{"id":70805,"date":"2026-05-01T13:10:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/?p=70805"},"modified":"2026-05-01T13:15:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T13:15:33","slug":"labour-targets-student-life-reform-in-sheffield-as-local-election-approaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/index.php\/2026\/05\/01\/labour-targets-student-life-reform-in-sheffield-as-local-election-approaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Labour targets students in Sheffield as local election approaches"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the final days of its local election campaign, Labour is placing student life at the centre of its pitch – highlighting housing standards, safer streets, and a more accessible night-time economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bus travel in Crookes High Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Several Sheffield Labour councillors are facing growing pressure from Reform UK challengers in this year\u2019s local elections, with previously safe seats becoming more competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crookes and Crosspool Cllr Minesh Parekh<\/a> explained how his own experience as a previous student in Sheffield continues to shape priority of his policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe know there\u2019s still a lot of change<\/a> to be made. We want to build on the success we\u2019ve already had,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Housing is a constant concern for students living in areas like Crookes, where large numbers rent privately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Government data<\/a> shows that 46% of private renters report problems with damp, mould or condensation, compared to 22% of homeowners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Across England, around 2 million people live in homes with significant damp or mould<\/a>, with clear links to respiratory illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Parekh described his struggles: \u201cOne of the worst experiences I had was living in Crookes where my kitchen ceiling fell in\u2026 after chasing our landlord for six months it was ultimately a threat of withholding rent that made any change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that such experiences are common and pledged stronger council support: \u201cI want you to be aware that the council is here for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don\u2019t think poor quality housing is acceptable in this day and age.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another local Labour approach revolves around reshaping Crookes\u2019 high street, a hub of student life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investment through community funding has already seen \u00a390,000 spent on improvements such as refurbishing shopfronts, benches and planters on the high-street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Parekh said these improvements aim to \u201cbolster the neighbourhood\u201d and make it \u201ca more pleasant place to be,\u201d alongside measures like 20mph speed limits designed to encourage footfall and safer streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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New planters along Crookes’ high-street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Shopfronts along Crookes’ high street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Night transport has emerged as a key issue for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Parekh argued Sheffield must move away from taxi reliance: \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t be dependent on a taxi being the only option after 8 o\u2019clock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It limits the night-time economy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labour has signalled ambitions to expand late-night travel options, aiming to create a city that \u201cdoesn\u2019t feel like it shuts off at 11 o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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