Apologies were received from:  Councillors Kevin Turley, Peggy Mullock Rob Gittins and Nigel Hartin.  Apologies for late arrival were received from Councillors Roy Aldcroft and Nat Green.

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 Ioan Jones stated that he had an interest in item 18 Shrewsbury School Place Planning as his property was within a few metres of the boundary of the location under discussion and he was a member of Shrewsbury Town Council which had an interest in the Grange Centre.  Councillor Kevin Pardy also said that the land under discussion in item 18 fell within his electoral division and that he was also a member of Shrewsbury Town Council. 

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24^th September 2020.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 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 Speaker since the last meeting of the Council on 24 September 2020, which had been circulated by e-mail.

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 15^th December 2020.

The Speaker advised that there were six public questions from Claire Kirby, Colin Sheward, Jamie Russell,  C Welch, P Welch and S Mulloy.  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 17 Dec 2021 ]

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

Contact  James Walton  Tel 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support, Councillor David Minnery and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on Setting the Council Tax Taxbase 2021/2022 and the recommendations therein be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor Peter Nutting and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and that the recommendations in the report be approved. 

On being put to a recorded vote, the proposition was carried by 60 Members voting in favour none against and no absentions as follows:

FOR

Councillors Adams, Bardsley, Barrow, Bird, Boddington, Burgess, Butler, Calder, Carroll, Chapman, Charmley, Clarke, Dakin, Davenport, Dean, Dee, D Evans, R Evans, Fraser, Halliday, Harris, Hartley, Hignett, Houghton, Huffer, Hughes, V Hunt, I Jones, M Jones, S Jones, Kidd, Lea, Lynch, Macey, Milner, Minnery, Morris, Moseley, Mosley, Motley, Nutting, Pardy, Parr, Parry, Parsons, Pate, Picton, Potter, Price, Roberts, Shineton, Tremellen, Turner, Vasmer, Wild, Williams, Winwood, Wood, Woodward, and Wynn

AGAINST – none

ABSTAINED – none

In accordance with the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 to approve the revised discretionary power to levy a Council Tax premium in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than ten years i.e. increasing the premium to 300% in relation to dwellings which have been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for more than ten years and the resulting inclusion of an additional 197.00 Band D equivalents in the taxbase.

To approve the publication of a notice regarding the new discretionary Council Tax discount policy awarded in respect of vacant properties within 21 days of the determination.

On the assumption that the changes to the discount policy in relation to vacant dwellings detailed in Sections 2.1 and 8.3 of this report have been approved:

To 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 2021/22, as detailed in Appendix A, totalling 113,688.99 Band D equivalents.

To note continuation of the Council’s localised Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme in 2021/22. The scheme is attached at Appendix B.

To note the exclusion of 8,917.40 Band D equivalents from the taxbase as a result of localised Council Tax Support.

To note continuation of the discretionary Council Tax discount policy of 0% in respect of second homes (other than those that retain a 50% discount through regulation as a result of job related protection) and note the inclusion of 715.06 Band D equivalents in the Council Tax taxbase as a result of this discount policy.

To 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.

To 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

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

Contact   James Walton   Tel 01743 258915

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support, Councillor David Minnery,  and seconded by The Leader, Councillor Peter Nutting, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on Treasury Strategy 2020/21, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.  They asked that their thanks to the Treasury Management Team for outperforming the benchmark be recorded.

RESOLVED:

to accept the position as set out in the report.

to note that any changes required to the Treasury Strategy including the Annual Investment Strategy or prudential and treasury indicators as a result of decisions made by the Capital Investment Board will be reported to Council for approval.

The report of the Head of Transport and Environment is attached.

Contact  Steve Brown  Tel 01743 257802

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, Councillor Steve Davenport and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Peter Nutting, that the report of the Head of Transport and Environment on the Shifnal Town Centre Improvement and Transport Plan and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed. 

RESOLVED:

That Council approve the Shifnal Town Centre and Highways Improvement Scheme and allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funds for the Shifnal area of £1,887,779.00 and £829,000 of Section 106 funds for highway junction improvements for project delivery.

That Council approve a tender process and subsequent mobilisation to facilitate delivery of the Shifnal Town Centre Improvement Plan as supported with all parties

That  Council  approve a delegation to the Assistant Director of Infrastructure to amend the project as required in response to the tender outcome.

That  Council approve the necessary engagement and information process to deliver this project in association with Shifnal Town Council and wider Town groups as required.

Report of Director of Place is attached

Contact  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Climate Change, Councillor Dean Carroll, and seconded by Councillor Simon Harris that the report of the Director of Place on the Draft Climate Strategy and Action Plan and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed. 

The following amendment, adding two additional recommendations, was proposed by Councillor Julian Dean and seconded by Councillor Madge Shineton.

B. That, to support the ambitions in the report, the council commits to a Carbon Literacy programme as approved by the Carbon Literacy Trust, with the aim of achieving Bronze status in the first half of 2021 and Silver status (majority of workforce successfully complete carbon literacy training) during 2022.? 

C. That, in line with the commitments in the report, to show leadership for the county, and to help promote the skilled jobs required for the future, the council commits to all future Cornovii projects building to the ‘net zero’ energy efficiency standards of Passivhaus or equivalent.? 

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

Members debated the substantive recommendation.

RESOLVED

To approve the Corporate Climate Emergency Strategy, Action Plan and Project Pipeline 2020 (Appendices 1 and 2);

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

Portfolio Holder:  Councillor David Minnery

It was proposed by Councillor David Minnery, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support, that his report be received and agreed.  Councillor Minnery presented and amplified his report, responded to questions and asked that his thanks be recorded to officers for their hard work in rising to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Report of the Leader of the Council is attached.

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Nutting, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Steve Charmley, that the report of the Leader of the Council and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.  The Leader responded to concerns raised by a number of Members and a recorded vote was requested

FOR (37)

Adams, Barrow, Biggins, Bird, Burgess, Butler, Carroll, Chapman, Charmley, Dakin, Davenport, Harris, Hartley, Hignett, Hughes, Hunt, M Jones, S Jones, Lea, Lynch, Macey, Milner, Minnery, Morris, Motley, Nutting, Parr, Pate, Picton, Price, Potter, Roberts, Tindall, Wild, Winwood, Wood, Wynn

AGAINST (25)

Boddington, Calder, Clarke, Dean, Dee, R Evans, Fraser, Halliday, Houghton, R Huffer,
T Huffer, I Jones, H Kidd, Mackenzie, Mellings, Moseley, Mosley, Pardy, Parry, Parsons, Shineton,  Tremellen, Turner, Vasmer, Woodward

ABSTAINED - None

RESOLVED:

2.1         That Part 4 of the Constitution, Council Procedure Rules, be amended by the deletion of the second paragraph of 15.3, “Questions on Notice at Committees and Sub-Committees,” and the insertion of an additional paragraph after 15.4 “Notice of Questions” as follows:

15.5       Number of questions

A period of up to 30 minutes shall be set aside at each meeting when normally up to six questions will be heard. If notice is received of more than six questions for the same meeting, priority will be given to questions in accordance with the order in which they were received.  At any one meeting, no Member may submit more than two questions.

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

1.    The following motion has been received from Councillor Andy Boddington and is supported by the Liberal Democrat Group

Motion on Parking on Pavements

The Department for Transport is consulting on banning parking on pavements in England.

Ministers are asking for opinions on three options:

1.    Keep things as they are but clarifying some technicalities in the legislation.

2.    Give civil enforcement officers working for councils the power to issue penalty charge notices where there is an obstruction.

3.    Enforce an outright ban except for emergency vehicles and loading.

It is not unusual to see cars or vans, even HGVs, partially or completely blocking pavements in Shropshire’s towns and villages. People struggle to get a pushchair or mobility scooter past. Pavements should be for pedestrians, children on cycles, people in wheelchairs and on mobility scooters, and parents pushing children in buggies. They should not be forced into the road.

This council resolves that officers will respond to the consultation along the following lines:

The council supports an outright ban on parking on pavements in residential streets except for emergency vehicles and for loading.

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

 This Council recognises the concerns expressed by members of the public and animal welfare groups about the impact on animals and vulnerable people by loud fireworks in residential areas, whilst also accepting the enjoyment fireworks bring to many people.

Therefore, Council resolves to ask Scrutiny to investigate this issue and report back”

3.    The following motion has been received from Councillor Dave Tremellen and is supported by the Councillors Kevin Pardy, Pauline Dee, Madge Shineton, Heather Kidd, Chris Mellings, Tony Parsons, Andy Boddington,Ted Clark, Pam Moseley, Jane MacKenzie, Nigel Hartin and Kate Halliday.

Fireworks control.

A significant number of people believe the law regarding the sale and use of fireworks does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing injury or distress to animals or humans.

Many believe that further research is needed to fully appreciate the impact of noise on animals, but in the interim a number of things can be done to improve the situation by:

• introducing a limit on the public use of fireworks in the celebration of family events not associated with traditional Bonfire night (on or around the 5^th November)
• tightening restrictions on the sale of fireworks in the run up to Bonfire night (on or around the 5^th November)
• asking the government to work towards legislation to reduce the maximum noise level of fireworks, ensuring they are labelled accurately to indicate the level of noise generated and their compliance with that law
• restricting the importation from outside the UK of fireworks that do not comply with UK law
• licensing all public firework displays and ensuring displays are better promoted to the public as being compliant.
• requiring person(s) wishing to purchase fireworks for domestic displays to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 163.

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

Notice of Motion 1 - Motion on Parking on Pavements - WITHDRAWN

Notice of Motion 2 – Loud Fireworks

The following motion was proposed by Councillor David Evans and seconded by Councillor Joyce Barrow:

This Council recognises the concerns expressed by members of the public and animal welfare groups about the impact on animals and vulnerable people by loud fireworks in residential areas, whilst also accepting the enjoyment fireworks bring to many people.

Therefore, Council resolves to ask Scrutiny to investigate this issue and report back

RESOLVED:  that the Notice of Motion be supported 

Notice of Motion 3 – Fireworks Control - WITHDRAWN

Notice of Motion 4 – Role of the local media during the 2020 pandemic

Councillor Andy Boddington proposed an alteration to his original motion, seconded by Councillor Hannah Fraser, to include an additional paragraph offering thanks to BBC Radio Shropshire presenter Eric Smith on his retirement.     The alteration of was agreed by the Council.

This has been the toughest of years for our county, our country and much of the world. A novel virus and novel solutions have meant rapid innovation in service provision and also effective communication. Shropshire Council’s media team and our local media have been central to explaining what is happening and directing people to the support and options available in unprecedented times.

This council gives its thanks to:

·         The members of the council’s communications team for their work during the emergency.
·         Local media, including BBC Radio Shropshire, the Shropshire Star and our local newspapers on the progress of Covid-19 and the challenges of combating it’s spread.

This council also notes the contribution that Eric Smith has made to Shropshire life and its communities since joining BBC Radio Shropshire in 1988. During more than 30 years at the station, including 17 years as the breakfast host, he has championed communities, challenged councillors and interrogated MPs. As part of the Radio Shropshire team, he has helped keep Shropshire informed about events, controversies and emergencies. We will miss his voice and understanding. This council wishes Eric the very best on his retirement.

 
RESOLVED:  that the notice of motion be supported




Notice of Motion 5 – Shopping Centres

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Roger Evans and seconded by Councillor David Vasmer  

A.   This council notes with concern the present value of the Shopping Centres compared with the amount that was paid for them. It also notes comments made by Grant Thornton our Council Auditors concerning the original valuation and consequently the price that was paid to the previous owners. It also notes that the ownership details still show that it is registered in the Channel Islands and still has not been brought over and registered in mainland UK.

B.   Considering all these and the history of the centres it requests officers prepare a report to be presented to February’s council which will include

1.    The information it received regarding its then current value.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 163.

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

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 Dave Tremellen and answered by Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, in relation to Shrewsbury Shopping Centre investment. By way of supplementary question, Councillor Tremellen asked that Members be updated on progress as a matter of routine, rather than on request, and Councillor Charmley confirmed that this would be the case.

Received from Councillor Dave Tremellen and answered by Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, in relation to relocation from Shirehall to a base in Shrewsbury Town Centre.  By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Tremellen asked why the evidence he had been sent to respond to his request for the evidence used to make the decision to move from Shirehall, had in fact been that in relation to keeping Shirehall open.  Councillor Charmley said he would look into this.

Two questions received from Councillor David Vasmer and answered by Councillor Carroll and Councillor Butler, Portfolio Holders for Adult Social Care and Climate Change, and Place Planning and Regulatory Services in relation to the Community Tree Scheme . By way of supplementary questions, Councillor Vasmer asked if there was a need to conduct a review of the Council’s policy on trees.  Councillor Carroll suggested that he speak with Councillor Vasmer outside of the meeting and then look into this with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning.

Received from Councillor Vasmer and answered by Councillor Steve Davenport, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, in relation to the North West Relief Road. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Vasmer asked about exposure to over run costs.  Councillor Davenport said the Council would be responsible and reiterated the emphasis on the project running on time and on budget. 

Received from Councillors Andy Boddington and Tracey Huffer and answered by Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder Adult Social Care for in relation to Covid 19 testing.  By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Huffer asked about plans for a vaccination centre in south west Shropshire.  Councillor Carroll said this would depend on which vaccine would be available and its storage, transportation and security requirements. 

Place Overview Committee

Cllr Claire Wild to replace Cllr Matt Lee as a substitute member of the Place Overview Committee.

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor Vince Hunt and seconded by Councillor Ann Hartley that Councillor Claire Wild replace Councillor Matt Lee as a substitute member of the Place Overview Committee.

RESOLVED

That Councillor claire Wild replace Councillor Matt Lee as a substitute member of the Place Overview Committee.

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meetings held on 28September 2020 and 14 October 2020.  Report attached. 

It was proposed by Councillor Chris Mellingsand seconded by Councillor Pauline Dee 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

To approve as a correct record the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 24^th September 2020.

RESOLVED

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2020 be approved as a correct record.

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

Contact  Karen Bradshaw  Tel: 01743 252401

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Ed Potter and seconded by the Leader Councillor P Nutting, that the exempt report of the Director of Children’s Services and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the two recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.

Exempt report of the Director of Place is attached

Contact  Mark Barrow  Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration Councillor Steve Charmley and seconded by Councillor Steve Davenport, that the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place on The Delivery of a Business Park Programme and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the eight recommendations set out in the exempt report be agreed.

Exempt report of the Director of Place is to follow.

Contact  Mark Barrow  Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration Councillor Steve Charmley and seconded by Councillor Steve Davenport, that the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place on The Delivery of a Business Park Programme and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the seven recommendations set out in the exempt report be agreed.

Exempt report of the Director of Place is to follow.

Contact  Mark Barrow  Tel 01743 258919

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Steve Charmley and seconded by the Leader, Councillor Peter Nutting, that the exempt report of the Director of Place and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED

That the three recommendations in the exempt report be agreed.