Thousands of new council homes planned for Sheffield and many current properties to get new kitchens and roofs

Councillor Paul Wood, the council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said a business plan had been put together after the council worked closely with tenants and residents.

“We have many existing tenants, vulnerable people in urgent need of a new home and future tenants on our council house register so we’re building and acquiring 3,100 new council homes by 2028 and have already built 631,” he said.

“We are committed to spending £500 million over five years. Thousands of tenants will get new roofs and kitchens and there will be improvements to communal spaces. With this funding, hundreds of jobs are expected to be created to deliver this work.”

There are plans to improve the thermal comfort of homes, reduce carbon footprints, have more cleaning and better security, and keep fire and building safety a priority.

The Liberal Democrats have repeatedly criticised the council for delays with repairs.

Coun Andrew Sangar said: “Many tenants are concerned with the backlog in council housing repairs over the past year.

“We request that there is a single point of contact for all tenant issues, including repairs and maintenance, and that the service aims for a one visit solution for all repair calls with, if required, a timely follow-up visit to fully complete the work.”

Coun Wood said an extra £2m had been put aside to tackle the backlog.

The Green Party said it was pleased the council was finally recognising the impact that housing can have in addressing the climate change emergency.

Coun Paul Turpin said: “It’s our moral duty to become carbon neutral by 2030, for the sake of our children and our children’s children.

“There is no way we can achieve that unless the way we do things changes radically and quickly, invest in more clean green energy and ensure that we reduce the impact of new developments on nature and our environment.

“We want bold action and contemporary solutions to make sure we get the best we can for Sheffield and future generations.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.