To elect a Speaker and Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.

The Chairman, Councillor A Hartley, took the Chair for this item and called for nominations for the election of Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Council.

Proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley, that Councillor V Hunt be elected Speaker and Vice Chairman of Shropshire Council for the 2018/2019 municipal year.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor V Hunt be elected as Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Council to hold office until the Annual meeting of the Council scheduled to be held on 16 May 2019.

The Speaker then took the Chair and subscribed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office before being invested with the badge of office.

The Chief Executive then informed the Council that he had just received the formal resignation of the Chairman and Deputy Speaker, Councillor A Hartley, with immediate effect, thus enabling her to remain in the Chamber and vote in the event of her nomination for the office of Chairman and Deputy Speaker.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P Adams, R Aldcroft, C Aspinall, T Biggins, G Dakin, T Huffer, M Lee, J MacKenzie, A Phillips, J Price and H Taylor.

To elect a Chairman and Deputy Speaker for the ensuing year.

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley that Councillor A Hartley be elected as Chairman and Deputy Speaker of the Council for the 2018/19 municipal year.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor A Hartley be elected Chairman and Deputy Speaker of the Council and hold office until the Annual meeting of the Council scheduled to be held on 16 May 2019.

The Chairman and Deputy Speaker then subscribed her Declaration of Acceptance of office and was invested with the Chairman’s badge of office.

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 22 February 2018.

Contact: Jane Palmer          Tel: 01743 257712

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 22 February 2018 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.

The Chairman of Council will be presented with the RAF 100 book by the Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Co-ordinator.  The RAF 100 book is a commemorative publication to celebrate 100 years of the RAF. Shropshire Council is one of only two Local Authorities to be chosen to contribute to the book, along with RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford; we are extremely proud to be included in this publication.

The Chairman thanked the Council for its support in re-electing her to the office of Chairman of Council, a role which she was immensely proud to hold.

Lord Lieutenant

The Chairman drew Council’s attention to the process currently underway for the appointment of a successor Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire to take office early in the New Year.  She stated that she was being interviewed as part of the consultation process and urged Members to make contact with her with any views they may have on this issue.

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 22 February 2018, which had been circulated at the meeting.

RAF 100 Book

Wing Commander Mason from RAF Cosford presented the RAF 100 Book to the Chairman of Council.  Council noted that the RAF 100 Book was a commemorative publication to celebrate 100 years of the RAF.  He stated that he had great pleasure in presenting the RAF 100 Book to the Council and drew attention to the importance and value of the relationship between the forces and the community.

Shropshire Council was one of only two local authorities to be chosen to contribute to the book, along with RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford.  The Chairman added that there were 25,000 copies of the book and Shropshire would be celebrated worldwide; 3 copies of the book would be placed in the Chairman’s office and were available for Members to view.

The Chief Executive drew particular attention to the sense of duty that run as a thread through those serving in the Forces and also to all those who chose to work in the public sector, both Members and Officers and he congratulated and praised all for their work and dedication.

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

The Speaker advised there were no public questions.

To agree the constitution of Committees and the allocation of seats between political groups.

Report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services.  Appendix 2 to the report TO FOLLOW

Contact: Claire Porter          Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Leader,Councillor P Nutting and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor 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: 

That the constitution of committees and the allocation of seats to each of the political groups for the 2018/2019 municipal year and the allocation of seats between the political groups, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report, be confirmed, as follows:

HEALTH AND ADULT SOCIAL CARE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (10)

Substitutes

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (10)

Substitutes

COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW COMMITTEE (10)

Substitutes

PLACE OVERVIEW COMMITTEE (10)

Substitutes

To resolve that the Responsibility for Functions, set out in Part 3 of the Constitution and the Scheme of Delegations, set out in Part 8 of the Constitution be agreed.

Contact: Claire Porter, Head of Legal and Democratic Services  Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor A Hartley and

RESOLVED: 

That the Responsibility for Functions, set out in Part 3 of the Constitution and the Scheme of Delegations, set out in Part 8 of the Constitution, be agreed.

To receive the report on the draft Shropshire Council Corporate Plan 2018/2019

Report of the Chief Executive

Contact: Clive Wright          Tel: 01743 257736

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

An amendment was proposed by Councilllor R Evans and seconded by Councillor N Hartin that a greater vision and sharper focus was needed for the Corporate Plan with the involvement of all members in the process.  A Plan ‘fit for purpose’ with fairer funding not being accepted as the sole solution to the issues facing the authority. 

In supporting the amendment, Councillor A Mosley stressed the need for the optimism in the Corporate Plan to be on a sound basis and its content to be honest with the public.

Councillor G Butler stated that he could not support the amendment as further meetings would be held to further develop the Plan without the need for any amendment.  He added that he had already taken steps to consult with Parish and Town Councils. 

Councillor A Boddington stressed that it was vital to get a proper process in place, to set out targets, high level objectives and milestones and to conduct a proper ‘challenge’.  He added that it was essential that the process was inclusive and should involve all Members.

On being out to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Continuing the debate, Councillor T Parsons stated that although he was encouraged by the four core outcomes of the Plan i.e. prosperous economy, commercial Council, healthy people and resilient communities, he had concerns that the levels of affordable housing were insufficient to retain young people in the county and also attract others in. 

Councillor A Boddington stated that he preferred the use of the term ‘confident Council’ rather than ‘commercial Council’ and he also queried the lack of reference to ‘environment’ in the Plan.

Responding to further comments from Members, the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley, acknowledged issues raised and re-iterated the fact that this was a draft Plan and all Members had the opportunity to feed their thoughts into the development process of the Plan.  The Leader concluded that all input would be welcomed. 

RESOLVED:

i)             That the draft refreshed Corporate Plan 2018/2019, be agreed;

ii)            That a new Corporate Plan for 2019/20 to 2021/22 be developed during the Summer and Autumn 2018 for agreement and adoption by Council in December 2018.

To consider the report on the Council’s Pay Policy.

Report of the Head of Human Resources and Development

Contact: Michele Leith        Tel: 01743 254402

Councillor C Mellings left the Chamber during consideration of this item.

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley, that the report of the Head of Human Resources and Development, a copy of which is attached to the signed Minutes, be received and agreed.

The Leader, Councillor P Nutting, commented that the Council’s staff were its best asset and should be duly rewarded.

Councillor A Boddington proposed the following amendment, duly seconded by Councillor H Fraser:

“ That paragraph 2 of the report be amended to read as,

i)             That full Council consider and approve amendments to the Pay and Reward Policy to ensure that staff move to NJC negotiated pay rates by October 2018, where those apply;

ii)            That full Council agrees that any increase in Senior Pay Scales be limited to the average percentage rise agreed for other Council employees through the NJC”’

In seconding the amendment, Councillor H Fraser recognised that a pay rise to staff was very welcome and long overdue but stated that she could not support the significant percentage pay increase to senior grades when other staff had a significantly lower percentage increase. 

Councillor D Minnery, Portfolio Holder for Finance, drew attention to paragraph 3.5 of the report which detailed the different avenue for negotiating Senior pay through the Joint Negotiating Committee for Chief Officers of Local Authorities (JNC). 

In bringing the debate to a close, the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, added that the proposed Senior pay rates had been the subject of consultation with the LGA and lay just below the median range of pay rates for executives working at that level.  He concluded that the payment of NJC rates to most staff was needed in order to attract the right calibre of staff.  The Deputy Leader agreed that the Council’s staff should be fairly paid in recognition of their work; a fair wage needed to be paid in order to both attract and retain the right calibre of staff.

A recorded vote was requested and duly agreed. On being put to the vote, the recommendation within the report was agreed as follows:

RESOLVED:

FOR (51)

Councillors N Bardsley, J Barrow, G Butler, K Calder, D Carroll, L Chapman, S Charmley,

T Clarke, S Davenport, J Dean, P Dee, D Evans, R Gittins, S Harris, A Hartley, N Hignett,

R Hughes, V Hunt, I Jones, M Jones, S Jones, N Laurens, C Lea, E Lynch, R Macey, P Milner,

D Minnery, D Morris, P Moseley, A Mosley, C Motley, P Mullock, P Nutting, K Pardy, W Parr,

T Parsons, M Pate, L Picton, E Potter, K Roberts, M Shineton, R Tindall, D Tremellen, K Turley,

D Turner, C Wild, B Williams, L Winwood, M Wood, T Woodward, P Wynn

AGAINST (10)

A Boddington, R Evans, H Fraser, N Green, N Hartin, R Huffer, J Keeley, H Kidd, V Parry,

D Vasmer

That the amendments to the Pay and Reward Policy be approved as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To agree that the meetings of Council in 2018/19 will be held on the following Thursdays, commencing at 10.00am:

26 July 2018

20 September 2018

13 December 2018

28 February 2019 

16 May 2019

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor A Hartley that the programme of meetings of Council in 2018/19 be approved, all meetings held on a Thursday and commence at 10.00am.

RESOLVED:

That the Council meeting dates for 2018/19 be approved, as follows:

·         26 July 2018

·         20 September 2018

·         13 December 2018

·         28 February 2019

·         16 May 2019

The following motion has been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16 from Councillor Dean, and supported by Councillors A Boddington, P Moseley and H Taylor:

This Council notes the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events. We further note that Shropshire’s highways service is very stretched during such events and in particular has not been able to offer much help to clear footways. For many residents walking becomes treacherous during periods of snow and ice. They require and deserve assistance as much as those traveling in vehicles.  

We note on one occasion earlier this year Shropshire Council approached Shrewsbury Town Council for help and this resulted in a much improved service for pedestrians in the Town centre. Finally, we note that many authorities have a Snow Warden scheme which provides basic equipment, resources, information, training and insurance cover to volunteer individuals and community groups.

Council believes we can do better. 

We therefore instruct the Chief Executive to investigate and cost a Snow Warden scheme for Shropshire and to bring forward proposals in the light of such investigation. 

Council further instructs the Chief Executive to draw up and pursue the use of a model protocol for partnership working with Town and Parish Councils to enable a joined-up service to improve the treatment and clearing of footways during snow and ice events across the county. 

The following motion was proposed by Councillor J Dean and duly seconded by Councillor A Boddington:

“This Council notes the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events. We further note that Shropshire’s highways service is very stretched during such events and in particular has not been able to offer much help to clear footways. For many residents walking becomes treacherous during periods of snow and ice. They require and deserve assistance as much as those travelling in vehicles.  

We note on one occasion earlier this year Shropshire Council approached Shrewsbury Town Council for help and this resulted in a much improved service for pedestrians in the Town centre. Finally, we note that many authorities have a Snow Warden scheme which provides basic equipment, resources, information, training and insurance cover to volunteer individuals and community groups.

Council believes we can do better. 

We therefore instruct the Chief Executive to investigate and cost a snow warden scheme for Shropshire and to bring forward proposals in the light of such investigation. 

Council further instructs the Chief Executive to draw up and pursue the use of a model protocol for partnership working with Town and Parish Councils to enable a joined-up service to improve the treatment and clearing of footways during snow and ice events across the county”. 

An amendment was circulated at the meeting by the Conservative Group, proposed by Councillor G Butler, seconded by Councillor S Harris and fully accepted by Councillor J Dean [the proposer of the original Motion], as follows:

“This Council notes the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events. We further note that Shropshire’s highways service is very stretched during such events and in particular has not been able to offer much help to clear footways. For many residents walking becomes treacherous during periods of snow and ice. They require and deserve assistance as much as those travelling in vehicles.  

We note on one occasion earlier this year Shropshire Council approached Shrewsbury Town Council for help and this resulted in a much improved service for pedestrians in the Town centre. Finally, we note that many authorities have a Snow Warden scheme which provides basic equipment, resources, information, training and insurance cover to volunteer individuals and community groups.

We therefore request that this issue is discussed at the annual Winter services review scheduled to take place on 12 July 2018 at the Place Overview Committee, to include cost implications of a Snow Warden and a possible joint working protocol with Town and Parish Councils”.

On being put to the vote the amendment was carried.

To receive the reports of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meetings held on 14 February 2018 and 25 April 2018.

It was proposed by Councillor K Robertsand seconded by Councillor P Milner 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 the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meetings of 14 February and 25 April 2018, be noted.

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 full content of the questions and the formal responses is attached to the signed Minutes.

i)             Received from Councillor R Evans and answered by Councillor S Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, in relation to potholes repair and compensation claims resulting from damage from potholes.

ii)            Received from Councillor K Pardy and answered by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, in relation to the purchase of Shrewsbury shopping centres in the current retail climate.