Calls for judge to assess if Sheffield tree contract can be ended for free

Protests against tree-felling in Sheffield have been taking place for more than two years.

A motion at Labour-run Sheffield Council’s next full meeting on February 7 by Liberal Democrat leader Shaffaq Mohammed has called for an inquiry to be opened after The Yorkshire Post reported on new evidence gathered by tree campaigners which they believe suggests the PFI contract with Amey could be ended free of charge.

Campaigners, who argue many of the tree removals have been unnecessary, believe the council may be able to terminate the 25-year contract early over a lack of records proving Amey formally disclosed details of a health and safety conviction relating to the death of a worker in Liverpool before the signing of the contract in 2012.

Sheffield tree campaigners believe contract could be ended for freeThe motion reads: “This council is deeply concerned by the reported allegations that Amey may have failed to declare legal proceedings that were pending or threatened, leading to a criminal conviction, and therefore believes this warrants further investigation as, if found to be true, it could be the basis to determine a legal validity of the Streets Ahead contract.

"The administration should ensure that an open and independent inquiry be carried out as a matter of urgency by a person such as a retired judge with expertise in commercial law, which would report back to full council so an open, independent and transparent recommendation can be made to this council to allow us to continue to invest in our highways infrastructure.”

It follows campaigners receiving general advice from a Government agency which suggested such convictions should be declared in public contracts.

While Sheffield Council and Amey did not provide records showing Amey did formally notify the council of the conviction prior to the signing of the contract when asked to do so by The Yorkshire Post last month, Sheffield Council said it had been aware of the conviction prior to the contract being signed and as such there were “no grounds” for termination.

Momentum group joins opposition to Streets Ahead contract

Sheffield’s Momentum group has said it “does not support” the PFI contract being used by the city’s Labour-run council to deliver highways improvements.

A statement from the left-wing grassroots campaigning organisation for Labour said the ongoing tree dispute involving Amey “has tarnished this city’s image as a green city”.

It said: “Sheffield Momentum does not support the Private Finance Initiative in Sheffield, which has resulted in confrontation in the removal of trees and the failure to meet timescales for road improvements and has resulted in the erosion of local democratic control.”