Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a Mental Health Recovery Worker, founder of a local charity and passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the Labour party and beyond. My voluntary work with vulnerable families throughout the pandemic and the challenges I have seen firsthand across our community have motivated me to stand for councillor to make a real difference in people’s lives during this difficult time.
What do you think makes a good local councillor?
A good councillor needs to represent the whole community, not just those who vote for or agree with us. We need to listen carefully and respectfully to all those we represent and put the needs of the community first. It’s a difficult job and we need to be dedicated, passionate, and hardworking. It’s never possible to achieve what everyone wants, but we need to do our best to balance the full range of opinions and needs within our communities when taking decisions on behalf of our constituents.
Tell us three things you're aiming to focus on or achieve for your ward during your term as councillor
Safer, cleaner streets – Public and active transport are big issues in the ward, as are fly-tipping and keeping streets clean. I want to see green spaces kept clean and tidy, so all residents can use and feel proud of them. I support seeking to share their ideas on active travel and public transport in the ward, and want to give residents the chance for their constructive and positive feedback to be actioned by the council.
Opportunities for young people – A lack of funding has meant that many services for young people are struggling and antisocial behaviour is on the rise. I will work constructively with local organisations and schools serving young people to provide meaningful opportunities for them to reach their full potential
Listening to all voices – The council has an unfortunate history of failing to include everyone during consultations. We must actively engage all communities and I will work hard to ensure those with specific needs are able to make their voices heard.
Tell us three things you're aiming to focus on or achieve for the city of Sheffield during your term as councillor
Building better relationships – The council is here to serve local people. If elected, I will make it a priority to strengthen relationships with all the communities that make up Sheffield and to ensure that the views of everyone affected are properly considered when decisions are made.
Pandemic recovery – People and businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and by the emerging cost of living crisis. I’m committed to advocating for more support for our community and taking practical action with local people to overcome the challenges we face ranging from running a local foodbank to ensuring the voices of all local businesses are heard in processes that aim to develop our area.
Improved local services – Local service provision has been hit hard by cuts to central government funding at a time when they are needed more than ever. We must find ways to continue to deliver the services we all rely on as well as improving our public transport infrastructure and increasing investment in our city. I will work in partnership with the whole council to put Sheffield first and fight for the investment and development our city deserves.
Transport: “Air pollution contributes to 500 deaths a year in Sheffield. Living alongside a busy road carries the same risk as passively smoking 10 cigarettes a day.”. Supported by better public transport and disabled accessibility, do you think private motor traffic should eventually be excluded from Sheffield city centre?
- Yes
- Unsure
- No
If you'd like to add details on your position, please do so here
We must first improve provision for public and active transport so that there is a real and positive alternative for local people. Public transport must be made an affordable and practical alternative to private transport. It’s absolutely essential that these schemes carefully consider the needs of people with disabilities and that the city centre is equally accessable to all. Some limited provate motor traffic may need to remain an important part of this.
Housing: "The introduction of Selective Licensing can bring widespread benefits to the local community. In particular it will ensure that all private rented property within the designated area is safe and well managed". Do you think Landlord Licensing in Sheffield should be extended, from currently applying to Abbeydale Road, Chesterfield Road and London Road, to covering more wards?
- Yes
- Unsure
- No
If you'd like to add details on your position, please do so here
It is important that the council are able to protect tenants and take appropriate action against rogue landlords who do not meet their obligations. The scheme needs to be improved before expanding it, both to ensure the council can take action to support tenants and to ensure that Landlords looking to make improvements are supported to do so
Local Democracy: “The primary purpose of the Local Area Committees (LACs) is to promote the involvement of local people in the democratic process and to bring decision making closer to local people.” Do you think Local Area Committees should be further developed?
- Yes
- Unsure
- No
If you'd like to add details on your position, please do so here
Local area committees are a vital tool for increasing the accountability of local councillors and channeling resources towards initiatives that matter to local people. We should look to expand these schemes so local people have a greater say over what the council is doing in their communities
Local Economy: Community wealth building (CWB) is a people-centred approach to local economic development, which redirects wealth back into the local economy, and places control and benefits into the hands of local people." Do you think Sheffield City Council should support community wealth building?
- Yes
- Unsure
- No
If you'd like to add details on your position, please do so here
Community wealth building helps us to ensure that local people benefit the most from the work done in their local communities. We should continue to expand our use of this model