There were no apologies for absence.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

None were declared.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 June 2017.  TO FOLLOW

Contact: Jane Palmer          Tel: 01743 257712  

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 June 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 June 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

To receive any questions or petitions from members of the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  Deadline for notification for this meeting is 5.00pm on Friday 7 July 2017.

No questions had been received from members of the public.

Councillor A Boddington had submitted the following question but was not present at the meeting:

‘The draft parking strategy is at Agenda 8 of this meeting. If this policy is implemented, what are the council’s estimates of how much revenue in total and how much extra revenue will be raised? To what purposes will the extra revenues be assigned?’

The following response was tabled:

The draft Parking Strategy builds on the original strategy implemented in 2012. The draft strategy considers parking in light of current and future levels of supply and demand, takes into account changes in patterns of use and to utilise new technology, which will provide Shropshire Council with the ability to manage car parks in a more efficient way. The efficient use and management of car parks will allow these assets to be used as a traffic management tool and a contributing factor in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, minimising congestion, support retail centres and improve vibrancy in our market towns.

Whilst we do anticipate an increase in additional revenue, it would be premature to do any detailed modelling, until the outcomes of the consultation are complete. The strategy is primarily aimed at improving the experience of all visiting or working in our town centres and other locations rather than generating revenue.

By law, any money we do raise from car parking must be used for the benefit of road users. Any additional income generated from these new proposals would be put towards a number of new parking developments, including the replacement of the existing payment machines to enable payment by card, contactless payments, and payment by mobile phone – helping us move with the times and greatly improving the service that we offer. We will also look to improve signage, lighting, car park surfacing and white lining, by ensuring the annual refurbishment budget for carparks is increased. Any further surplus money would be used to fund public transport services, road improvements projects and environmental improvements.

To consider any scrutiny matters from Council or any of the Scrutiny Committees.

There were no scrutiny matters for consideration.

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder for Finance

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance [Section 151 Officer]

Contact: James Walton      Tel: 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

That the position detailed in the report be accepted.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report outlining the Council’s treasury management activities during the last quarter. 

Responding to a Member’s questions, the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance explained how the treasury management decisions had been made and stated that he would provide further information to the Member concerned outside of the meeting.  The Chief Executive added that the Council worked hard to make sound investments in order to generate interest on its monies at all times.

RESOLVED:

That the position detailed in the report be accepted.

Lead Member – Councillor Lezley Picton – Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure

Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

i.     That the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023 be confirmed.

ii.    That a ten-week public and stakeholder consultation be undertaken on the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire prior to bringing the outcomes of the consultation and the final Strategy back to Cabinet for approval.

iii.  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure to finalise the draft Strategy and public consultation before a report is brought back to Cabinet in Autumn 2017.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure presented the report seeking approval to consult on a new draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire.  She explained that the report set out how the Council would continue to meet its statutory services.  She stressed that no closure of existing services was being planned but prioritisation of future library services would be needed.

Members were pleased to note that no planned closure of static libraries was being proposed.  Several Members spoke in support of library services in general and their value to the local community.  Some concern was expressed regarding the reduction in mobile library stop offs; the Portfolio Holder stated that this list was constantly refined and would form part of the consultation so local residents would be informed.

Whilst acknowledging the Council’s commitment to maintain libraries, a Member stated that the Shrewsbury Town Council was disappointed that it had not been consulted prior to the release of the consultation document.  The Portfolio Holder stated that feedback from the Town Council would be most welcome and would be considered as part of the consultation process.

RESOLVED:

i.     That the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023 be confirmed.

ii.    That a ten-week public and stakeholder consultation be undertaken on the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire prior to bringing the outcomes of the consultation and the final Strategy back to Cabinet for approval.

iii.  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure to finalise the draft Strategy and public consultation before a report is brought back to Cabinet in Autumn 2017.

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Davenport – Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport

Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

1.1.     That approval be granted to consult on the four consultations as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the report. The Parking Strategy Proposals to be consulted on are:

i.      The use of standard criteria and setting of standard banding levels  (including associated criteria and methodology) for each identified car park

ii.    The introduction of a set price per hour (known as ‘linear’ pricing)

iii.   To introduce charging and pay and display in the following carparks:

a.    Gobowen Station, Gobowen

b.    Newport Road, Market Drayton

c.    Crown Hotel, High Street, Albrighton

iv.   A Proposal to introduce linear tariffs and charging between 9.00am and 8.00pm.

v.    The extension of opening hours in Raven Meadows multi storey car park in Shrewsbury 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

vi.   A new trades person waiver system

vii.  The removal of restrictions on periods of maximum stay and minimum return subject to purchase of an appropriate ticket

viii. Removal of the 15-minute ‘pop and shop’ period

ix.   Extend times of loading bay restrictions to 8.00pm in line with the proposal to introduce linear tariffs and extend charging until 8.00pm in the evening.

x.    To make all existing loading bays available within the Shrewsbury river loop as taxi bays between 8.00 pm and 7.30 am.

xi.   A new On-Street Residents parking policy framework

xii.  The introduction of weekly parking tickets

xiii. The setting of new standard tariffs and criteria for Season tickets, Coach, HGV and Off-street Residents permits

xiv.Change of use of the HGV / Coach park, Crossways Church Stretton to a band 6 pay and display car park

1.2.     That following the end of the consultation exercise and consideration of the responses to the consultation, a further report be brought back to Cabinet, setting out the results of the consultation and next steps around the adoption of a new parking and permit scheme.

1.3.     That authority be delegated to the Head of Infrastructure and Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport to assess and implement the roll out of pay by phone to ‘on and off street parking areas’ across the county as soon as possible.

The Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport presented a report detailing the framework rationale, communication plan and programme for the public consultation on the draft Shropshire Parking Strategy.  He explained that there would be a ten-week consultation period during which time he intended to speak to Parish and Town Councils en bloc. The Chief Executive added that the Strategy was currently in draft format and it was premature to pre-empt the outcome of the feedback during the consultation period.  The Leader commented that any potential increase in fees would not be palatable but the Council was looking to update the strategy that was now five years old.

A Member queried whether any surplus revenue would be used in the area where it was generated i.e. money raised in Shrewsbury to be used in Shrewsbury.  The Leader commented that money raised would be used for the benefit of Shropshire.

Concerns were raised regarding future damage to businesses by an increase in parking fees, the use of residents’ parking spaces by non-residents and people choosing to shop in areas offering free car parking.  Whilst noting these initial concerns, the Portfolio Holder stressed that all issues would be considered as part of the consultation process.

Another Member commented that pay by phone initiatives would be welcome and the proposed increases were set at a sensible level.  He suggested that the consultation period should be extended as many Parish and Town Councils did not meet during August.  The Leader stated that responses up to the end of September would be accepted.  The Portfolio Holder stressed the importance of the involvement of Parish and Town Councils in the consultation process and assured Members that all representations made would be taken into consideration.

RESOLVED:

i)    That approval be granted to consult on the four consultations as set out in paragraph 5.1 of the report. The Parking Strategy Proposals to be consulted on          are:

i.              The use of standard criteria and setting of standard banding levels  (including associated criteria and methodology) for each identified car park

ii.             The introduction of a set price per hour (known as ‘linear’ pricing)

iii.            To introduce charging and pay and display in the following car parks:

·         Gobowen Station, Gobowen

·         Newport Road, Market Drayton

·         Crown Hotel, High Street, Albrighton

iv.           A Proposal to introduce linear tariffs and charging between 9.00am and 8.00pm.

v.             The extension of opening hours in Raven Meadows multi storey car park in Shrewsbury 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

vi.           A new trades person waiver system

vii.          The removal of restrictions on periods of maximum stay and minimum return subject to purchase of an appropriate ticket

viii.         Removal of the 15-minute ‘pop and shop’ period

ix.           Extend times of loading bay restrictions to 8.00pm in line with the proposal to introduce linear tariffs and extend charging until 8.00pm in the evening.

x.             To make all existing loading bays available within the Shrewsbury river loop as taxi bays between 8.00 pm and 7.30 am.

xi.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

Lead Member – Councillor Nic Laurens – Portfolio Holder for Economy and Growth

Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise TO FOLLOW

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

i)             That the final Economic Growth Strategy 2017-2021 be agreed following feedback from the public consultation;

ii)            That an annual review of the Action Plan and the preparation of a Communications Plan to support the dissemination of the Strategy, be endorsed.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy and Growth presented a report relating to the Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy 2017-2021 that had been finalised following the seven week public consultation period; the document set the strategic direction for economic growth in Shropshire over the next five years.  Members noted that an Action Plan would be reviewed annually and an evaluation of achievements and updates would be presented to Cabinet.  The Portfolio Holder commended the work of the Head of Economic Growth in bringing this document to fruition.

In conclusion, the Portfolio Holder stated that Shropshire was truly ‘open for business’ and working with educational institutions in the area would create the workforces of the future.  Both the Leader and Deputy Leader added their support to the Strategy as the signpost for the future economic development of Shropshire.

RESOLVED:

i)             That the final Economic Growth Strategy 2017-2021 be agreed following feedback from the public consultation;

ii)            That an annual review of the Action Plan and the preparation of a Communications Plan to support the dissemination of the Strategy, be endorsed.

Lead Member – Councillor Lezley Picton – Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure

Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

1. That a review is carried out of the different location options for swimming provision in Shrewsbury town centre.
   
   
2. That the current Terms of Reference for the submission of Full Business Cases is stopped until the outcomes of this review are concluded.
   
   
3. That a report on the outcome of the review be brought back to Cabinet in due course for a recommendation on the preferred location for public swimming in Shrewsbury. 
   
   
4. That the detailed implementation of all aspects of the recommendations made within this report be delegated to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure.
   
   

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure presented the report providing an update on the future swimming provision in Shrewsbury.  She stated that, since the change in the Council’s Administration, the intention was to carry out a review of the different location options for the future provision of swimming in the town centre of Shrewsbury.  She stressed that the options needed to be revisited.

RESOLVED:

1. That a review is carried out of the different location options for swimming provision in Shrewsbury town centre.
   
   
2. That the current Terms of Reference for the submission of Full Business Cases is stopped until the outcomes of this review are concluded.
   
   
3. That a report on the outcome of the review be brought back to Cabinet in due course for a recommendation on the preferred location for public swimming in Shrewsbury. 
   
   
4. That the detailed implementation of all aspects of the recommendations made within this report be delegated to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure.
   
   

To resolve that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and Paragraph 10.4 (3) of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the public and the press be excluded during consideration of the following item/s.

RESOLVED:

That, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and Paragraph 10.4 (3) of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the public and press be excluded during consideration of the following item/s.

RESOLVED:

That, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and Paragraph 10.4 (3) of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules, the public and press be excluded during consideration of the following item/s.

Lead Member – Councillor Lee Chapman – Portfolio Holder for Health and Adult Social Care

Confidential Report of the Director of Public Health

Contact: Professor Rod Thomson            Tel: 01743 252003

RESOLVED:

That the two recommendations detailed in the confidential report be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Adult Social Care presented the confidential report relating to the award of the tender for the 0 to 25 Public Health Nursing Service.

RESOLVED:

That the two recommendations detailed in the confidential report be approved.

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Charmley – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Support

Confidential Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise TO FOLLOW

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

That consideration of the report be deferred for consideration at a Special Cabinet meeting at 1.00pm on Tuesday 25 July 2017.

The Deputy Leader stated that it was essential for all Members to be fully appraised on this issue.  He stated that two Member briefing sessions [20 July at 6.00pm and 24 July at 9.00am] would be held prior to a Special Cabinet meeting in July 2017.  Members agreed the need for all to be briefed in detail before a decision was taken by Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of the report be deferred for consideration at a Special Cabinet meeting at 1.00pm on Tuesday 25 July 2017.