THE Sheffield Fairness Commission wants this city to be the fairest in Britain.
Since February last year the commission - the brainchild of Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore - has had 15 meetings – questioning 17 key witnesses, taking more than 60 pieces of evidence and sifting through 18 council reports.
The commission, led by Sheffield University Professor Alan Walker, was made up of 23 members drawn from public, private and voluntary sectors in the city including Bishop Steven Croft, Star Editor Jeremy Clifford, Couns Julie Dore and Shaffaq Mohammed.
In all, more than 120 bodies have contributed, including groups which deal explicitly with equality – such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation based in York – and a range of city-based bodies including Darnall Community Group and Sheffield Campaign For Social Justice. Transport bosses, health officials, police and educational officers were all called to give evidence.
Themes including health, education, income, housing, crime and alcohol misuse were all considered. A budget of £1 million has been put aside to fund action.
In addressing the challenges the commission identified some fundamental principles to guide Sheffield:
Health and well-being for all
Fair access to high quality jobs and pay
Fair access to benefits and to credit
Aspiration and opportunities for all
Housing and a better environment
A safe city
Transport for all
What citizens and communities can do.
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