Use the cash to restaff

I recently came across a council tax relief scheme started by the council (http://www.sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/council-plan-to-boost-wages-for-lower-paid-workers/) whereby the council offers reductions in tax payable in return for the business paying the Living Wage.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th Aug 2016, 06:11 BST

Updated 9th Aug 2016, 07:14 BST

To date this has had no applicants, according to the council.

I wondered if the cash allocated (£500,000) could instead be used to restaff libraries given the seeming failure of current policy.

This would actually be providing employment for people instead of merely subsidising low wages in the private sector.

I would also reiterate that people not engaging with libraries like Broomhill means vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and isolated people not engaging with vital social support.

In addition, the news that Sheffield has one of the lowest levels of disposable income in the country (http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-mp-region-needs-greater-powers-to-address-the-challenges-we-face-1-8049252 ) surely means the need for a fully staffed library service in the city is higher than ever.

Matthew Smith

Broomhill

Sheffield