No plans for councillors to return to Sheffield Town Hall

September should see the first full council meeting since lockdown - with all 81 councillors - but it will be a virtual meeting.

Opposition councillors have been critical that there hasn't been a full council before now, especially as neighbouring authorities have held them.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Coun Shaffaq Mohammed, said: "It's been very disappointing. While Rotherham has had two full council meetings and Barnsley has had one, Sheffield decided not to hold any.

"There's been a lot of issues that local councillors wanted to discuss and more importantly, members of the public haven't been able to ask questions, not just about Covid-19 but about other issues.

"We have now had five months without a full council and it's a poor show because there's a lack of transparency."

Sheffield Council said it was because it was "working in an emergency situation and has to balance its resources".

It says there are no plans to resume meetings in person at the moment but is keeping this under review, taking into account public health guidance.

When asked how long decisions will be made under Covid powers, the council said: "Decisions relating to Coronavirus are being made using the Covid-19 decision making process where the council needs to respond urgently to issues connected with the coronavirus.

"The most significant and critical decisions are published. These arrangements are temporary and are designed to respond to the circumstances relating to coronavirus. They are being kept under review.

"The Cabinet has met in March, May, June and July. Decisions are being made on other matters and in accordance with the Leader’s Scheme of Delegation.

"Regulatory decisions are being made by other committees, including planning, highways and licensing committees."

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