Sheffield Labour have launched an array of commitments they will enact if re-elected in May’s local elections. The Manifesto is called ‘Empowering Sheffield, Building Our Future’, and sets out a range of empowering polices for Sheffield communities and businesses.
You can read the Manifesto HERE
The 12-page document highlights the work undertake over the last year in responding to the pandemic, but also shows ambition and looks to a post-Covid future for the city – to create a city that is fairer, more prosperous, and cleaner, greener and safer.
If they secure a majority of councillors in May, these are just some of the things Labour are pledging to do:
Empower local shops and businesses– spend £2 million extra to revitalise district centres and give community high streets a much-needed boost.
Tackle the climate emergency – Invest millions to prevent flooding, tackle air pollution, and protect the city’s ecology and wildlife
Support local housing – Provide an extra 3,100 council homes, and greater protection for private tenants against rogue landlords
Empower young people – Invest an extra £2 million to support youth services – helping young people develop their skills, and creating more youth clubs
Empower local communities – Launch new ways of bringing people closer to council decisions – by giving people a greater say and control of their local area through the development of new Local Area Committees
Empower workers – new council contracts only awarded to companies who agree with our ethical standards —by paying their taxes, respecting workers’ rights and equal opportunities, and investing in the talents of their employees through good training and healthy, safe working conditions
Empowering the city to be: – Cleaner – We are investing in more cameras and CCTV to tackle litter, graffiti and fly tipping. Extra enforcement powers to staff to issue fines, and Household Waste Centres open longer and 7 days a week.
Greener – Plant 100,000 trees over the next 10 years, continue record investment into the city’s parks and green spaces, and protect the Green Belt from housing developments
Safer – More action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour with new Street Wardens in every part of the city, supported by a safer neighbourhood team and an even greater focus on preventative work.
The following statement was issued alongside the Manifesto by Labour Council Leader Bob Johnson:
“The last twelve months have had a major impact on everyone in the city and the loss of life has been truly tragic.
“It is still too early to tell what the long-term economic impact will be, but we will always act to ensure that the greatest support goes to those most in need.
“Labour has an overall majority of councillors in Sheffield, meaning we can set Labour-led objectives and policies by which Sheffield City Council is governed. This means we have been able to lead locally when this Tory government has failed to deliver – providing free school meal vouchers to 22,000 children over school holidays, 6,000 laptops to children to access home schooling during lockdown, and additional support for residents struggling via unique Sheffield hardship schemes.
“Despite the difficulties this is also an opportunity to help build back a stronger Sheffield – with a city that is fairer, more prosperous, and cleaner, greener, and safer for everyone.
“We have huge ambition for the city, and if re-elected in May we will implement all the policies within this Manifesto – to empower Sheffield and build a better future”.