Apologies were received from Councillor Dan Morris, Andy Begley – Chief Executive, and Mark Barrow – Executive Director of Place. Councillor Julian Dean would be joining remotely.

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.

Councillor Lezley Picton declared an interest in item 12 and confirmed that she would leave the room and take no part in the debate.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

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 5.00 pm on Thursday 12 October 2023.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 12 October 2023.

Members’ questions had been received from the following:

Councillor Rosemary Dartnall, with regards to secondary school place allocation. A response was provided by the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, who, alongside officers, was thanked for working with schools to ensure there was enough school places.

Councillor Julia Buckley, in relation to training of Cabinet members. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Buckley questioned when the written response would be provided. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources advised that a written response would be forthcoming in due course.

Councillor Pam Moseley, in relation to floating housing support. In response to a supplementary question, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets confirmed that the new provider would be offering the same level of service and that the referral threshold would be provided in writing.

Councillor Rob Wilson, in relation to the installation of telegraph poles for broadband of Kingswood Estate in Copthorne. By way of a supplementary question, Councillor Wilson requested a round the table discussion with the broadband provider as it was felt that consultation had not been carried out with residents. The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital confirmed that the Council were already engaging with the provider.

Councillor Kate Halliday, in relation to Blue Badges, which was asked by Councillor Julia Buckley in her absence. Councillor Buckley expressed her disappointment that the questions had not been answered. By way of a supplementary question, she asked whether reminders were being issued and whether the process could be automated. The Portfolio advised that a written response would be provided after the meeting.

The questions asked and written responses are available from the web page for the meeting Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 18th October, 2023, 10.30 am — Shropshire Council

There were no scrutiny items.

Lead Member - Councillor Gwilym Butler - Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources

Report of Ben Jay, Assistant Director of Finance & ICT (Deputy s151 Officer)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet

a)    Noted the increased gap in 2024/25 and the reasons for it

b)    Noted that further information will be forthcoming on how the Council will meet the needs of social care clients and service users earlier in future, and supports Officers in the urgent preparation of effective plans

c)     Similarly, noted that further information on TOM proposals will also be forthcoming and urges Officers to brings those plans forward for implementation and delivery rapidly.

d)    Noted that the reserves position, previously a cause for considerable concern, is much improved – but also notes that action on current year pressures is needed to safeguard that improved position (including sufficient mitigation of current demand pressures through the remainder of this year and into future years).

e)    Noted that, despite some deterioration in outlook in the near-term, the MTFS continue to demonstrate that the outlook is expected to improve substantially in the coming years.

f)      Noted the changes to some of the savings plans (virements) set out in the March 2023 Budget Council meeting have seen changes at values in excess of £1m, and so Member approval is requested to confirm these changes (see attachment to Appendix 1, specifically savings EFF102 (TOM projects @ -£3m), EFF105 (GLR-led savings @ +£1m) and EFF108 (Corporate Grants @ +£2m). 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 £ £ £ £ £ Remaining Gap to be Funded @ March Council 1,096,536 2,166,643 2,819,557 3,714,543 NA change - inflation and budget pressures 22,470,200 18,800,248 15,512,067 12,225,150 5,222,191 Remaining Gap to be Funded @ October Cabinet 23,566,736 20,966,891 18,331,624 15,939,693 5,222,191 Funding Gap 3

Also Cabinet noted the removal of EFF10 (Market management @ -£1.3m) and the replacement with over-achievement of EFF06 (Reablement) and EFF07 (care at home).

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources presented the report and advised members that the Council’s Mid Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) had been updated to reflect anticipated inflation and other budget pressures that have superseded previous projections. Initial calculations increase the estimated budget gap next year to £23.6m, which is a combination of pay and price inflation and challenges in delivery of both base budgets and spending reduction plans and is adding to the previously identified gap in 2024/25.

Members were advised of the innovative ways of working being used to address pressures within children, adults social care and public health; however the timing and benefits of these were not yet known with sufficient confidence to be included in this update, so will be included in the December MTFS update, at which point clearer estimates of overall demand and the impact of mitigations will be available.

Concerns were expressed with regards to the lack of detail contained within the report and that it was felt there was a lack of transparency as changes in service provision had not been consulted on. It was confirmed that operational changes do not need to be reported to Cabinet; however more reports than were necessary were brought forward to ensure openness and transparency.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet

a)    Noted the increased gap in 2024/25 and the reasons for it

b)    Noted that further information will be forthcoming on how the Council will meet the needs of social care clients and service users earlier in future, and supports Officers in the urgent preparation of effective plans

c)     Similarly, noted that further information on TOM proposals will also be forthcoming and urges Officers to brings those plans forward for implementation and delivery rapidly.

d)    Noted that the reserves position, previously a cause for considerable concern, is much improved – but also notes that action on current year pressures is needed to safeguard that improved position (including sufficient mitigation of current demand pressures through the remainder of this year and into future years).

e)    Noted that, despite some deterioration in outlook in the near-term, the MTFS continue to demonstrate that the outlook is expected to improve substantially in the coming years.

f)      Noted the changes to some of the savings plans (virements) set out in the March 2023 Budget Council meeting have seen changes at values in excess of £1m, and so Member approval is requested to confirm these changes (see attachment to Appendix 1, specifically savings EFF102 (TOM projects @ -£3m), EFF105 (GLR-led savings @ +£1m) and EFF108 (Corporate Grants @ +£2m). 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 £ £ £ £ £ Remaining Gap to be Funded @ March Council 1,096,536 2,166,643 2,819,557 3,714,543 NA change - inflation and budget pressures 22,470,200 18,800,248 15,512,067 12,225,150 5,222,191 Remaining Gap to be Funded @ October Cabinet 23,566,736 20,966,891 18,331,624 15,939,693 5,222,191 Funding Gap 3

Also Cabinet noted the removal of EFF10 (Market management @ -£1.3m) and the replacement with over-achievement of EFF06 (Reablement) and EFF07 (care at home).  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

Lead Member - Councillor Gwilym Butler - Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources

Report of Ben Jay, Assistant Director of Finance & ICT (Deputy s151 Officer)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council to:

1.     Approve the actual 2022/23 prudential and treasury indicators in this report

2.     Note the annual treasury management report for 2022/23

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Resources presented the report which provided details of the outturn position for treasury activities and highlighted compliance with the Council’s policies previously approved by members.

Members noted that during 2022/23, the Council stayed within all required indicators for managing its financing arrangements, including day to day cashflow, short term investments and longer term borrowings. Additional income of £2.5m was secured.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to Council to:

1.     Approve the actual 2022/23 prudential and treasury indicators in this report

2.     Note the annual treasury management report for 2022/23

Lead Member - Councillor Dean Carroll - Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

To approve and adopt the Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy, attached at Appendix I.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets presented the report which explained that the proposed Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy, which has completed an eight-week public consultation period, seeks to tackle fuel poverty; this being when households must spend a high proportion of their income to keep their home at a reasonable temperature; and tackle climate change, through reducing carbon emissions from residential dwellings.

Members welcomed the report and congratulated officers for the work carried out. It was noted that the main constraint in tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions was capacity and expertise

RESOLVED:

To approve and adopt the Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy, attached at Appendix I.

Lead Member - Councillor Chris Schofield - Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed:

1.     The Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan meets the ‘Basic Conditions’ and all the other legal requirements as summarised in the Independent Examiner’s Report, subject to the modifications proposed in the Schedule of Modifications (Appendix 2)

2.     The required modifications be agreed, and that the final ‘referendum’ version of the Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan (September 2023) (Appendix 3) proceed to local referendum.

3.     The referendum area be that as defined as the designated area to which the Neighbourhood Development Plan relates, i.e. the Cleobury Mortimer Town Council boundary.

4.     The Executive Director of Place be authorised to exercise all the relevant powers and duties and undertake necessary arrangements for the Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan final referendum version (September 2023) (Appendix 3) to now proceed to referendum and for the referendum to take place asking the question ‘whether the voter wants Shropshire Council to use this neighbourhood plan for the Cleobury Mortimer neighbourhood plan area to help it decide planning applications in this neighbourhood area’.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval to proceed to local referendum on the Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed:

1.     The Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Plan meets the ‘Basic Conditions’ and all the other legal requirements as summarised in the Independent Examiner’s Report, subject to the modifications proposed in the Schedule of Modifications (Appendix 2)

2.     The required modifications be agreed, and that the final ‘referendum’ version of the Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan (September 2023) (Appendix 3) proceed to local referendum.

3.     The referendum area be that as defined as the designated area to which the Neighbourhood Development Plan relates, i.e. the Cleobury Mortimer Town Council boundary.

4.     The Executive Director of Place be authorised to exercise all the relevant powers and duties and undertake necessary arrangements for the Cleobury Mortimer Neighbourhood Development Plan final referendum version (September 2023) (Appendix 3) to now proceed to referendum and for the referendum to take place asking the question ‘whether the voter wants Shropshire Council to use this neighbourhood plan for the Cleobury Mortimer neighbourhood plan area to help it decide planning applications in this neighbourhood area’.

Lead Member - Councillor Robert Macey - Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

1.     To approve the transfer of the operation of SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.     To delegate responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Digital and Culture, for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital introduced the report which recommended transferring the management of SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, under their existing contract.

Members felt that this was a success story; demonstrating how community groups and the council can work together. Thanks were given to the Trustees, and it was acknowledged that this would protect the long running security of SpArC to enable it to grow and flourish.

RESOLVED:

1.     To approve the transfer of the operation of SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle to the Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, as part of the existing leisure contract, until 31 July 2027.

2.     To delegate responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Digital and Culture, for undertaking necessary due diligence and thereafter finalising negotiations and completing the transfer to the current leisure management contract with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust.

Lead Member - Councillor Mark Jones - Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

3.1.     That Cabinet:

3.1.1. Approved the submission of a planning application for the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and the former Riverside medical practice, and enabling work, construction of the proposed park and temporary greenspace (as set out in the Council report 6 July 2023), all aligned to the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

3.1.2. Agreed to commencement of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme on the emerging masterplan for Smithfield Riverside.

3.2.     Delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Economic Growth and Regeneration and Housing and Assets, to progress the capital project (item 3.2.1 above), to include, but not limited to, the following:

3.2.1. Finalise the masterplan for the wider Smithfield Riverside redevelopment area following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council.

3.2.2.  Finalise planning strategy for future phases of development for the Shrewsbury Town Centre Redevelopment Programme: Smithfield Riverside Phase One, following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council

3.2.3. Undertake an options and feasibility study for the retention, reconstruction and/or replacement of Ravens Meadow multi-storey car park, necessary to inform future phases of the Smithfield Riverside masterplan, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Cabinet and Council.

3.3.     That Cabinet agreed to recommend to Council to:

3.3.1. Progress the above works as a capital project to completion of contract documentation and receipt of tenders, for demolition, enabling works and construction of the park and associated temporary greenspace within the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

After declaring an interest, the Chair left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or the vote. The Vice Chair, Councillor Ian Nellins, took the Chair for this item.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport presented the report which sought approval to consult on the emerging masterplan and submit an initial planning application to demolish the former Riverside shopping centre and construct parkland and meanwhile greenspace, amended to align to the LUF2 Grant award.

Members were advised that it was proposed to commence stakeholder engagement and public consultation on the emerging masterplan, including the quantum, mix, and location of future development sites. It will also consider the sequence and phasing of activities, and implications for the planning strategy, with reference to the scope of works to be delivered by the LUF2 grant award and the associated, initial planning application referred to above. The engagement and consultation process will be delivered over a 4-week period, concluding late November 2023, from which the outcomes will inform the final masterplan, for consideration at future Cabinet and Council meetings.

Members questioned the plans surrounding the bus station and the Premier Inn, and how the consultation would capture the voice of young people. Members were advised that the bus station was a longer term project but it had been deemed essential that it remains within the town centre. With regards to consultation, the team had been working with Age UK and had been pushed out to local schools. Members urged the consultation to be pushed out into the wider area.

It was noted that the Movement Strategy which would inform the project had been delayed, but this would be brought forward to a future Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

3.1.     That Cabinet:

3.1.1. Approved the submission of a planning application for the demolition of the Riverside shopping centre and the former Riverside medical practice, and enabling work, construction of the proposed park and temporary greenspace (as set out in the Council report 6 July 2023), all aligned to the Levelling Up Fund bid award for the Smithfield Riverside Redevelopment Programme (Project 1) of £14.85m.

3.1.2. Agreed to commencement of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme on the emerging masterplan for Smithfield Riverside.

3.2.     Delegated responsibility to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, Economic Growth and Regeneration and Housing and Assets, to progress the capital project (item 3.2.1 above), to include, but not limited to, the following:

3.2.1. Finalise the masterplan for the wider Smithfield Riverside redevelopment area following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in Recommendation 3.1.2 above, and for inclusion in a further report for final approval by Council.

3.2.2.  Finalise planning strategy for future phases of development for the Shrewsbury Town Centre Redevelopment Programme: Smithfield Riverside Phase One, following the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement and public consultation programme, as provided for in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

Lead Member - Councillor Dan Morris - Portfolio Holder for Highways

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet approved an eight-week consultation exercise to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for the administrative area of Shropshire Council. Details and purpose of the PSPO are contained in Appendix A and consultation materials in Appendix B.

2.     Following the conclusion of the consultation a further report will be presented to Cabinet for final approval of the PSPO and relevant publicity materials.

The Leader returned to the meeting and took the Chair.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Highways, introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval to consult on a Public Space Protection Order for Shropshire to control dog fouling and to help control the risk of harm from stray dogs. The eight-week consultation exercise would commence on 21 October if approved.

Members welcomed the report but concern was raised that there were a lack of bins in certain areas. It was acknowledged that this was not just an issue in in urban areas and that fines would act as a deterrent.

Members were asked to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet approved an eight-week consultation exercise to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for the administrative area of Shropshire Council. Details and purpose of the PSPO are contained in Appendix A and consultation materials in Appendix B.

2.     Following the conclusion of the consultation a further report will be presented to Cabinet for final approval of the PSPO and relevant publicity materials.

Lead Member - Councillor Lezley Picton – Leader and Portfolio Holder for Policy and Strategy, Policy and Improvement

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Establish a Joint Committee with Herefordshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to (a) oversee, manage and distribute the assets, functions and responsibilities of the Marches Enterprise Partnership and (b) exercise executive functions as listed in paragraph 7.9 below.

2.     Delegate to the Executive Director Place in consultation with the Executive Director Resources, authority to make necessary arrangements, as the accountable body, for the management of resources, staff and responsibilities of the LEP in accordance with Government guidelines.

3.     Delegate authority to the Executive Director Resources and Executive Director Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to establish appropriate management arrangements, including funding and staffing for the Council to discharge its responsibility as the ‘Accountable Body’.

4.     Delegate to the Executive Director Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), authority to agree the final Terms of Reference with partner councils.

The Leader and Portfolio Holder for Policy and Strategy, Improvement and Communications presented the report which proposed the establishment of a joint committee between Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to continue developing and delivering investment propositions for Government and partners following government guidance and to transfer resources, assets and responsibilities to the local authority partners before the 31st March 2024.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to:

1.     Establish a Joint Committee with Herefordshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to (a) oversee, manage and distribute the assets, functions and responsibilities of the Marches Enterprise Partnership and (b) exercise executive functions as listed in paragraph 7.9 below.

2.     Delegate to the Executive Director Place in consultation with the Executive Director Resources, authority to make necessary arrangements, as the accountable body, for the management of resources, staff and responsibilities of the LEP in accordance with Government guidelines.

3.     Delegate authority to the Executive Director Resources and Executive Director Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to establish appropriate management arrangements, including funding and staffing for the Council to discharge its responsibility as the ‘Accountable Body’.

4.     Delegate to the Executive Director Place, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Executive Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), authority to agree the final Terms of Reference with partner councils.

Lead Member - Councillor Chris Schofield - Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet considered and approved the response to the Government’s consultation on reforms to Plan making reforms as set out in Appendix 2 to this report.

2.     That authority be given to the Executive Director of Place to agree any additional minor changes to the Council’s response to the consultation ahead of its submission to the Government on 18 October 2023.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services presented the report which highlighted that the Government had published a consultation seeking views on their proposals to implement parts of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (The Bill) which relates to the preparation of Local Plans prepared by Local Planning Authorities. The stated intention of these reforms was to make plans simpler, faster to prepare and more accessible.

Members were asked to agree the response to the consultation which had been set out in Appendix 2.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet considered and approved the response to the Government’s consultation on reforms to Plan making reforms as set out in Appendix 2 to this report.

2.     That authority be given to the Executive Director of Place to agree any additional minor changes to the Council’s response to the consultation ahead of its submission to the Government on 18 October 2023.

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.

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 confirm the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2023.

RESOLVED:

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 10.30am.

Members noted that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 10.30am.