26th February 2008

Since last year, the Green Group of two councillors has held the balance of power on the City Council alongside the Sheffield Group. Our challenge has been to use this opportunity to make a real and positive difference to people's lives and the environment.

We said at the outset that we would not align ourselves with either of the two larger parties but would vote on an issue-by-issue basis and work with whoever supported our policies. A look at Full Council decisions shows that we have voted with the Lib Dems over some things and with Labour over others. For instance, we joined the Lib Dems in opposing the closure of Wisewood community school, supporting the Moor Market traders’ bid for a temporary site and calling for an investigation into Burngreave New Deal. But we supported Labour over planning for the long-term sustainability of Council Housing and providing an extra hour and a half a week of positive activities for all children between the ages of 8 and 13 years.

Several or our own motions and amendments have also been passed with support from either or both of the larger parties. These include opposing the extension of 28 day detention without charge and the introduction of ID cards, asking for more support for war veterans, bringing in better arrangements for Full Council meetings and helping people from all walks of life to stand as councillors. Other proposals were rejected by all the other parties, for instance asking for the Economic Masterplan to focus on local businesses rather than inward investors with no long term commitment to the city, calling for a root and branch review of the council house lettings policy and opposing road widening such as the Mottram bypass and St Mary’s Gate.

It was against this background that we approached the budget. Should we prepare a comprehensive Green budget, only for it to be outvoted, or support one or other of the larger parties in return for including at least some of our proposals?

To get their budget passed, the Liberal Democrats need the support of both the Sheffield Group and the Greens. But they did not approach either of them. On the other hand, Labour are the largest group and only need the support of one of the smaller groups. They accepted our condition of no cuts to front line services so we took up their invitation to work with them.

As a result, this year’s budget contains the following Green proposals:

• An extra £200, 000 for pedestrian crossings.
• A bus service on New Year’s Day.
• Funding for South Yorkshire Energy Advice Centre (based at the Energy House, next to Heeley City Farm) to provide technical advice about energy saving in “hard to treat” properties which wouldn’t otherwise benefit from the Council’s insulation programme.
• More help for small businesses damaged by rapid development in the city centre. Creative Sheffield now has a member of staff designated to advise about relocation and managing the disruption caused by new build.
• A recycling pilot in two wards, Central and Darnall. The aim is to see if “bring banks” within easy walking distance of every household improve recycling rates.
  

These are tangible gains, which will improve people’s lives and help the environment. We have achieved them by working cooperatively, which we hope to be able to continue, whoever forms the next administration.

Cllr Jillian Creasy
Sheffield Green Party