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Sheffield Street Trees Inquiry: A statement on the Terms of Reference

A tree lined street in Sheffield

The Chair of the Independent Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute, Sir Mark Lowcock, has now published the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry.

The Terms of Reference can be found online here.

Councillor Julie Grocutt, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Community Engagement and Governance said, “The publishing of the terms of reference for the Independent Inquiry into the Street Tree Dispute marks a significant milestone for this inquiry. It’s great to see that the inquiry is making considerable progress and making it quickly.  

“The terms of reference set out by Sir Mark today seeks to address important issues such as the context of Sheffield’s highways, pavements and street trees, the implementation of the Streets Ahead contract and how stakeholders responded throughout that period, which will allow us to understand what happened and why. It highlights that this process will be one of truth finding and reconciliation for our city.  

“Sir Mark has engaged key stakeholders and parties during the process of setting the Terms of Reference and anyone who wishes to submit evidence to the inquiry will have the opportunity to do so.” 

Councillor Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment & Transport added, "The terms of reference for the Independent Inquiry into the Street Tree Dispute published by Sir Mark explain how he intends to approach this important inquiry. I am pleased to see his commitment to engaging stakeholders, holding evidence sessions that will be viewed by the public, as well as an examination of key documents. Many people have their stories to tell and deserve to hear the accounts told by others. This is an important part of a healing process. 

“If anyone wishes to submit their own evidence to the Inquiry, I encourage them to e-mail streettreesinquiry@weightmans.com as soon as possible.” 

The Independent Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute was established by Sheffield City Council following the signing of the Co-operative Agreement between Labour and Green Groups.

More information and updates on the Inquiry is available on the Independent Inquiry into the Street Trees Dispute webpage here.