To elect a Chairman for the ensuing year.

The Interim Chief Executive confirmed that she had received the resignation of the Chairman Councillor Duncan Borrowman.  The Vice Chairman Councillor Gary Groves took the Chair.

It was proposed, seconded and duly RESOLVED that Councillor Duncan Barrowman be elected as Chairman of Shropshire Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting of Council on 14 May 2026

Councillor Barrowman then took the Chair and subscribed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office before being invested with the Chairman’s badge of office.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Andy Boddington, Mandy Duncan, Brendon Mallon, David Minnery, and Colin Stanford

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year

The Interim Chief Executive received the resignation of the Vice Chairman.

It was proposed, seconded and duly RESOLVED that Councillor Gary Groves be appointed as Vice-Chairman of Shropshire Council to hold office until the Annual Meeting of Council on 13 May 2027

Councillor Groves subscribed his Declaration of Acceptance of Office before being invested with the Vice-Chairman’s badge of office.

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.

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.

Councillor Mark Morris declared an interest in Agenda Item 18b Notice of Motion as he has a contract with Shropshire Council to provide home to school transport.  He made the declaration as soon as it became apparent and left the room and took no part in the debate or vote.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 February 2026

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2026, as circulated with the agenda papers, be approved and signed as a correct record.

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

Chairman’s Engagements

The Chairman referred Members to the list of official engagements carried out by himself and the Vice Chairman since the last meeting of the Council on 26 February 2026, which had been circulated by email

Statement by Deputy Leader

The Deputy Leader, Councillor Alex Wagner made the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the rise in incidents of hate crime reported in recent weeks across the country, and here in Shropshire, where we have seen incidents of intimidation and abuse towards our residents, our staff and our councillors.

As leaders across all political groups, we stand united against abuse, intimidation and hate in all its forms. We are committed to treating one another with respect and to ensuring Shropshire remains a place where everyone feels safe and valued, and where council staff are able to serve our communities with confidence.

This is not about policies, views or beliefs. It is about how we stand up together for our shared values - treating each other with respect and tolerance and making Shropshire a place we are all proud to be part of, where everyone belongs.

Some of the items on today’s Full Council agenda remind us of the importance of respect and of tackling abuse.  In light of recent reports in the news and activity on social media, we want to make this clear statement. We ask others in the chamber today to join us in standing against abuse, intimidation and hate.”

To receive any questions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  Deadline for notification is 12.00 noon on Friday 8 May 2026

The Chair advised that 4 questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

Question from Graham Betts regarding parking on Darwins Walk and Bowbrook Meadows

Question from Geoff Lowe regarding Road and Public Open Spaces in Market Drayton.

Question from Peter Gilbert regarding the Council’s net zero target. In response to a supplementary question the Portfolio Holder confirmed that there were plans to screen the public emergency film and that he would get back to him when further details were available.

Question from Paul Williamson regarding the use of the Halesfield recycling site by residents of Shropshire.  In response to a supplementary question regarding the expected timescale for a resolution the Portfolio Holder advised that discussions were currently taking place between officers to try and resolve this situation and that it was hoped there would be a speedy resolution to the benefit of all residents.

The full questions and responses can be found here  Public Questions Council 14 May 2026 with Responses.pdf.

To receive any questions from Members, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Friday 8 May 2026.

The Chairman advised that 6 questions had been received in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.

Question from Councillor Beverley Waite regarding the Local Transport Plan 2026 – 2038.  There was no supplementary question.

Question from Councillor Julian Dean regarding the removal of flags from street furniture.  There was no supplementary question

Question from Councillor Brian Evans regarding Cornovii.  There was no supplementary question.

Question from Councillor Carl Rowley regarding the flying oof flags.  There was no supplementary question

Question from Councillor Rosemary Dartnall regarding Shrewsbury Moves.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Dartnall commented that  without greatly improved bus services, including buses on Sundays, Shrewsbury Moves will struggle to get off the ground and asked the Portfolio Holder whether he would re-establish a cross-party working group?

Question from Councillor Elizabeth Barker regarding the Afghan Resettlement Scheme.  By way of supplementary question Councillor Barker asked would a public apology be made to residents of Cosford and Albrighton for being given misleading information?  The Portfolio Holder agreed to follow this up with officers and report back to Councillor Barker.
 

The full questions and responses can be found here  MEMBER QUESTIONS COUNCIL 14 MAY 2026 WITH RESPONSES.pdf

Report of the Service Director – Legal and Governance and the Statutory Scrutiny Officer is attached

Contact         Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

Tom Dodds Tel 01743 258518

It was proposed by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and seconded by Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Housing Supervisory Board be removed from the Constitution.

2.    That the Scrutiny Committees and their terms of reference be approved as follows:

Report of the Service Director – Legal and Governance is attached

Contact Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

It was proposed by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and seconded by Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That the Council confirms the constitution of committees and the allocation of seats to each of the political groups for the 2026/27 municipal year and the allocation of seats between the political groups, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to this report. 

Report of the Service Director – Legal and Governance is attached

Contact Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

It was proposed by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities and seconded by The Leader Councillor Heather Kidd that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Members resolve that the updated Scheme of Delegations, set out in Part 8 of the Constitution be agreed as outlined within this report and as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

As she had an interest in the following item The Interim Chief Executive left the chamber during the consideration of the report

Report of the Service Director Enabling is attached

Contact: Sam Williams. Tel. 01743 252817

It was proposed by The Leader Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council confirm the appointment of Tanya Miles to the permanent Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive), with effect from 1^st June 2026.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive is attached

Contact: Tanya Miles. Tel. 01743 252817

It was proposed by The Leader Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council confirm the appointment of Richard Phillips as the Council's permanent Monitoring Officer (Service Director - Legal & Governance) and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer, with effect from Monday 29^th June 2026.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive is attached

Contact: Tanya Miles. Tel. 01743 252817

It was proposed by The Leader Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council

1.    Approve the Corporate Plan 2026-2030

2.    Note the underlying need for financial recovery and sustainability, the need to align delivery commitments to the Council’s financial position, and the potential impact on service standards

Report of the Service Director – Strategy & Change is attached

Contact: Paul Clarke Tel. 01743 252421

It was proposed by Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care and seconded by Councillor Rosie Radford that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Council

1.    Approve the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029

2.    Note that delivery of the Strategy will be overseen by the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board through an accompanying action plan, with regular monitoring and review by the Community Safety Partnership.

Report of the Service Director – Legal and Governance is attached

Contact Tim Collard Tel 01743 252756

It was proposed by The Leader Councillor Heather Kidd and seconded by Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.    The Leader supports the Jo Cox Foundation and Compassion in Politics’ Civility Pledge, and encourages all members sign up to the following commitments: 

“to

·       use a civil and constructive tone in debate;

·       act with integrity, honesty and compassion;

·       behave respectfully towards others, including those you disagree with.” 

2.    That the Pledge is referenced on all Cabinet and Committee agendas as a reminder to members.

Report of the Service Director – Place Shaping is attached

Contact: Kassandra Polyzoides   Tel. 01743 254797

It was proposed by Councillor Dan Thomas and seconded by Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

RESOLVED:

That Shropshire Council, as the Local Planning Authority ‘makes’ (i.e. adopts) the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review (as set out in Appendices 1 and 2) and brings it into force with immediate effect as part of the development plan for Shropshire

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

Motion received from Councillor Brendan Mallon and supported by the Reform Group

The Chairman advised Members that due to a procedural error at the last meeting Councillor Mallon was denied his right of reply prior to the vote being taken following a closure motion and that there will be no debate on this motion but Councillor Mallon will be given his right to reply prior to a vote being taken and that as Councillor Mallon was unable to attend today, this would be read out by Cllr Harry Hancock-Davies

Globally, the transition to ‘Net Zero’ energy systems is in a state of rapid collapse. No large economy is persisting with this and only a handful of lesser economies are still fully committed. The US is unequivocally out. Russia, India, most of Asia and South America were never really in (despite the Paris Agreement) and China simply lies.

China’s wind and solar ‘farms’ are merely a shop front for the planet’s primary manufacturer of that equipment. Meanwhile, they rapidly expand Coal and Nuclear use. China alone is 32% of global emissions (Our World in Data), more than the combined developed world. Chinese per capita emissions surpassed the UK in 2022 and are now already double the UK’s, with no slowdown in the increase. China plus just the USA and India make up fully half of global emissions.

The latest domino to fall is Germany. Previous dependence on Russian gas and their abandonment of Nuclear makes Germany now heavily dependent on coal and lignite (14% - AG Enrgiebilanzen) and LNG and thus the EU’s largest emitter at 22% of the total (EDGAR 2024 report). Unaffordable energy has resulted in large scale off-shoring of German heavy industry. Thus, Chancellor Merz’s announcement to reverse their energy policies, maintaining Net Zero in name only.

What remains is a handful of smaller European economies plus Australia still pursuing Net Zero to a similar extent as the UK, with a combined output circa 7% of global emissions (Net Zero Tracker and EDGAR 2024). Canada nominally has Net Zero policies but, unlike the UK, continues with extensive hydrocarbon production. Clearly, 7% of Net Zero is little more than a rounding error. Thus, any further spending on Net Zero is an obvious waste of money.

A number of Councils around the country, including Labour-led Islington, have heavily curtailed or suspended Net Zero spending. In the context of our Financial Emergency, in order to reduce both capital and revenue spend, we move that the Council immediately suspend all Net Zero related spending, pending a review of value-for-money beyond clearly ineffectual reductions in CO2 emissions “

Councillor Hancock Davies read out the statement form Councillor Mallon and following a vote the motion fell

Motion received from Councillor Carl Rowley and supported by Councillors Elizabeth Barker, Brian Evans, Harry Hancock-Davies and George Hollyhead

Motion: Removal of Canal Towpaths from the Safe Walking Routes Policy

This Council notes that:

1. Shropshire Council’s approach to assessing walked routes to school allows a wide range  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To agree that the meetings of the Council in 2026 – 2027 will be held on the following Thursdays, commencing at 10.00 am.

16 July 2026

24 September 2026

10 December 2026

25 February 2027

25 March 2027

13 May 2027

RESOLVED:

That meetings of the Council in 2026 – 2027 will be held on the following Thursdays, commencing at 10.00 am.

16 July 2026

24 September 2026

10 December 2026

25 February 2027

25 March 2027

13 May 2027