Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Gwilym Butler.

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.

None were declared.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 6^th April 2022, attached.

RESOLVED:  that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 April 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: 

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 6 April 2022 be 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 21^st April 2022.

No questions has been received from members of the public.

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 21^st April 2022.

Members questions were received from the following:

1.    Councillor David Vasmer - in relation to a review of safety issues alongside waterways in the county following recent drownings in the Shrewsbury area.

In response to a supplementary question, the Portfolio Holder for Physical Infrastructure gave assurances that Shropshire Council was taking a lead role in this review.  Working alongside other partners the review included education, consideration of risk factors, fencing, lighting and exit points and, whilst the review had commenced in Shrewsbury, the scope could be increased in the county where appropriate.

2.    Councillor Rosemary Dartnall – regarding the Integrated Care System (ICS) Green Plan suggestion that the impact of service locations can result in a beneficial reduction of emissions yet the increased centralisation of health services results in patients and staff travelling further.

In response to a supplementary question, the Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Natural Assets and the Green Economy recognised that centralisation was not the answer to all, but compromises had to be made.  Benefits included patient ability to access more than one service in a single visit thereby reducing the number of journeys, maximising the use of space and the resultant economies in energy consumption. The opportunities within the ICS to enhance biodiversity would be explored and Members would be kept informed of developments.

The full questions and responses are available from: Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 27th April, 2022, 10.30 am — Shropshire Council

Lead Member – Councillor Cecilia Motley – Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure, Tourism and Transport

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place attached

Contact:  01743 258916

RESOLVED:

    I.        To note and acknowledge progress and actions undertaken to meet the recommendations of the Cabinet report in June 2021

  II.        To agree that the proposed plans be the subject of a formal public consultation exercise and that a further report be brought to Cabinet following completion of the consultation.

III.        To agree that subject to the outcome of the public consultation exercise and Cabinet’s consideration of that report, the business case for the project be presented to Council with a recommendation that the development of the Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre be included in the capital programme.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Transport presented the report providing details of a feasibility study for the provision of a new Swimming and Fitness Centre in Whitchurch and seeking approval that the proposed plans be the subject of a formal public consultation exercise.  She drew Members’ attention to the age and structural issues of the Whitchurch swimming pool, the high user level of the existing facility (now closed) and the need to provide a swimming pool in the area.  She added that it was recommended that the Library facility remain in its current location in the Whitchurch Civic Centre.

Responding to comments from local Members, the Portfolio Holder drew attention to the flexible use of the dry side space within the new facility that would provide a large room divisible into two studio areas, one of which would be designated for use by the Youth Service.  Referring to access issues raised, she gave assurances that steps would be taken to ensure that the new facility would be accessible by all.

Referring to the timescale in bringing this matter forward, the Leader stated that lengthy and detailed investigation into the condition of the existing pool had been undertaken as the initial decision had been to refurbish rather than replace the pool. The Portfolio Holder added that the new facility would benefit the ongoing growth of the town. Members were greatly supportive of the proposals to provide a new facility in Whitchurch.

Whilst recognising the need and benefit of the proposed new facility in Whitchurch, a Member highlighted that proposals for Shrewsbury were not currently forthcoming.  The Leader stated that the Shrewsbury facility had been put ‘on hold’ rather than abandoned.

RESOLVED:

     I.        To note and acknowledge progress and actions undertaken to meet the recommendations of the Cabinet report in June 2021

    II.        To agree that the proposed plans be the subject of a formal public consultation exercise and that a further report be brought to Cabinet following completion of the consultation.

  III.        To agree that subject to the outcome of the public consultation exercise and Cabinet’s consideration of that report, the business case for the project be presented to Council with a recommendation that the development of the Whitchurch Swimming and Fitness Centre be included in the capital programme.

Lead Member – Councillor Simon Jones – Adult Social Care and Public Health

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place, is attached

Tel: 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To approve that the draft policy, set out in Appendix I, be subject to an eight-week public consultation period, and for this to include formal consultation with all Private Registered Providers currently operating in Shropshire.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health presented a report detailing the draft revised policy, to be subject to an eight-week consultation period, for allocations to Council owned stock and nominations to housing associations.  He stated that the revised Housing Allocations Policy sought to make best use of the flexibilities provided under the Housing Act 1996 to ensure social housing was allocated to those in the greatest need and to support strategic housing priorities.

The importance of further involvement and input from scrutiny was recognised and would be undertaken prior to further consideration of this issue by Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

To approve that the draft policy, set out in Appendix I, be subject to an eight-week public consultation period, and for this to include formal consultation with all Private Registered Providers currently operating in Shropshire.

Lead Member – Councillor Ian Nellins – Climate Change, Natural Assets & The Green Economy

Report of Mark Barrow, Executive Director of Place, is attached.  Please note Appendix A is to follow

Tel: 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To approve the draft ICS Green Plan attached at Appendix 1

To support the principle of collaborative working on relevant actions in the Action Plan contained in the document

The Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Natural Assets and the Green Economy presented the report on the Integrated Care System (ICS) Joint Green Plan that provided a joint response to the challenge of climate change.  He explained that Council Officers had been working with ICS colleagues to prepare the draft Plan to be approved by individual ICS organisations prior to its adoption by the ICS Board in May 2022.

Whilst recognising this as an early stage collaboration, questions were asked about  the following:  availability of local figures; Green Plans being compiled for each of the Trusts; identification of a Board lead; monitoring of action completions; the Performance Board and bringing together of expertise across the county and working towards zero carbon. 

The Leader stressed that the Plan was in the early stages of development and the Council did and would continue to have an influence going forward.

RESOLVED:

i)             To approve the draft ICS Green Plan attached at Appendix 1; and

ii)            To support the principle of collaborative working on relevant actions in the Action Plan contained in the document.