Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kate Halliday, Nigel Hartin, Tony Parsons, John Price, Dave Tremellen, David Vasmer and Tina Woodward.

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.

Councillors C Wild and L Picton asked that it be noted that they had prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 21- Shopping Centres Holding Structures Review, which had been previously recorded in the register of Members Interests and would not take any part in discussion or voting and leave the room during consideration of this item.

Councillor Ioan Jones declared that his home was located in the area pertaining to Agenda item 23 - Shrewsbury Schools Place Planning.  Referring to the same Councillor K Pardy asked it to be noted that schools listed in the report were located within this Ward. 

Councillor S Harris declared he was the Chair of the Star Housing Association.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 September 2019.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 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 Chairman referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by himself and the Speaker since the last meeting of the Council on 19^th September 2019, which had been 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 Frank Oldaker on behalf of Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth, requesting a debate under the Council’s Petition Scheme.  Mr Oldaker will be in attendance to present the petition.

The wording of the petition reads: We the undersigned petition the Council to agree a target date of 2030 for achieving ‘net carbon zero’ emissions from the council’s activities, and to design an action plan in accordance with this target.  We welcome the council’s declaration of a climate emergency and commitment to work towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions for the council’s activities and for the county.  But time is short.

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

Public Questions

The Speaker advised that three public questions had been received from Mr S Mulloy, Mr M Femour and Mr M Andrews who were present at the meeting and received answers to their questions from the respective Portfolio Holders. [A copy of the questions and the responses given by the Portfolio Holders are attached to the signed minutes.]

Petitions

The Speaker advised that a petition bearing more than 1,000 signatures requesting that the Council agree a target date of 2030 to achieve ‘net carbon zero’ emissions from its activities and to design an action plan accordingly, had been received from Mr Frank Oldaker on behalf of Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth requesting a debate.  Ms Oldaker was given 5 minutes to open the debate and outline his case.

Mr Oldaker welcomed the actions already undertaken by the Council to reduce carbon emissions but observed that increases in extreme weather events were increasing at a faster rate than anticipated which indicated that the situation was more serious than had been predicted. He noted that although the Council had set a target date to reduce carbon emissions it had not set one for the County.  He urged Members to be bold and support urgent action.   

A debate ensued, and the following Members spoke in support of the key points made by the petitioners:  Councillors A Boddington, H Fraser, A Mosley and R Evans.  Members observed the importance of setting challenging targets underpinned by quantitive baseline measurements and specific budget provision. Members suggested that suppliers with effective carbon reducing policies should be given preferential treatment.  Members who spoke supported a County wide target.

In formally responding to the petition the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Services and Climate Change, Councillor D Carroll welcomed the debate and advised that work was ongoing to obtain baseline data that would enable the setting of a realistic date for net carbon zero target for the County.  He continued that the Climate Strategy Framework addressed the issues raised in the petition and for this reason his decision was that no further action to be taken for reasons set out in his response.

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact: Mark Barrow     Tel 01743 258671

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Services and Climate Change, Councillor D Carroll and seconded by the Deputy Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Councillor R Gittins, that the report of the Director of Place on Climate Change Strategy Framework, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

Councillor D Carroll stated that the Climate Change Strategy Framework was ambitious and a comprehensive road map setting out the Authority’s approach as a community leader.  The framework would lead to the development of other plans and strategies which had to be consistent and work together to lead communities.

The Chairman noted that three amendments had been proposed and these would be dealt with in order.

The first amendment was proposed by Councillor J Dean and seconded by Councillor M Shineton.  The amendment proposed 5 further recommendations [copy attached to the signed minutes].

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

The second amendment was proposed by Councillor A Boddington and seconded by Councillor R Houghton. The amendment proposed that (i) the Council agrees that the Shropshire Climate Action Partnership is established by May 2020, and (ii) that the Council agrees a target and outline plan for a zero carbon Shropshire is brought to Council by July 2020.

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

The third amendment was proposed by Councillor H Fraser and seconded by Councillor R Evans.  The amendment proposed that ‘Council included in its Annual Climate Impact Budget Shropshire County’s Carbon Budget to identify annual performance and trends across the entire County with an aspiration that the Council can, through its role as influencer and place-maker, assist the County to become net carbon neutral by 2030.

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

Members debated the content of the report and its recommendations.  They noted that there was no specific budget for climate change but budgets across all directorates where contributing to achieving the targets.  Climate change had become an important factor in the development of Council strategies and policies.

RESOLVED:

i)     That the Climate Change Strategy Framework document be approved; and

ii)    That the preparation of an annual Climate Impact Budget which will identify the climate impacts of Council services and major projects and will report on annual performance trends in parallel with the Council’s financial budget be approved.

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance is attached.

Contact:  James Walton    Tel 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support, Councillor D Minnery and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on Setting the Council Tax Taxbase 2020/21, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

On being put to a recorded vote the proposition was carried by 59 Members voting in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention, as follows:

FOR (59)

Cllrs Adams, Aldcroft, Bardsley, Barrow, Biggins, Bird, Boddington, Burgess, Butler, Calder, Carroll, Chapman, Charmley, Clarke, Dakin, Dee, D Evans, R Evans, Gittings, Green, Harris, Hartley, Hignett, Houghton, R Huffer, T Huffer, Hughes, Hunt, I Jones, M T Jones, S Jones, Kidd, Lea, Lynch, Mackenzie, Mellings, Milner, Minnery, Morris, Moseley, Motley, Mullock, Nutting, Pardy, Parr, Parry, Pate, Phillips, Picton, Potter, Roberts, Shineton, Tindall, Turley, Turner, Williams, Winwood, Wood, and Wynn. 

AGAINST (0)

ABSTENTION (1)

Cllr Dean

RESOLVED:

i)     In accordance with the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 the revised discretionary power to levy a Council Tax premium in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than five years i.e. increasing the premium to 200% in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than five years and the resulting inclusion of an additional 382.22 Band D equivalents in the taxbase be approved;

ii)    The publication of a notice regarding the new discretionary Council Tax discount policy awarded in respect of vacant properties within 21 days of the determination be approved;

iii)   That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by Shropshire Council as it’s Council Tax taxbase for the year 2020/21, as detailed in Appendix A, totalling 113,557.43 Band D equivalents be approved.

iv)   That the changes to the Council’s localised Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme in 2020/21 be noted. The scheme is attached at Appendix B.

v)    That it be noted that the Council Tax Support Scheme amendments detailed in Section 6 have no impact on the taxbase determination.

vi)   That the exclusion of 8,801.98 Band D equivalents from the taxbase as a result of localised Council Tax Support be noted.

vii)  That continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy of 0% in respect of second homes (other than those that retain a 50% discount through regulation as a result of job related protection) and the inclusion of 705.45 Band D equivalents in the Council Tax taxbase as a result of this discount policy be noted.

viii)That continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy to not award a discount in respect of vacant dwellings undergoing major repair, i.e. former Class A exempt properties be noted.

ix)   That continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy in respect of vacant dwellings, i.e. former Class C exempt properties, of 100% for one month i.e. effectively reinstating the exemption  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact:  Mark Barrow     Tel 01743 258671

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, Councillor S Davenport and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Services and Climate Change, Councillor D Carroll, that the report of the Director of Place on County Wide Street Lighting LED Lantern Replacement Project. (Carbon Reduction Programme), a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

Councillor Davenport advised that the proposal would reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and save £1m in electricity consumption, maintenance costs and through hidden savings.  Members commented that they welcomed the report but expressed disappointment that it had not been undertaken at an earlier opportunity.

RESOLVED:

i)     That a funding application to Salix be approved requesting £3,034,979 of Capital for the conversion of 16,253 life expired lanterns to energy efficient LED lighting with the funding to be repaid from revenue savings;

ii)    That the draw-down and phased repayment of a £3.03 million interest free loan from Salix be approved for qualifying carbon reduction benefits to reduce the interest charges associated with the capital borrowing requirement;

iii)   That the addition of £3,789,032 to the Capital Programme Budget funded by Shropshire Council as the remaining budget requirement to deliver the project be approved;

iv)   That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place in consultation with the Director of Finance and Governance to enter into an agreement with Salix for the works, once all negotiations have concluded; and

v)    That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place to agree, implement and conclude the most efficient procurement route to facilitate the physical works being undertaken over the works period.

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact:  Mark Barrow     Tel 01743 258671

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communication, Councillor L Picton and seconded by Councillor C Wild, that the report of the Director of Place on Local Government Act 1972, Section 101 Proposed definitive Map Modification Order to Upgrade Footpath 18, 18Y & 18Z to Bridleway Status and the Addition of Three Bridleways in the Parish of Wroxeter and Uppington. Acceptance of the Delegation to Telford and Wrekin Council to Investigate and make the Order on Our Behalf, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

that delegated authority be granted to Telford and Wrekin Council to publish the legal order for the connecting routes in Shropshire at the same time as those that are in Telford and Wrekin.

Director of Public Health’s report is attached.

Contact:  Rachel Robinson     Tel 01743 252003

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Communities Place Planning and Regulatory Services, Councillor G Butler and seconded by Councillor K Roberts, that the report of the Director of Public Health on Proposed Removal of Licensing Act Hearing Procedure from the Council’s Constitution, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

That the procedure for the holding of hearings in respect of licensing matters as set out in Part 4 of the Constitution under Annex A (D58 to D60) of the Licensing Act Sub-Committee Procedure Rules be removed from the Council’s Constitution with immediate effect.

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning is to follow.

Portfolio Holder:  Councillor Robert Macey

It was proposed by Councillor R Macey, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning, that the annual report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received.

Councillor Macey presented and amplified his report and responded to the questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Councillors R Houghton, H Kidd, K Pardy, G Butler, J Dean and R Evans.

In response to Councillor Wild’s suggestion that a Task and Finish Group should be established by the appropriate Scrutiny Committee to look at CIL funding allocation, Councillor Macey endorsed Councillor Butler’s comments that the Community Infrastructure Levy [CIL] Task and Finish Group had recently concluded its work and reported its findings to Cabinet, and little benefit would be gained from re-establishing it at the present time.

RESOLVED:

That that content of the Annual Report for Housing and Strategic Planning be noted and approved.

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support is attached.

Portfolio Holder:  Councillor David Minnery

It was proposed by Councillor Minnery that the annual report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received. 

Councillor Minnery presented and amplified his report and responded to the questions, queries and concerns raised by Members, including Councillors Bird, Nutting, Parry, Moseley, Mellings, R Evans and Pate.

Councillor Nutting responded to queries on potential development of land at Junction 3 of the M50 at Shifnal which was not identified for development in the Local Plan.  He commented that further information was expected from neighbouring urban Councils on their housing need

Councillor Minnery agreed with Councillor Mellings assertion that the Financial Strategy for 2020/2021 was challenging but Officers were actively working to identify savings.  

RESOLVED:

That that content of the Annual Report for Finance and Corporate Support be noted and approved.

The annual report of the Chair of the Place Overview Committee is attached.

Place Overview Committee Chair:  Councillor Joyce Barrow

It was proposed by Councillor J Barrow that the annual report of the Place Overview Committee, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received and agreed. 

Councillor Joyce Barrow presented the report and outlined the work undertaken by the Committee.  She thanked all Members and Officers involved in the work of the Committee for their hard work and commitment.

RESOLVED:

That that Annual Report of the Place Overview Committee be noted and approved.

The annual report of the Chair of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee is attached.

Performance Management Scrutiny Committee Chair:  Councillor Claire Wild

It was proposed by Councillor C Wild, that the annual report of the Place Overview Committee, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received and agreed. 

Councillor Claire Wild presented the report and outlined the work undertaken by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That that Annual Report of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee be noted and approved.

To confirm the following changes of membership:

Northern Planning Committee

Cllr Roger Evans to replace Cllr Hannah Fraser as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee.

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor Ann Hartley, that the changes to the Northern Planning Committee membership be considered and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor R Evans replaces Councillor H Fraser as a substitute Member of the Northern Planning Committee.

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

1  The following motion has been received from Councillor Dan Morris and supported by the Conservative Group:

This Council supports the principle of a 20 mph speed limit outside all schools in the county and asks officers to bring a report to Council within 6 months to consider how this could be implemented.

2.  The following motion has been received from Councillor Karen Calder and is supported by the Conservative Group

The RBL is encouraging councils across the country to adopt the practice of offering all ex service men and women the opportunity of an interview for jobs becoming available within the authority, of course they have to have meet the basic criteria. Kirklees is the latest council to adopt this and was agreed cross party. The motion would be something in line with below.

“This Council recognises the invaluable contribution made to our community and country by members of the Armed services, the life and professional skills they gain through military service and our debt to them in perpetuity.

This Council also recognises that their service whilst equipping them with many practical skills does not always equip them with administrative and literary skills needed to satisfy some of today’s initial employment application questionnaires and procedures.

This Council therefore commits to offering all former service personnel a guaranteed interview for any vacancy applied for where they meet the essential criteria and will encourage our arm’s length partner organisations and the wider Shropshire business community to also offer interviews.”

3   The following motion has been received from Councillor Andy Boddington and supported by Councillors Julian Dean, Heather Kidd, Nigel Hartin and Chris Mellings

In July, the Committee on Climate Change recommended that the UK plants 30,000 hectares of trees a year. The committee warned that if carbon reduction measures are not delivered rapidly, we will need to plant 50,000 hectares a year. In November, the UN Environment Programme called for a faster reduction in greenhouse gases. There is a consensus that planting trees can help us achieve the UK's goal of net zero by 2050 at the latest.

Woodlands have many benefits. They create a carbon reservoir that helps slow climate change. They boost wildlife and help promote public health. Woodlands are a major economic resource, providing material for construction and power. Woodlands support jobs.

Well managed broadleaf woodlands promote biodiversity. They boost tourism. They are a public good.

No one doubts that doubling woodland cover will be a major challenge. Introducing a public money for public goods system to support farmers and landowners requires national legislation. Local authorities have limited resources and expertise is thinly spread. But there is potential for groups of local authorities to work together, supported by wildlife charities and experts, to develop regional policies for increasing woodland cover. Councils either side of Offa’s Dyke through the Marches would be ideal partners.

This council requests its leader and the portfolio holder for climate change to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 77.

1  The following motion has been received from Councillor Dan Morris and supported by the Conservative Group:

This Council supports the principle of a 20 mph speed limit outside all schools in the county and asks officers to bring a report to Council within 6 months to consider how this could be implemented.

Councillor A Boddington proposed an amendment to the motion that ‘yellow zig zag lines outside most schools in Shropshire are currently advisory.  No penalties can be enforced. The council requests a countywide traffic regulation order is issued to implement a mandatory prohibition of traffic stopping outside our schools when students are present.’  The Leader, Councillor P Nutting, responded that Officers would look into this matter but it could not form part of the motion being considered. Councillor Boddington agreed to withdraw his amendment to the motion.

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be supported.

2.  The following motion has been received from Councillor Karen Calder and is supported by the Conservative Group

This Council recognises the invaluable contribution made to our community and country by members of the Armed services, the life and professional skills they gain through military service and our debt to them in perpetuity.

This Council also recognises that their service whilst equipping them with many practical skills does not always equip them with administrative and literary skills needed to satisfy some of today’s initial employment application questionnaires and procedures.

This Council therefore commits to offering all former service personnel a guaranteed interview for any vacancy applied for where they meet the essential criteria and will encourage our arm’s length partner organisations and the wider Shropshire business community to also offer interviews.

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be supported.

3   The following motion has been received from Councillor Andy Boddington and supported by Councillors Julian Dean, Heather Kidd, Nigel Hartin and Chris Mellings

In July, the Committee on Climate Change recommended that the UK plants 30,000 hectares of trees a year. The committee warned that if carbon reduction measures are not delivered rapidly, we will need to plant 50,000 hectares a year. In November, the UN Environment Programme called for a faster reduction in greenhouse gases. There is a consensus that planting trees can help us achieve the UK's goal of net zero by 2050 at the latest.

Woodlands have many benefits. They create a carbon reservoir that helps slow climate change. They boost wildlife and help promote public health. Woodlands are a major economic resource, providing material for construction and power. Woodlands support jobs.

Well managed broadleaf woodlands promote biodiversity. They boost tourism. They are a public good.

No one doubts that doubling woodland cover will be a major challenge. Introducing a public money for public goods system to support farmers and landowners requires national legislation. Local authorities have limited resources and expertise is thinly spread. But there is potential for groups of local authorities to work together, supported by wildlife charities and experts, to develop regional policies for increasing woodland cover.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

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

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

i)       Received from Councillor H Fraser and answered by Councillor Ed Potter, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services in relation to school funds and the Apprenticeship Levy.

ii)      Received from Councillor H Fraser and answered by Councillor G Butler, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regulatory Services in relation to the planning process. 

By way of a supplementary question Councillor Fraser asked for further information regarding the enquiry regarding a formal planning enforcement.  Councillor Butler agreed to meet with Councillor Fraser outside the meeting to discuss the matter.

iii)    Received from Councillor D Turner and answered by Councillor S Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport in relation to highway issues in the Much Wenlock area. 

By way of supplementary question Councillor Turner requested a written response to his questions.

iv)    Received from Councillor A Boddington and answered by Councillor D Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Climate Change, in relation to power use in Shirehall from fossil fuels.

v)     Received from Councillor A Boddington and answered by Councillor D Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Climate Change, in relation to investment polices for Shropshire County Pension Fund. 

vi)    Received from Councillor R Evans and answered by Councillor S Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, in relation to the Council’s Highways contracts with Kier and WSP.

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 19^th September 2019.

RESOLVED:

That the Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2019, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

Exempt report of the Director of Place will follow.

Contact:  Mark Barrow  Tel: 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration Councillor S Charmley and seconded by the Leader Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of the Director of Place on Shrewsbury Shopping Centres – Pride Hill Repurposing, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

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

Exempt report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance [Section 151 Officer] attached.

Contact:  James Walton    Tel:  01743 258915

Councillors C Wild and L Picton left the chamber for this item.

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor S Charmley and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on Shopping Centres Holding Structure Review, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

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

Exempt report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact:  Mark Barrow    Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor S Charmley and seconded by Councillor P Milner, that the report of the Director of Place on Strategic Property Acquisition – Oswestry Central, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

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

Report of Director of Children’s Services is to follow.

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 for Education, Councillor N Bardsley, that the report of the Director of Children’s Services on Shrewsbury Schools Place Planning, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

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

Exempt report of Director of Place is to follow.

Contact:  Mark Barrow    Tel: 01743 258671

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor S Charmley and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of Place on Ludlow Assembly Rooms’ Budget a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

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