South Yorkshire mayor to host second 'question time' event next week

SOUTH Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard will take questions from members of the public next week on issues such as the cost of living crisis and how he can offer support through his “devolved powers”.

Mr Coppard will host a second session of Mayor’s Question Time at Sheffield’s Millennium Galleries at 7pm next Wednesday (November 16).

He previously hosted the first MQT event at Rotherham’s University Centre Rotherham in August, which Mr Coppard was aimed at young people across South Yorkshire.

The mayor said he expected to be quizzed on issues such as public transport, the cost of living, skills, jobs and the issues that “matter most to people in the region”.

Mr Coppard added: “I want people in South Yorkshire to have their voices heard and to play a part in the decisions that will share their future and the future of the region.

“And as we head into winter, I know the cost of living crisis will be all too real for so many people in our region, having to make awful decisions like whether to heat their homes or feed their families.

“Around 145,000 people in South Yorkshire do not earn enough to cover the basics of housing, transport, childcare and living expenses.

“Our communities shouldn’t have to face those challenges alone.

“I want to hear from the people that call South Yorkshire their home how I can help them with what powers and resources I have.”

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said anyone aged over 14 was invited to sign up to attend the event and they can submit questions in advance.

There will be light refreshments and soft drinks available at the venue.