Apologies had been received from Councillors Colin Stanford (substituted by Nigel Lumby) and Mandy Duncan (attending 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.

No declarations were received.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 January 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 January 2026 be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

There were no public questions.

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

There were no members’ questions.

To receive nominations for the appointment to Joint HOSC to fill the vacancy of Councillor Chris Naylor.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Colin Stanford be appointed to the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

To provide an update on Local Nature Recovery Strategy work and its relevance to wider health, wellbeing and planning priorities.

Lynn Parker, Local Nature Recovery Strategy Coordinator, gave a presentation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), which is a statutory county-wide strategy setting out priorities for nature recovery across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. It was reported that the LNRS comprises a statement of biodiversity priorities and an accompanying habitat map to guide where action would have the greatest impact, supporting joint working and evidence-based decision-making across the Council and partners.

The Committee considered the relevance of the LNRS to health outcomes, noting the links between access to nature and improved mental and physical wellbeing, prevention, health inequalities, climate resilience and reduced demand on health services. The role of urban green infrastructure, accessibility of green spaces, and the importance of integrating nature recovery into planning and future development were discussed.

Members raised questions on the relationship between the LNRS and strategic planning, the Local Plan and spatial development strategies, the protection and enhancement of green corridors and watercourses, and the balance between encouraging development and securing positive environmental and health outcomes. It was emphasised that the LNRS is a guiding and opportunity-based framework and does not impose requirements on private landowners.

The Committee welcomed the strategy and supported the proposal for a wider member briefing to strengthen understanding of the LNRS and its health implications, and to inform future delivery and scrutiny.

To provide an update on the JSNA and engagement activity informing the future commissioning of community-based drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services in Shropshire

Shaun Morris, Public Health Principal - Drug and Alcohol Strategic Commissioner, delivered a presentation on the drug and alcohol service, including service delivery, current demand and future recommissioning arrangements. It was reported that the service supports adults, children and young people across Shropshire, with provision ranging from brief interventions and harm reduction to structured treatment, detoxification and residential rehabilitation, and works closely with services supporting people who are rough sleeping.

Members noted trends in substance use, treatment engagement and outcomes, including increased numbers in treatment, changes in presenting substances, and ongoing work to reduce early drop-out from services. The Committee was updated on local initiatives, including community detox, the Blue Light Project, drug and alcohol-related death reviews, and targeted professional training.

The Committee considered the development of the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment and its role in informing recommissioning of the service, alongside engagement with service users, partners and the provider market. Issues raised included rural accessibility, partnership working, alignment with NHS and police priorities, lived experience involvement, and the need for a flexible, responsive service model.

The Committee welcomed the update and supported the proposal to deliver a wider member briefing to increase awareness of the Drug and Alcohol Service and how councillors can support residents in accessing help.

To receive a verbal update from Councillor Rosie Radford.

Members noted recent activity focused on planning for the next public meeting, including agreeing priorities, developing lines of enquiry and undertaking informal briefings to support understanding of key issues.

It was reported that forthcoming work would include consideration of community provision, hospital transformation, learning from winter planning, digital inclusion and governance arrangements ahead of the new municipal year. Members also noted ongoing engagement with NHS partners, particularly in light of changes to Integrated Care Boards and wider system arrangements, with a focus on strengthening effective joint working.

To receive a verbal update from Councillor Bernie Bentick.

Members noted reports on community safety, highlighting reductions in overall crime, antisocial behaviour and reoffending, alongside partnership work on domestic abuse and violence prevention.

The Committee noted discussion on suicide prevention, including local suicide rates, targeted community initiatives and ongoing prevention activity. An update was also provided on special educational needs and disability, including increased demand for Education, Health and Care Plans and the resulting pressures on services.

Members were informed of work underway on drug and alcohol strategy development and on system-wide prevention initiatives, including cardiovascular, renal and metabolic health. The Committee noted the importance of alignment between the Health and Wellbeing Board, scrutiny work and wider partnership priorities to improve outcomes for Shropshire residents.

To receive a verbal update from Councillor Dawn Husemann.

Members noted that, following discussion with the Chair, it had been agreed that the report would not proceed to Cabinet in April as originally planned. This was to allow the Task and Finish Group to meet with the newly appointed Service Director for Place Shaping, in order to reflect emerging place shaping, planning and Local Plan work.

It was reported that the remaining work was expected to be concluded by the end of April, with the final report intended to be submitted to Cabinet in June. The Chair thanked members, officers and contributors for their engagement and input to the review.

To receive a verbal update from Sophie Foster, Overview & Scrutiny Officer.

Members considered current and future priorities and agreed the importance of progressing work relating to prevention, partnership working and hospital discharge. It was noted that early preparatory work, including information gathering and identification of key witnesses, should be undertaken to support timely scrutiny.

The Committee also supported the inclusion of future items on the Drug and Alcohol Service and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, together with consideration of access to NHS dentistry and the Better Care Fund. It was noted that a strategic work programming session would take place in June to further refine priorities.

To note that the next meeting of the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place on Monday 29 June 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 29 June 2026.