The Chief Executive reported that apologies for absence had been received from Mr T Barker, Mr T Bebb, Mrs K Calder, Mr A Davies, Mrs P Dee, Mr J Everall, Mr C Lea, Mrs J Mackenzie, Mr D Minnery, Mr P Nutting, Mr D Roberts, Mr R Tindall, Mr D Tremellen, Mr K Turley and Mr M Williams.

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.

Members were 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.

Both Mr N Hartin and Mrs M Shineton declared an interest in the second Motion proposed by Mr R Evans (see Minute 40.2).

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 May 2015, attached marked 3.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2015, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive such communications as the Chairman, Speaker, Leader and Head of Paid Service may desire to lay before the Council.

22.1    Chairman’s Engagements

The Chairman referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by himself and the Speaker since the last meeting of the Council on 14 May 2014, which had been circulated at the meeting.

22.2    Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Chairman announced that the following Shropshire residents had been awarded honours in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and that he had written to each one of the recipients to congratulate them on their achievement:

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Kenneth Arch, of Bridgnorth, for services to the community in Shropshire particularly in Bridgnorth.

Leslie George Goodchild, of Newport, Senior Executive Officer Ministry of Defence, for services in support of the Royal Air Force.

Robert Gordon Humphreys, of Bucknell, Honorary Secretary All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, for services to Alcohol Policy.

Dr Nigel Timothy James O’Connor, from Shrewsbury, retired Consultant Haematologist Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shropshire, for his services to haematology in the health service.

Jane Victoria Redshaw, of Bridgnorth, for services to the Community and to Charity in Wolverhampton, West Midlands and Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

Sandy Lindsay, of Telford, for services to Business and Young People in the North West.

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Jeremy Hobbs, Shropshire, for services to Charity, especially Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton.

To receive any questions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

Petitions

The Speaker advised that there were no petitions.

          Public Questions

The Speaker announced that one public question had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15 (a copy of the report containing the detailed question and the formal response is attached to the signed minutes):

(i)       Received from Mr Patrick Cosgrove on behalf of Shropshire and Marches Campaign for Better Broadband in Rural Areas and answered by Mr S Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Business, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) in relation to additional sources of money that would result from Shropshire’s contractual relationship with BT – copy attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Cosgrove commented on the Phase 2 rollout which he was sure Shropshire Council had good documentary evidence to show how the Council's £8.2m and BDUK's £9.2m was being spent.  However, he asked if the Council had equally good documentary evidence to show how BT's promised £8.6m would be used?

In response, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that there was much correspondence on this matter.  The Broadband Partnership which the Better Broadband group had withdrawn from was the vehicle to be used by Shropshire Council for future rollouts, and he confirmed that the Council was confident about how the monies were being spent.  He confirmed that if this information could be put into the public domain he would be happy to share this with Mr Cosgrove.

To receive any questions from Members, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2.

The Speaker advised that nine questions from Members had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15 (copies of the report containing the detailed questions and their formal responses are attached to the signed minutes).

(i)       Received from Mr R Evans and answered by Mr S Charmley Portfolio Holder for Business, ip&e, Culture and Commissioning (North) in relation to the Transformation Challenge Award TCA to facilitate the transfer of six libraries to new community based management arrangements in 2015/16 – copy attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Evans asked which would be the sixth library as only five were identified in the response.  He also asked if Pontesbury Library would be eligible for any funding.

In response the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the funding was not wholly confirmed yet and that after the five libraries were dealt with, there might possibly be funding available for other libraries that needed it.

(ii)      Received from Mr R Evans and answered by Mr K Barrow, Leader of the Council, in relation to the IT system at the Shirehall and where to find information about portfolio holders – copy attached to the signed minutes.

          By way of a supplementary question Mr Evans urged the Leader to ensure that money was used to improve the IT within the Shirehall and asked for clarification about who dealt with commissioning in the north, centre and south of the county.

In response the Leader confirmed that officers were dealing with de-risking IT first, but at a speed in order to not waste money.  After that had been completed the money would be spent over the following 12 months.  He assured Mr Evans that he took on board his comments and that he was also just as keen to move this forward.

(iii)      Received from Mr A Boddington and answered by Mrs K Calder, Portfolio Holder for Health in relation to the Registrars service and working patterns and opening hours – copy attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Boddington asked if the Council was now re-shaping it’s services because of staff leaving, rather than the best way to provide efficient services.

In response Mr S Charmley, on behalf of the Portfolio Holder who was not present, confirmed that he would get a written response from the Portfolio Holder to Mr Boddington after the meeting.

(iv)     Received from Mrs V Parry and answered by Mr K Barrow, Leader of the Council, in relation to the Council’s Constitution and Openness and the removal of cameras from the public at a previous Council meeting – copy attached to the signed minutes.

          Mrs Parry commented that she welcomed the new guidance.  However, by way of a supplementary question she indicated that she was unable to find the recording of each Cabinet meeting on the website and asked if they were available.

In response the Leader confirmed that the recordings of Cabinet were available  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To receive a presentation from Chief Constable David Shaw of West Mercia Police.

          In introducing the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Mr David Shaw to the meeting, the Speaker also welcomed the Superintendent for Shropshire, Mr David McWilliams and expressed his thanks to the Police for their help and support over the years policing Shropshire.  Mr Shaw indicated that he welcomed the opportunity to attend the meeting to make a verbal presentation to the Council on ‘Policing in Shropshire – Opportunities and Threats’.  Briefly he covered the following matters;

          Emerging trends

o   Many years of reduced crime had been seen nationally, but that was just starting to bottom out.  This observation was made not only by the Police Force; it was borne out by other external bodies too.  However, it was pleasing to report that this was relatively low in Shropshire, and appeared to be bucking the trend nationally.

o   There was a significant rise in some forms of violent crime; particularly around sexual offences.  There was no doubt there has been a ‘post Savile effect’ with considerable numbers of victims of historic sex offences coming forward.

o   An increase in business crime, shoplifting etc., was also being seen.  Whilst this was not alarming it was on the increase.

          The Strategic Alliance – working together with Warwickshire Police Authority continued to be a success and sharing the costs of different elements ensured funding was kept on the front-line.

          Spending/Budget

The Chief Constablebelieved that policing would look fundamentally different in five years’ time.  The financial situation they found themselves in was part of the context but it was not what defined West Mercia.  The Chief Constable confirmed it was of concern, but he was convinced that West Mercia would continue to provide good policing.

Review

The Chief Constable indicated that they were considering transferring resources from Leominster to Ludlow and told Members that changes made in 2013 might not have been “completely right” whilst confirming that the review was not “subterfuge for cutting back and de-grading”.

In conclusion, Mr Shaw stated that fundamentally policing in Shropshire would look very different in 5 years’ time, as would he believed local authority services.  He thanked the Members for their time and confirmed he would continue to work closely with the local authority.

A Question and Answer session ensued with the Chief Constable responding to specific questions, queries and concerns raised by Mrs H Kidd, Mr R Evans, Mr A Boddington, Mrs M Shineton, Mrs J Barrow, Mr D Turner, Mr A Mosley, Mr S West, Mr M Kenny, Mr P Cherington and Mr V Hunt. 

The Leader thanked The Chief Constable for his presentation and commented that he hoped the close working relationship with West Mercia would continue.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the verbal report by the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police be noted and approved.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Commissioning attached marked 8.

Mr L Chapman presented his report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, on undertaking his responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Local Commissioning (South).  The report set out what had been achieved so far and the direction for the future.

Mr Chapman amplified his report and responded to questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Mrs H Kidd, Mr S West, Mrs P Moseley, Mr R Evans, Mrs A Hartley and Mr A Moseley.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the report by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Local Commissioning (South) be received.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, attached marked 9.

Mr G Dakin presented a report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, which gave an overview of the work of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee during 2014-15 and its plans for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the Annual Report of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee be received.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, attached marked 10.

Mr S Jones presented his report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, on undertaking his responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport.  The report set out what had been achieved so far and the direction for the future.

Mr Jones amplified his report and responded to questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Dr J Jones, Mr A Bannerman, Mrs J Barrow, Mr M Kenny, Mrs H Kidd, Mr N Hartin, Mr C Mellings, Mrs M Shineton and Mr P Adams.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport be received.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services, Housing and Commissioning (Central), attached marked 11.

Mr M Price presented his report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, on undertaking his responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services, Housing and Commissioning (Central).  The report set out what had been achieved so far and the challenges for 2015/16.

Mr Price amplified his report and responded to questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Mrs C Motley, Mr A Bannerman, Mrs V Parry and Mr R Evans.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report by the Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services, Housing and Commissioning (Central) be received.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee, attached marked 12.

Mr V Hunt  presented a report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, which gave an overview of the work of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee during 2014-15, its plans for the forthcoming year and its achievements in providing positive outcomes for local people.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the Annual Report of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee be received.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for the University Centre and Shrewsbury BID, attached marked 13.

Mrs C Wild presented a report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, on undertaking her responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for The University Centre and Shrewsbury BID.  The report detailed the work underway in preparation for the arrival of the first undergraduate students in September 2015, including accommodation, teaching and learning provision and planning policy in relation to the management of student housing.

Mrs Wild amplified her report and responded to questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Mr A Bannerman, Mr A Moseley and Mr M Kenny.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report by the Portfolio Holder for The University Centre and Shrewsbury BID be received.

To receive the report from the Chairman of the Enterprise and Growth Scrutiny Committee, attached marked 14.

Mr S Davenport presented a report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, giving an overview of the work of the Enterprise and Growth Scrutiny Committee during 2014/15 and its plans for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report of the Enterprise and Growth Scrutiny Committee be received.

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance is attached, marked 15.

Contact James Walton Tel 01743 255011.

It was proposed by the Leader, Mr K R Barrow, and seconded by Mr B Williams that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

a)    That it be noted the Outturn for the Revenue Budget for 2014/15 was an underspend of £0.300m, this represented 0.05% of the original gross budget of £578m.

b)    That the level of general balance which stood at £15.206m, which was above the anticipated level included within the Financial Strategy be noted.

c)     That it be noted the Outturn for the Housing Revenue Account for 2014/15 was an underspend of £0.763m and the level of the Housing Revenue Account reserve stood at £3.076m (2013/14 £2.542m).

d)    That the increase in the level of Earmarked Reserves and Provisions (excluding delegated school balances) of £17.939m in 2014/15 ne noted.

e)    That it be noted the level of school balances stood at £3.957m (2013/14 £5.523m).

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance is attached, marked 16.

Contact James Walton Tel 01743 255011.

It was proposed by the Leader, Mr K R Barrow, and seconded by Mr S Charmley that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the budget variations of £209,067 to the 2014/15 capital programme, detailed in Appendix 1/Table 1 and the re-profiled 2014/15 capital budget of £66.4m be approved.

b)    That the re-profiled capital budgets of £66.6m for 2015/16, including slippage of £12.1m from 2014/15, £34.6m for 2016/17 and £27.5m for 2017/18 as detailed in Appendix 1/Table 4 be approved.

c)     That the outturn expenditure set out in appendix 1 of £54.2m, representing 81.7% of the revised capital budget for 2014/15 be accepted.

d)    That retaining a balance of capital receipts set aside of £14.1m as at 31st March 2015 to generate a Minimum Revenue Provision saving of £564,000 in 2015/16 be approved.

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance is attached, marked 17.

Contact James Walton Tel 01743 255011.

It was proposed by Mr B Williams and seconded by Mr D Turner that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

          RESOLVED:  That the Annual Assurance Report for 2014/15 be approved.

Report of the Director of Children’s Services is attached, marked 18.

Contact Karen Bradshaw Tel 01743 254201.

It was proposed by Mrs A Hartley, and seconded by Mr N Bardsley that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, be received and agreed.

In response to a question from Mr M Kenny about why Shropshire’s re-offending rate was higher than the rest of West Mercia and what was being done to address this, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that said she would circulate a written response to Mr Kenny after the meeting.

RESOLVED: That subject to the foregoing, the Youth Justice Plan, as attached at
Appendix A, be approved.

To confirm the following appointments to Committees:

Strategic Licensing

The appointment of Mr D Carroll to replace Mr S Jones.

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny

The appointment of Mrs C Motley to replace Simon Jones.

Central Planning Committee

The appointment of Mr R Evans.

          It was proposed by the Speaker, seconded by the Chairman and

RESOLVED:  That the following appointments to committees be confirmed:

Strategic Licensing

The appointment of Mr D Carroll as a full Member to replace Mr S Jones.

Health & Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee

The appointment of Mrs C Motley as a full Member to replace Mr S Jones.

Central Planning

The appointment of Mr R Evans as a full Member.

Report by the Head of HR & Development is attached marked 20.

Contact: Michele Leith Tel 01743 254402.

It was proposed by Mr K Barrow and seconded by Mr M Owen that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: That Council agree to amend the Council Standing Orders relating to the Dismissal of Statutory Officers as required by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 and as detailed in paragraph 6 of the report.

THE LEADER - to propose that, under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council formally approves the reasons for the failure of Mr M Williams to attend meetings of the authority due to ill health, and that the matter is reviewed at the meeting of the Council on 17th December 2015.

It was proposed by the Leader, Mr K Barrow, seconded by Mr A Mosely and duly

RESOLVED:  That under Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972, the reasons for the failure of Mr M Williams to attend meetings of the authority due to ill health, be approved, and that the matter be reviewed at the Council meeting to be held 17 December 2015.

The following two motions have been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16:

22.1    .   The following motion has been received from Councillor Miles Kenny:

‘This Council notes:

1.That the EU and USA launched negotiations in July 2013 on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

2.That negotiations are underway to determine which goods and services TTIP will apply to and if new rules can be agreed to protect investors, harmonise standards, reduce tariffs and open new markets throughout the EU and USA.

3.That there has been no impact assessment about the potential impact on local authorities.

4.That there has been no scrutiny of the negotiating texts by local government and no consultation with local government representatives

5.That MPs are also unable to scrutinise the negotiating documents.

This Council believes that:

1.TTIP could have a detrimental impact on local services, employment, suppliers and decision-making.

2.A thorough impact assessment of TTIP on local authorities must be undertaken before the negotiations can be concluded.

3.The proposed Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism has been used by corporations to overturn democratic decisions by all levels of governments at significant public cost. Local decision-making must be protected from ISDS.

4.The EU’s food, environmental and labour standards are better than those in the US and TTIP negotiations must raise and not lower these standards across the EU and USA.

5.Sourcing supplies and employment locally is important to strengthening local economies and meeting local needs. TTIP must not impact on local authorities’ ability to act in the best interests its communities.

This Council Resolves:

6.To write to the secretary of state for communities and local government, local MPs, and all West Midlands MEPs raising our serious

concerns about the impact of TTIP on local authorities and the secrecy of the negotiating process.

7.To write to the Local Government Association to raise our serious concerns about the impact of TTIP on local authorities and ask them to raise these with government on our behalf.

8.To call for an impact assessment on the impact of TTIP on local authorities.

9.To publicise the council’s concerns about TTIP; join with other local authorities which are opposed to TTIP across Europe and work with local campaigners to raise awareness about the problems of TTIP. ‘

22.2        The following motion has been received from Councillor Roger Evans:

‘RIGHT TO BUY FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATION TENANTS

This Council notes:

-         the new Government’s proposal to extend the Right to Buy to Housing Association tenants, to be paid for by selling off the most expensive Council Housing stock;

-         with alarm the shortage of affordable rented homes Shropshire with increasing numbers on our housing waiting list and is very concerned that the current government plans risk making matters far worse.

-         For July 2015 we have 7,822 registered on our waiting list and are consequentially deemed to be in housing need. This is made up of 135 in the Priority, 1,147 in Gold, 2,573 in Silver and 3,967 in the Bronze Band.

-         During 2014/15  ...  view the full agenda text for item 40.

40.1    The following motion was proposed by Mr M Kenny and duly seconded by Dr J Jones:

“This Council believes that:

1.TTIP could have a detrimental impact on local services, employment, suppliers and decision-making.

2.A thorough impact assessment of TTIP on local authorities must be undertaken before the negotiations can be concluded.

3.The proposed Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism has been used by corporations to overturn democratic decisions by all levels of governments at significant public cost. Local decision-making must be protected from ISDS.

4.The EU’s food, environmental and labour standards are better than those in the US and TTIP negotiations must raise and not lower these standards across the EU and USA.

5.Sourcing supplies and employment locally is important to strengthening local economies and meeting local needs. TTIP must not impact on local authorities’ ability to act in the best interests its communities.

This Council Resolves:

6.To write to the secretary of state for communities and local government, local MPs, and all West Midlands MEPs raising our serious

concerns about the impact of TTIP on local authorities and the secrecy of the negotiating process.

7.To write to the Local Government Association to raise our serious concerns about the impact of TTIP on local authorities and ask them to raise these with government on our behalf.

8.To call for an impact assessment on the impact of TTIP on local authorities.

9.To publicise the council’s concerns about TTIP; join with other local authorities which are opposed to TTIP across Europe and work with local campaigners to raise awareness about the problems of TTIP. ‘

On being put to the vote this motion was lost with 11 members voting for it, 1 abstention and the majority of members voting against it.

40.2    The following amended motion was circulated at the meeting on the day and it was agreed to consider this version instead of the motion originally put forward in the Speaker’s agenda.  This amended motion was proposed by Mr R Evans and duly seconded by Mr M Price;

“RIGHT TO BUY FOR HOUSING ASSOCIATION TENANTS

This Council notes:

-         the new Government’s proposal to extend the Right to Buy to Housing Association tenants, to be paid for by selling off the most expensive Council Housing stock;

-         with alarm the shortage of affordable rented homes Shropshire with increasing numbers on our housing waiting list and is very concerned that the current government plans risk making matters far worse.

-         For July 2015 we have 7,822 registered on our waiting list and are consequentially deemed to be in housing need. This is made up of 135 in the Priority, 1,147 in Gold, 2,573 in Silver and 3,967 in the Bronze Band.

-         During 2014/15 just 1,184 properties were let, and within this number just 254 of those in Bronze Band were allocated a house.

-         This is similar throughout England. Our younger residents are increasingly finding it difficult to find a home. Recent publications for example have shown that more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meeting held on 17 June 2015.

Report attached marked 23.

It was proposed by Mr S Westand seconded by Mr J Hurst-Knight that the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, be received and noted.

RESOLVED:  That subject to the foregoing the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority be noted.

To RESOLVE that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A, 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 the consideration of the following items:

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 items:

Exempt Report by the Head of Waste Management, is attached marked 25.

Contact: Larry Wolfe Tel 01743 255995.

The Council received an exempt report by the Head of Waste Management, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, seeking approval for an extension of the Contact Period under the Integrated Waste management PFI Contract between Shropshire Council and Veolia ES Shropshire Limited.

RESOLVED: That the exempt report and the recommendations contained therein be approved.

Exempt Report by the Chief Executive is attached marked 26.

Contact: Clive Wright Tel 01743 252007.

The Council received an exempt report by the Chief Executive, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, providing an update on the procurement process in relation to the provision of student accommodation for Year 2 of the university’s undergraduate offer.

RESOLVED: That the exempt report and recommendation contained therein be approved.