Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Paul Gill, Simon Harris, Mike Isherwood, David Minnery, Kevin Pardy, Chris Schofield, Robert Tindall and Kevin Turley.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Members were reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 July 2023

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2023, 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.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Andrew Sherrington to his first meeting following his election as the councillor for the Worfield Division

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 6 July 2023, which had been circulated 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 is 5.00 pm on Friday 15 September 2023

The Chairman advised that public questions had been received from Michael Hinds, Frank Oldaker, David Currant, Ruth Cranley, Jamie Russell and Wynn Davies. A copy of the questions and the responses provided are attached to the signed minutes and available from the web page for the meeting.

Agenda for Council on Thursday, 21st September, 2023, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

Report of Returning Officer attached

Contact:  Andy Begley, 01743 258675

It was proposed by the Chairman, Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Williams 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.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and approved.

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Councillor Brian Williams, Chair – Audit Committee, and seconded by Councillor Nigel Lumby that 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 the contents of the report be received and agreed

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Councillor Gwilym Butler, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources and seconded by Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets  that 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 the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources confirmed that with regard to the works on Otley Road, officers would meet with the local members to update them.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources asked Members who had specific questions to email him in order that he could provide a full response.  He reminded Members that they could contact him with any queries at any time.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources asked that Group Leaders submit a list of what they would like the capital programme task and finish group to consider as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:  

That Council

1.    Approve the updated priority and aspirational capital scheme schedules for inclusion in the draft Capital Strategy, ahead of wider Member engagement.

2.    Approve progression of the schemes detailed in the priority capital scheme schedule to business case to develop and assure the associated costs and funding proposed.

3.    Approve the additional funding of £2.228m in relation to the Multi Agency Hub and the Pride Hill capital schemes which form part of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Redevelopment Programme.

4.    Approve the additional match funding of £0.647m in relation to the Council’s LUF Round 2 grant award which requires total match funding of £5.043m, £4.396m of which has been previously secured / approved.

5.    Note the considerations raised in respect of the future direction of the North West Relief Road (NWRR) and the Oxon Link Road (OLR) detailed at section 9.

Report of the Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact Mark Barrow  Tel: 01743258919

It was proposed by the Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder For Climate Change, Environment and Transport  and seconded by Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets  that 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.

Members generally welcomed the proposals but asked that a briefing be held to update them on the project.

A motion proposed by Councillor Roger Evans and seconded by Councillor David Vasmer to defer the report to allow consultation with Members and the local communities was defeated.

RESOLVED:

That Council: 

1.    Approves an investmentin pyrolysis technology for the purpose of producingand selling biochar, renewable and sustainable electricity, and Carbon DioxideRemoval Certificates (CORCs) issuedphysically removing CO2 from the atmosphere. 

2.    Approves capital funding of£2.000m to be financed from the commercial investment fundto fund the acquisition, installationand commissioningof a fully operational plant capable of producing a minimum 500 tonnes biochar per annum.  

3.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport and the Portfolio Holder forHousing & Assets, to determine which of the possible locations is best suited to hostthe demonstrator project and to make a final decision on the site after the site options analysis and consultation with the local members has been finalised. 

4.    Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport and the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets,to negotiate and agree the terms of agreements necessary for the implementation and ongoing operation of the project. 

Report of the Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact Mark Barrow  Tel: 01743258919

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Lezley Picton and seconded by Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport  that 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

RESOLVED:

That Council agree to

1.    The establishment of a Marches Forward Partnership with neighbouring local authorities. 

2.    The signingof a Memorandum of Understanding between the local authorities to reflect the spirit of cooperation and joint working between them. 

3.    Support the development of the Marches Forward Partnership through representation on a joint local authority Leaders Group. 

4.    Delegate to the Chief Executive and Executive Director of Place to proceedwith development of a work programmeto meet the objectives within the Memorandum of Understanding, in consultation with relevant Portfolio Holders (depending on the service under consideration). 

Report of Returning Officer is attached

Contact:  Andy Begley, 01743 258675

It was proposed by the Councillor Gwilym Butler, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources and seconded by Councillor Garry Burchett  that the report of the Electoral Registration Officer, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:  

1.    That Council approves the timetable for the completion of the compulsory Polling District, Polling Place and Polling Station review as set out at paragraph 2.6.  

2.    That the Electoral Registration Officer is authorised to take the necessary measures as soon as possible to give effect to parliamentary constituency changes, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new constituencies, until the boundaries are fully in force. 

3.    That the Electoral Registration Officer is authorised to take the necessary measures to give effect to any new or amended polling districts on completion of the polling district review, ensuring that the register reflects existing and new boundaries, until the boundaries are fully in force. 

4.    That power to designate polling places in accordance with section 18 and 18B of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is delegated to the Electoral Registration Officer.  Such power to be exercised only where a decision is required at short notice, and it is not possible to await a decision . 

Annual Report of the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education is attached

It was proposed by Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

Councillor Hurst-Knight presented and amplified her report and responded to questions, concerns and comments.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education confirmed that she would raise SEN funding, rural child provision, and transport with the cross-border partnership.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education agreed to furnish members with further data behind the increase in demand on children’s social care.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education informed Members that she would arrange an update for scrutiny members on learning from the Telford CSE report

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted.

Report of the Assistant Director – Legal and Governance is attached

It was proposed by the Chairman, Councillor Vince Hunt, and seconded by the Vice Chairman Councillor Brian Williams that the report of the Assistant Director – Legal and Governance, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received, and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Council confirms the constitution of committees and the allocation of seats to each of the political groups for the 2023/24 municipal year and the allocation of seats between the political groups, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to this report.  

2.    That the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group confirm which of its members will be appointed to the Northern Planning Committee 

Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Mark Jones as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Roger Evans to replace Councillor Nigel Hartin as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julia Evans to replace Councillor Julian Dean as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Jeff Anderson to replace Councillor Dan Morris as a member of the People Overview Committee

Councillor Joyce Barrow to be appointed as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Duncan Kerr to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Duncan Kerr as a substitute member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Nick Bardsley to replace Councillor Steve Charmley as a member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Nick Bardsley as a substitute member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Ed Towers to replace Councillor David Minnery as a member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor David Minnery to be appointed as a substitute member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Rob Gittins to replace Councillor Chris Schofield as a member of the Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny 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.

Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Mark Jones as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Roger Evans to replace Councillor Nigel Hartin as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julia Evans to replace Councillor Julian Dean as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Jeff Anderson to replace Councillor Dan Morris as a member of the People Overview Committee

Councillor Joyce Barrow to be appointed as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Duncan Kerr to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Duncan Kerr as a substitute member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Nick Bardsley to replace Councillor Steve Charmley as a member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Nick Bardsley as a substitute member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Ed Towers to replace Councillor David Minnery as a member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor David Minnery to be appointed as a substitute member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Rob Gittins to replace Councillor Chris Schofield as a member of the Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

RESOLVED:

That the following changes in committee membership be agreed

Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Mark Jones as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Roger Evans to replace Councillor Nigel Hartin as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

Councillor Julia Evans to replace Councillor Julian Dean as a substitute member of the Northern Planning Committee

People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Jeff Anderson to replace Councillor Dan Morris as a member of the People Overview Committee

Councillor Joyce Barrow to be appointed as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a substitute member of the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Duncan Kerr to replace Councillor Mike Isherwood as a member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Councillor Julian Dean to replace Councillor Duncan Kerr as a substitute member of the Strategic Licencing Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Nick Bardsley to replace Councillor Steve Charmley as a member of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Steve Charmley to replace Councillor Nick Bardsley as a substitute member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

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

Motion received from Councillor Geoff Elner and supported by Councillors Joyce Barrow, Peter Broomhall, David Evans and Dan Thomas

Current statistics clearly show that Brain Tumour research is underfunded and that not enough research is being carried out into finding effective treatments.

In 2018 the government pledged to invest £40 million pounds which has still not all been deployed.

The department for Science Innovation and Technology has stated that the scheme is still open to viable research applications, it has further been stated that more funding could be considered if the science is improved.

There are families all over Shropshire and within this council chamber, councillors and officers who have experienced the trauma of Brain Tumours.

All these people have witnessed the catastrophic effects of this condition on their loved ones and it is time that together we take appropriate steps to understand and conquer this condition and I therefore propose that this council write to the government minister asking that they immediately address the issue of the funding shortfall. Furthermore the urgent need to provide extra resource and to set in motion a programme of research to effectively diagnose much earlier and to accelerate the commencement and development of clinical trials in an endeavour to introduce treatments and to find a cure

The motion was seconded by Councillor Joyce Barrow

On taking a vote the motion was supported and it was RESOLVED:

That this council write to the government minister asking that they immediately address the issue of the funding shortfall. Furthermore the urgent need to provide extra resource and to set in motion a programme of research to effectively diagnose much earlier and to accelerate the commencement and development of clinical trials in an endeavour to introduce treatments and to find a cure

Motion received from Councillor Julian Dean and supported by the Green Group

The Chairman advised the meeting that this motion had been withdrawn.

Motion received from Councillor Julia Buckley and supported by the Labour Group

Protect Shropshire’s Public Buildings from Crumbling Concrete

This Council notes:

The sudden Government announcement regarding the risk of collapse due to outdated Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in schools and other public buildings was made just days ahead of the start of the new academic year. Classrooms, gyms, corridors, toilets and WCs were closed and parents across the country were unsure whether their schools are safe. Although no Shropshire schools were closed, we also do not have any confirmation that none are affected.

This is because schools are invited to self-assess using a Government questionnaire circulated on social media.

There is no definitive list of public buildings and their assessment results to reassure residents as to which buildings are, and which are not, safe to enter.

Schools that were previously considered safe in 2018, are now considered to have deteriorated into a dangerous condition.

Ratings follow a scale from A-D, with D requiring immediate action. Those not rated “D” in 2018 may now be in need of repair, but again  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

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 Garry Burchett in relation to the amount of traffic that would be removed from travelling through Shrewsbury following the building of the North West Relief Road.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Burchett asked what the percentages in the response represented in terms on the actual number of vehicles.  The Portfolio Holder stated that it was calculated that 3.5 million traffic movements per year would be removed from Smithfield Road.

Received from Councillor Julian Dean in relation to upgrading insulation and conversion to non-fossil fuel heating systems in council owned housing stock.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Dean asked for an update on the most recent opportunities to bid for social housing decarbonisation funds and suggested that the Council establish a “Retrofit Task Force in conjunction with Registered Social Landlords to move matters forward.  The Portfolio Holder agreed to provide an update after the meeting and to discuss the idea of a taskforce with officers.

Received from Councillor Ruth Houghton in relation to how does the Council ensure that there are robust HR processes in place within each NHS provider organisation and that the services delivered are fully supported by an Equality Impact Assessment when commissioning services from the NHS.  In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder confirmed that ceasing services was not the default response should business continuity plans fail.

Received from Councillor Viv Parry regarding waste collection from holiday lets and businesses. In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder asked Councillor Parry to let him have details of any business owners who were behind the rubbish being left by visitors in public bins, so that further action could be taken

Received from Councillor Bernie Bentick regarding adoption of developments within Shropshire.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Bentick asked the following

1.    How does the planning department decide when a development is ready for adoption, and what is the time standard for adoption following this. 

2.    How many and which specific developments are outstanding and what steps are being taken to clear the backlog

3.    How does the planning department assess whether S106 agreements have been delivered, how many and which specific agreements have not been delivered and what enforcement action has been taken

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder the leader ask Councillor Bentick to email his questions to the Portfolio Holder who would reply a written response.

Received from Councillor David Vasmer regarding RAAC in Schools and other council owned buildings.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Vasmer asked when Councillors would receive full details of building affected by RAAC and when survey work would be completed at Whitchurch Civic Centre and Library.  The Portfolio Holder confirmed that no RAAC had been found in any schools but further work being done to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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

To approve as a correct record the exempt minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 July 2023

RESOLVED:

That the Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2023, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

Exempt Report of the Executive Director of Place is attached

Contact Mark Barrow  Tel: 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets, Councillor Dean Carroll, and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Kirstie Hurst Knight that 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 contained in the report be agreed

Exempt report of the Executive Director Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

Prior to consideration of this item the Chief Executive and senior officers present left the meeting

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Lezley Picton and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources, Councillor Gwilym Butler that the exempt report of the Executive Director Resources a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received, and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations contained in the report be agreed