Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bernie Bentick, Ed Bird, Andy Boddington, Jamie Daniel, Josh Dicken, Craig Emery, David Minnery, Ed Potter and Carl Rowley

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 25 September 2025

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2025, 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.

Death of Ex Councillor Brian Williams

The Chair reported the death of Ex-Councillor Brian Williams.  Brian was a longstanding Councillor having served on North Shropshire District Council, Shropshire County Council and Shropshire Council. He served as Shropshire County Council Speaker from 2008 to 2009, and held the same role on Shropshire Council until 2017. He then served as Vice-Chairman of the Council from 2021 until stepping down at the elections in May 2025.  He was also Chairman of the audit committee on both councils from 2006 to 2025.

Members stood for a period of silence in his memory

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 25 September 2025, which had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Report of the Service Director Legal, Governance and Planning is attached

Contact Tim Collard Tel:  01743 252756

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

A Member requested that responses to questions be circulated prior to the meeting as had previously been done as it was difficult to fully digest the response in the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That an additional paragraph be added to section14.1 of the Council Procedure Rules stating:

“That a member of the public asking a question under Rule 14.1 may ask one supplementary question without notice of the Member to whom the first question was asked. The supplemental question must arise directly out of the original question or the reply. Any supplementary question which cannot be dealt with during the time allotted for Public Questions will be dealt with by a written answer”

To receive any questions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  Deadline for notification is 12.00 noon on Friday 5 December 2025

The Chair advised that 6 questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 14

Question from Susan Wedlock regarding the Boxing Day Hunt Meet in Ludlow (Question read by the Interim Democratic Services Manager)

Question from Marcus Watkin regarding the Shrewsbury Station gyratory bus-stop scheme (Question read by the Interim Democratic Services Manager)

Question from Joanna Blackman regarding the National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis.  In response to a supplementary question the Leader stated that it would be difficult to get all the Councillors together to watch the film and that there were a lot of ways people could feed into the process, and there was a lot of collaborative work going on with other groups.

Question from John Palmer regarding the Council’s application for “Exceptional Financial Support”.  There was no supplementary question

Question from Andrew Sceats regarding Cornovii Developments.  In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder confirmed that the Council did not pay the full salary of the director in question as that's now paid via the company as it was a separate legal entity.

Question from John Crowe regarding the future of the Shirehall.  In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Hoder confirmed that there would be discussion with all interested parties during the planning process

To receive any questions from Members, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2. Deadline for notification is 12.00 noon on Friday 5 December 2025

The Chair advised that 5 questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15

Question from Councillor Sarah Marston regarding a reduction of the speed limit on the B5476 at Harmer Hill.  In response to a supplementary question the Deputy Portfolio Holder advised that he would need to liaise with Officers regarding timescales for the works.

Question from Councillor Robert Jones regarding the impact of residential development on the River Perry.  There was no supplementary question

Question from Councillor Chris Naylor regarding the Shirehall.  In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder stated that he was happy to accommodate any party that would like to access the Shirehall and would be interested in accompanying anybody that did want to visit.

Question from Councillor Brendan Mallon regarding the Station Gyratory System.  In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder stated that it was important that our young people have the opportunity to stay here but that we must also welcome young people from elsewhere.

Question from Councillor Carl Rowley regarding an audit to identify non-essential spending.  There was no supplementary question

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is to follow

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

Members welcomed the action that had already been taken to address the concerns raised in the Auditors report but stressed the need for continued improvement especially in corporate governance.  They stated that there was a need for transparency and clear communication with residents

RESOLVED:

That Council: 

a.    Acknowledge and accept the statutory recommendation made by the External Auditors 

b.    Address the statutory recommendation through the immediate management response and actions set out in paragraphs 2.3 and 7.9 of this report together with the adoption and implementation of the Council’s Improvement Plan and its programmes of action focussed on financial stability, strengthening financial management policy and practice and “Getting the Basics Right” (strengthening corporate governance)  

c.     Agree that the Audit and Governance Committee receives updates on the progress of the Council in addressing the various elements of the Statutory Recommendation.

d.    Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the External Auditor with the outcome of the Council’s consideration of this report. 

Report of the Interim Chief Executive is attached

Contact; Tanya Miles  Email: tanya.miles@shropshire.gov.uk

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council

a.    Agree the draft Improvement Plan (Appendix 1).

b.    Agree the governance arrangements set out in the Plan.

c.     Agree that the capacity and resources to support the delivery of transformation required through this plan will be aligned to the MTFS.

Report of the Executive Director Public Health is attached

Contact: Rachel Robinson  Tel  01743 252003

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council

a.    Agree the draft People Plan (Appendix 1).

b.    Agree the governance arrangements and key actions set out in the Plan.

c.     Agree the capacity and resources necessary to support the delivery of organisational change and development, are aligned with the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to ensure effective and sustainable implementation

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance and seconded by Councillor Sho Abdul that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

On being put to a recorded vote with 62 Members voting for, 0 against and 1 abstention as follows:

FOR

Councillors Abdul, Bagnall, Barker, Bentley, Blandford, Borrowman, Clayton, Coleman, Connolly, Dainty, Dartnall, D Davies, P Davies, Davis, Dean, Duncan, Ebbs, Eden, B Evans, R Evans, Fejfer, Gratton, Groves, Hall, Halliday, Hancock-Davies, Holford, Hollyhead, Houghton, D Husemann, P Husemann, Jephcott, Jones, Kerr, Kidd, Lemon, Lumby, Mallon, Marston, Moore, Morris, Mosley, Myles-Hook, Naylor, J Owen, M Owen, W Owen, Parry, Radford, Ritchie-Simmons, Stanford, Tandy, Taylor, Thomas, Trickett, Vasmer, Wagner, Waite, Walker, Walmsley, Williams and Wilson

ABSTENTION

Councillor Edmunds

RESOLVED:

That Council

1.    Approve, 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 2026/27, as detailed in Appendix A, totalling 121,852.37 Band D equivalents.

2.    Approve the changes to the Council’s localised Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme in 2026/27. The scheme is attached at Appendix B

3.    Note the Council Tax Support Scheme amendments detailed in Appendix B have no impact on the taxbase determination.

4.    Note the exclusion of 7,950.74 Band D equivalents from the taxbase calculation as a result of localised Council Tax Support.

5.    Note 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.

6.    Note 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 and the resulting exclusion of 243.34 band D equivalents from the taxbase calculation

7.    Note continuation of the “six week rule” in respect of vacant dwellings, i.e. former Class C exempt properties.

8.    Note continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy to levy a Council Tax premium of 100% in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than one year (but less than five years) and the resulting inclusion of an additional 859.89 Band D equivalents in the taxbase calculation

9.    Note continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy to levy a Council Tax premium of 200% in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than five years (but less than ten years) and the resulting inclusion of an additional 194.22 Band D equivalents in the taxbase calculation.

10. Note continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy to levy a Council Tax premium of 300% in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than ten years and the resulting inclusion of an additional 202.66 Band D equivalents in the taxbase calculation.

11. Note the continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy to levy a Council Tax premium of 100%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

Report of the Executive Director, Resources is attached

Contact:  James Walton.  Tel. 01743 258915

It was proposed by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance and seconded by Councillor Sho Abdul that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council agree the Treasury Strategy activity as set out in the report

Report of the Service Director – Children and Young People is To Follow

Contact:  Sonya Miller Tel: 01743 254264

It was proposed by Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and seconded by Councillor Sarah Marston that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council acknowledge the content of the reports attached and the positive impact and outcomes that services are achieving for children and young people.

2.    That Council acknowledge the breadth of statutory requirements being successfully delivered and achieving good outcomes for the children and young people in Shropshire.

3.    That where Council wish to influence progress and development opportunities this can be incorporated into the plans of the Ambitions Board which will be driving forward the services continuous improvement plan.

4.    That Council recommend that it receive the Annual Report and resolve that Childrens Safeguarding training becomes a mandatory requirement for all elected Members in order that they are well equipped to fulfil their role as corporate parents.

Report of the Service Director Legal, Governance and Planning is attached

Contact Tim Collard Tel:  01743 252756

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Tanya Miles be appointed as Interim Chief Executive in accordance with section 4 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 

2.    That Tanya Miles (Interim 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.? 

3.    That Tanya Miles (Interim 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? 

4.    That Tim Collard (Service Director – Legal, Governance and Planning (Monitoring Officer) be appointed as the Deputy Electoral Registration Officer in accordance with section 52(2) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with immediate effect 

Report of the Service Director Legal, Governance and Planning is To Follow

Contact Tim Collard Tel:  01743 252756

It was proposed by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance and seconded by Councillor Andy Hall, portfolio Holder for Children and Education that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

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

·       Tim Griffiths 

·       Vince Hunt 

·       Tony Parsons 

·       Richard Garnett 

Audit & Governance Committee

Councillor Greg Ebbs to replace Councillor Chris Naylor as a substitute member of the Audit and Governance Committee

It was proposed by the Chairman, Councillor Duncan Borrowman, and seconded by the Vice Chairman, Councillor Gary Groves, that the amendments to committee membership as set out in the agenda papers be agreed. In addition, members were notified of an additional amendment to the Southern Planning Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the amendments to committee membership as set out in the agenda papers be agreed, together with the addition of Councillor Colin Stanford replacing Councillor Dan Thomas as a substitute member of the Southern Planning Committee.

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

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

a Motion received from Councillors Alex Wagner and Dan Thomas and supported by Councillors Duncan Kerr and Dawn Husemann

Enhancing Accessibility of Council Meetings

This Council recognises the importance of ensuring that all elected members, regardless of employment status, are able to fully participate in the democratic process and contribute to the work of Shropshire Council. All Scrutiny and Committee meetings are currently scheduled during standard working hours. This timing can present barriers to engagement for members who work full-time or have other daytime commitments. To improve accessibility and inclusivity for all Members and the Public, this Council resolves to:

1.    Move a selection of Scrutiny and other Committee meetings to a 6pm start time, with the aim of enabling greater participation from working-age members.

2.    Request that Democratic Services continue to consult with Group Leaders and Committee Chairs to identify suitable meetings for evening scheduling.

3.    Review the impact of this change after a twelve-month period from implementation, including feedback from members and officers, to assess its effectiveness and sustainability.

This Motion seeks to modernise our approach to member engagement and ensure that Shropshire Council remains representative and responsive to the needs of all its elected members.

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

That Council

1.    Move a selection of Scrutiny and other Committee meetings to a 6pm start time, with the aim of enabling greater participation from working-age members.

2.    Request that Democratic Services continue to consult with Group Leaders and Committee Chairs to identify suitable meetings for evening scheduling.

3.    Review the impact of this change after a twelve-month period from implementation, including feedback from members and officers, to assess its effectiveness and sustainability.

b Motion received from Councillor Brendan Mallon and supported by Councillors Dawn Husemann, Carl Rowley, Harry Hancock Davies and George Hollyhead

Members of the Economy and Environment Committee were recently briefed on the proposed Sundorne Sports Village redevelopment.? Some of us were disappointed to see that Pyrolysis technology has not been considered for the requirement to supply both bulk heating and electrical energy for the facility, seemingly an ideal solution for such an application. ? 

Instead, a multi-million pound system of air source heat pumps and solar panels has been selected.? This technology will somewhat mitigate reliance on the world’s most expensive electricity grid but will still be highly dependent on that grid in low light and/or low temperature conditions.? The production and supply chain for the solar panels in particular involves highly carbon-intensive production and transport from China, with a high risk of slave labour being involved.? These panels are also uneconomical to recycle, with the attendant risk to the environment from end-of-life disposal. 

By contrast, the Pyrolysis technology provides abundant heat and electricity on demand, is completely ‘off-grid’, is carbon negative and should repays its capital costs over time through the sales of biochar product and carbon credits, unlike the heat pumps and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority Report to Follow

The Chair advised that this report had been withdrawn

The Chairman advised Members that an additional public report had been published on the Shirehall Strategic Review and therefore proposed to bring the item forward into the public session to allow appropriate public discussion prior to moving into the exempt section.  He reminded Members to avoid discussing any of the exempt information in the public part of the meeting

It was proposed by the Councillor Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Economic Growth and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

Several Members expressed concern at the late publication of the reports and felt that consideration of the item should be deferred to enable Members to fully consider the contents of the reports.

Councillor Dawn Husemann suggested that a Task and Finish Group be set up to fully consider all the options prior to a decision being made.

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

Exempt report of the Head of Property & Development is to Follow

Contact Steve Law Tel 01743 251017

It was proposed by the Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the exempt report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

By way of amendment Councillor Dawn Husemann proposed that an additional recommendation be added that a Task and Finish Group be set up to fully consider all the options prior to a decision being made.  Councillor Evans indicated that he would accept the amendment.

RESOLVED

That Council

1.    Amend their previous decision (December 2023) to seek full residential planning permission. Instead, pursue Option 11, progress a mixed-use outline planning permission, initiate public engagement, and submit the application in early 2026. 

2.    Completes additional masterplan options for a mixed-use development incorporating healthcare, affordable supported living, commercial, and residential elements. Prepare and finalise a business case for consideration by Council at a future meeting. 

3.    Approves the submission of a request to extend the Certificate of Immunity from Listing for the Shirehall site. 

4.    Delegates authority to the Head of Property and Development to progress items 1 to 3 in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and the Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth

5.    Sets up a Task and Finish Group to consider all options for the site

The exempt report of the HR & OD Manager is attached.

Contact: Sam Coillins-Lafferty  Tel: 01743 252854     

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the exempt report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained in the report be approved