What are peoples opinions on the councils Closing the Gap Strategy. Do you think its fair that vast sums of money are poured into parts of the city and do you think it will work?

Although I agree that these areas are in need of improvement I think it is nothing short of discrimination on how the current budget is divided amongst the different areas of Sheffield.

I'm sure we'd all like to see area's of the city improved probably in lots of different ways. However there is no point in pouring money into an area then expecting the low life vandals to suddenly become reformed characters. A nice newly built or refurbished property with grafitti and smashed in fencing and an overgrown garden looks just as unappealing as an old run down property.

The money will be spent where the ruling Labour group think it will garner them the most votes, not on the actual needs of the various areas of the city. So those out the 'posh end' will see very little for the Council Tax they pay as only a minority are likely to vote Labour.

Originally posted by sanman
What are peoples opinions on the councils Closing the Gap Strategy. Do you think its fair that vast sums of money are poured into parts of the city and do you think it will work?

Although I agree that these areas are in need of improvement I think it is nothing short of discrimination on how the current budget is divided amongst the different areas of Sheffield.


I couldn't agree more, and have made my feelings perfectly clear when this subject has cropped up before. It's just a case of the Labour council looking after its own, ensuring that they splash the cash in Labour voting wards to keep their council seats at the next election.

Originally posted by t020
It's just a case of the Labour council looking after its own, ensuring that they splash the cash in Labour voting wards to keep their council seats at the next election.

I personally haven't had any benefit from the Closing the Gap strategy and I live in that area.

Perhaps I must vote for Labour first? :confused:

I expect the Closing the Gap strategy wants to lift some of the poorer areas, rather than drag down the more affluent.

Believe it or not, most of the roads on the dark side are in a right state too. And we have the added benefit of unmaintained speed bumps.