The Chief Executive reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Aldcroft, Hartin, T Huffer, Hughes, Kidd, Mosely, West, Williams and Wood.

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.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20^th July 2017.

Contact: Karen Nixon Tel 01743 257720.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th July 2017, 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.

Chairman’s Engagements

The Chairman referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by herself and the Speaker since the last meeting of the Council on 20^th July 2017, which had been circulated at the meeting.

Daniel Kawczynski MP - Award

On behalf of the Council, the Chairman congratulated Daniel on the ‘From the depths of Zabinski award’ made to him on behalf of his great uncle Jan Kawczynski, who was murdered along with his wife and daughter for sheltering members of the Jewish community during the second World War.

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

          Public Questions

The Speaker advised that one public question had been received from Mr Mulloy in accordance with Procedure Rule 15 (a copy of the report containing the question and the formal response was circulated at the meeting and a copy is attached to the signed minutes).

Mr Mulloy asked a supplementary question of the Speaker: As a member of the North Planning Committee since 2009 and supporter of the British Ironworks, do you feel betrayed by the fact that the owner never applied for planning consent for the activities there and potentially put people’s lives in danger by ignoring a planning condition that required improvements to the junction with the A5.  Also is there a reason why you have not declared any political sponsorship in your register of interest?

The Speaker replied that he had been involved with the British Ironworks in his capacity as Mayor of the civic authority (Oswestry Town Council), however he said that he would not take part in any Planning matters that might arise.  Regarding the rest, he did not believe he had to answer that question.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.

It was proposed by Councillor Bardsley, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People and seconded by Councillor Aspinall that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received.

Councillor Bardsley presented his report on undertaking his responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People.  The report detailed all that had been achieved so far and the direction for the future.  In amplifying his report Councillor Bardsley responded to the questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Councillors Fraser, Parry and Evans.

In conclusion, he thanked all those who had been, and continued to be, involved in the areas of work covered by the Portfolio and for the support of the Deputy Portfolio Holder

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report of the Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People be received.

To receive the Annual report from the Chairman of the Young People’s Scrutiny Committee People Overview Committee from July 2017).

It was proposed by Councillor Mullock, Chair of the People Overview Committee, and seconded by Councillor Potter, that the Annual Report 2016-17, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes, be received and agreed.

Councillor Mullock presented her report and drew attention to the improved turnaround for adoptions and fostering that had been initiated by the Committee.  She listed the subjects that had been considered by the Committee and highlighted the significant topics that were emerging for the year ahead.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the Annual Report 2016-17 of the Young People’s Scrutiny Committee (now People Overview Committee) be received.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services.

It was proposed by Councillor Macey, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services and seconded by Councillor Carrollthat the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received.

Councillor Macey presented and amplified his detailed report on undertaking his responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services and drew attention to the key areas within the report relating to Planning Services, Strategic Planning, Housing Enabling and Development, the Trading Standards and Licensing Service and Regulatory Services and set out the key priorities for the coming year.

He responded to particular questions and comments raised by Members, including Councillors Dee, Shineton, Boddington, Green, Evans, Fraser and Tindall.  In conclusion, he thanked all Members for their support and also thanked all Officers for their hard work and continuing commitment.

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the report of the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services be received.

To receive the report from the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport.

It was proposed by Councillor Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, and seconded by Councillor Adams, that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received.

Councillor Davenport 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.  In amplifying his report Councillor Davenport responded to the questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Councillors Parsons, Evans, Shineton, Boddington, Tindall, Parry, Fraser and Turner.

In conclusion, he invited anyone with a query to email him directly.

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 Culture and Leisure.

Councillor Picton presented her report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, on undertaking her responsibilities as Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, which also included the Arts Service.  Councillor Picton amplified the report and responded to the questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Councillors Boddington, Fraser, Carroll, Motley and Mackenzie. 

In summary, special thanks were given to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly in the Leisure service.

RESOLVED: That subject to the foregoing, the contents of the report by the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure be received.

To receive the Annual report from the Chairman of Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee (Communities Overview Committee from July 2017).

It was proposed by Councillor Motley, Chair of the Communities Overview Committee, and seconded by Councillor Hignett, that the Annual Report 2016-17 of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee (now the Communities Overview Committee), a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes, be received and agreed.

Councillor Motley presented her report and drew attention to the future change in emphasis of the new committee.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the Annual Report 2016-17 of the Environment and Services Scrutiny Committee (now the Communities Overview Committee), be received.

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance.

Contact James Walton Tel 01743 255011.

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, and seconded by Councillor Adams, 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 2016/17 Statement of Accounts be approved and that the Chairman of the Council signs them (in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015).

b)    That the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance be authorised to make any minor adjustments to the Statement of Accounts prior to the 30th September 2017.

c)     That the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance and the Chairman of the Audit Committee be authorised to sign the letter of representation in relation to the financial statements on behalf of the Council and send to the External Auditor.

Report of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance.

Contact James Walton Tel 01743 255011.

It was proposed by Councillor Nutting, and seconded by Councillor Minnery, 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 position as set out in the Annual Treasury report 2016/17 of the Head of Finance, Governance and Assurance be approved.

(Councillor Tindall abstained from voting).

Report of the Director of Children’s Services.

Contact Karen Bradshaw Tel 01743 254201.

It was proposed by Councillor Bardsley, and seconded by Councillor Aspinall, that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.  Members noted the Plan detailing the structure of youth justice services across the West Mercia area and the key actions identified to address risks to service delivery and improvement.

In response to a detailed question from Councillor P Moseley, Councillor Bardsley undertook to answer the question directly with Councillor Moseley after the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the Youth Justice Plan 2017/18, attached as Appendix A to the report, be approved.

Report of the Head of HR & Development is attached.

Contact Michele Leith Tel 01743 254402.

It was proposed by Councillor Wild and seconded by Councillor Butler, 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 Performance Management Scrutiny Committee receive an update on the Digital Transformation Programme at each meeting.

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.

Contact Claire Porter Tel 01743 252763

It was proposed by The Speaker, Councillor Hunt and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor Hartley, that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendation contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: That Mr Stephen Donkersley be appointed as an Independent Person for a period of five years.

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

17.1 The following motion has been received from Councillor Heather Kidd:

“The Council notes that the Government has failed to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6^th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no/personal notification of the changes.  Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.

Many women born in the 1950’s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences.  Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing child-care for grandchildren or suffering discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment.

Women born in this decade are suffering financially.  These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60.  It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute – it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time.

The issue is that the rise in the women’s state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving them with no time to make alternative arrangements.

The Council requests that the Chief Executive write letters of support to the Prime Minister, the secretary of State for DWP (David Gauke) and the Pensions Minister (Guy Opperman) to advise them of the adverse effects that these changes to the SPA is having on women living in Shropshire who were born on or after 6^th April 1951.”

17.2 The following motion has been received from Councillor Andy Boddington:

“Many policies that Shropshire Council introduces will have a direct or indirect impact on the economy of the towns and villages of Shropshire.  The way the transport, education, housing, care and health systems are managed impacts on the economic wellbeing of our county.  If we don’t provide the right places for people to live and to work in the right jobs, and they can’t get access to the education and health care they need, we will not thrive.

Every paper coming to Cabinet and Council should incorporate a brief statement on the perceived economic impacts of any policy.  The intention of this duty is not to be onerous.  It aims to focus the Council on the benefits and disbenefits of any policy for a county that we all want to flourish.

This motion requests the Council establish a Task and Finish group to consider an economic duty and how it should be reported to Council.  It should report to full Council no later than December 2017.

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Kidd and duly seconded by Councillor Parry:

i)                 “The Council notes that the Government has failed to make fair transitional state pension arrangements for all women born on or after 6^th April 1951, who have unfairly borne the burden of the increase to the State Pension Age (SPA) with lack of appropriate notification.

Hundreds of thousands of women had significant pension changes imposed on them by the Pensions Acts of 1995 and 2011 with little/no/personal notification of the changes.  Some women had only two years notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age.

Many women born in the 1950’s are living in hardship. Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences.  Many of these women are already out of the labour market, caring for elderly relatives, providing child-care for grandchildren or suffering discrimination in the workplace so struggle to find employment.

Women born in this decade are suffering financially.  These women have worked hard, raised families and paid their tax and national insurance with the expectation that they would be financially secure when reaching 60.  It is not the pension age itself that is in dispute – it is widely accepted that women and men should retire at the same time.

The issue is that the rise in the women’s state pension age has been too rapid and has happened without sufficient notice being given to the women affected, leaving them with no time to make alternative arrangements.

The Council requests that the Chief Executive write letters of support to the Prime Minister, the secretary of State for DWP (David Gauke) and the Pensions Minister (Guy Opperman) to advise them of the adverse effects that these changes to the SPA is having on women living in Shropshire who were born on or after 6^th April 1951.”

On being put to the vote this motion was lost, with the overwhelming majority voting against it (there were 3 abstentions).

ii)               The following motion was proposed by Councillor Boddington and duly seconded by Councillor Evans:

“Many policies that Shropshire Council introduces will have a direct or indirect impact on the economy of the towns and villages of Shropshire.  The way the transport, education, housing, care and health systems are managed impacts on the economic wellbeing of our county.  If we don’t provide the right places for people to live and to work in the right jobs, and they can’t get access to the education and health care they need, we will not thrive.

Every paper coming to Cabinet and Council should incorporate a brief statement on the perceived economic impacts of any policy.  The intention of this duty is not to be onerous.  It aims to focus the Council on the benefits and disbenefits of any policy for a county that we all want to flourish.

This motion requests the Council establish a Task and Finish Group to consider an economic duty and how it should be reported to Council.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

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

The Speaker advised that the following questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15 (a copy of the report containing the questions and the formal responses is attached to the signed minutes).

Question 1, received from Councllor Clarke and answered by Councillor Laurens, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Growth on the installation of fibre optic cable on greenfield sites.

By way of a supplementary question Councillor Clarke asked what was being done for new developments coming on stream shortly, such as at Sutton Grange, Shrewsbury.  The Portfolio holder replied that all avenues were being explored and assured that they were working to improve this.  For that particular site mentioned, he was confident of connectivity by the end of 2017.

Question 2, received from Councillor Pardy and answered by Councillor Macey, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services, on the installation of sprinklers in all new build as part of Building Regulations.

By way of a supplementary question Councillor Pardy stated that Fire safety legislation and building regulations have historically changed and improved safety over history.  Today we live within the shadow of Grenfell.  Many councils across the country are insisting on change and some are indeed making changes and are prepared to fit sprinkler systems retrospectively to their own properties.  Therefore will the Portfolio Holder revisit my question and acknowledge that it is a question asking the Council to be a front runner in a campaign for change both nationally, through legislation and locally through negotiation with developers.  So that future new builds will have the life-saving sprinkler system installed?

The Portfolio Holder replied that he did not doubt the importance of this issue and that once current reviews had been completed and it was clear what it meant for Shropshire Council, appropriate action could be taken, whilst he also highlighted the importance of supporting legislation to enforce future action.