Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Gerald Dakin, Steve Davenport, Pauline Dee, Ann Hartley, Tracey Huffer, Roger Hughes, Matt Lee, Jane Mackenzie, David Minnery, Peggy Mullock, Tony Parsons, Madge Shineton and Michael 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.

The Leader of the Council said that he would not take any part in discussion or voting and would leave the room for agenda item 8 – New School Provision in West Shrewsbury – as a member of his family lived close to the site of the proposed new school.

The following Members had a prejudicial interest in Motion 5 in relation to the Private Rental Market and left the room during the discussion and voting on this Motion:

Councillors:  T Biggins; D Carroll; E Bird; G Butler; L Chapman; R Gittins;  N Green; N Hignett; R Houghton; M Jones; P Milner; D Morris; C Motley; W Parr; A Phillips; L Picton; E Potter; J Price; R Tindall; C Wild;

Councillor A Phillips also left the room during discussion and voting on this Motion. 

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 25^th July 2019.

It was proposed by the Speaker and seconded by the Leader and

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2019, 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 Speaker referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by himself and the Chairman since the last meeting of the Council on 25^th July 2019, as circulated at the meeting.

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

A petition, bearing over 1,000 signatures, has been received from Mr D L Cheese on behalf of the White Hall Medical Practice Patient Group requesting a debate under the Council’s Petition Scheme.  Mr Cheese will be in attendance to present the petition.

The wording on the petition reads: White Hall Medical Practice Help Save our GP Surgery.

The petitioner will be allowed 5 minutes to outline their case, after which there may be a debate of up to 15 minutes maximum.

Petitions

The Speaker advised that a petition, bearing over 1000 signatures has been received from Mr D L Cheese requesting a debate under the Council’s Petition Scheme on the closure of the Whitehall Medical Practice, Shrewsbury.

Mr Cheese was given 5 minutes to open the debate and outline his case, which was briefly as follows; the Whitehall Medical Practice which was due to close was very much needed, particularly in the light of all the houses being built locally.   The Practice was a popular one and rated as good by the CQC.  Patients at Whitehall had been experiencing difficulties securing another practice close by and the nearest practices could not cope with an influx of patients, vulnerable people had needed to queue up outside the nearest GP surgery to try and secure a place.  It appeared the future was going in the direction of ‘super practices’ and the one in Shrewsbury had recently been rated as inadequate.

During the ensuing debate, some members expressed concern that elderly and vulnerable patients may now have to travel further distances to access a doctor.  They felt that the Council should take some action about this and work closely with the CCG in decision regarding location of services.  Concern was also expressed around the communication around the closure

In making his reply, the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Dean Carroll, replied for the Council said that he had looked into this issue on a number of occasions, and had met with the Chair and a Director of the CCG along with the Director of Public Health.  The issue not within the gift of the Council, the CCG was the commissioner and ultimate decision maker.  The Council understood that there was capacity on the lists of surrounding practices, none of which had contracted their boundaries as had been suggested.  This was not a decision the Council was able to influence and therefore he reported that no further action be taken in response to the petition.

The Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee confirmed that the Committee had held a special meeting on this 23 August 2019 and had requested an item on future GP provision by the CCG for its 18 November 2019 meeting. 

Public Questions

The Speaker advised that four public questions had been received from Miss Lawrence, Mr Kearns, Mr Piggot and Mr Wilson.  Mr Kearns, Mr Piggot and Mr Wilson were present at the meeting and received answers to their questions from the respective Portfolio Holders.

It was noted that a copy of all the questions and answers would be included with the formal record of the meeting, would be circulated to those who had posed the questions and made available on the website.   

The Report of the Returning Officer [Meole Electoral Division] is attached.

Contact: Claire Porter     Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt, and seconded by the Leader,

Councillor P Nutting that the report be received and noted.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the Returning Officer’s report be noted that on 15 August 2019 Gwendoline Laura Burgess was elected as Councillor to represent the Meole Electoral Division. 

Report of the Returning Officer [Bishop’s Castle Electoral Division] is to follow.

Contact:  Claire Porter     Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt, and seconded by the Leader,

Councillor P Nutting that the report be received and noted.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the Returning Officer’s report be noted that Ruth Margaret Houghton was elected as Councillor to represent the Bishop’s Castle Division. 

Report of the Director of Children’s Services is attached.

Contact:  Karen Bradshaw     Tel: 01743 254201

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor E Potter, and seconded by Councillor K Roberts that the report of the Director of Children’s Services, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed. 

During discussion Members expressed support for the proposed development.  The Portfolio Holder was asked to provide update reports at regular intervals for Members and he agreed to do this as required.  He also provided reassurance that construction would be to the highest possible standards. 

RESOLVED:

That

i)       Two new schools be constructed on the community land at Bowbrook so as to enable the activation of Clause 7 of the Third Schedule of the S106 Agreement and the respective leases be approved, as set out in this report.

ii)    The construction of the special school be managed using the self-delivery model as set out in this report.

iii)   The procurement and construction of the mainstream school be managed as set out within this report in conjunction with the delivery of the special school.

iv)   The Executive Director of Children’s Services be granted delegated authority to deliver the recommendations as set out above in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services.

v)    The Executive Director of Place be granted delegated authority to deliver the land and property aspects of the recommendations as set out above in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration.

Report of the Director of Children’s Services is attached.

Contact:  Karen Bradshaw     Tel: 01743 254201

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor E Potter and seconded by the Deputy Portfolio Holder, Education, Councillor N Bardsley, that the report of the Director of Children’s Services, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the intention was for Shropshire Council to sign up to the Care Leavers Covenant and for each Directorate to consider opportunities that could be offered to care leavers.  Businesses and organisations across the county would be encouraged to sign up to the covenant and offers of support would be published on the national My Covenant App. 

RESOLVED:

i)       That Shropshire Council sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant and that each Directorate consider opportunities that could be offered to our care leavers as set out in section 5.5 of the report.

ii)      That Shropshire Council calls on other organisations and businesses to sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant.

Report of the Director of Public Health is attached

Contact:  Rachel Robinson    Tel: 01743 252003

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder, Communities, Place Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor G Butler and seconded by Councillor K Roberts, that the report of the Director of Public, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

Members noted that the proposed removal of the zones would create a single area that would permit Shropshire Council licensed hackney carriages to operate across the whole of the administrative area, rather than being restricted to the zone for which they were currently licensed.  All vehicles would be required to be wheelchair accessible and the proposed implementation date of 1 April 2021 would provide a transition period to adjust to the proposed arrangements and satisfy the new requirements. 

RESOLVED:

That the five existing Hackney Carriage Zones, which are defined by reference to the five district and borough council areas that existed prior to the creation of Shropshire Council, be removed, and that all provisions of the hackney carriage licensing regime be applied across the whole of the administrative area of Shropshire Council with effect from 1 April 2021. 

Report of the Returning Officer is attached.

Contact:  Claire Porter    Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Returning Officer, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.  A Member highlighted the importance of free and accessible parking close to polling stations. 

RESOLVED:

i)       That the changes as set out in the recommendations of the report, which have been agreed with Ward Members be approved, in order for them to be implemented on or by 1 December 2019. 

ii)      That delegated authority be granted to the Returning Officer to find a suitable alternative, in conjunction with local members, should any polling station not be available for a particular election.

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

Contact:   Claire Porter     Tel:  01743352763

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the following be appointed to the Independent Remuneration Panel of Shropshire Council:

·         Mr Stephen Donkersley

·         Richard Garnett

·         Tim Griffiths

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

Contact:  Claire Porter     Tel: 01743 252763

It was proposed by Councillor B Williams and seconded by the Portfolio Holder, Communities, Place Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor G Butler, that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

The Portfolio Holder reported that the request from Ellesmere Town Council to undertake a Community Governance Review of Ellesmere and its surrounding Parishes was felt to be premature and not appropriate at the current time, prior to the implementation of any changes as a consequence of a wider review of Shropshire undertaken by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England.  This view was supported by the Local Members.  The Portfolio Holder reported that he was currently in discussion with Shropshire Association of Local Councils about how to deliver a larger scale review. 

RESOLVED

That, whilst it is recognised that a Community Governance Review is desirable, in view of the likelihood that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England will shortly undertake a wider review of the Electoral Divisions within Shropshire, the Council considers that the current request is premature and that it is not appropriate to commence a review at this time.

To confirm the following changes of membership:

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor D Vasmer replaced Councillor V Parry as a substitute member of the committee.

Housing Supervisory Board

Councillors R Aldcroft, J Barrow, N Bardsley, S Harris, N Hignett, P Mullock, R Evans and K Turley be appointed as substitute members of the board.

North Planning Committee

Councillors N Green and D Vasmer be appointed as members and Councillors H Fraser and C Mellings be appointed as substitute members of the committee.

South Planning Committee

Councillors A Boddington and R Huffer be appointed as members and Councillors N Hartin and R Evans be appointed as substitute members of the committee.

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Peter Nutting that the changes to Committee memberships be considered and agreed;

RESOLVED:

That the following changes to Committee memberships be confirmed:

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor D Vasmer replaced Councillor V Parry as a substitute member of the committee.

Housing Supervisory Board

Councillors R Aldcroft, J Barrow, N Bardsley, S Harris, N Hignett, P Mullock, R Evans and K Turley be appointed as substitute members of the board.

North Planning Committee

Councillors N Green and D Vasmer be appointed as members and Councillors H Fraser and C Mellings be appointed as substitute members of the committee.

South Planning Committee

Councillors A Boddington and R Huffer be appointed as members and Councillors N Hartin and R Evans be appointed as substitute members of the committee.

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

1.  The following motion has been received from Councillor Julian Dean and is supported by Councillors Pauline Dee, Andy Boddington, David Vasmer and Roger Evans:

This Council recognises the damage that is likely to result from a No-Deal Brexit, highlighted by the ‘Operation Yellowhammer’ reports. For example, we note the threat to people’s health due to the risk of shortages in medicines, and we note the threat to the livelihoods of our farming community due to the additional checks and changes to tariffs. We note that NFU President Minette Batters has said that a No-Deal Brexit will be “socially and economically absolutely disastrous.”

This Council further recognises the Home Secretary's plans for a no-deal Brexit may well have a negative impact on those members of our community who have chosen to move from elsewhere in the EU to live and work in Shropshire, many of whom are essential workers in the NHS and in our agriculture sector. 

This council states, loud and clear, to EU citizens living in Shropshire; ‘you continue to be welcome here’.

This council calls on the MPs representing Shropshire to work to prevent a No-Deal Brexit. Allowing such a disaster to happen can be avoided by the UK Parliament so refusing to take the necessary action to prevent this would be to willingly inflict harm on the people of this county.

Finally, this council calls on the leader to write to the Prime Minister to make it clear to him that Shropshire Council is opposed to a No-Deal Brexit which will harm our community.

2. The following motion has been received from Councillor Peter Adams and is supported by Councillors Dean Carroll, Steve Charmley, Peter Nutting and Brian Williams:

SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL SUPPORTS A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE M54 MOTORWAY FROM JUNCTION SEVEN AT WELLINGTON TO PRESTON BOATS JUNCTION NEAR SHREWSBURY

Shropshire is experiencing a prolonged period of sustained growth, and this needs to be enhanced and reinforced with the continued levels of house building in the County.  There is a need for increased levels of investment in the County’s infrastructure.

With this in mind I would like Council to accept the above proposal.  Foreign investors use decisions as to where they put their money and often rely on knowledge of the motorway systems of the Countries being examined, and in this respect, Shropshire is weak.

With the North West Relief Road being given the go ahead, this will open up North Shropshire and parts of Mid Wales for development.

Council is asked:

1.    To encourage Local Members of Parliament to lobby Government and Highways England to extend the M54.

2.    To allow Officers to signal our intentions to Partners like Midland Connect.

3.    To ask Officers to provide a Business Plan.

3.  The following motion has been received from Councillor Andy Boddington and is supported by the Liberal Democrat Group:

Shropshire Tree Bank

Shropshire Council declared a Climate Emergency at its May 2019  ...  view the full agenda text for item 54.

1.  The following motion has been received from Councillor Julian Dean and is supported by Councillors Pauline Dee, Andy Boddington, David Vasmer and Roger Evans:

This Council recognises the damage that is likely to result from a No-Deal Brexit, highlighted by the ‘Operation Yellowhammer’ reports. For example, we note the threat to people’s health due to the risk of shortages in medicines, and we note the threat to the livelihoods of our farming community due to the additional checks and changes to tariffs. We note that NFU President Minette Batters has said that a No-Deal Brexit will be “socially and economically absolutely disastrous.”

This Council further recognises the Home Secretary's plans for a no-deal Brexit may well have a negative impact on those members of our community who have chosen to move from elsewhere in the EU to live and work in Shropshire, many of whom are essential workers in the NHS and in our agriculture sector. 

This council states, loud and clear, to EU citizens living in Shropshire; ‘you continue to be welcome here’.

This council calls on the MPs representing Shropshire to work to prevent a No-Deal Brexit. Allowing such a disaster to happen can be avoided by the UK Parliament so refusing to take the necessary action to prevent this would be to willingly inflict harm on the people of this county.

Finally, this council calls on the leader to write to the Prime Minister to make it clear to him that Shropshire Council is opposed to a No-Deal Brexit which will harm our community.

During debate of the motion, some members expressed concern that a No Deal Brexit would particularly harm Shropshire’s rural economy especially in relation to food and fertilizer costs and export tariffs.  Others felt that there was a need to end uncertainty as soon as possible. 

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be not supported.

2. The following motion has been received from Councillor Peter Adams and is supported by Councillors Dean Carroll, Steve Charmley, Peter Nutting and Brian Williams:

SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL SUPPORTS A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE M54 MOTORWAY FROM JUNCTION SEVEN AT WELLINGTON TO PRESTON BOATS JUNCTION NEAR SHREWSBURY

Shropshire is experiencing a prolonged period of sustained growth, and this needs to be enhanced and reinforced with the continued levels of house building in the County.  There is a need for increased levels of investment in the County’s infrastructure.

With this in mind I would like Council to accept the above proposal.  Foreign investors use decisions as to where they put their money and often rely on knowledge of the motorway systems of the Countries being examined, and in this respect, Shropshire is weak.

With the North West Relief Road being given the go ahead, this will open up North Shropshire and parts of Mid Wales for development.

Council is asked:

1.    To encourage Local Members of Parliament to lobby Government and Highways England to extend the M54.

2.    To allow Officers to signal our intentions to Partners like Midland  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

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

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

i)       Received from Councillor A Boddington and answered by Councillor L Picton, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications, in relation to green waste collections 2018/19.

By way of a supplementary question, Councillor A Boddington asked what support Shropshire Council gave to local businesses to recycle food waste.  The Portfolio Holder reported that a food waste collection operated across most of the county and that she would provide a complete written response to Councillor Boddington.  

ii)      Received from Councillor R Evans and answered by Councillor S Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Car Parking, in relation to flooded roads and blocked gulleys.

By way of a supplementary question, Councillor R Evans asked for a fuller answer to be provided by the Portfolio Holder as he did not consider his question to have been answered. 

To resolve 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.

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.

To approve as a correct record the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 25^th July 2019.

RESOLVED:

That the confidential Minutes of the Council meeting held on 25^th July 2019 be approved and signed as a correct record.

Exempt report of the Direct of Place is attached.

Contact Mark Barrow    Tel:  01743 258671

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning, Councillor R Macey and seconded by Councillor S Jones, that the exempt report of the of the Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes, be received and approved.

RESOLVED:

That the three exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

Exempt Report of the Director of Place is to follow.

Contact:  Mark Barrow    Tel:   01743 258671

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley and seconded by Councillor P Milner, that the exempt report of the of the Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes, be received and approved.

RESOLVED:

That the two exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

Exempt Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact:  Mark Barrow    Tel:   01743 258671

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader, Councillor S Charmley and seconded by Councillor R Tindall, that the exempt report of the of the Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes, be received and approved.

RESOLVED:

That the five exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

Exempt Report of the Director of Place is to follow.

Contact:  Mark Barrow    Tel:   01743 258671

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning and seconded by the Portfolio Holder Adult Social Services and Climate Change Councillor D Carroll, that the exempt report of the of the Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes, be received and approved.

RESOLVED:

That the three exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.