Ms Macbeth

I started working for SCC in the early 2000s, very few applicants for council housing actively sought a flat in Parkhill. I went to visit a couple of empties, and was impressed by the size and views. Unfortunately their reputation by then was marred by anti social behaviour. The change in attitudes to council housing in general was very different by then to how it was viewed in earlier times. I’ll be interested to see it completed.

Winchester gives out bursaries, some bright pupils from ordinary homes get their fees paid. Donations from FPs support them. Similarly, my older cousin, who grew up in a council house in Scotland, went to Gordonstoun.

I agree, money, even a small amount, is more helpful than a pile of old clothes. Anyone who has ever worked in a charity shop will understand that it takes time and effort to sort through donations, then there will be the cost of transporting whatever is useful, as well as organising the disposal of the rest.

The tram going towards town was stuck briefly yesterday near Proctor Place, a car had been parked on the loading bay outside the BHF shop. Unfortunately some of it was overhanging into the road. 🙄

Of course Julie Dore wasn’t a paid employee, she was a councillor, and leader of the council. Kate Josephs replaced John Mothersole as chief executive. I agree that she may have contacts in government that could work for Sheffield, and the council could certainly be using her expertise rather than giving her paid leave ATM. I’ve heard positive things about her from a couple of council staff. But hey, lets go through a whole new, expensive recruitment drive for someone else!

I’m not taken in. I know there is a negative culture about some aspects of benefits and claimants. But I’d also like to know the proportion of claims that are successful. And what makes the difference? Are the claims that fail mainly for mental health issues, or other hidden disabilities? Do some areas of the country fare worse than others in terms of successful claims?

I’ve watched the programme, the cases highlighted were tragic. I think some independent auditing of staff training and attitudes, case handling and decision making is long overdue. Preferably by health professionals and service users.

I’m aware of the demand on voluntary services. I just wish every food bank had someone who could support the genuinely struggling to apply for their entitlements, help manage their budgets, sort out debts etc. People who need to access food banks - as Daniel Blake did, would benefit hugely from having that help in one place.

I’ll watch it. There have definitely been some poor decisions with tragic consequences. I’ve seen Daniel Blake, hard hitting, lots of truth. However, IIRC, opportunities to get help from organisations such as the CAB, long before he did?

They're recruiting! Here's your chance to work in housing, for a massive salary.. or not.. https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/job-vacancies/Joblistings/neighbourhood-officer-x13

If it was just down to the Tories, then shouldn't the NHS in Scotland (my home country) be flourishing under the control of the SNP? Its doing no better than England. The model is outdated, it was set up when there were far fewer life prolonging medications, when people died much younger, and when no-one thought of rocking up to an accident and emergency department unless they'd had a serious accident, or were suddenly very ill. Even before the onset of Covid, and the subsequent shortages of medical staff, A&E departments were struggling with numbers, along with false callouts, and abusive 'patients'.

Surely a major issues is transgender women competing against women in sports where they have an obvious advantage.

Some background would be useful!

The council have set up Local Area Committees. Anyone who is seriously interested about the area of the city where they live might just want to go along? https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/local-area-committees

I had issues, then I replaced my old tablet. Its working fine for me, I’ve just logged in to check my usage, bills etc.

If people want to get involved in their local area, the council are in the process of setting up area committees across the city. First meetings are in September. These were already being planned before the local elections. https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/your-city-council/local-area-committees

Have you tried the Council? They have some studios/one bedroomed flats on their First Come First Served website. A lot are age banded, over 60, but there are a few for any age group. Might be a long shot, but you never know. https://www.sheffieldpropertyshop.org.uk/PropertySearch/Results?Sender=ResultsPage&AttemptedLocationName=&PreviousAttemptedLocationName=&AttemptedLocationLongitude=0&AttemptedLocationLatitude=0&SearchRadius=5&SortOrder=2&PreviousSortOrder=0&PropertyID=&AllocationScheme=556&AdvertTypes=1&AdvertTypes=5&AccommodationTypes=0&AccommodationTypes=1&AdvertisedDates=&_=1630791565585

There is a need to build more affordable, suitable homes for an ageing population. Lots of older homeowners can’t afford to buy into the private retirement housing market, but by selling their modest home could afford to pay a reasonable level of rent, and live comfortably without relying on benefits. Many terrace houses have steep stairs, and with no possibility of a downstairs loo, life can be very difficult in older age. The responsibility of maintaining a too large property is often too much for pensioners on a limited income, as is the cost of heating. By downsizing from rented or owned housing, they would free up larger homes in all tenures for families. Its also been proved that living in suitable accommodation means quicker discharge from hospital, so bed blocking becomes less of an issue, and the need for residential or nursing care is likely to be delayed. bassett one is right with his comments, Sheffield CC and their social housing partners, please take note!

Update - I'm in Hillsborough, my neighbours' green bins have just been collected. 2 minutes ago.

I agree entirely. And looking at the flats now, against what they were 20 years ago and not anyone's first, second or even third choice of social housing, there is no comparison. They are airy, bright, with fantastic views. And people obviously take pride in them.

More social housing has been needed for a while. Scotland and Wales have done the sensible thing and removed the Right to Buy, but it doesn't look like stopping anytime soon here in England. People need homes to rent long term from responsible landlords, at decent rates. If housing associations and other social landlords built decent retirement housing (we can't all afford McCarthy & Stone) I'm sure more older people would downsize to the right accommodation, freeing up family homes for younger people.

I don't think people should be forced to wear masks, but unless they are exempt, they shouldn't go anywhere where masks are required. Simple solution! The train I was on last week for instance was an example of a group of louts totally unconcerned about the wellbeing of others. I've abided by the mask wearing rules, more out of respect for others than for my own safety even though I'm in a vulnerable age group. I've had both vaccinations too. Good points muddywolf, if the pandemic has brought one positive, its surely the raised awareness of hygiene.

Me too. Well done to your daughter.

I wish someone had told the idiots that were on a busy train from Doncaster to Sheffield yesterday. A whole group of lads doing the macho loud posturing stuff, swigging lager. Not a mask between them. Signs stating masks must be worn with hefty fines for non compliance, but no enforcement. Not a pleasant journey, it was obvious that a lot of passengers were not comfortable. No-one even checked tickets, probably avoiding a confrontation. Who are these people who don't respect simple rules which are for everyone's benefit? It's the first time I've used the train in over a year. I won't be repeating the exercise soon.

Have you tried the public sector? Sheffield city council's job adverts state: 'We are committed to fairness and social justice and welcome applications from everyone. We value our diverse workforce and aim to work together to make the most of our differences. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.' I've worked for more than one council and other public sector bodies and I've always had colleagues with disabilities.