The Acting Interim Chief Executive reported that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors T Huffer, Kidd, Morris, Mullock and Winwood.

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.

Councillor N Hartin declared that he was a Member of SpARC Leisure and would not take part in the debate of Agenda Item 12.

Councillor H Houghton declared an interest in Agenda Items 12 and 14.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27^th February and 6^th May 2020.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th February 2020 and 6^th May 2020, 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 Chairman since the meeting of the Council on 27^th February 2020, which had been circulated by email prior to the meeting.

To receive any questions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification for this meeting is 10am on Tuesday 14th July 2020.

A petition, bearing over 1000 signatures has been received from Jake Thompson, requesting a debate under the Council’s Petition Scheme. The petition requests that the Council:

Remove Clive of India statue from Shrewsbury town centre

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

Public Questions

The Speaker advised that six public questions had been received from Mr Parton, Mr Femor, Mr Streetly, Mr Tate, Mr Holmes-Brown on behalf of Shropshire Ethnic Minority Alliance and Ms Dolphin.  All questions were read aloud on the questioners’ behalf by the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and received answers from the respective Portfolio Holders. Mr Femor, Mr Tate and Mr Streetly were advised that written answers would be provided.

It was noted that a copy of the questions and answers would be included with the formal record of the meeting.

Petitions

The Speaker advised that a petition bearing more than 1,000 signatures to remove the Clive of India Statue from Shrewsbury Town Centre had been received from Mr Jake Thomson requesting a debate.  Mr Thomson did not provide a written submission

Members debated the petition and made the following points:

·  The Black Lives Matter debate welcomed;

·  It was important to understand other’s experiences and injustices;

·  Clive was now recognised a corrupt mercenary;

·  A better explanation of the history of Clive was required; and

·  It was not possible to rewrite history but it was important to be able to understand it.

The Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration responded by thanking the petitioner for the work he had undertaken in presenting the petition.  He continued that it was a divisive debate but all agreed that there was no place for racism.  To remove the statue was not as simple as it would seem.  It was classified as a grade 2 listed building and its removal or destruction would require approval from Historic England.  He acknowledged that the colonial past of Britain was a reality and should not be forgotten but used to inform the future.  Museum staff had been requested to provide a better interpretation of the statue and locate this appropriately.

RESOLVED:

That no action be taken.

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

Contact James Walton    Tel 01743 255011

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support, Councillor Minnery and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Nutting, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on the Financial Outturn 2019/20, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Responding to concerns raised by Members on higher than expected expenditure, reduced revenue and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Leader responded that the Council held excellent financial reserves, but the revenue account had been affected.  He continued that discussions were in progress with both the Local Government Association and the County Council Network to address the underfunding of rural Councils and the Government’s Fairer Funding review was expected to address the situation.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support added that the shortfall was being monitored and contingency arrangements were in place.

RESOLVED

i)     That it be noted that the outturn for the revenue budget for 2019/20 is a controllable overspend of £1.692m.  This represents 0.3% of the original gross budget of £568.489m.

ii)    That it be noted that had £0.460m of the Council’s General Fund not been applied in response to the Storm Dennis emergency event, and had £0.387m Coronavirus funding not been applied to revenue at year end, the controllable outturn position would have been an overspend of £2.539m.

iii)   That it be noted that the level of the General Fund balance after adjusting for the outturn overspend and insurance position stands at £13.510m, which is significantly below the recommended level. 

iv)   That it be noted that the outturn for the Housing Revenue Account for 2019/20 is an underspend of £4.106m and the level of the Housing Revenue Account reserve stands at £10.140m (2018/19 £9.813m).

v)    That it be noted that the increase in the level of Earmarked Reserves and Provisions (excluding delegated school balances) of £1.931 in 2019/20 and the reasons for this.

vi)   That it be noted that the level of school balances stand at £1.891m (2018/19 £4.178m).

vii)  That the net budget variations of £9.710m to the 2019/20 capital programme, detailed in Appendix 5 / Table 11 and the re-profiled 2019/20 capital budget of £70.982m be approved.

viii)That the re-profiled capital budgets of £127.309m for 2020/21, including slippage of £11.773m from 2019/20, £89.835m for 2021/22 and £103.110m for 2022/23 as detailed in Appendix 5 / Table 15 be approved.

ix)   That the outturn expenditure set out in Appendix 5 of £59.209m, representing 83% of the revised capital budget for 2019/20 be accepted.

x)    That retaining a balance of capital receipts set aside of £19.619m as at 31st March 2020 to generate a one-off Minimum Revenue Provision saving of £0.693m in 2020/21 be approved.

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact Mark Barrow    Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Butler and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, Councillor Davenport that the report of the Director of Place on the Community Infrastructure Levy – Spending Update, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That £8,142,487 of CIL local funds be allocated to the two projects outlined within Section 6 of the report.

Report of the Interim Acting Chief Executive and Director of Adult Services is attached.

Contact Andy Begley    Tel 01743 258911

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning, Councillor Macey and seconded by Councillor M Jones, that the report of the Director of Adult Services on the Sustainable Temporary Housing Solutions in Shropshire, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Councillor Macey thanked and acknowledged the contribution of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in Shropshire working with the Council to provide accommodation to those in need from the onset of the lockdown.  The work of the Housing Team and volunteers was also noted.

RESOLVED:

i)     that the outline financial case set out in this report be approved, together with the delivery of the outcomes set out in section 4 of this report and at Appendix 1 to acquire suitable properties for homeless temporary accommodation.

ii)    That subject to a final business case and financial appraisals being approved in accordance with Recommendation iii:

a.  That the acquisition of freehold interest of open market property in support of recommendation 2.1 up to maximum price of £1.5 million plus stamp duty, VAT and any other disbursements and associated costs be approved.

b.  that capital investment estimated to be £1.5m of S106 contributions is made to allow the freehold acquisition, adaptation and fit out of appropriate properties in Shropshire be approved.

c.   that long-term leases with private landlords can be entered on open market property in support of recommendation 2.1 utilising existing revenue budgets be approved.

d.  That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Asset Manager, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, with the authority to agree and complete appropriate freehold acquisitions or long-term leases in accordance with recommendation 2.1, 2.2A and 2.2C.

e.  Delegate to the Strategic Asset Manager in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, the authority to enter into leases/contracts with partners/providers to manage facilities on the Council’s behalf if deemed relevant and necessary.

iii)   That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance (s151 officer) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support to approve a final business case and financial appraisals setting out the financial arrangements to support the acquisition of appropriate properties and to approve the appropriate source of the funding based on existing and future S106 contributions for any purchase.

The meeting was adjourned at 11.30am and reconvened at 11.40am

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

Contact Mark Barrow    Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Charmley and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Nutting, that the report of the Director of Place on the Shrewsbury Civic Centre Project, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Councillor Charmley gave an overview of the report which proposed that further work on the Shirehall building redevelopment be ceased. He explained that since Council had resolved to redevelop the Shirehall in December 2018 circumstances had markedly changed with the declaration of the climate change emergency, floods and the covid-19 pandemic.  It was now recognised that it would not be possible to transform the inefficiencies of the building into one that would meet the future needs of the organisation. 

Councillor Andy Boddington tabled an amendment which was duly seconded by Councillor Viv Parry.  He proposed that recommendations A B C remain as set out in the report with the addition of:

D.   Delegates to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration work on a potential disposal strategy for Shirehall.

E.   This venture is renamed Shropshire Civic Centre Project to reflect its importance to the entire county.

F.    A report covering the work in B C D will be provided to the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee prior to consideration by Council.

On being put to the vote the amendment was lost with the majority voting against it.

A debate was held with the following points considered:

·         The carbon inefficiency and running costs of Shirehall;

·         The impact of staff home working on both the environment and the health and safety of employees;

·         The impact of the closure of the Shirehall site on the surrounding economy and the future use of the site; and

·         Potential loss of solar panels and mobile phone mast on Shirehall roof.

In response to the debate the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration reiterated that a new site for the Civic Hub had not yet been identified.  He continued that more flexible working would be introduced for the benefit of the staff and would not be imposed when it was unsuitable.

RESOLVED:

i)       Work be ceased on the project which involves the full refurbishment of the Shirehall building.

ii)      Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, to provide a full evaluation of potential civic centre locations in Shrewsbury town centre along with outline costs and benefits.

iii)    Delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, to work on a potential disposal strategy for the Shirehall.

iv)    A report covering the work in ii and iii be provided to Performance Management Scrutiny Committee prior to consideration by Council.

Report of the Planning Services Manager is attached.

Contact   Ian Kilby    Tel 01743 258718

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Butler and seconded by Councillor Motley, that the report of the Planning Service Manager on the Virtual Planning Committee Process, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Councillor Roger Evans proposed the recommendation set out in the report be replaced with following the amendment, which was seconded by Councillor Vasmer. 

That Members recognise urgent decisions were made to create a process to allow Planning Committees to meet and make decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Members request that Officers review this process and take note of how other councils have enabled the public to participate.  A report of this review to be taken to a meeting of Group Leaders and a decision made there on the virtual planning committee procedures to be applied for the duration as set out in the regulations made under the Coronavirus Act 2020 or as amended.

On being put to the vote the amendment was lost with the majority voting against it.

The request for a recorded vote was not supported.

RESOLVED:

That it be agreed that the virtual planning committee procedures to be applied as necessary in the view of the Director of Place and Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the planning committees for the duration set out in the regulations made under Coronavirus Act 2020 or as amended.

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

Contact   Claire Porter    Tel 01743 252763

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Nutting, and seconded by Councillor Gittings that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services on the Local Government Ombudsman Report – Finding of Fault with Injustice, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

The Leader observed that lessons would be learnt from this decision and it was important that the rights of local communities were given sufficient weight when making planning decisions.

RESOLVED:

That the content of the LGSCO report attached at Appendix 1 and the actions taken to date, together with those proposed, in order to comply with the LGSCO’s recommendations be noted.

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications is attached.

Portfolio Holder:  Lezley Picton

It was proposed by Councillor Picton, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

Councillor Picton presented and amplified her report and responded to questions, concerns and comments.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.11pm and reconvened at 1.21pm

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport is attached.

Portfolio Holder:  Steve Davenport

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

Councillor Davenport presented and amplified his report and responded to questions, concerns and comments.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and approved.

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Climate Change is attached.

Portfolio Holder:  Dean Carroll

It was proposed by Councillor Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care/ Public Health and Climate Change that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

Councillor Carroll presented and amplified his report and responded to questions, concerns and comments.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and approved.

The Annual Report of the Chair of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee is attached.

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair: Councillor Karen Calder

It was proposed by Councillor Calder that the annual report of the Annual Report of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes be received and agreed. 

Councillor Calder 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 Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted and approved.

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

1.   The following motion has been received from Councillor Julian Dean and supported by Councillors Hannah Fraser, Pauline Dee and David Vasmer

Pension Fund Fossil Fuel Disinvestment motion

Council notes:

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils have both declared climate emergencies and pledged to be net zero by 2030.

Shropshire County Pension Fund (SCPF) currently has around £294 million invested in fossil fuel companies including Shell and BP and through asset manager BlackRock.

These investments are incompatible with the climate emergency declaration and the councils’ commitment to reach net zero within the next ten years.

Fossil fuel investments are increasingly financially risky as a result of both the Covid19 pandemic and the global transition to a more sustainable economic and environmental model. They are now being regularly out-performed by renewables.

Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned in December 2019 that fossil fuel investments risk becoming “stranded assets” (i.e., worthless) as investors exit the sector. “A question for every company, every financial institution, every asset manager, pension fund or insurer – what’s your plan?”

The ‘engagement’ approach does not mitigate the financial risks the sector faces. There is also no evidence of any multinational corporation changing its core business model in response to investor pressure.

 Council believes it is time for Shropshire’s flagship pension fund to commit to divestment from fossil fuels over a three year timeframe.

This would;

Allow for the development of ‘impact investment’ directed towards internationally recognised sustainable development goals and/or investment in a local sustainable economy.

Provide for a more sustainable future of all pension fund stakeholders.

Provide leadership in the face of the climate emergency.  

 This Council resolves:

To instruct the Acting Chief Executive to write to the Pension Fund Committee asking the Committee to follow best practice by;

1.    Adding a statement to their strategy that climate change constitutes financial risks to the fund.

2.    Setting a 3 year timescale for the reinvestment of funds currently invested in fossil fuel dependant assets.

3.    Developing an investment strategy consistent with sustainable development goals and developing a local sustainable economy.

Finally we recognise that fossil fuel investments constitute part of the councils ‘carbon footprint’ and so resolve that this element should be reported on within our greenhouse gas reporting for Scope 3.

2. The following motion has been received from Councillor David Vasmer and is supported by the Liberal Democrat Group

This Council notes that:

-          As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the Government is encouraging people to walk and cycle, where possible, instead of taking public transport or returning to their cars.

-          The Government has stated that it aims to have all school children returning to school in September 2020.

-          The Government has specifically stated that it wishes more children to walk and cycle to school.

-          To enable this the Government has announced a £250 million ‘Emergency Active Travel Fund’ for temporary infrastructure to enable safe walking and cycling – of which,  ...  view the full agenda text for item 128.

1.   The following motion was received from Councillor Julian Dean and supported by Councillors Hannah Fraser, Pauline Dee and David Vasmer

Pension Fund Fossil Fuel Disinvestment motion

Council notes:

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils have both declared climate emergencies and pledged to be net zero by 2030.

Shropshire County Pension Fund (SCPF) currently has around £294 million invested in fossil fuel companies including Shell and BP and through asset manager BlackRock.

These investments are incompatible with the climate emergency declaration and the councils’ commitment to reach net zero within the next ten years.

Fossil fuel investments are increasingly financially risky as a result of both the Covid19 pandemic and the global transition to a more sustainable economic and environmental model. They are now being regularly out-performed by renewables.

Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned in December 2019 that fossil fuel investments risk becoming “stranded assets” (i.e., worthless) as investors exit the sector. “A question for every company, every financial institution, every asset manager, pension fund or insurer – what’s your plan?”

The ‘engagement’ approach does not mitigate the financial risks the sector faces. There is also no evidence of any multinational corporation changing its core business model in response to investor pressure.

 Council believes it is time for Shropshire’s flagship pension fund to commit to divestment from fossil fuels over a three-year timeframe.

This would;

Allow for the development of ‘impact investment’ directed towards internationally recognised sustainable development goals and/or investment in a local sustainable economy.

Provide for a more sustainable future of all pension fund stakeholders.

Provide leadership in the face of the climate emergency.  

 This Council resolves:

To instruct the Acting Chief Executive to write to the Pension Fund Committee asking the Committee to follow best practice by;

1.    Adding a statement to their strategy that climate change constitutes financial risks to the fund.

2.    Setting a 3-year timescale for the reinvestment of funds currently invested in fossil fuel dependant assets.

3.    Developing an investment strategy consistent with sustainable development goals and developing a local sustainable economy.

Finally, we recognise that fossil fuel investments constitute part of the councils ‘carbon footprint’ and so resolve that this element should be reported on within our greenhouse gas reporting for Scope 3.

RESOLVED:

That the Notice of Motion be supported.

2. The following motion was received from Councillor David Vasmer and is supported by the Liberal Democrat Group

This Council notes that:

-          As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the Government is encouraging people to walk and cycle, where possible, instead of taking public transport or returning to their cars.

-          The Government has stated that it aims to have all school children returning to school in September 2020.

-          The Government has specifically stated that it wishes more children to walk and cycle to school.

-          To enable this the Government has announced a £250 million ‘Emergency Active Travel Fund’ for temporary infrastructure to enable safe walking and cycling – of which, Shropshire has been allocated an indicative funding allocation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128.

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

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

Received from Councillor Pardy and answered by the Leader in relation to the provision of Member Training.

Received from Councillor Parry and answered by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, in relation to the cutting of grass verges.  By way of a supplementary question Councillor Parry asked about the future involvement of the Council in improving the verges. The Portfolio Holder confirmed that this was already in place.

Received from Councillor Boddington and answered by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regulation Services, in relation to Planning Committees.  By way of a supplementary question Councillor Boddington asked if the decisions made at agenda planning meetings for the Planning Committees could be made available to Members.  The Portfolio Holder for Communities Place Planning and Regulation Services responded that he would provide a written response.

Received from Councillor Vasmer and answered by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regulation Services, in relation to planning enforcement. By way of a supplementary question Councillor Vasmer asked if the increasing number of unresolved planning enforcements had an identified cause.  The Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place Planning and Regulation Services responded that the increase in cases was a result of increased development by none professionals.

Received from Councillor T Huffer and answered by the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, in relation to support for young people during and after lockdown.

Received from Councillor Tremellen and answered by the Leader, in relation to about future working practices of the Council. 

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Ruth Houghton and Cllr Viv Parry to replace Cllr David Vasmer as substitute members of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Performance Management Scrutiny Committee

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Place Overview Committee

Cllr Andy Boddington to replace Cllr David Vasmer as a full member of the Place Overview Committee.

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Place Overview Committee.

People Overview Committee

Cllr Ruth Houghton to replace Cllr David Vasmer as a full member of the People Overview Committee.

Cllr David Vasmer to replace Cllr Roger Evans as a substitute member of the People Overview Committee.

Standards Committee

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Standards Committee.

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt, and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor A Hartley, that the changes to committee memberships be considered and agreed.

RESOLVED:

Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Cllr Ruth Houghton and Cllr Viv Parry to replace Cllr David Vasmer as substitute members of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Performance Management Scrutiny Committee

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Place Overview Committee

Cllr Andy Boddington to replace Cllr David Vasmer as a full member of the Place Overview Committee.

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Place Overview Committee.

People Overview Committee

Cllr Ruth Houghton to replace Cllr David Vasmer as a full member of the People Overview Committee.

Cllr David Vasmer to replace Cllr Roger Evans as a substitute member of the People Overview Committee.

Standards Committee

Cllr David Vasmer to become a substitute member of the Standards Committee.

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meeting held on 24^th June 2020.

It was proposed by Councillor Mellings and seconded by Councillor Roberts 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 meeting held on 24^th June 2020 be noted

To resolve 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 Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item.

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 Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item.

To approve as a correct record the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 27^th February 2020.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th February 2020 as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.