Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Simon Harris, Dan Morris, Dan Thomas, Dave Tremellen and Rob Wilson

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 vote on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Councillor Cecilia Motely declared a Pecuniary Interest in Agenda Item 7, Shropshire Local Plan Review and stated that she would leave the theatre during consideration of the item, taking no part in the debate or vote. 

Councillor Kevin Turley declared a Pecuniary Interest in Agenda Item 7, Shropshire Local Plan Review and stated that he would leave the theatre during consideration of the item, taking no part in the debate or vote. 

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 May 2021

Councillor R Evans requested that the minutes be amended to reflect that there was an election for the post of Chairman and a vote for an alternative member also took place.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2021, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive such communications as the Chairman, 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 Vice Chairman since the last meeting of the Council on 20 May 2021, which had been circulated by email.

The Leader congratulated the England Football Team on reaching the Euro 2020 Final, however she reported that she was deeply saddened that the celebrations were overshadowed by the racial abuse that the team and, in particular, three of the players who took penalties had received.  The Leader stated that she would be writing to the Government to state that there was no place for abuse in our society and that life bans from social media and football matches should be handed out to those found guilty of these offences.  The Leader urged Members to do the same.

To receive any questions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  Deadline for notification is 10am on Tuesday 13 July 2021

The Speaker advised there were 3 public questions from Graham Betts, Anita Rose and David Cooper  Answers to the questions were provided by the respective Portfolio Holders. A copy of the questions and the responses provided are attached to the signed minutes and available from the web page for the meeting

Council 15 July 2021

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton  Tel 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Resources, Councillor Gwilym Butler, and seconded by Councillor Jeff Andersonthat the report of the Executive Director of Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

In response to a question relating to recommendation K, The Portfolio Holder for Resources confirmed that he had provided a written response to this question which had previously been raised and that could be found on the Members Gateway and that it was part of the initial business plan for the purchase of the shopping centre.  As the Members Gateway was not available to the public, he would take advice from officers as to whether the information was commercially sensitive and provide a response. 

RESOLVED:  That the contents of the report and recommendations A-K be noted and approved.

Report of Executive Director of Place attached 

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

Councillor Cecilia Motley and Councillor Kevin Turley declared a pecuniary interest and left the stage during consideration of this item, taking no part in the debate or vote.

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Planning, Councillor Ed Potter, and seconded by Councillor Paul Wynnthat the report of the Executive Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

The Chairman reported that a number of proposed amendments had been received and that they would be considered and discussed in the order in which they were received. 

Amendment from Councillor Julia Buckley:

I would like to propose the following amendment, which is supported by Councillor Caroline Bagnall and Councillor Tony Parsons: 

Recommendation B -. That authority is delegated to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Planning to make additional minor editorial changes to the submission documents, ahead of their submission to the Secretary of State. 

(minor editorial amendment proposed, included at appendix 3 or 5.35 of the report) amendment in bold. 

5.35 The availability of sufficient infrastructure is an important aspects of planning.  

At the Plan making stage there is a need to consider these issues from a strategic perspective and to draw upon available evidence to ensure that necessary infrastructure improvements are likely to be achieved in a timely manner.  

Draft Policy DP25 states that new development should only take place where there is sufficient existing infrastructure capacity available, and that where there is a shortfall in provision as a result of new development, the developer contributions will be required to fund necessary improvements.  

Developer contributions include the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the priority will be to use this to support critical or statutory infrastructure requirements from development, such as highways and education provision.  

The Shropshire Place Plans and the Strategic Infrastructure and implementation Plan are key documents and will provide the ongoing evidence to support the use of CIL funds in line with the needs of new development and the aspirations of local communities. 

Amendment proposed: Add “For settlements whose developments exceed 5% growth over the 5?years of the plan review period, a gateway will be introduced to pause any further development approvals until a review of the Strategic Infrastructure and implementation Plan confirms adequate provision is in place across education, medical, public transport, active travel and highways infrastructure.? At which point the gateway is unlocked to consider further development proposals, sites and applications for that settlement”. 

          Upon being put to the vote, the proposed amendment fell.

Councillor Roger Evans and Councillor Heather Kidd requested that their vote in support of the amendment be noted. 

Amendment from Councillor Julian Dean, seconded by Councillor Julia Evans:

Delete all and insert:  

That the Council agrees to not submit the draft Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Independent Examination at this time.  

That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Report of Executive Director of Place attached 

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Planning, Councillor Ed Potter, and seconded by Councillor Paul Gillthat the report of the Executive Director of Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: 

That Shropshire Council as the Local Planning Authority ‘makes’ i.e. adopts the Stoke upon Tern Neighbourhood Plan and brings it into force as part of the Development Plan for Shropshire.

Report of Executive Director of Place is TO FOLLOW

Contact  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Physical Infrastructure, Highways and Built Housing Councillor Steve Charmley and seconded by Councillor Richard Marshallthat the report of the Executive Director of Resources, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

Councillor Andy Boddington proposed that recommendation 2.3 be amended to read: -

Approve some of variations to the current capital programme proposed in Appendix A to release additional capital investment of £7m into highway maintenance for the current financial year, while setting the Highways Maintenance Challenge budget at £1.643m for the current year. 

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Bernie Bentick.

Members expressed concern that money was being removed from the drainage budget as this would have a knock-on effect on highways.  The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Physical Infrastructure, Highways and Built Housing explained that this referred to 3 specific projects funded by the DFT which could not be delivered in the current financial year and that the normal drainage budget would not be affected. 

Following a vote, the amendment was defeated.

Members welcomed the additional funding for highways. Among concerns expressed were: -

·         The need for adequate monitoring of Keir and other contractors

·         Reduction in the broadband budget

·         Need for engagement with Town and Parish Councils and local Members

Councillor Julia Buckley made reference to the proposed closures of the highways depots at Hodnet and Bridgnorth and proposed that the following recommendation be added: - 

That no highways depots be closed until Council receives a report for members to discuss and approve. 

Councillor Les Winwood seconded the amendment

Following a vote, the amendment was defeated.

Following a vote, it was RESOLVED:

That Council

2.1         Note the contents of this report.

2.2         Provide a mandate for officers to investigate a highway investment strategy of

between £60m and £120m as part of a broader medium-term financial strategy

2.3         Approve the variations to the current capital programme proposed in Appendix

A to release additional capital investment of £8m into highway maintenance for the current financial year.

Report of the Interim Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

Contact Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

It was proposed by the Chairman Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Williamsthat the report of the Interim Assistant 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 Andy Begley (Chief Executive) be appointed as Returning Officer in accordance with section 35(1) of the of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with immediate effect.

That Tim Collard (Interim Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services) be appointed as the Deputy Returning Officer in accordance with section 35(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with immediate effect.

That Andy Begley (Chief Executive) be appointed as the Electoral Registration Officer in accordance with section 8(2)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with immediate effect

That Tim Collard (Interim Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services) be appointed as the Deputy Electoral Registration Officer in accordance with section 8(2)(a) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with immediate effect

That Alden Whitaker-Brown (Interim Assistant Director– Business Intelligence) be appointed as the Statutory Scrutiny Officer in accordance with section 9FB of the Local Government Act 2000

Report of the Interim Assistant Director – Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

Contact Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

It was proposed by the Chairman Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Williamsthat the report of the Interim Assistant 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.

Councillor Roger Evans expressed concern that the proposals had not been brought to the Constitution Working Group and expressed concern regarding the removal of Local Joint Committees as they provided a valuable source of local consultation.  He proposed the following amendment: -

That recommendation A be removed from the recommendations.

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Heather Kidd.

Following a vote, the amendment was defeated.

Councillor Kidd asked for assurances that alternative provision to the LJCs be brought forward as soon as possible.  The Leader of the Council assured members that this would be done.

RESOLVED:

A.   That authority be delegated to the Interim Assistant Director (Legal and Democratic Services) to remove all references to Local Joint Committees from the Council’s Constitution.

B.   That the Scheme of Delegation set out in Appendix 1 to this report is adopted and published, replacing the current Scheme of Delegation set out in Part 8 of the Constitution

C.   That the “Channel Panel” be included in part 3 of the constitution (responsibility for functions) as a statutory panel made up of representatives of Shropshire Council and the chief officer of police plus others as specified by the Counter-terrorism and Security Act 2015 with the function of

                         i.          assessing the extent to which individuals (as identified on reasonable grounds by the chief constable or the local authority) are vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism; and

                        ii.          amongst other things, preparing a plan in respect of identified individuals who the panel considers should be offered support for the purpose of reducing their vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism.

D.   That paragraph 11.4(c) of Article 11 of the Constitution be amended, and an additional paragraph (d) be inserted to read as follows:

“(c)     Subject to (d) below, the decision whether or not to accept such a delegation from another local authority shall be reserved to the Council meeting.

(d)      the decision whether or not to accept a delegation from another local authority in respect of cross border planning applications shall be made by the relevant Planning Committee.”

E.   That the “Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee” be included in Part 3 of the Constitution (Responsibility for Functions) as a Statutory Body. It is recommended that the six Shropshire Council representatives (three Councillors (politically balanced) and three co-opted members who are independent of the council) are appointed by the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Councillors being selected from the membership of the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee) in order to scrutinise health issues that impact on the wider health economy in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

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 the Green Group:

Decarbonising our homes

Council recognises the urgent need to decarbonise heating and power in homes. Shropshire Climate Action Partnership estimates 20,000 homes per year need to be made zero carbon ready, whilst Friends of the Earth suggest 9,000 homes need insulation upgrades and 5,500 need fossil-fuel free heating systems annually. The collapse of the Green Homes Grant and the failure of the government so far to provide long term dependable finance & market shaping for this purpose make this task more challenging & more urgent. 

Council further recognises the ‘green recovery’ opportunity presented by the need to decarbonise our homes. LGA Inform estimates there could be 1700 jobs in Shropshire by 2030 in low carbon heating and energy efficiency work. 

We note that Shropshire Council has improved the SAP rating for its own on-grid stock to above that for the country as a whole, which given the age of the stock is a credible achievement, but much more remains to be done.

We welcome the council’s initiatives to bring together partners to develop countywide retrofit work, and call on Cabinet to publish a retrofit strategy for the county in early 2022. 

We recognise that, to begin with, establishing the skills and firms to retrofit our homes will rely on developments in the social housing sector. We therefore call on the portfolio holder, Asset Assurance Board and Star Housing Board to consult tenants and seek their approval to design and cost a programme of work that would decarbonise the council's housing stock by 2030. We recommend that all options be considered in the implementation of this programme including partnerships with neighbouring authorities, social housing providers & innovative social & private sector enterprises. 

We recognise that the cost of this investment in our future may exceed the resources of the HRA so we also call on the DCLG to provide the funding necessary to implement this scheme as recommended by the recent Environmental Audit Committee report and we ask the County’s MP to support this request.

2.    The following motion has been received from Councillor Julian Dean and is supported by the Green Group:

A Partnership between Local Government and National Government to tackle Climate Change

Background

In 2018, at COP24, the UK Government signed up to having ‘domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities’ so localities can play their part in delivering the UKs ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ in the Paris Climate Agreement.

In May 2021 Alok Sharma MP, President of COP26 said Collaboration would be a key objective of the climate summit

"Governments, business and civil society (sometimes called ‘non-state actors’ and including local government) need to work together to transform the ways we power our homes and businesses, grow our food, develop infrastructure and move ourselves and goods around"

Despite these agreements and statements there is still no formal relationship  ...  view the full agenda text for item 28.

The following motions were received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16:

1. The following motion has been received from Councillor Julian Dean and is supported by the Green Group:

Decarbonising our homes

Council recognises the urgent need to decarbonise heating and power in homes. Shropshire Climate Action Partnership estimates 20,000 homes per year need to be made zero carbon ready, whilst Friends of the Earth suggest 9,000 homes need insulation upgrades and 5,500 need fossil-fuel free heating systems annually. The collapse of the Green Homes Grant and the failure of the government so far to provide long term dependable finance & market shaping for this purpose make this task more challenging & more urgent.

Council further recognises the ‘green recovery’ opportunity presented by the need to decarbonise our homes. LGA Inform estimates there could be 1700 jobs in Shropshire by 2030 in low carbon heating and energy efficiency work.

We note that Shropshire Council has improved the SAP rating for its own on-grid stock to above that for the country as a whole, which given the age of the stock is a credible achievement, but much more remains to be done.

We welcome the council’s initiatives to bring together partners to develop countywide retrofit work and call on Cabinet to publish a retrofit strategy for the county in early 2022.

We recognise that, to begin with, establishing the skills and firms to retrofit our homes will rely on developments in the social housing sector. We therefore call on the portfolio holder, Asset Assurance Board and Star Housing Board to consult tenants and seek their approval to design and cost a programme of work that would decarbonise the council's housing stock by 2030. We recommend that all options be considered in the implementation of this programme including partnerships with neighbouring authorities, social housing providers & innovative social & private sector enterprises.

We recognise that the cost of this investment in our future may exceed the resources of the HRA so we also call on the DCLG to provide the funding necessary to implement this scheme as recommended by the recent Environmental Audit Committee report and we ask the County’s MP to support this request.

Councillor Duncan Kerr seconded the Motion

Cllr David Vasmer proposed the following amendment

That the following be added at the end of the resolution:  
 
Recognising the need to make heating and power in all our homes cheaper to run and release less carbon, the Council calls on Cornovii and the Star Housing Board to provide decarbonised affordable housing to the highest standards currently available and to set up and publicise an informed campaign to advice householders and landlords how they can decarbonise homes throughout Shropshire. 

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Andy Boddington.  The amendment was accepted by Councillor Dean and became part of the substantive motion

Amendment 2 from Cllr Steve Charmley 

Council recognises the urgent need to decarbonise heating and power in homes. Shropshire Climate Action Partnership estimates 20,000 homes per year need to be made zero carbon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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 detailed questions and their formal response is attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Councillor Kevin Pardy and answered by Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Physical Infrastructure, Highways and Built Housing, in relation to remedial work to the Heathgate Roundabout.  By way of supplementary question, Councillor Pardy asked for temporary lines to be installed as a safety measure ahead of works being carried out.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to investigate this and provide an answer by email.

Received from Councillor Duncan Kerr and answered by Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, in relation to the increase in the number of “looked after” children.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Kerr asked for the estimated cost to Shropshire Council of a 30% rise in Children taken into care and the costs of the review carried out in 2019 and mentioned in the reply from the portfolio-holder.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to investigate this and provide an answer by email.

Received from Councillor Ruth Houghton and answered by Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Physical Infrastructure, Highways and Built Housing, in relation to the long term use of temporary traffic lights.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Houghton asked for confirmation as to how many lights and the costs.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to investigate this further and provide an answer by email.

Received from Councillor Roger Evans and answered by Councillor Ed Potter – Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Planning in relation to reforms to the planning system.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Evans asked does the current portfolio holder support what was stated by previous portfolio holder.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to provide an answer by email.

Performance Management Scrutiny Committee

Councillor David Vasmer to replace Councillor Heather Kidd as a member of Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft to be appointed as a substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to be appointed as a substitute member for the Independent Group on the Northern Planning Committee.

It was proposed by the Chairman Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Williams that the following amendments to committee membership be agreed

Councillor David Vasmer to replace Councillor Heather Kidd as a member of Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft to be appointed as a substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Julian Dean to be appointed as a substitute member for the Independent Group on the Northern Planning Committee.

RESOLVED

That Councillor David Vasmer replace Councillor Heather Kidd as a member of Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

That Councillor Roy Aldcroft to be appointed as a substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

That Councillor Julian Dean to be appointed as a substitute member for the Independent Group on the Northern Planning Committee.

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meeting held on 23 June 2021

It was proposed by the Chairman, Councillor Vince Hunt and seconded by Councillor Paul Wynn 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 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 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 Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items

Report of Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration & Planning Councillor Ed Potter, and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Assets Councillor Dean Carrollthat the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: 

That the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Report of Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Natural Assets & the Green Economy   Councillor Ian Nellins, and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Assets Councillor Dean Carrollthat the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: 

That the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Report of Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Place, Tourism & Transport Councillor Cecilia Motley, and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Lezley Pictonthat the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED: 

That the recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.