Agenda item
Motions
The following motions have been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 16:
1. Motion received from Councillor Julian Dean supported by the Green Group
Council notes and supports:
The following statements from the Department for Transport’s “Decarbonising Transport – A Better, Greener Britain” report:
“Buses are the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to improve public transport.”
“As well as decarbonising private and commercial road vehicles, therefore, we must increase the share of trips taken by public transport, cycling and walking.”
The temporary £2 national bus fare limit.
The expectation that government will require a ‘vision led approach’ to for the new Local Transport Plan to specifically target carbon emissions through modal change and “that LTAs will need to define Quantified Carbon Reductions (QCRs) for any proposed interventions included within the LTP” (taken from UPDATE ON LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN FOR SHROPSHIRE report to Place Overview Committee February 2023).
We further note recent expressions of support for better public transport by the local Federation of Small Businesses and the Shropshire Business Chamber, pointing to recruitment challenges due to young people who either choose not to drive, or can’t afford to, not being able to access work opportunities.
Council expresses its disappointment at the rejection of the Levelling Up Fund bid to support public transport but remains committed to an improved bus service as a key element in providing improved connectivity without further damage to environment. We welcome, as an example, the aspiration of the MP for North Shropshire and the Portfolio holder for Climate Change, The Environment and Transport for express bus services connecting Market Drayton to Shrewsbury.
Council believes:
Preferential access to the town centre for bus services is key to attracting people out of cars into the most space efficient mode of transport, the urban bus.
A well designed and conveniently located transport hub is a pre-requisite for an effective bus network, serving the needs of both passengers and drivers.
The current bus station site, which is in the public realm and has easy access to the train station and the Darwin Shopping Centre remains the ideal location. Alternatives discussed so far, such as suggestions for a range of bus stops around the railway station instead of a bus station would be a poor substitute for a modern bus interchange station and would fail to signal our commitment to excellent public transport for the future.
The redevelopment of the riverside area provides an opportunity to install a new and attractive bus interchange and transport hub on this location, integrated with other developments. We note that other towns of similar size to Shrewsbury have installed new bus station interchanges in recent years.
Therefore council resolves:
To commit to ensuring that the county town of Shrewsbury retains a proper Bus Station by requiring that the masterplan brief for the Riverside redevelopment includes the requirement for an attractive bus station with excellent links to rail and town centre, making best use of the current location.
2. Motion received from Councillor David Vasmer and supported by the Liberal Democrat Group
This Council:
· Notes that new Voter ID requirements, introduced by the Elections Act 2022, involve voters having to show photo ID before being issued with a ballot paper at all elections from May 2023 onwards.
· Notes with concern that this new requirement creates a new barrier to residents exercising their democratic right to vote and may lead to some Shropshire residents being disenfranchised.
· Notes that a list of ‘accepted’ forms of photo ID has been published and that this includes fewer forms of ID held by younger and marginalised people.
· Notes that voters can obtain a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ from the Council if they do not have an ‘accepted’ form of photo ID.
· Notes with concern the additional costs and administrative burden this will place on Electoral Services, and the risk of abuse towards poll workers from anyone denied a vote due to lack of ID.
· Believes that this legislation is unnecessary, undemocratic and an example of attempted voter suppression
Council therefore:
· Calls on Cabinet to review current electoral registration letters and public information campaigns to ensure that every effort is made to communicate these new requirements, to avoid any resident being disenfranchised.
· Calls on Cabinet to include reference to the need to show voter ID and how to claim a Voter Authority Certificate on all forms of written communications including emails, letters and social media posts.
· Calls on the government to urgently expand the list of ‘accepted’ forms of photo ID and to fully fund the costs to Councils of implementing this policy.
· Requests that the Leader communicate Council’s views to Government and to our local MPs
3. Motion received from Councillor David Vasmer and supported by Councillors Julia Buckley, Roger Evans, Mike Isherwood, David Minnery, Tony Parsons, Edward Towers, Alex Wagner and Mark Williams
More Member Involvement in Planning Decisions
This Council Notes
1) The concern of many members of all Groups about the decisions of the Agenda Setting meetings that take place before meetings of both the Northern and Southern Planning Committees
2) That Members are not informed about the decisions of the Agenda Setting meetings and often only find out after a decision notice has been issued.
3) That a record of decisions taken by Agenda Setting meetings is made but not circulated to councillors nor is it published on the Council’s website.
4) That Members cannot attend Agenda Setting Meetings
5) That there is no provision for Members challenge planning enforcement decisions as exist in other planning authorities.
This Council Agrees
1) That there is a need to review Shropshire’s scheme of delegation for planning decisions in the light of controversial decisions taken by both the Northern and Southern Planning Committees when Members do not believe that their views were properly considered before decisions were taken.
This Council Resolves
1) That the Place Overview Committee conduct a review of Shropshire’s Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions taking into account:
a. Schemes operated by other planning authorities
b. The views of Members
c. The views of Parish and Town Councils
2) That such a review and recommendations for change be considered in time for implementation at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2023
4. Motion received from Councillor Julia Buckley and supported by Councillors Bagnall, Clarke, Connolly, Dartnall, Halliday, Moseley, Mosley, and Parsons
Annual Cost of Care Fee Review – Revised Methodology Linked to Providers’ Actual Increased Costs
This Council Notes:
1. That the Annual Care Fee Review process seeks to allocate a fair uplift to cover increased costs for social care providers on a 12-monthly basis, to reflect accurate cost changes within multi-annual delivery contracts
2. The concern of many members and residents regarding the ongoing viability of non-profit organisations to deliver key adult social care provision in Shropshire, given current financial pressures
3. The appreciation and gratitude towards social care staff who work in incredibly demanding and important roles across our county, often without the full financial recompense and recognition they deserve
4. That the increase in the National Minimum Wage goes some way to redress that balance, but does also add an additional 6.6% of cost pressure to care provider organisations
5. That the current inflationary pressures also add 10.1% additional costs for heating, utilities and transport fuel
6. This would create an average cost increase for care providers in 2023-24 of 8.35%
This Council Agrees:
1. That there is a need to ensure we support and retain our non-profit providers within the sector to help deliver our services
2. That whilst there is a wide variance in types of provision with different cost models, increases could still be captured accurately
3. If we fail to set accurate cost increases we could lose several providers of vital care; so it is crucial to examine this issue
4. That a review of the mechanism for cost review uplifts is needed
This Council Resolves:
1. To review the calculation formula used to arrive at Care Fee agreements with providers.
2. A fairer mechanism could be to seek evidence from providers that accurately captures price increases and use the % increase as a base for settlement increases
3. To work with all providers, including non-profit organisations, to retain and nurture provision for our most vulnerable residents.
Minutes:
The following motion was received from Councillor Julian Dean and supported by the Green Group
Council notes and supports:
The following statements from the Department for Transport’s “Decarbonising Transport – A Better, Greener Britain” report:
“Buses are the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to improve public transport.”
“As well as decarbonising private and commercial road vehicles, therefore, we must increase the share of trips taken by public transport, cycling and walking.”
The temporary £2 national bus fare limit.
The expectation that government will require a ‘vision led approach’ to for the new Local Transport Plan to specifically target carbon emissions through modal change and “that LTAs will need to define Quantified Carbon Reductions (QCRs) for any proposed interventions included within the LTP” (taken from UPDATE ON LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN FOR SHROPSHIRE report to Place Overview Committee February 2023).
We further note recent expressions of support for better public transport by the local Federation of Small Businesses and the Shropshire Business Chamber, pointing to recruitment challenges due to young people who either choose not to drive, or can’t afford to, not being able to access work opportunities.
Council expresses its disappointment at the rejection of the Levelling Up Fund bid to support public transport but remains committed to an improved bus service as a key element in providing improved connectivity without further damage to environment. We welcome, as an example, the aspiration of the MP for North Shropshire and the Portfolio holder for Climate Change, The Environment and Transport for express bus services connecting Market Drayton to Shrewsbury.
Council believes:
Preferential access to the town centre for bus services is key to attracting people out of cars into the most space efficient mode of transport, the urban bus.
A well designed and conveniently located transport hub is a pre-requisite for an effective bus network, serving the needs of both passengers and drivers.
The current bus station site, which is in the public realm and has easy access to the train station and the Darwin Shopping Centre remains the ideal location. Alternatives discussed so far, such as suggestions for a range of bus stops around the railway station instead of a bus station would be a poor substitute for a modern bus interchange station and would fail to signal our commitment to excellent public transport for the future.
The redevelopment of the riverside area provides an opportunity to install a new and attractive bus interchange and transport hub on this location, integrated with other developments. We note that other towns of similar size to Shrewsbury have installed new bus station interchanges in recent years.
Therefore council resolves:
To commit to ensuring that the county town of Shrewsbury retains a proper Bus Station by requiring that the masterplan brief for the Riverside redevelopment includes the requirement for an attractive bus station with excellent links to rail and town centre, making best use of the current location.
Councillor Julia Evans seconded the motion
By way of amendment Councillor Rosemary Dartnall proposed that
Council believes:
Preferential access to the town centre for bus services is key to attracting people out of cars into the most space efficient mode of transport, the urban bus.
A well designed and conveniently located transport hub is a pre-requisite for an effective bus network, serving the needs of both passengers and drivers.
The redevelopment of the riverside area provides an opportunity to install a new and attractive bus interchange and transport hub on this, or an alternative town centre location, integrated with other developments. We note that other towns of similar size to Shrewsbury have installed new bus station interchanges in recent years.
Council resolves to:
Confirm that the existing bus station location remains an option for an improved bus station with facilities for passengers and drivers, of a standard likely to increase public transport use across Shropshire, in accordance with our shared ambition for transport modal shift.
Make explicit to the those developing the delayed BTP Movement Strategy that the revised Smithfield Riverside Strategic Development Framework requirement for the movement strategy to “Consider the reconfiguration or relocation of the existing bus station” still stands.
Clarify that the brief for the Smithfield Riverside masterplan tender should follow the BTP Movement Strategy, as was envisaged by the original timeline which would have seen the Movement Strategy already published and, which could include an improved bus station at the existing location.
Ensure that throughout all stages of the Smithfield Riverside development, provision of a Shrewsbury central bus interchange must be provided, as the minimum requirement, for bus passengers and drivers.
Councillor Dean indicated that he would accept the amendment.
By way of amendment Councillor Dean Carroll proposed
This Council resolves:
To reaffirm its commitment to including a bus interchange within the Riverside/Smithfield Road redevelopment site in replacement of the existing bus station to ensure retention of excellent links between bus and rail and transport and Shrewsbury Town Centre.
This was seconded by Councillor Lezley Picton
On taking a vote the amendment was supported and it was RESOLVED:
This Council resolves:
To reaffirm its commitment to including a bus interchange within the Riverside/Smithfield Road redevelopment site in replacement of the existing bus station to ensure retention of excellent links between bus and rail and transport and Shrewsbury Town Centre
The following motion was received from Councillor David Vasmer and supported by the Liberal Democrat Group
This Council:
· Notes that new Voter ID requirements, introduced by the Elections Act 2022, involve voters having to show photo ID before being issued with a ballot paper at all elections from May 2023 onwards.
· Notes with concern that this new requirement creates a new barrier to residents exercising their democratic right to vote and may lead to some Shropshire residents being disenfranchised.
· Notes that a list of ‘accepted’ forms of photo ID has been published and that this includes fewer forms of ID held by younger and marginalised people.
· Notes that voters can obtain a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ from the Council if they do not have an ‘accepted’ form of photo ID.
· Notes with concern the additional costs and administrative burden this will place on Electoral Services, and the risk of abuse towards poll workers from anyone denied a vote due to lack of ID.
· Believes that this legislation is unnecessary, undemocratic and an example of attempted voter suppression
Council therefore:
· Calls on Cabinet to review current electoral registration letters and public information campaigns to ensure that every effort is made to communicate these new requirements, to avoid any resident being disenfranchised.
· Calls on Cabinet to include reference to the need to show voter ID and how to claim a Voter Authority Certificate on all forms of written communications including emails, letters and social media posts.
· Calls on the government to urgently expand the list of ‘accepted’ forms of photo ID and to fully fund the costs to Councils of implementing this policy.
· Requests that the Leader communicate Council’s views to Government and to our local MPs
Councillor Andy Boddington seconded the motion
Following advice from the Monitoring Officer Councillor Vasmer altered the motion to the following: -
Council therefore:
· Calls on the Electoral Registration/Returning Officer to arrange a presentation to Members to explain his intentions regarding a communications strategy to ensure that every effort is made to communicate these new requirements, to avoid any resident being disenfranchised. Such a presentation should include reference to electoral registration letters and how the need to show voter ID and to apply for a Voter Identity Certificate will be highlighted on relevant written communications including emails, letters and social media posts
· Calls on the government to urgently expand the list of ‘accepted’ forms of photo ID and to fully fund the costs to Councils of implementing this policy.
· Requests that the Leader communicate Council’s views to Government and to our local MPs
On taking a vote the motion was not supported
The following motion was received from Councillor David Vasmer and supported by Councillors Julia Buckley, Roger Evans, Mike Isherwood, David Minnery, Tony Parsons, Edward Towers, Alex Wagner and Mark Williams
More Member Involvement in Planning Decisions
This Council Notes
1) The concern of many members of all Groups about the decisions of the Agenda Setting meetings that take place before meetings of both the Northern and Southern Planning Committees
2) That Members are not informed about the decisions of the Agenda Setting meetings and often only find out after a decision notice has been issued.
3) That a record of decisions taken by Agenda Setting meetings is made but not circulated to councillors nor is it published on the Council’s website.
4) That Members cannot attend Agenda Setting Meetings
5) That there is no provision for Members challenge planning enforcement decisions as exist in other planning authorities.
This Council Agrees
1) That there is a need to review Shropshire’s scheme of delegation for planning decisions in the light of controversial decisions taken by both the Northern and Southern Planning Committees when Members do not believe that their views were properly considered before decisions were taken.
This Council Resolves
1) That the Place Overview Committee conduct a review of Shropshire’s Scheme of Delegation for planning decisions taking into account:
a. Schemes operated by other planning authorities
b. The views of Members
c. The views of Parish and Town Councils
2) That such a review and recommendations for change be considered in time for implementation at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2023
Councillor Tony Parsons seconded the motion
On taking a vote the motion was not supported.
The following motion received from Councillor Julia Buckley and supported by Councillors Caroline Bagnall, Ted Clarke, Rachel Connolly, Rosemary Dartnall, Kate Halliday, Pam Moseley, Alan Mosley, and Tony Parsons
Annual Cost of Care Fee Review – Revised Methodology Linked to Providers’ Actual Increased Costs
This Council Notes:
1. That the Annual Care Fee Review process seeks to allocate a fair uplift to cover increased costs for social care providers on a 12-monthly basis, to reflect accurate cost changes within multi-annual delivery contracts
2. The concern of many members and residents regarding the ongoing viability of non-profit organisations to deliver key adult social care provision in Shropshire, given current financial pressures
3. The appreciation and gratitude towards social care staff who work in incredibly demanding and important roles across our county, often without the full financial recompense and recognition they deserve
4. That the increase in the National Minimum Wage goes some way to redress that balance, but does also add an additional 6.6% of cost pressure to care provider organisations
5. That the current inflationary pressures also add 10.1% additional costs for heating, utilities and transport fuel
6. This would create an average cost increase for care providers in 2023-24 of 8.35%
This Council Agrees:
1. That there is a need to ensure we support and retain our non-profit providers within the sector to help deliver our services
2. That whilst there is a wide variance in types of provision with different cost models, increases could still be captured accurately
3. If we fail to set accurate cost increases we could lose several providers of vital care; so it is crucial to examine this issue
4. That a review of the mechanism for cost review uplifts is needed
This Council Resolves:
1. To review the calculation formula used to arrive at Care Fee agreements with providers.
2. A fairer mechanism could be to seek evidence from providers that accurately captures price increases and use the % increase as a base for settlement increases
3. To work with all providers, including non-profit organisations, to retain and nurture provision for our most vulnerable residents.
Councillor Rachel Connolly seconded the motion.
By way of amendment Councillor Cecilia Motley proposed that
This Council Notes:
1. That the Annual Care Fee Review process seeks to allocate a fair uplift to cover increased costs for social care providers on a 12 monthly basis to reflect accurate cost changes within multi-annual delivery contracts.
2. The appreciation and gratitude towards social care staff who work in incredibly demanding and important roles across our county often without the financial recompense and recognition they deserve
This Council Agrees:
1. That there is a need to ensure we support and retain our valued providers within the sector to help deliver our services. To that end we will support a market where demands are more aligned to strategies such as the Shropshire Plan and supporting people as appropriate to remain at home.
2. That the work put into the Fair Cost of Care exercise has provided the Council with a valuable template for determining future regular funding rounds, whilst recognising that the Cost of Care policy places further pressure on the Council’s resources.
This Council Resolves:
1. To work with all providers, including non-profit organisations, to retain and nurture appropriate provision for our most vulnerable residents
2. Further, to work with providers to redesign the domiciliary care market to ensure growth, flexibility and coverage; and consideration of a ‘rural rate’.
3. To recognise the complication of the time lag using the previous year’s costings, and impact of inflation, and how this has added additional pressure where the discrepancy is unusually high such as in the 2023/24 negotiations. This should be given due consideration, and where possible, costs calculated as an average of the 2 years, and to also take account of inflation projections into the future.
Councillor Buckley indicated that she would accept the amendment and on taking a vote it was RESOLVED:
This this Council Resolves:
1. To work with all providers, including non-profit organisations, to retain and nurture appropriate provision for our most vulnerable residents
2. Further, to work with providers to redesign the domiciliary care market to ensure growth, flexibility and coverage; and consideration of a ‘rural rate’.
3. To recognise the complication of the time lag using the previous year’s costings, and impact of inflation, and how this has added additional pressure where the discrepancy is unusually high such as in the 2023/24 negotiations. This should be given due consideration, and where possible, costs calculated as an average of the 2 years, and to also take account of inflation projections into the future.