Meeting Updates

Yesterday I attended a full Shropshire Council Meeting.

Item 7 was to discuss the report of the Interim Executive Director, Resources on Council Tax Resolution of 2021-2022.

Members were asked to approve a 3.99% Council Tax rise resulting in a basic amount of council tax for a band D property of £1,501.22.

Whilst tax increases are never popular, the council has decided not to raise tax by the full amount (4.99%). It was important though that the Council ensures its budget is balanced in future years for the next administration. The main pressures on the Council’s budget are Children’s Services and Adult Social Care, vulnerable groups which I am sure are everyone’s priorities. Rural counties are funded less well by the government so it is important that the Council Executive lobbies the current administration to ensure there is a level playing field and to relieve the pressure on local taxpayers.

Details for individual parishes can be found on page 28 of the public papers https://shropshire.gov.uk/committee-services/documents/g4138/Public%20reports%20pack%2025th-Feb-2021%2010.00%20Council.pdf?T=10

Unfortunately, given the forthcoming elections, there was some element of party politics with liberal democrat and labour members abstaining on the motion, so we will never know whether their intention would be to freeze, or increase council tax. As stated, the purpose of these increases is to ensure a future balanced budget, which even with an increase of 3.99% will mean cuts in some cost centres due to rising costs of adult social care, for example.

I spoke out about the University Centre of Shrewsbury Project, which was started before I was elected. I made the point that Universities, in general, are well funded and should be able to manage their business without subsidies from local taxpayers. Whilst the project is well intentioned, (to expand Higher Education opportunities in Shropshire), I would like to see Shropshire Council derive income from the accommodation based in Shrewsbury through its partnership with the University of Chester.

There was also a discussion on the future of the Civic Accommodation (the Council Buildings at Shirehall). I supported the motion to close this building and relocate council business into Shrewsbury Town Centre and into local communities, making council officers more accessible to the public. Shirehall is, in my opinion, an ugly building, from the 1960s, expensive to run and very inefficient. Staff have also complained about having to work in it. I hope that the staff will experience an improved working environment, with commutes reduced through online working and members of the public more able to access services from local hubs.

The minutes of the previous meeting noted the approval of the Shifnal Town Centre and Highways Improvement Scheme and allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funds for the Shifnal area of £1,887,779.00 and £829,000 of Section 106 funds for highway junction improvements for project delivery.

That Council approve a tender process and subsequent mobilisation to facilitate delivery of the Shifnal Town Centre Improvement Plan as supported with all parties. The Council delegated to the Assistant Director of Infrastructure to amend the project as required in response to the tender outcome.

Today, members of the Town Council committee looking into the Shifnal Integrated Transport Scheme met with officers from Shropshire Council and planners from WSP.

We have looked at the latest iteration of Town centre designs. After some discussion around details we agreed we were happy for the new designs to proceed pending any final legal checks. The scheme will mean:

-A safer 20 mph zone, engineered to be 20 mph rather than just signage.

-Public realm areas that can be used by the public for leisure, markets and so forth

-Widened footpaths. Some of the pavements currently are narrow which is an issue for the elderly, wheelchair users and parents with young children.

-There will only be a net loss of 1 parking space from 18 to 17 in total following the latest amended designs based on feedback from residents.

-I have asked that council departments work together to ensure the whole scheme from Market Place to Shrewsbury Road and adjacent areas are improved, this includes 22 Market Place. Cllr. Cox also raised the walk through next to the Co-op, although that area is owned by the Co-op.

-We will have all new paving and tarmac throughout the Town centre.

-LED lighting

The project will mean that £2.7 million will be invested into Shifnal, coming from developers not taxpayers (CIL and Section 106 monies).