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Postal Address

Shropshire Council
Shirehall
Abbey Foregate
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY2 6ND

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND. View directions

Contact: Julie Fildes  Committee Officer

Items
No. Item

86.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Claire Aspinall, Gwilym Butler, Karen Calder, Lee Chapman, Roger Hughes, Matt Lee, Jane Mackenzie, Malcolm Pate, Robert Tindall, Kevin Turley and Paul Wynn.

87.

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

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.

Minutes:

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.

88.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 380 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 19th December 2019.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 19th December 2019, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

89.

Announcements

To receive such communications as the Chairman, Speaker, Leader and Head of Paid Service may desire to lay before the Council.

Minutes:

          Chairman’s Engagements

 

The Speaker referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by himself and the Chairman since the last meeting of the Council on 19th December 2019, which had been circulated to Members by email.

 

          New Year’s Honours 2020

 

The Chairman reported that the following Shropshire residents had been awarded honours in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List 2020 and advised that she had written to each of the recipients to congratulate them on their achievement:

 

          Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

 

          Andrew Jowett of Shrewsbury.  For services in Education in Zambia.

 

British Empire Medal (BEM)

Georgina Gibbons of Shrewsbury.  For services to Education in Shropshire.

 

Order of the Companions of Honour (CH)

Sir Keith Thomas, FBA of Ludlow.  For services to the Study of History in Shropshire.

 

The Speaker informed members that on the rising of the meeting, Members would receive a briefing on Shropshire Council’s response to Storm Denis and the recent floods.

90.

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 359 KB

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

Minutes:

Public Questions

 

The Speaker advised that four public questions had been received from Mr S Mulloy, Mr M Fermor, Mr F Oldaker and Mr R Wilson who were present at the meeting and received answers to their questions from the respective Portfolio Holders. [A copy of the questions and the responses given by the Portfolio Holders are attached to the signed minutes.]

91.

Members Allowances pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

 

Contact   Claire Porter,  Tel 01743 252763

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was proposed by The Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor S Charmley that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services on Members’ Allowances, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

 

Members were advised that the Independent Renumeration Panel would meet later in the year in order that any amendments that they proposed to the scheme could be approved and come into force after the next elections.

 

RESOLVED: 

 

That the current Members’ Allowance Scheme, attached at Appendix 1 be approved.

92.

Financial Strategy 2020/21 - 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 233 KB

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and assurance is attached.

 

Contact James Walton,     Tel 01743 255011

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on the Financial Strategy 2020/21 to 2024/25, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

           

Members expressed concerns at further cuts to budgets and the increasing costs of social care and stated that extra funding from government was needed. Members welcomed the opportunity to join the administration in cross party lobbying to secure this.

 

Members welcomed the conclusion of the Fairer Funding Review but expressed concern that it would not provide all the additional funding required.

 

On being put to a recorded vote the proposition was carried by 41 Members voting in favour, 14 against and 6 abstention, as follows:

 

FOR (41)

Cllrs Adams, Bardsley, Barrow, Biggins, Bird, Burgess, Carroll, Charmley, Dakin, Davenport, Dee, D Evans, Gittins, Harris, Hartley, Hignett, Hughes, Hunt, , M T Jones, S Jones, Lea, Macey, Milner, Minnery, Morris, Motley, Mullock, Nutting, Parr, Phillips, Picton, Price, Potter, Roberts, Shineton, Tremellen, Turner, Wild, Williams, Winwood, Wood, and Woodward. 

 

AGAINST (14)

Cllrs Boddington, Dean, R Evans, H Fraser, Green, Hartin, Houghton, R Huffer, T Huffer, I Jones, Kidd, Mellings, Parry and Vasmer

 

ABSTENTION (6)

Cllr Clarke, Halliday, Moseley, Mosley, Pardy, Parsons,

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)       That the 2020/21 budget of £575.462m outlined in the Budget Book at Appendix 2, including the savings proposals outlined in section 4.5 of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) at Appendix 1 be approved.

ii)      That the changes required to the 2020/21 budget as a result of the Provisional and Final Local Government Finance Settlement and revised business rates and collection fund estimates be noted.

iii)    That the revised funding gap for the years 2021/22 to 2024/25 be noted

iv)    That the Statement of Chief Financial Officer on the Robustness of Estimates and Adequacy of Reserves as set out in sections 6.1 – 6.3 of the MTFS at Appendix 1, noting the Council’s general fund balance over this period be noted.

v)     That the continued use of the Policy for Flexibility around the use of Capital Receipts as detailed in section 8.1 of the MTFS be noted.

vi)    That the Pay and Rewards Policy for all Council staff for 2020/21 as set out in Appendix 3 be agreed.

 

 

93.

Council Tax Resolution 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 421 KB

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance isattached.

 

Contact  James Walton,    Tel 01743 255011

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on Council Tax Resolution 2020/21, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed.

 

On being put to a recorded vote the proposition was carried by 60 Members voting in favour, 0 against and 0 abstention, as follows:

 

FOR (60)

Cllrs Adams, Bardsley, Barrow, Biggins, Bird, Boddington, Burgess, Carroll, Charmley, Clarke, Davenport, Dean, Dee, D Evans, R Evans, Fraser, Green, Gittins, Halliday,  Harris, Hartin, Hartley, Hignett, Houghton, Hughes, R Huffer, T Huffer, Hunt, I Jones,  M T Jones, S Jones, Kidd, Lea, Macey, Mellings, Milner, Minnery, Morris, Moseley, Mosley, Motley, Mullock, Nutting, Pardy, Parr, Parry, Parsons, Phillips, Picton, Price, Potter, Roberts, Shineton, Tremellen, Turner, Vasmer,  Wild, Williams, Winwood, Wood, and Woodward. 

 

AGAINST (0)

 

ABSTENTION (0)

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)             That a 3.99% Council Tax rise resulting in a basic amount of council tax for a Band D property of £1,443.62 in the billing authority’s area, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (section 44) and the Local Government (Structural Changes) (Further Financial Provisions and Amendment) Regulations 2008 be approved.

 

ii)            That in accordance with the provisions of Section 40 (2) of the 1992 Act, the amount of Council Tax calculated for each category of dwelling in the billing authority’s area to be approved as follows:

 

Property Band

2020/21

Charge
£

A

962.41

B

1,122.82

C

1,283.21

D

1,443.62

E

1,764.42

F

2,085.23

G

2,406.03

H

2,887.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iii)           That a total precept of £163,933,777 be levied.

iv)        That the formal council tax resolution as set out in Appendix 1 to determine the levels of Council Tax for Shropshire Council for 2020/21 be approved.

 

94.

Fees and Charges 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance isattached.

 

Contact  James Walton,    Tel 01743 255011

 

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery and seconded by the Leader Councillor P Nutting that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance, which set out the level of fees and charges to be applied in 2020/21, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)    That the breakdown of the total income for 2019/20 and 2020/21 and in particular that the proposed 2020/21 charges for discretionary services represent only £44.325m of the £84.104m of income derived from Fees and Charges be noted

 

ii)   That the charges for 2020/21 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented on 1 April 2020, recognising that managers have proposed varying policies for 2020/21.

 

iii)Note that as previously agreed, any changes to fees and charges proposed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd. in relation to the outsourced leisure facilities will only be referred to cabinet and council for approval if the proposed increases exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding November.

 

iv)That subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill it be agreed that:

 

a)     Social Housing rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6th April 2020.

b)     Affordable rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6th April 2020.

c)      Shared Ownership rents continue to be set at 2.75% of the outstanding capital value of the home at the time of sale and thereafter increased each April in accordance with the terms specified in the lease agreements.

d)     Service charges continue to be set on the basis of actual cost.

 

95.

Capital Strategy 2020/21 - 2024/25 pdf icon PDF 251 KB

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance is attached.

 

Contact  James Walton,    Tel 01743 255011

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery, that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on the Capital Strategy 2020/21-2024/25, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

 

In response to a Members question, the Portfolio Holder for Finance confirmed that a return of 5% was the objective but that for a number of reasons this was not achieved in all cases.

 

In response to a Members question, the Leader confirmed that funding for the North West Relief Road had been secured from central government and the LEP and that any shortfall would be covered by the sale of assets.

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)     That the adoption of the Capital Strategy 2020/21 - 2024/25 attached as Appendix 1 be agreed.

ii)    That the revised Capital Programme as set out in the report and detailed at Section 7 and Appendix Bto the Capital Strategy be agreed.

 

96.

Treasury Strategy 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 431 KB

Report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance isattached.

 

Contact  James Walton,    Tel 01743 255011

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was proposed by Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor D Minnery and seconded by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting that the report of the Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance on the Treasury Strategy 2020/2021 a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)    That the Treasury Strategy for 2020/21 be approved.

 

ii)   That the Prudential Indicators, set out in Appendix 1, be approved in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003.

 

iii) That the Investment Strategy, set out in Appendix 2 be approved in accordance with the MHCLG Guidance on Local Government Investments.

 

iv) That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, set out in Appendix 3 be approved

 

v)  That the Section 151 Officer be authorised to exercise the borrowing powers contained in Section 3 of the Local Government Act 2003 and to manage the Council’s debt portfolio in accordance with the Treasury Strategy.

 

vi) That the Section 151 Officer be authorised to use other Foreign Banks which meet Link’s creditworthiness policy as required.  

 

 

97.

Shropshire Community Governance Review pdf icon PDF 176 KB

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services is attached.

 

Contact  Claire Porter,    Tel 01743 252763

Minutes:

It was proposed by Councillor D Turner and seconded by Councillor C Motley that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services on proposals for a Community Governance Review a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)    That preparatory work is undertaken with a view to submitting draft Terms of Reference for consideration by Council in 2021 for community governance reviews including areas to be transferred from one parish to another and considering wider governance issues including numbers of Councillors and warding/division arrangements.

 

ii)   That the existing Community Governance Review Working Group, currently comprising Councillors Bardsley, Butler (Chairman), Mellings, Mosley, Motley, Shineton, and Turner oversee the preparation of the draft terms of reference.

 

 

98.

Community Governance Review - Bridgnorth pdf icon PDF 40 KB

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Service is attached.

 

Contact  Claire Porter,     Tel 01743 252763

Minutes:

It was proposed by Councillor D Turner and seconded by Councillor C Motley that the report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services on the Community Governance Review for Bridgnorth, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes and the recommendations contained therein, be received and agreed. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That, having regard to the provisions of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, associated Guidance on Community Governance Reviews produced jointly by the department for Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England and to the responses that have been received during the consultation periods, there should be no change to the current community governance arrangements for parishes of Bridgnorth, Tasley and Worfield.

 

99.

Portfolio Holder Annual Report for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration pdf icon PDF 300 KB

Report of the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration is attached.

 

Portfolio Holder:  Steve Charmley

Minutes:

It was proposed by Councillor S Charmley, the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration that the report, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

 

Councillor Charmley presented and amplified his report and responded to questions, concerns and comments.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted and approved.

 

100.

Oxon Link Road and Shrewsbury North West Relief Road - Project Combination pdf icon PDF 591 KB

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

 

Contact  Mark Barrow, Tel 01743 258916

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport Councillor S Davenport and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration, Councillor S Charmley, that the report of the Executive Director - Place, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

 

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder advised that the report related just to proposals to combine the two projects and that further reports regarding funding and other matters would be brought to future meetings.

 

Members expressed concerns regarding climate change and environmental matters, they were advised that these concerns would be addressed during the consultation and planning processes.

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)    That the proposal that Shropshire Council combine the North West Relief Road and the Oxon Link Road Projects be approved. 

 

ii)   That the combined objectives for the new combined project and which are listed at paragraph 3.12 of this report be adopted.

 

 

101.

Appointment to Committees

To confirm the following changes of membership:

 

Performance Management Committee

Cllr Michael Wood to replace Cllr Simon Harris as substitute member of the Performance Management Committee.

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Speaker, Councillor V Hunt, and seconded by the Chairman, Councillor A Hartley, that the changes to committee memberships be considered and agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

Performance Management Scrutiny Committee

 

Cllr M Wood to replace Cllr S Harris as substitute member of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee.

 

It was agreed that Agenda Item 22 would be taken next.

102.

Motions

The following motions have been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16:

 

1.     The following motion has been received from Councillor Brian Williams and supported by Councillors Cecilia Motley, David Turner, Michael Wood and Roy Aldcroft:

 

This Council recalls that, for many years, its Arboriculture Section ran a free tree scheme which was very popular among Shropshire residents.  Unwanted surplus whips from tree nurseries in the area were obtained and distributed to residents on a “first come, first served” basis.  However last year the scheme did not run since, though the trees were available, it was decided there was a “shortage of staff resources”.

 

This Council requests the Chief Executive to ensure that, as a service to residents and as evidence of its determination to assist in carbon reduction, the free tree scheme be re-instated and widely publicised in 2020

 

2.       The following motion has been received from Councillor Roger Evans and supported by the Liberal Democrat Group:

 

Council notes that during the whole of 2019 Councillors have been raising issues about the growing number of potholes and the general failure of Shropshire Highways and its contractors Kier and WSP to deal with these issues.

 

When a department fails it used to be the norm that the political person answerable for that department resigns.

 

Despite many assurances, many from Cllr Davenport himself, the Council has felt the need to appoint a consultant to tell them what was going wrong

 

We ask the Council to support our call for the resignation of Councillor Steve Davenport from the post of Cabinet Member responsible for Highways.

 

 

Minutes:

 

Notice of Motion 1

 

The following motion had been received from Councillor Brian Williams and supported by Councillors Cecilia Motley, David Turner, Michael Wood and Roy Aldcroft:

 

This Council recalls that, for many years, its Arboriculture Section ran a free tree scheme which was very popular among Shropshire residents.  Unwanted surplus whips from tree nurseries in the area were obtained and distributed to residents on a “first come, first served” basis.  However last year the scheme did not run since, though the trees were available, it was decided there was a “shortage of staff resources”.

 

This Council requests the Chief Executive to ensure that, as a service to residents and as evidence of its determination to assist in carbon reduction, the free tree scheme be re-instated and widely publicised in 2020

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Notice of Motion be supported.

 

Notice of Motion 2

 

The following motion had been received from Councillor Roger Evans and supported by the Liberal Democrat Group:

 

Council notes that during the whole of 2019 Councillors have been raising issues about the growing number of potholes and the general failure of Shropshire Highways and its contractors Kier and WSP to deal with these issues.

 

When a department fails it used to be the norm that the political person answerable for that department resigns.

 

Despite many assurances, many from Cllr Davenport himself, the Council has felt the need to appoint a consultant to tell them what was going wrong

 

We ask the Council to support our call for the resignation of Councillor Steve Davenport from the post of Cabinet Member responsible for Highways.

 

It was proposed by Councillor B Williams and seconded by Councillor M Wood that the meeting move to the next item on the agenda and following a vote it was

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the meeting move to the next item.

103.

Member Questions Report pdf icon PDF 136 KB

To receive any questions from Members, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2.

Minutes:

The Speaker advised that two questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15. A copy of the report containing the detailed questions and their formal response is attached to the signed minutes.

 

i)    Received from Councillor I Jones and answered by Councillor Ed Potter, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services in relation to “Kinship Care”

 

By way of a supplementary question Councillor Jones sought assurance that the Council did all that it could to keep vulnerable children in family settings.  Councillor Potter assured him that this was the case as the best outcomes were achieved when children were in such a setting

 

ii)   Received from Councillor D Tremellen and answered by the Leader, Councillor P Nutting in relation to the use of consultants.

 

By way of a supplementary question Councillor Tremellen raised other concerns.   Councillor Nutting agreed to meet with Councillor Tremellen outside the meeting to discuss the matter.

104.

Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority Chair's Report pdf icon PDF 232 KB

To receive the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority arising from its meeting held on 12 February 2020.

Minutes:

It was proposed by Councillor K Roberts and seconded by Councillor C Mellings that the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority, a copy of which is attached to the signed minutes, be received and noted.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority meeting held on 12 February 2020 be noted

105.

Exclusion of the Public and Press

To resolve that, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items.

Minutes:

RESOLVED: 

 

That, in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items.

106.

Exempt Minutes of 19th December 2019

To approve as a correct record the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 19th December 2019.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the exempt minutes of the Council meeting held on 19th December 2019 be approved and signed as a correct record.

107.

The Tannery Development, Block A

Exempt report of the Director of Place is attached.

 

Contact  Mark Barrow,     Tel 01743 258671

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration Councillor S Charmley and seconded by the Leader Councillor P Nutting, that the exempt report of the Assistant Director Commercial Services on The Tannery Development, Block A, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the six exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

108.

Oswestry Growth Corridor - Infrastructure Delivery Programme

Report of the Director of Place is attached.

 

Contact  Mark Barrow,    Tel 01743 258671

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration Councillor S Charmley and seconded by Councillor M Jones, that the exempt report of the Executive Director of Place on The Oswestry Growth Corridor – Infrastructure Delivery Programme, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the five exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

109.

Cornovii Developments Limited - Loan Facility

Report of the Director of Place is attached. 

 

Contact  Mark Barrow, Tel 01743 258916

 

Minutes:

It was proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Finance Councillor D Minnery and seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning, Councillor R Macey, that the exempt report of the Director of Finance, Assurance and Governance on The Cornovii Developments Limited – Loan Facility, a copy of which is attached to the exempt signed minutes and the recommendations therein be received and agreed.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the three exempt recommendations be approved as detailed in the exempt report.

110.

Senior Team Reorganisation

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

 

Contact Clive Wright, Tel 01743 258675

 

Minutes:

Members were advised that this item had been withdrawn

 

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