Sheffield's Independent Tree Panel

We know that Andy Buck, chief executive of Sheffield of Citizens Advice and Law Centre, is to chair it – but we don’t know who else is involved nor its terms of reference and indeed whether the panel members are to be paid for their activity or are acting in a voluntary unpaid capacity.

It’s concerning that Mr Buck is a board member of Sheffield First – an organisation which laudably works for the greater good of Sheffield but it does mean that Mr Buck has been working closely with other board members such as council leader Julie Dore and city council chief executive John Mothersole.

No doubt Mr Buck is a man of integrity and independence but wouldn’t it be better if the post of chair was held by someone from outside the city?

If it is a paid post, then in my opinion surely a person from outside the city would be preferable, so that no accusations of cronyism can be levelled at this important panel.

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