Report from BNDfC Partnership Board Meeting Weds 28th January 2007
Request for return of £960,000 given to Sheffield City Council for demolition of Woodside
John Clark, BNDfC Chief Exec, recommended that BNDfC request that the Council return this sum as it appeared that leaving the money in would not guarantee an increase in the percentage of “affordable” housing on the site, at present 15%, to 20%.
John informed local Councillor, Ibrar Hussain, and Council rep, Joanne Roney, that advice from Government Office was that they were not permitted to take part in the discussion because of a conflict of interest, causing extreme irritation on the part of Joanne Roney, who felt this advice incorrect and unfair.
Given the gagging of the other Council reps, David Shepherd attempted to speak passionately in favour of BNDfC leaving the money with the Council. Shepherd said that the New Deal money would purchase an additional 11 “affordable” homes, which, added to the proposed 17 rented and 17 part ownership, makes 45 “affordable” homes, this being around 18% of the 250 homes proposed.
Board members, however, were unimpressed, voting by 9 to 1 to request the return of the sum.
Crime and Safety
Three linked projects were brought to the Board with recommendation for approval, these being continuations of the local Police team; the Community wardens scheme and the Anti-Social Behaviour Team.
A presentation demonstrated the impressive reduction in crime levels in the area.
Board members raised concerns regarding the sustainability strategy; level of match funding and additionality of the projects. When the Messenger asked where the additionality for the police team was, as other areas had local police teams funded centrally, John Clark insisted that the additionality bought would be monitored carefully.
The projects were approved overwhelmingly.
Community Engagement Team
A recommendation to extend the project, while issues raised by an evaluation of the project were resolved, was discussed.
Many Board members spoke passionately about how what was now needed was community development rather than community engagement.
Officers stated that this proposal would be included in the review.
Agreed to extend funding for the project.
Board elections – community rep allowances
There was an extended discussion around how much Board members wanted to pay themselves for undertaking their duties, however, at this point the meeting had been going on for over 3 hours and the Messenger retired to one of Burngreave’s many fine hostelries before the outcome of the discussion.
Comments
Community Rep allowances
New Deal later told the Messenger that Board members are currently unpaid, and unanimously voting to continue to be unpaid at this meeting. They can claim out of pocket expenses.