The Strategy and Resources Policy Committee were scheduled to discuss the first quarter budget monitoring report for 2025/26, an update on the implementation of the Future Sheffield programme, and a citywide cemetery plan. The committee was also scheduled to review the annual corporate complaints performance and annual ombudsman reports for 2024-2025.

2024-25 Corporate Complaints and Ombudsman Reports

The Strategy and Resources Policy Committee were scheduled to review the 2024-25 Annual Corporate Complaint Performance Report and the 2024-25 Annual Ombudsman Report.

The annual corporate complaint performance report noted that the council received 7,899 complaints, 8.5% less than the previous year. Of these, 94.3% were received at stage 1 and 4.5% at stage 2. The report stated that 44.7% of complaints were acknowledged within 5 working days of receipt. 80% of complaints responded to at stage 1 were within 10 working days of acknowledgement, and 89% within 20 working days. The average response time for a stage 1 complaint was 15 working days. The upheld rate was 16.6%. The highest reason category recorded was 'policy' (40%), followed by 'staff' (32%) and 'failure' (10%). 5% of complaints involved an equality issue, relating to race (2%) or disability (3%). 38% of customers completing a satisfaction survey recorded a score of 5 or more (where 1 is poor and 10 is good).

The annual ombudsman report noted that of the 33 complaints formally investigated, the highest numbers related to housing and repairs services (36%), adult social care (21%) and children's services (18%). The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman upheld 73% of complaints, compared with 81% for similar authorities. The report also noted that the council had a 100% compliance rate with recommendations made. The Housing Ombudsman found Sheffield City Council's maladministration rate to be 83%, compared with a national average of 71% and an average of 80% for landlords of a similar size.

The committee was also scheduled to consider a revised complaint policy, aligned to the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Policy Review recommendations issued in June 2025, and to endorse recommendations made by the VWV Sheffield Inquiry report, and note an update on apologies following publication of the Sheffield Street Trees Inquiry Report¹.

Citywide Cemetery Plan

The Strategy and Resources Policy Committee were scheduled to discuss a report presenting the strategic plan for future cemetery provision in Sheffield, aligned with the City-Wide Cemetery Plan.

The report outlined that citywide burial provision is estimated to be exhausted in approximately 5 to 7.5 years, with existing Muslim burial space estimated to run out in approximately 3 years. It noted that the council is not under a statutory duty to provide cemetery services, but has committed to maintaining and expanding burial provision.

The report stated that six shortlisted locations have undergone ecological and groundwater assessments, and collectively offer sufficient land to meet the projected requirement of a minimum of 12 and up to 24 hectares. It was noted that most of these sites are in council ownership and currently tenanted, and that initial contact has been made with tenants.

The report recommended that the committee support urgent interim measures proposed at City Road Cemetery to extend Muslim burial capacity by an estimated 6 to 12 months.

Future Sheffield Update

The Strategy and Resources Committee were scheduled to receive an update on the implementation of the Future Sheffield transformation programme.

The report stated that the programme encompasses the whole council, including housing, and is supported by a strategic partnership with PWC. It noted that the programme is intended to deliver enhanced performance, a strategic shift towards preventive services, enhanced customer experience and the realisation of substantial financial benefits.

The report recommended that the committee endorse the requirement for a delivery partner for the next phase of the Adult Health and Wellbeing transformation journey.

2025/26 Quarter 1 Budget Monitoring

The Strategy and Resources Committee were scheduled to consider the 2025-26 Q1 Budget Monitoring Report.

The report noted that Sheffield City Council is facing financial challenges due to increased service demand, rising costs, and reduced funding, leading to a forecast overspend of £28.2m for 2025-26. It stated that the key areas of budget pressure are adult social care, children's services, and homelessness services.

The report also noted that the council is implementing targeted actions across key service areas to reduce overspending, and that the implementation of the Future Sheffield programme is ongoing, with an emphasis on achieving financial sustainability through service transformation.

Work Programme

The committee were scheduled to review and agree the committee's work programme, including proposed additions and amendments. The report noted a resolution from Full Council requesting that the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee ensure that all relevant committees collaborate to ensure the council has a joined-up, effective approach to enforcement in respect of ensuring the council uses all available powers to tackle fly-tipping², littering and graffiti.