the participation levels within our communities, improving the quality of life and the health of our nation, using both lottery and exchequer funding;
 
h)  recognises the fact that the Governments massive 'Building Schools for the Future' programme, with superb new sports provision, designed for community access, is laying the foundation for sporting success for future generations; and 
i) also recognises that the Government 's commitment to secure the 2012 Olympics for this country, has given all those involved in sports development a once in a lifetime opportunity to use the spectacle of the Games to encourage and attract more young people into sport and healthier lifestyles.
 

ITEM 14. Opting into the Sustainable Communities Act (Green)

 
That this Council:
 
(a)       is concerned about the decline in local services and facilities which:
 
(i)         affects local communities, especially the elderly and those on low incomes;
 
(ii)        damages local jobs and local economies;
 
(iii)       increases traffic and pollution due to the need to travel further; and
 
(iv)       adds to people’s feelings of exclusion and lack of involvement;
 
(b)       welcomes the Sustainable Communities Act, which sets up a new process whereby local communities and their local authorities can drive central government policy and action on reversing community decline and promoting local sustainability;
 
(c)        notes that Local Authorities will be invited by central Government to “opt in” from October 2008 and to make proposals on how central Government can help promote local sustainability in their local areas;
 
(d)       notes that a key element of this process is for representative Citizens’ Panels to be established, consisting of representatives of local people and that Local Authorities must reach agreement with the proposals made by their communities via these panels, thus increasing citizen involvement in democracy;
 
(e)       notes that central Government is required to provide financial support for this process;
 
(f)         notes that the Act will enable local authorities to request the transfer of functions from government or government agencies to themselves, and provide public information about the extra money spent locally which they can access if such functions are transferred; and
 
(g)       therefore resolves to
 
(i)         opt in to the provisions of the Act from October 2008; and
 
(ii)        use every effort to ensure that the new Community Assemblies in Sheffield are established in such a way as to incorporate and enable the successful working of Sustainable Communities Citizens’ Panels.  
 

 Amendment to be moved by Councillor David Baker, seconded by Councillor Janice Sidebottom

 
That the Motion now submitted be amended by the substitution of the following words for those in paragraph (g):-
 
“therefore resolves to opt in to the provisions of the Act from October 2008 and consider how all aspects of the Sustainable Communities Act can influence the work of the Council and Local Strategic Partnership, including the Community Assemblies.”