There were no apologies.

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.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2023.

RESOLVED:

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2023 as an accurate record.

RESOLVED:

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2023 as an accurate 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 11 January 2024.

Mike Sargeant, in relation to complaints regarding the Council’s Planning Function. A response was provided by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services.

Jamie Russell, in relation to the North West Relief Road. A response was provided by the Portfolio Holder for Highways.

David Kilby, in relation to the Sports Village. A response was provided by the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital.

Frank Oldaker, in relation to North West Relief Road planning. A response was provided by the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services.

The full questions and the responses provided to them are available from the public question item on the web page for the meeting - Public Questions - Responses 17124.pdf (shropshire.gov.uk)

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 11 January 2024.

One members’ question had been received from Councillor Julia Buckley, in relation to the Sports Village transformation. By way of supplementary question, Councillor Buckley sought reassurance that Cabinet were confident that there were no covenants at the Quarry site, and clarity on how residents would access the Sports Village. The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital confirmed the previous answer with regards to covenants and advised that there would be enhanced public transport to the facility.

The question and response are available from Member Questions - Responses 17124.pdf (shropshire.gov.uk)

Lead Members – Councillor Geoff Elner – Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Heather Kidd – Chair of the Task and Finish Group

Report of Sophie Foster, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

RESOLVED:

To bring a report to the next meeting of Cabinet to respond to the recommendations contained within the Task and Finish Group’s report.

The Chair of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Chair of the Rural Proofing Task and Finish Group introduced the report, which set out the Group’s findings and recommendations, and had been brought before Cabinet for adoption.

Members had been impressed with the level of engagement with partners in care and thanks were given to all members and officers for their expertise involved to ensure the best outcome for residents. Particular thanks were given to Sophie Foster, Overview and Scrutiny Officer, for co-ordinating meetings and capturing the input of members.

Members noted that their investigation looked at the options to effectively ‘rural proof’ the amendment or introduction of strategies, plans, policies and service design and provision in health and care in Shropshire which have been adopted by the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. It would then be forwarded to the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 January 2024.

Cabinet welcomed the report and gave thanks for the level of detail contained. The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health would bring the report to the Health and Wellbeing Board together with the ICP and ICB for them to adopt.

Following queries raised on a number of recommendations, it was:

RESOLVED:

To bring a report to the next meeting of Cabinet to respond to the recommendations contained within the Task and Finish Group’s report.

Lead Member – Councillor Gwilym Butler – Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources and Communities

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

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the discussion described that took place in the Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

2.     Considered the reduction of carbon emissions in the supply chain as a potential spending reduction proposal and resolved to make any appropriate amendments considered necessary to the budget proposals to be presented to Full Council on 29 February 2024.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources and Communities introduced the report which covered the discussion of the alternative budget proposals which took place at the Transformation and Improvement Oversight and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 10 January in line with that report.

Members noted that the report to overview and scrutiny committee identified several common themes; notably arrangements to ensure value for money through all contracts let by or managed by the Council. The discussion in scrutiny committee identified that looking to reduce the carbon footprint of the Council by having this as a priority within all procurement and contracting activities would be a key area to explore further in the coming months as the budget for 2024/25 and the MTFS for 24/25-28/29 are agreed and put into place.

Members raised concerns that some of the alternative budget proposals would not be viable such as insourcing, due to national issues with recruitment in certain areas and the reduced ability to receive similar economies of scale when using contractors; the sale of the multi-agency hub to fund the refurbishment of Shirehall, as it was felt that insufficient funds would be received; and that there would be significant unbudgeted costs associated with breaking contracts, purchasing of residential properties and increased costs to support additional staffing if they were to be insourced.

It was felt that insufficient information had been provided to opposition leaders; however, it was stated that the budget should continually be looked at, with Cabinet already considering the budget for the next financial year and beyond.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the discussion described that took place in the Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

2.     Considered the reduction of carbon emissions in the supply chain as a potential spending reduction proposal and resolved to make any appropriate amendments considered necessary to the budget proposals to be presented to Full Council on 29 February 2024.

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

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

That:

1.     Cabinet agreed that the draft Movement and Public Space Strategy for Shrewsbury be subject to public consultation for a period of eight weeks, commencing on Friday 26 January 2024, with the final terms of the consultation being approved by the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport.

2.     Cabinet agreed that, following the conclusion of the public consultation, a further report will be presented to Cabinet for final approval of the Movement and Public Space Strategy for Shrewsbury, and authorises the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, to develop a delivery plan to sit aside the Strategy as a working document and be subject to periodic review.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport presented the report which sought approval to commence formal consultation for a minimum period of eight weeks for the final draft of the Movement and Public Space Strategy for Shrewsbury. This strategy would ensure a cohesive, transformative approach to movement and public space across the town.

Members welcomed the report and acknowledged the benefits of providing an integrated transport system and greater active travel options, as well as providing a reduction in vehicular emissions and improvements to air quality across the town, contributing to a cleaner, safer environment.

Members voiced their enthusiasm to be involved in the delivery of the strategy.

Queries were raised with regards to the engagement of younger residents, and disabled access within the town. In response, the Portfolio Holder advised that a team would be visiting the Shrewsbury Colleges group, and disabled access would be looked at as a priority. It was also acknowledged that the park and ride offer should be increased in frequency and the length of time it is in operation.

RESOLVED:

That:

1.     Cabinet agreed that the draft Movement and Public Space Strategy for Shrewsbury be subject to public consultation for a period of eight weeks, commencing on Friday 26 January 2024, with the final terms of the consultation being approved by the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport.

2.     Cabinet agreed that, following the conclusion of the public consultation, a further report will be presented to Cabinet for final approval of the Movement and Public Space Strategy for Shrewsbury, and authorises the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, to develop a delivery plan to sit aside the Strategy as a working document and be subject to periodic review.

Lead Member – Councillor Dan Morris – Portfolio Holder for Highways

Report of Andy Wilde – Head of Highways

RESOLVED:

To agree the recommendations 1-7 as set out in the report (NB these are too lengthy to include in the decision list so please see pages 2-4 of the report for recommendations here).

The Portfolio Holder for Highways presented the report which sought approval to introduce new and additional tariffs in Shropshire (but mainly in Shrewsbury), preparation of a new Council Parking Strategy, a review of Parking Services’ structure and preparation of a car park Maintenance and Improvement Plan.

Members were informed that the increase in fees were not part of the budget saving as any revenue must go back into the parking budget.

Concern was expressed that no consultation had taken place and that the increases were large, especially with regards to season tickets. Other parking options such as the park and ride ceased operating at 6pm and the proposals would see charges in the town extend until 8pm. It was felt that this proposal did not support the Shrewsbury Movement and Public Realm Strategy which had just been approved. It was suggested that this item be deferred until consultation had taken place.

RESOLVED:

To agree the recommendations 1-7 as set out in the report as follows:

Recommendation 1 (In twelve parts)

3.1       Cabinet is recommended to approve the increases set out for each of the twelve tariffs set out in Table A below, to be introduced by notice under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“RTRA”). 

3.2   Table A 

Recommendation 2 (In five parts) 

3.3   Cabinet is recommended to approve the associated increases set out for each of the five season ticket tariffs set out in Table B below, to be introduced by notice under the RTRA 1984. 

3.4       Table B 

Recommendation 3 (In nine parts) 

3.5       Cabinet is recommended to approve the associated increases set out for each of the nine resident permit tariffs set out in Table C below, to be introduced by notice under the RTRA 1984. 

3.6       Table C 

Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll - Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet noted the key surveys, investigations and report relating to the condition of the Civic Centre and the presence of RAAC, confirming that the building is beyond economic repair and delegated authority to the Assistant Director Commercial Services to

i)                Arrange for the building to be decommissioned and to remain permanently closed due to its critical condition.

ii)               Set up a working group to include Shropshire Council officers, local Shropshire Councillors and Whitchurch Town Council to finalise the options appraisal for the future of the site and bring forward business cases for the options 1 to 6 listed in paragraph 7.12 to include appropriate surveys, appraisals, assessments and designs, subject to further approval by Cabinet/Council.

iii)             Provide and deliver an interim solution to library and community service provision. Continue to develop the options appraisal and business cases to progress next steps library and customer transformation in Whitchurch.

iv)             Work with Whitchurch Town Council in their identification of new civic accommodation.

v)              Consult with Whitchurch Town Council and the local community ahead of any final decisions on the future of the site.

It was agreed to bring forward item 12 to this point in the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets introduced the report which provided an update on the actions taken to deal with the identified Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) at Whitchurch Civic Centre and Library, and cease the use of the building on the grounds of safety and recommended further work on the potential redevelopment of the site. It also recommended interim measures for the library service and community use provision.

With permission of the Leader, local members were invited to speak. They expressed the importance of the facility in the town, which was run for the benefit of the community.

Members were reassured that no further action would be taken without public consultation, however the priority was to minimise the risk to users of the building.

It was suggested that the Council worked with the local MP on submitting a bid for Levelling Up 3; however Members were advised that Levelling Up 3 was for existing applications only. The Portfolio Holder welcomed the role that the MP was playing in meeting the Permanent Secretary of State, supported this action and advised the outcome of that would inform their next steps in lobbying government.

Members were informed that without securing external funding, the building was beyond economic repair.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet noted the key surveys, investigations and report relating to the condition of the Civic Centre and the presence of RAAC, confirming that the building is beyond economic repair and delegated authority to the Assistant Director Commercial Services to

i)                Arrange for the building to be decommissioned and to remain permanently closed due to its critical condition.

ii)               Set up a working group to include Shropshire Council officers, local Shropshire Councillors and Whitchurch Town Council to finalise the options appraisal for the future of the site and bring forward business cases for the options 1 to 6 listed in paragraph 7.12 to include appropriate surveys, appraisals, assessments and designs, subject to further approval by Cabinet/Council.

iii)             Provide and deliver an interim solution to library and community service provision. Continue to develop the options appraisal and business cases to progress next steps library and customer transformation in Whitchurch.

iv)             Work with Whitchurch Town Council in their identification of new civic accommodation.

v)              Consult with Whitchurch Town Council and the local community ahead of any final decisions on the future of the site.

Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll - Portfolio Holder for Housing & Assets

Report of Steve Law, Head of Property & Development

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Resources to enter into an Agreement with the UKSPF to restore the exterior of the building and to secure £630,250 in grant aid.

2.     Approved match funding of £270,107 of capital to be financed through borrowing.

3.     Provided Authority to Proceed with the project to restore the exterior of the Cambrian Railway Building in Oswestry and requested that the capital programme is updated to reflect Cabinet approval of this report, within the capital programme being approved by Council on 29 February 2024.

4.     Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place to proceed with the delivery of the exterior restoration including listed building consent, detailed design, tendering of works and construction.

5.     Once the Conservation Management Plan and surveys are complete a business case for the re-use of the Cambrian Building is brought back to the Cabinet for review and consideration of any additional investment required to restore the interior of the building and make it suitable for re-use.

It was agreed that item 13 would be brought forward to this part in the meeting.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Assets introduced the report which sought Cabinet authority to proceed with a capital project to restore the exterior of the Cambrian Railway Building in Oswestry, a Grade 2 listed building in the ownership of the Council. The cost is estimated at £900,357 and a UKSPF bid has secured an offer of 70% but now requires 30% match funding from the Council’s capital programme.

Members were in support of the project and felt that this was an iconic building which should be restored.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Resources to enter into an Agreement with the UKSPF to restore the exterior of the building and to secure £630,250 in grant aid.

2.     Approved match funding of £270,107 of capital to be financed through borrowing.

3.     Provided Authority to Proceed with the project to restore the exterior of the Cambrian Railway Building in Oswestry and requested that the capital programme is updated to reflect Cabinet approval of this report, within the capital programme being approved by Council on 29 February 2024.

4.     Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place to proceed with the delivery of the exterior restoration including listed building consent, detailed design, tendering of works and construction.

5.     Once the Conservation Management Plan and surveys are complete a business case for the re-use of the Cambrian Building is brought back to the Cabinet for review and consideration of any additional investment required to restore the interior of the building and make it suitable for re-use.

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

Report of Claire Featherstone, Head of Culture, Leisure & Tourism

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Confirmed that the previous decision made in December 2020 to develop a dual split site proposal, with new pools being developed at both the Quarry and SSV, is currently unaffordable and development of SSV needs to be prioritised, with a full assessment being undertaken in due course on the future options for the Quarry site.

2.     Authorised an 8-week public consultation on the development proposals for SSV, including a competition standard pool and studio pool and improvements to the fitness centre.

3.     Agreed that once the public consultation is completed, the results are to be reported back to Cabinet and then Full Council for a decision on whether to amend the proposals and/ or to proceed with the capital funding for the design and construction of the SSV facilities.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval to undertake an 8-week public consultation on development proposals including a new swimming and fitness centre based at the Shrewsbury Sports Village (SSV) on Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury.

Concern was expressed that the report refers to the Quarry “site” and it was felt that a swimming and leisure facility was vital in the town centre, in line with the vision for Shrewsbury. The importance of a town centre facility was acknowledged; however it was confirmed that there was a need for a competition pool and that due to insufficient parking and the flooding risks, the Quarry was not suitable. It was further confirmed that no decision had been made as to the future of the Quarry site, but that SSV would be prioritised until a decision has been made with regards to the facilities that can be afforded at the Quarry. Members were reminded that possibilities for swimming provision had previously been investigated and that any investment should be welcomed.

Members welcomed the sustainability of the proposals and that this would be a positive move for the swimming community.

In response to a query, the Portfolio Holder advised that the new facility would serve the whole of the county and would accommodate a variety of needs, such as Changing Places facilities. It would provide adequate parking facilities as well as being accessible via public transport.

Members were thanked for their work in getting the project to this point, and specific thanks were given to Peter Gilbertson, Senior Project Management Officer.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Confirmed that the previous decision made in December 2020 to develop a dual split site proposal, with new pools being developed at both the Quarry and SSV, is currently unaffordable and development of SSV needs to be prioritised, with a full assessment being undertaken in due course on the future options for the Quarry site.

2.     Authorised an 8-week public consultation on the development proposals for SSV, including a competition standard pool and studio pool and improvements to the fitness centre.

3.     Agreed that once the public consultation is completed, the results are to be reported back to Cabinet and then Full Council for a decision on whether to amend the proposals and/ or to proceed with the capital funding for the design and construction of the SSV facilities.

Lead member - Cecilia Motley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health

Report of Rachel Robinson, Executive Director of Health

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved the adoption and implementation of the Healthier Weight Strategy for Shropshire 2023 to 2028 (Appendix A)

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval of the Healthier Weight Strategy for Shropshire 2023 to 2028, attached as appendix 1, which was endorsed by the Health and Wellbeing Board at its meeting on 16th November 2023.

Members noted that the ambition is to prevent obesity and manage health from a preventative approach from birth. The Strategy had been informed by the feedback received from a recent consultation exercise.

A request was received to focus on mental health as well as physical health.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved the adoption and implementation of the Healthier Weight Strategy for Shropshire 2023 to 2028 (Appendix A)

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 February 2024.

Members noted that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 February 2024.