Health care, a balanced diet, decent housing, adequate income, access to transport and a clean and safe environment can all have an impact on the level of services needed.

Given adequate funding, services should be free at the point of need. The main focus should be on preventative work, which in the long term would lead to a reduction in demand.

All services should be based on respect for the people they serve. Choice should be well informed and realistic so people understand the consequences of their choices.

In Sheffield

Social Services no longer exists. We now have a Children and Young People's Directorate (including Education) and services for adults which, along with housing, now come under a Neighbourhoods and Community Care Directorate.

It is important that both directorates work together for the benefit of all the citizens. Government targets and privatisation put constant pressure on such services making it more difficult to respond to local need. Sheffield has less than its fair share of money allocated by the Government.

What we have done so far:

• Campaigned to highlight the unfair statutory spending assessment for Sheffield.
• Supported the Sheffield Welfare Action Network campaign against changes in welfare benefits.

As Green City Councillors we will:

• Continue to campaign for services that are free at the point of need, and until this time ensure the "fairer charging system” works efficiently and fairly.
• Consult front-line workers, service users, carers and local communities for their views on strategic plans and service delivery.
• Review the service to carers to ensure that they have the support they need.
• Use partnership grants to support benefits advice services and voluntary groups which, for a small investment, generate more resources.
• Use central government monies (Health Action Zones, Surestart) to fill gaps in council services.
• Ensure all those who need it have a comprehensive person centred assessment of their needs.