Apologies were received from Councillor Gwilym Butler. 

None were declared.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 January 2020

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2020 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2020 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

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 11.00 am on Monday 10 February 2020. 

Questions related to agenda item 9, Future of Swimming Provision in Shrewsbury were received from D Tomlinson, A McKittrick, B Wills, and J Brownlie.  A copy of the questions and the responses provided is available on the web page for the meeting. 

Questions related to agenda item 14, Shropshire Local Plan – Update on Preparation Timetable were received from C Green, on behalf of CPRE and from M Andrew, on behalf of Trefonen Rural Protection Group Management Committee.  A copy of these questions and the responses made to them is available on the web page for the meeting. 

To receive any questions of which Members have given due notice, the deadline for notification for this meeting is 5.00 pm on Friday 7 February 2020.

There were no Member questions.

Report from the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee on the Financial Strategy Task and Finish group attached

RESOLVED:

To note the report of the Task and Finish Group and give consideration to the possibility of arranging a visit to Westminster for Shropshire Council members to lobby the Prime Minister and Government.

Report of Financial Strategy Task and Finish Group

Councillor Claire Wild, Chair of the Performance Management Scrutiny Committee, presented the report and thanked officers for providing information which had enabled a forensic examination of Adult Social Care and Children’s Services.  She referred to the desire to find savings for the purposes of preventative services in these areas and the huge frustration that this would not be possible.  The Group wished to lobby the Prime Minister himself and recommended that a strong cross party representation of Shropshire Council members accompanied by all Shropshire MPs should travel to Westminster to lobby the Prime Minister and Government more widely for better and fairer funding for Shropshire Council. 

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group felt that the report had not fulfilled the objectives of the Group and that it should have spent time considering highways issues and next year’s budget.    

RESOLVED:

To note the report of the Task and Finish Group and give consideration to the possibility of arranging a visit to Westminster for Shropshire Council members to lobby the Prime Minister and Government.

Lead Member – Councillor Robert Macey – Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning

Report of Director of Place

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

1.         That Cabinet approves the proposed revisions to the Local Development Scheme (Appendix 1) which establishes the proposed timeframe for the Local Plan Review.

1.            That Cabinet approves an amendment to the period covered by the new Local Plan so that (once adopted) it will cover the period 2016-2038. 

It was agreed to take items 14 and 9 next to avoid delay to members of the public who had submitted a question related to these agenda items.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning presented the report explaining the reasons for the request to update the council’s Local Development Scheme  timetable for preparation of the Local Plan Review, and secondly to propose a change to the proposed plan period for the Review to cover the period 2016 – 2038. 

The Leader stressed that there was no hidden agenda behind the change in timescales.  Members discussed the resource available to deliver, the timescale, member involvement, the need to ensure alignment with the Climate Change Strategy; the cross party group established to look at policies and its membership; and the importance of maintaining a five year land supply. 

RESOLVED:

1.      That Cabinet approves the proposed revisions to the Local Development Scheme (Appendix 1) which establishes the proposed timeframe for the Local Plan Review.

2          That Cabinet approves an amendment to the period covered by the new Local Plan so that (once adopted) it will cover the period 2016-2038. 

Lead Member – Councillor Lezley Picton – Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications

Report of Director of Place attached

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

1. Acknowledge the outcome of the report on Swimming In Shrewsbury – Strategic Outcomes Planning Guidance Report and the options appraisal for swimming provision in the town, attached at Appendix 1.
   
   
2. Approve the recommendation that option 3, which delivers all swimming provision at the Quarry, as well as some additional health and wellbeing facilities and option 4, which delivers swimming provision in Shrewsbury over a split site, with a health, leisure and wellbeing centre on the Quarry site and a competition pool at the Sports Village, should be taken forward to the next stage of full feasibility, due diligence and design.
   
   
3. Authorise Council officers to provide a report at a future Cabinet highlighting final recommendations on the preferred option, with outline design and costs, the outcome of any public consultation and a recommended procurement route.
   
   
4. Agree that the detailed implementation of all aspects of the recommendations made within this report are delegated to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications.
   
   

E.     A final report be presented to Council in December 2020

The Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications presented the report setting out the options within it.  She emphasised the desire to make it easier for people to get active and improve health and wellbeing, that this would be a facility for the county as a whole and that financial viability was necessary.  If recommendations were agreed then work would begin immediately to work up the options and hold a consultation. 

A number of members of the Council had requested to speak and raised points including:  

·         It was important to provide a facility that served the existing users of the pool who were concerned that proposals would represent a loss of water space in the town centre

·         Option 4 would serve some of the most deprived communities in the county and would be within easy walking distance of schools in those areas;

·         Was the capacity available to deliver the project

·         If option 4 was selected, was there a risk that the Quarry Pool would be redeveloped and then the project come to an end before the 25m pool at Sundorne was built.

In response the Portfolio Holder and Leader made the following points:

·         Proposals were not just about people currently using the facility but about attracting people who currently did not really like swimming. 

·         User communities were not being ignored. 

·         There would be organisational and programme resources in place to deliver this, and £500,000 had already been made available to deliver it.

·         The Leader confirmed that option 4 meant there would be two pool sites, no matter what.

The Leader said he wanted to make the new facilities available as soon as possible and it was agreed to add a resolution that a final report would come to Council in December 2020.  It was also agreed that recommendation C include reference to a ‘public’ consultation. 

RESOLVED:

1. Acknowledge the outcome of the report on Swimming In Shrewsbury – Strategic Outcomes Planning Guidance Report and the options appraisal for swimming provision in the town, attached at Appendix 1.
   
   
2. Approve the recommendation that option 3, which delivers all swimming provision at the Quarry, as well as some additional health and wellbeing facilities and option 4, which delivers swimming provision in Shrewsbury over a split site, with a health, leisure and wellbeing centre on the Quarry site and a competition pool at the Sports Village, should be taken forward to the next stage of full feasibility, due diligence and design.
   
   
3. Authorise Council officers to provide a report at a future Cabinet highlighting final recommendations on the preferred option, with outline design and costs, the outcome of any public consultation and a recommended procurement route.
   
   
4. Agree that the detailed implementation of all aspects of the recommendations made within this report are delegated to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Waste and Communications.
   
   

E.     A final report be presented to Council in December 2020

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

A.     Agree and recommend to Council the 2020/21 budget of £594.151m 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.

B.     Note the changes required to the 2020/21 budget as a result of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and revised business rates and collection fund estimates.

C.     Note the revised funding gap for the years 2021/22 to 2024/25.

D.     Approve the recommended level of general balances to support the 2020/21 revenue budget at £19.242m, noting that the projected balance will be below this for 2020/21.

E.     Note the projected recommended level of general reserves for the following four years at £19.430m in 2021/22, £26.039m in 2022/23, £27.952m in 2023/24 and £29.925m in 2024/25.

F.     Note the continued use of the Policy for Flexibility around the use of Capital Receipts as detailed in section 8.1 of the MTFS.

In introducing the report, the Leader said he was confident that additional funding would come forward, but that this could not be set out in the Financial Strategy at the current time which could only refer to certainties.  He was aware of behind the scenes work which meant that areas of funding which were currently uncertain would still come through, but in a different format.  This meant that although the report showed a funding gap of £37 million, in reality the expected figure was more likely to be around £10m which although challenging, was within the more normal region of flexibility. 

He also referred to the Fairer Funding review which was nearing completion and although there were no guarantees, this was likely to deliver more funding.  Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, more funding was expected to be directed to local government overall, particularly for adult social care.  In the meantime, lobbying of the local government minister would continue. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support referred to the significant scale of increasing demands in adult social care year on year, and the large percentage of the net budget this required. 

In response to questions from opposition group leaders, the Director of Finance said that there had not yet been a consultation period for a new funding formula. 

RESOLVED:

A.     Agree and recommend to Council the 2020/21 budget of £594.151m 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.

B.     Note the changes required to the 2020/21 budget as a result of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and revised business rates and collection fund estimates.

C.     Note the revised funding gap for the years 2021/22 to 2024/25.

D.     Approve the recommended level of general balances to support the 2020/21 revenue budget at £19.242m, noting that the projected balance will be below this for 2020/21.

E.     Note the projected recommended level of general reserves for the following four years at £19.430m in 2021/22, £26.039m in 2022/23, £27.952m in 2023/24 and £29.925m in 2024/25.

F.     Note the continued use of the Policy for Flexibility around the use of Capital Receipts as detailed in section 8.1 of the MTFS.

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance TO FOLLOW

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

To agree and recommend to Council the adoption of the Capital Strategy 2020/21 - 2024/25 attached as Appendix 1.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support introduced the updated Capital Strategy 2020 – 21 to 2022/23.  The Leader said that he accepted the report, but as in the case of the Financial Strategy, he was confident that more would be achieved than could be set out at the current time and he went on to list a number of locations that were expected to achieve substantial income within the next five years.  He also referred to potential funding from the Marches LEP.

RESOLVED:

To agree and recommend to Council the adoption of the Capital Strategy 2020/21 - 2024/25 attached as Appendix 1.

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Charmley – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration attached

Report of Director of Place, TO FOLLOW

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s updated Commercial Strategy for the period 2020 to 2023.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration introduced the Commercial Strategy 2020 – 2023 which was designed to be an evolving strategy, to be updated as needed to reflect market forces.  He referred to key objectives of the strategy – to generate income, reduce carbon dioxide, create capital receipts, transform services, reduce costs and maximise partnership working. 

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s updated Commercial Strategy for the period 2020 to 2023.

Lead Member – Councillor Steve Charmley – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration

Report of Director of Place attached

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s new Asset Management Strategy 2020 - 2025 as attached at
Appendix A.

The Deputy Leader introduced the report and explained there were five categories into which assets would sit.  The Strategy provided a framework for effective property decisions. 

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s new Asset Management Strategy 2020 - 2025 as attached at
Appendix A.

Lead Member – Lee Chapman – Portfolio Holder for Organisational Transformation and Digital Infrastructure

Report of Director of Workforce and Transformation

Contact:  Michele Leith, Director of Workforce and Transformation, 01743 258913

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s new Digital Workforce Strategy (2020/21) and Workforce Strategy (2020/23).

The Portfolio Holder for Organisational Transformation and Digital Infrastructure said he was excited to bring two vital Strategies to Cabinet, observing that without the effort and energy of staff it would not be possible for the Council to function.  He drew particular attention to the ambitious targets within the Digital Strategy and the encouragement of a ‘curious culture’ to engage with technology differently, use new tools and bring in new ways of working.  He also highlighted the implementation of a ‘learning hour’ for staff, which gave permission and time for staff to consider their own understanding of skills and to build and develop these. 

RESOLVED:

To approve the Council’s new Digital Workforce Strategy (2020/21) and Workforce Strategy (2020/23).

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend that Council:-

a)    Approve, with any comments, the Treasury Strategy for 2020/21.

b)    Approve, with any comments, the Prudential Indicators, set out in Appendix 1, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003.

c)     Approve, with any comments, the Investment Strategy, set out in Appendix 2 in accordance with the MHCLG Guidance on Local Government Investments.

d)    Approve, with any comments, the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, set out in Appendix 3.

e)    Authorise the Section 151 Officer 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.

f)      Authorise the Section 151 Officer to use other Foreign Banks which meet Link’s creditworthiness policy as required. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support presented the report proposing the Treasury Strategy for 2020/21 to 2022/23.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend that Council:-

a)    Approve, with any comments, the Treasury Strategy for 2020/21.

b)    Approve, with any comments, the Prudential Indicators, set out in Appendix 1, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003.

c)     Approve, with any comments, the Investment Strategy, set out in Appendix 2 in accordance with the MHCLG Guidance on Local Government Investments.

d)    Approve, with any comments, the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, set out in Appendix 3.

e)    Authorise the Section 151 Officer 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.

f)      Authorise the Section 151 Officer to use other Foreign Banks which meet Link’s creditworthiness policy as required. 

Lead Member – Councillor Dean Carroll, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Services and Climate Change

Report of Director of Public Health

Contact:  Rachel Robinson, 01743 252003

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve:

2.1.     The adoption of the Health and Wellbeing in All Policies approach by Shropshire Council

2.2.     That phased “roll out” approach is taken to implementing the policy, focusing first on the Public Health Grant Substitutions and the “Healthy Environment” Strategic Priority

2.3.     That the Health and Wellbeing in All Policies approach is underpinned by a Health Impact Assessment process that includes a including a box into the Cabinet report and is supported with training and awareness raising.

The Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Climate Change introduced the report setting out a proposed approach to Health and Wellbeing in all Policies.  The approach would support the delivery of the Council’s public health duties, with a thread running through all operations. 

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve:

2.1.     The adoption of the Health and Wellbeing in All Policies approach by Shropshire Council

2.2.     That phased “roll out” approach is taken to implementing the policy, focusing first on the Public Health Grant Substitutions and the “Healthy Environment” Strategic Priority

2.3.     That the Health and Wellbeing in All Policies approach is underpinned by a Health Impact Assessment process that includes a including a box into the Cabinet report and is supported with training and awareness raising.

Lead Member – Councillor Ed Potter – Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services

Report of the Director of Children’s Services attached

Contact:  Karen Bradshaw 01743 254201

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet approves the proposal to amend the local authority’s admission arrangements, namely:
   • To decrease the published admission number of St. Lawrence CE Primary School in Church Stretton from 36 to 34.

2.    That Cabinet approves the admission arrangements for 2021/22 without further amendment to those determined in February 2019.

3.   That Cabinet, by the determination of the school admission arrangements for Shropshire Council for the academic year 2021/22, agrees to the publication of the arrangements in accordance with the School Admissions Code 2014.

4.   That officers notify the Secretary of State by 28 February 2020 that Shropshire Council has determined its school admissions arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year.

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services presented the report, drawing attention to one amendment to the arrangements. 

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet approves the proposal to amend the local authority’s admission arrangements, namely:
   • To decrease the published admission number of St. Lawrence CE Primary School in Church Stretton from 36 to 34.

2.    That Cabinet approves the admission arrangements for 2021/22 without further amendment to those determined in February 2019.

3.   That Cabinet, by the determination of the school admission arrangements for Shropshire Council for the academic year 2021/22, agrees to the publication of the arrangements in accordance with the School Admissions Code 2014.

4.   That officers notify the Secretary of State by 28 February 2020 that Shropshire Council has determined its school admissions arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year.

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

1.1      To Approve the charges for 2020/21 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented 1 April 2020, recognising that managers have proposed varying policies for 2020/21.

1.2      to 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.

1.3      that subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill it is recommended to council that 

                    I.        social housing rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6^th april 2020.

                  II.        affordable rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6^th april 2020.

                 III.        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.

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

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support set out the report.

RESOLVED:

1.1      To Approve the charges for 2020/21 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented 1 April 2020, recognising that managers have proposed varying policies for 2020/21.

1.2      to 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.

1.3      that subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill it is recommended to council that 

                    I.        social housing rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6^th april 2020.

                  II.        affordable rents for 2020/21 are increased by 2.7% from 6^th april 2020.

                 III.        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.

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

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

          To note the overall Collection Fund estimated surplus of £4.474m for the year ending 31^st March 2020, comprised of an estimated surplus of £3.355m for Council Tax and an estimated surplus of £1.119m for Non-Domestic Rates (NDR).

2.2    To note the distribution of the Collection Fund estimated surplus for Council Tax and surplus for NDR to the major / relevant precepting authorities and the Secretary of State.

2.3    To note Shropshire Council’s share of the overall estimated surplus of £3.650m, comprised of an estimated surplus of £2.758m for Council Tax and an estimated surplus of £0.892m for NDR.

2.4    To note the inclusion of Shropshire Council’s share of the overall estimated surplus in the 2020/21 budget.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support reported that the overall Collection Fund had generated more than anticipated and the Council was £3.5m better off as a consequence.  He congratulated those who had worked hard behind the scenes to achieve this. 

RESOLVED:

          To note the overall Collection Fund estimated surplus of £4.474m for the year ending 31^st March 2020, comprised of an estimated surplus of £3.355m for Council Tax and an estimated surplus of £1.119m for Non-Domestic Rates (NDR).

2.2    To note the distribution of the Collection Fund estimated surplus for Council Tax and surplus for NDR to the major / relevant precepting authorities and the Secretary of State.

2.3    To note Shropshire Council’s share of the overall estimated surplus of £3.650m, comprised of an estimated surplus of £2.758m for Council Tax and an estimated surplus of £0.892m for NDR.

2.4    To note the inclusion of Shropshire Council’s share of the overall estimated surplus in the 2020/21 budget.

Lead Member – Councillor David Minnery – Portfolio Holder Finance and Corporate Support

Report of Director of Finance, Governance and Assurance attached

Contact:  James Walton 01743 258915

RESOLVED:

to accept the position as set out in the report.

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate Support congratulated the Treasury Management Team on achieving target. 

RESOLVED:

to accept the position as set out in the report. 

Lead Member – Councillor Robert Macey –Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning

Report of Director of Place attached

Contact:  Mark Barrow 01743 258916

RESOLVED:

1.    The Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development meets the ‘basic conditions’ and all other legal requirements as summarised in the Independent Examiner’s Report, subject to the modifications proposed in the Schedule of Modifications (Appendix 2)

2.    The required modifications be agreed to the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan and that the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum Version (January 2020) proceed to referendum. 

3.    The referendum area be that as defined as the designated area to which the Neighbourhood Development Plan relates, i.e. the Stoke Upon Tern parish boundary.

4.    The Executive Director for Place be authorised to exercise all the relevant powers and duties and undertake necessary arrangements for the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum Version (January 2020) to now proceed to Referendum and for the Referendum to take place asking the question ‘whether the voter wants Shropshire Council to use this neighbourhood plan for the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Plan area to help it decide planning applications in this neighbourhood area’. 

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Strategic Planning presented the report. 

RESOLVED:

1.    The Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development meets the ‘basic conditions’ and all other legal requirements as summarised in the Independent Examiner’s Report, subject to the modifications proposed in the Schedule of Modifications (Appendix 2)

2.    The required modifications be agreed to the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan and that the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum Version (January 2020) proceed to referendum. 

3.    The referendum area be that as defined as the designated area to which the Neighbourhood Development Plan relates, i.e. the Stoke Upon Tern parish boundary.

4.    The Executive Director for Place be authorised to exercise all the relevant powers and duties and undertake necessary arrangements for the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Development Plan Referendum Version (January 2020) to now proceed to Referendum and for the Referendum to take place asking the question ‘whether the voter wants Shropshire Council to use this neighbourhood plan for the Stoke Upon Tern Neighbourhood Plan area to help it decide planning applications in this neighbourhood area’.