To receive any questions from Members of the Council.  Deadline for notification is not later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 17 March 2022.

Member questions were received from the following:

Urgent question

Councillor David Vasmer had submitted an urgent question – in relation to price of fuel and cost of living, now exacerbated by the situation in Ukraine, and what the Council could to help those who would be forced to cut spending on heating and food to a point where it would affect their health. 

The Leader recognised the urgency of the situation and pressures faced from rising prices for fuel, food or heating, particularly in a county where wages were lower than the average and as a sparsely populated rural county.  The  Council could offer help in a number of ways such as through housing benefit or  council tax support scheme. She also referred to the broad range of community groups and organisations that could provide support, help and advice. A comprehensive listing of support available from the council and partners was being pulled together and would be publicised as soon as possible.  The Shropshire Covid Recovery Social Impact Task Force - Cost of Living had been re-established and would bring a range of stakeholders together to share their knowledge of the impact on people in Shropshire and the support available to them. This information would be shared with all members as soon as possible.  The full question and response can be heard on the recording of the meeting available from : Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022, 10.30 am — Shropshire Council

Councillor Julian Dean – in relation to the gender pay gap at Shropshire Council

In response to a supplementary question, it was agreed to provide Councillor Dean with further information on the profile of gender roles at different levels throughout the Council. 

Councillor Tom Biggins, also on behalf of Councillors Gerald Dakin and Peggy Mullock – in relation to a new swimming pool in Whitchurch.

Councillor Rosemary Dartnall – in relation to bus service provision and the Bus Service Improvement Plan.  Responding to a supplementary question from Councillor Dartnall, the Leader confirmed that the Council was making a contribution to services until results of the BSIP was known and that the bid had been strongly supported by all local MPs

Councillor Tony Parsons – in relation to the update to the Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy and capacity, stiffer penalties for rogue landlords and capacity within the private housing enforcement team.

Councillor Caroline Bagnall – in relation to the responses to the draft Library Strategy consultation and plans for staffing and self service machines and opening hours.  In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Bagnall, the Portfolio Holder reported that library staff would remain on the front line and many were keen to expand their roles and facilitate libraries being used in as many ways as possible. 

Councillor David Vasmer in relation to welcoming refugees in Shropshire.  In response to Councillor Vasmer’s supplementary question regarding publication of contact details, the Leader said that government guidance was being updated on a daily basis and the front page of the Council’s website displayed links to details of the support being offered both nationally and locally.