The Future of Community Assemblies Consultation

Sheffield Council is consulting and seeking views of residents on the allocation of a budget allocation of £580,000 for the city.

Sheffield’s 28 Wards have been divided into 7 Community Assemblies (4 Wards per Assembly). These Assemblies have helped to decide how Sheffield City Council delivers some services at a local level.

Reductions in Government funding together with increasing pressures means the Council has to save £50 million during this year.The Council is doing all it can to protect services for people most in need of help and support but the cuts mean major reductions to services.

In January 2013 the Council launched the first part of a Consultation seeking views on the impact of the 2013/14 Budget Proposals affecting Community Assemblies. The Proposals included:-

• Stopping the investment of £2.6 million in Community Assemblies formal structures, staffing and discretionary grants budget and replacing it with an investment of £580,000 per year which would generate £2 million savings per year.

• This investment would include £280,000 into staffing a centrally managed team and £300,000 into discretionary grants

Responses to the Consultation were summarised in a Consultation Report which was presented to Councillors to consider as part of their decision making process on the overall amounts to be allocated to different service areas.

The Consultation Report is available online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/community-assemblies/consultation.ht ml

The Council wants to know your views on these proposals for the future of Community Assemblies.

• Do you think the proposals are a reasonable way forward given the budget available?

• Do you think the proposals take account of the varying needs of Sheffield’s diverse citizens and areas?

• Is there anything else you would like to say about the proposals or any other ideas that you would like to share?

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can tell the Council your views.

• Attend the following event for the North East Area: 2 May 6pm to 8pm, Shirecliffe Community Centre, 349 Shirecliffe Road, S5 8XJ

• Tell the the Council online

• Complete the Council's online form (available soon)

• Email your comments to practicedevelop@sheffield.gov.uk

• Download the digital copy of the form below and return to practicedevelop@sheffield.gov.uk.

• Request a paper copy of the Feedback Form for you or your organisation by email practicedevelop@sheffield.gov.uk

• Telephone the Council on 0114 273 5299.

If you need this information in alternative formats including large print and audio please let the Council know which format you require.

Please tell the Council your views by 3 June 2013 (please note this date has been extended from 20 May 2013).