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.

            None were declared.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 20^th October 2021

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2021 be approved as a correct record. 

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2021 be approved 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 no later than 10:00 AM Monday 8^th November 2021

A question was submitted by Robert Jones regarding Baschurch Railway Station which was read aloud by the Legal Services Manager.

The full question and response provided by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure & Tourism, Transport, are attached to the webpage for the meeting

Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 10th November, 2021, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

To receive any questions from members of the council.  Deadline for notification is not later than Friday 5^th November 2021

Member questions were received as follows:

Councillor Rob Wilson – regarding acceptable percentage increases in traffic levels.

By way of supplementary question, Councillor Wilson questioned what the plans were for traffic reduction in the LTP4. Leader, Councillor Lezley Picton, advised that a written response would be provided.

Councillor David Vasmer – regarding the Smithfield Development Framework and the Big Town Plan initiative.

Councillor David Vasmer – regarding the school meals service.

By way of supplementary question, Councillor Vasmer questioned whether the Council would consider delaying the implementation of proposals to increase costs and whether there was the option to secure funding from alternative sources. Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, confirmed that Councillor Vasmer’s comments had been taken on board and would be raised at a meeting being held shortly.

            There were no scrutiny items for consideration.

Lead Member – Councillor Kirstie Hurst Knight– Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Report of Tanya Miles, Executive Director of People – attached

Tel: 01743 255811

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet confirms its support for the work of T4C Regional Adoption Agency as set out in the Annual Report in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements

Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, presented a report which provided members with an overview of the activity, data and performance of Shropshire Adoption activity as part of Shropshire Council’s Regional Adoption Agency Together 4 Children (T4C) from the 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021.

Members queried the challenges that had been faced over the past 12 months. Members were advised that challenges included covid pressures on staff, remote working and cultures across different local authorities.

Thanks were given to the team for their hard work.

Executive Director of People, Tanya Miles, encouraged anyone interested in adoption to contact 0300 1118044.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet confirms its support for the work of T4C Regional Adoption Agency as set out in the Annual Report in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements

Lead Member – Councillor Kirstie Hurst Knight– Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Report of Tanya Miles, Executive Director of People – attached

Tel: 01743 255811

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet confirms its support for the work of Shropshire’s Fostering Services as set out in the Annual Report in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements.

Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, presented a report which provided members with an overview of the activity, data and performance of Shropshire Council’s Fostering Services from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021.

Members were advised that the service has succeeded in recruiting more mainstream foster carers to provide care for children looked after in comparison to last year.

Placement stability and permanency for children looked after continues to be a key focus of activity.

Further information on ensuring child placement stability was sought. Councillor Hurst-Knight advised that there are now clear pathways for communication in place, with a focus on supporting children’s individual needs.

Executive Director of People, Tanya Miles, encouraged anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to contact 0800 783 8798.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet confirms its support for the work of Shropshire’s Fostering Services as set out in the Annual Report in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements.

Thanks were given to the team for their hard work which had delivered positive outcomes for the children of Shropshire.

Lead Member – Councillor Kirstie Hurst Knight– Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Report of Tanya Miles, Executive Director of People – attached

Tel: 01743 255811

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet supports the work of the Local Authority Designated Officer in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements.

Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, presented a report which provided members with an overview of the activity, data and performance of Shropshire’s Local Authority Designated Officer from the 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 whose role is to review allegations against professionals who work with children.

Members were advised that a new layer had been added to the ability to report which checks the suitability to work with children within the county. This came into effect in December 2020 under the Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Members queried whether further training was anticipated for LADOs, as it had been reported that training had been limited. It was confirmed that training would return to normal post-covid.

Members were advised that there was a robust system in place to protect the children of Shropshire which included a follow up and review process and a LADO being on duty every day.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet supports the work of the Local Authority Designated Officer in fulfilling the Council’s statutory and regulatory requirements.