74.1    There were apologies for absence from Mr Steve Charmley and Mr Mike Owen.

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.

75.1    Members were 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.

To receive any public questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

76.1    Question 1

Mr Jon Kean of Pennerley had submitted a question on the Council’s decision to ignore a directive from the Minister to abolish AHL and CIL for small developments.  A written reply from the Portflio Holder for Planning, Housing and Commissioning (Central) was tabled at the meeting – copy of the full question and reply is attached to the signed minutes.

76.2    Question 2

            Mr David Cooper of Bridgnorth had submitted 2 questions on the following matters:

·         The Council’s Financial Strategy 2015/2016 to 2016/2017 particularly in relation to the consultation on the draft budget and the reasons for the plan for a 7.5% on-going reduction in costs across Resources and Support which equated to £2.987m in 2015/6 and was the same amount proposed to be withdrawn in Council Tax Support Grant.  He queried when the change had been agreed and the process.

·         Why surpluses or deficits were not shared with Town and Parish Council as precepting bodies and what had happened to their proportionate share of previous years’ surpluses?

A written reply to the above by the Portfolio Holder for Resources, Finance and Support was tabled at the meeting – copies of the full questions and replies are attached to the signed minutes.

By way of a supplementary question Mr Cooper indicated that in light of the response on the first matter it appeared that the removal of Council Tax Support Grant from Town and Parish Councils was being pursued as it was easier than making other savings.  He asked for confirmation whether or not the impression was the case.

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder, the Leader indicated that whilst he would arrange for a written reply to be provided to Mr Cooper the matter was still out for consultation and that the final decision on the issue would be taken by Council on 26 February. 

77.1    There were no matters referred from Scrutiny/Council.

78.1    There were no reports from the scrutiny committees.

To RESOLVE that in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.2 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded during consideration of the remaining items.

79.1    RESOLVED:

That in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, Section 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations, and Paragraph 10.2 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded during consideration of the following items.

Lead Member – Mrs Claire Wild, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport.

Exempt report of the Area Commissioner (South) is attached marked Exempt 7.

Contact – Chris Edwards – 01743 255478

That the recommendations proposed by the Leader and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Commissioning (South) at the meeting be approved.

80.1    The Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport presented an exempt report by the Area Commissioner (South) – copy attached to the signed exempt minutes – on the award of the Highways and Transport Engineering Consultancy Term Service Contract 2015.

80.2    RESOLVED:

That the recommendations proposed by the Leader and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Adult Services and Commissioning (South) at the meeting be approved.

Lead Member – Mr Malcolm Price, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Commissioning (Central).

Exempt report of the Director of Commissioning is to follow.

Contact – George Candler – 01743 255036

(a)  That the Council lobbies the Minister to review his statement to take account of differing conditions nationally and locally.

(b)  That the Council notes the Ministerial statement and amendments to the National Planning Practice Guidance as a material consideration in determining a planning application.

(c)  That the Council continues to give full weight to Policy CS11 of the adopted Core Strategy and Type and Affordability of Housing SPD and continues to seek on site provision of affordable housing and/or developer contributions to the provision of affordable housing in relation to all sites.

            (Councillor Claire Wild left the room prior to the commencement of this item and took no part in the discussion and voting on the matter.)

81.1    The Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Commissioning (Central) presented an exempt report by the Director of Commissioning – copy attached to the signed exempt minutes – on the implications of a recent Ministerial Statement to Parliament and changes to the national Planning Practice Guidance relating to section 106 developer contributions relating to affordable housing and other tariff style contributions.  Cabinet was asked to agree the Council’s position on the matter in order to guide the Development Management process and remove uncertainty which could impact on housing delivery.

81.2    In referring to the questions asked at the last Council meeting on the subject he also reported on the correspondence sent direct to him and commented that most persons had raised objections about the Council’s continued requirement for contributions for single self-build properties.  Three emails on the matter had also been received by the Principal Committee Officer which had been forwarded to Cabinet Members in accordance with the senders’ requests.

81.3    RESOLVED:

(a)  That the Council lobbies the Minister to review his statement to take account of differing conditions nationally and locally.

(b)  That the Council notes the Ministerial statement and amendments to the National Planning Practice Guidance as a material consideration in determining a planning application.

(c)  That the Council continues to give full weight to Policy CS11 of the adopted Core Strategy and Type and Affordability of Housing SPD and continues to seek on site provision of affordable housing and/or developer contributions to the provision of affordable housing in relation to all sites.

(The full version of Minutes 80 to 81 constitutes exempt information under category 3 of Paragraph 10.4 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules and have accordingly been with-held from publication.)