Apologies were received from Councillors Gwilym Butler and Robert Macey.

None were declared.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on
12 February 2020 TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

To receive any questions from members of the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  Deadline for notification is not later than 11.00 am on Monday 2 March 2020.

A public question relating to speed of traffic in Radbrook was received from Mr C Lemon.

A public question relating to climate and environmental impacts of the proposed North West Relief Road was received from Ms J Blackman.

The full questions and responses provided are attached to the signed minutes and the webpage for the meeting. 

To receive any questions of which Members have given due notice, the deadline for notification for this meeting is 5.00 pm on Friday 27 February 2020. 

Member questions relating to Youth Service Provision and the post of Chief Executive were received from Councillor Roger Evans.  The full questions and responses provided are attached to the signed minutes and the webpage for the meeting. 

There were no scrutiny items.

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Charmley – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration attached

Report of Director of Place attached

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To note the progress with development of the draft Local Economic Growth Strategies to date and note their importance to the delivery of the Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy at market town level .

To approve the draft Local Economic Growth Strategies as set out in Appendix 1 for public consultation.

That the Executive Director of Placein consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration be given delegated authority to consider the outcomes of the consultation, implement any changes within the final documents and publish the Local Economic Growth Strategies

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration presented the report and referred to the significant amount of work undertaken with town and parish councils and other stakeholders in bringing the local economic growth strategies together. 

The strategies reflected the geography of Shropshire and the key sectors, growth and ambitions for each of the market towns.   The Leader added that the quality rather than quantity of jobs available was a significant issue for Shropshire and he hoped that people would get involved and participate in the consultation. 

RESOLVED:

To note the progress with development of the draft Local Economic Growth Strategies to date and note their importance to the delivery of the Shropshire Economic Growth Strategy at market town level .

To approve the draft Local Economic Growth Strategies as set out in Appendix 1 for public consultation.

That the Executive Director of Placein consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration be given delegated authority to consider the outcomes of the consultation, implement any changes within the final documents and publish the Local Economic Growth Strategies

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Charmley – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration attached

Report of Director of Place attached

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To agree to consult on the location identified on land identified at Battlefield, Shrewsbury for use as a temporary gypsy and traveller transit site.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, introduced the report.  He explained that provision of transit sites for the travelling community was identified in national legislation and was an undertaking made following the adoption of the SAMDEV. 

In response to questions, the Deputy Leader explained that:

·         the consultation period would be shorter than some in order to keep up with the timeline for the Local Plan adoption process;

·         The consultation would be publicised through libraries, local drop in sessions, leaflet drops as well as being available on line;

·         Failure to provide a site could potentially invalidate the whole Local Plan process.

Councillor Ioan Jones, Local Member for Harlescott, addressed Cabinet and said that he had no opposition to this type of development but questioned the safety of the proposed location.  He understood that government guidance stated that temporary stopping places should be located in a safe and convenient place for the road network.  As this site was within the fork of two busy roads and adjacent to arable land he was concerned about potential safety issues with movement of caravans and slow vehicles, and the likelihood of the presence of young children close to fast traffic, tractors and heavy vehicles.  He also referred to the potential North West Relief Road, proximity of two car dealerships, a hotel and previous concerns about anti-social behaviour. 

The Leader encouraged Councillor Jones to participate fully in the consultation.

RESOLVED:

To agree to consult on the location identified on land identified at Battlefield, Shrewsbury for use as a temporary gypsy and traveller transit site.

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

To note that at the end of Quarter 3 (31^st December 2019), the full year revenue forecast is a potential overspend of £1.532m, which is an improved position from Quarter 2 of £4.455m;

To consider the impact of this on the Council’s General Fund balance

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support outlined the report and explained in detail how management action worked on a daily and monthly basis, with Directors expected to account for and discuss with Portfolio Holders any variations before feeding them back to the finance team and he and the Director of Finance Governance and Assurance to consider 

The full year revenue forecast at Quarter 3 was a potential overspend of £1.532m, an improved position from Quarter 2 of £4.455m.

He drew attention to the key issues in the report set out at 1.7, and the decisions Cabinet had made following consultation which had resulted in removal of approximately £1.3m savings.

The Leader reported that extensive lobbying of MPs and Ministers with regard to funding continued.  

RESOLVED:

To note that at the end of Quarter 3 (31^st December 2019), the full year revenue forecast is a potential overspend of £1.532m, which is an improved position from Quarter 2 of £4.455m;

To consider the impact of this on the Council’s General Fund balance

Lead Member – Councillor Lee Chapman – Portfolio Holder for Organisational Transformation and Digital Infrastructure

Report of Intelligence and Insight Manager

Contact:  Tom Dodds 01743 258913

RESOLVED:  

To consider the emerging issues in this report

To review the performance portal and identify any performance areas to consider in greater detail or refer to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Organisational Transformation and Digital Infrastructure presented the report.  He drew particular attention to ongoing success for Theatre Severn with a 4.8% increase in visits with 32% of ticket sales made to people outside of the county and the number of visitors to the Old Market Hall increasing to a record annual attendance.   88% of Shropshire schools were either good or outstanding, significantly better than neighbours. 

He also referred to pressures on the health and social care economy from additional winter pressures and congratulated hospital discharge and adult social care teams for the significant improvement in rates.  Performance to date remained on target and within the top quartile of performers. 

Members asked questions about the number of affordable homes, delayed transfers of care attributable to the NHS, and renewable energy.  The Portfolio Holder encouraged all members to access the Performance Portal from https://shropshireperformance.inphase.com

RESOLVED:  

To consider the emerging issues in this report

To review the performance portal and identify any performance areas to consider in greater detail or refer to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Lead Member – Councillor Ed Potter – Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services

Report of the Director of Children’s Services TO FOLLOW

Contact:  Karen Bradshaw 01743 254201

RESOLVED

That Cabinet request officers to explore the viability of a range of options for the provision of

mobile youth facilities in rural areas, including exploring in more detail best practise nationally in

relation to such mobile facilities.

That a further paper be brought back to Cabinet following completion of the exploration of viability

and consultation.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services presented the report which set out a request for officers to explore the viability of a range of options for the provision of mobile youth facilities in rural areas, including exploring in more detail best practice nationally in relation to such mobile facilities.   A number of members recalled use of converted vehicles in the past to provide mobile youth facilities 

The Portfolio Holder said the aim of the work was to identify what would be most flexible and best meet needs of young people today.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet request officers to explore the viability of a range of options for the provision of mobile youth facilities in rural areas, including exploring in more detail best practise nationally in relation to such mobile facilities.

That a further paper be brought back to Cabinet following completion of the exploration of viability and consultation.