Agenda and minutes

The Mayor will welcome guests to the meeting.

The Mayor, Councillor R Mehta, welcomed civic dignitaries, Members and invited guests to the Annual Meeting of the Borough of Telford & Wrekin.  In particular he noted the presence of Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire Jenny Wynn, Lt Col Nick Jenkins representing The Rifles, Dr Josh Dixey High Sheriff of Shropshire, Civic Heads and others.

The Mayor noted the recent passing of Elizabeth Holt, former Deputy Lieutenant of Shropshire and Freeman of the Borough.  Members observed a one minute silence in tribute.

The following declaration will be read:

“Colleagues, aware of our responsibilities to promote democracy and the well-being of all local people, on behalf of the Council, I make this commitment to our office as elected representatives.

Elected to serve the public good, we recognise that public office is a privilege granted by the people and not a right.

We, elected representatives of the people of Telford & Wrekin, declare that we will, to the best of our ability, uphold the Council’s constitution and serve the community above any private or personal interest.”

All Members will affirm the Declaration

Councillor T Janke read the following declaration:

“Colleagues, aware of our responsibilities to promote democracy and the well-being of all local people, on behalf of the Council, I make this re-commitment to our office as elected representatives.

Elected to serve the public good, we recognise that public office is a privilege granted by the people and not a right.

We, elected representatives of the people of Telford & Wrekin, declare that we will, to the best of our ability, uphold the Council’s constitution and serve the community above any private or personal interest.”

Members signified their affirmation of the Declaration.

The Reverend Keith Osmund-Smith said prayers.

To elect a Mayor for 2019/20.

It was moved by Councillor H Rhodes, seconded by Councillor A Jhawar, that Councillor S J Reynolds be elected as Mayor of the Council. Following a vote it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor S J Reynolds be elected as Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2019/20.

To elect a Speaker for 2019/20.

It was moved by Councillor P Watling, seconded by Councillor R A Overton, that Councillor A R H England be elected as Speaker of the Council. A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor A R H England be elected as Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2019/20.

The Speaker made a short address to the Chamber.

To elect a Deputy Speaker for 2019/20.

It was moved by Councillor E A Clare, seconded by Councillor R A Overton, that Councillor J Lavery be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council.  A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor J Laverybe elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2019/20.

To elect a Deputy Mayor for 2019/20.

It was moved by Councillor K Sahota, seconded by Councillor E Callear, that Councillor A Jhawar be appointed as Deputy Mayor. A vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED – that Councillor A Jhawar be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2019/20.

A vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor R Mehta, was proposed by Councillor S Davies and seconded by Councillor R A Overton. 

RESOLVED – that the Council recorded its thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor R Mehta for his service over the 2018/19 term of office.

In response, the retiring Mayor thanked Members for their kind words and stated that he had been honoured and privileged to represent the borough during his year in office.  His year had focussed on the work of community and voluntary groups in the borough and he had attended over 426 engagements including business and charity events, talent showcases, and Telford’s 50^th birthday celebrations.  He had spent time visiting borough schools and care homes and at Christmas he had visited children at Princess Royal Hospital.

The retiring Mayor had through his fund raising launched a Grant Fund for which over £10,500 had been raised and allocated and he expressed thanks to all those who had supported this achievement.  He particularly expressed thanks to Council staff, his deputy, the Mayoress, his children and the people of Telford.

To elect a Leader for a four year term of office.

It was moved by Councillor R A Overton, seconded by Councillor H Rhodes, that  Councillor  S Davies be elected Leader of the Council for a four year term of office.

RESOLVED – that Councillor S Davies be elected as Leader of the Council for a four year term of office from 2019/20 to 2022/23.

To note the appointment by the Leader of the Council of a Deputy Leader for a four year term of office.

The Leader confirmed that he was appointing Councillor R A Overton as Deputy Leader for a four year term of office.

RESOLVED – that Councillor R A Overton be appointed Deputy Leader for a three year period 2019/20 to 2022/23

Councillor J Jones.

None.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 28 February 2019.

RESOLVED - that the minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 28 February 2019 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.

The Leader congratulated Members on their election and re-election and thanked the local community for their endorsement of the Labour Group’s approach to invest, protect and care for Telford and Wrekin.

The Leader set out central headline pledges as follows:

·         To continue to fight against the downgrade of the Accident & Emergency Department of the Princess Royal Hospital  and closure of the Women and Children’s Unit.

·         To continue to keep Telford and Wrekin’s Council Tax among the lowest in the region.

·         To continue to invest in protecting the most vulnerable adults and children in the community.

·         To invest record amounts to upgrade roads, footpaths and infrastructure across the borough.

·         To fight any proposed merger with Shropshire Council.

He noted there were over 100 manifesto commitments to be delivered and encouraged cross-party working to solve issues and capitalise on opportunities.

Councillor A J Eade reflected on the recent election and paid tribute to those councillors who had previously served their community but failed to get re-elected.  He looked forward to the next four years and a changed political landscape, hoping that the Council would rise to the occasion and work together to build a better borough.  

Councillor W L Tomlinson commented on the current political landscape and ongoing government cuts, pledging the Liberal Democrats & Independent Group’s support for hospital services in borough and to lobby government on funding.

To note the appointment, by the Leader of the Council, of Members to serve on the Cabinet for 2019/20.

Councillor S Davies notified the meeting of Cabinet appointments.

RESOLVED – that the Membership of the Cabinet, as notified by Councillor S Davies, be appointed for the municipal year 2019/20 as set out in the Leader’s report.

To re-assert the Council’s delegation scheme in accordance with the Constitution

Councillor R A Overton, Deputy Leader, proposed that Council approve the Council’s delegation scheme as detailed in the Constitution.

RESOLVED – that the discharge of Council functions by Committees as set out in the Council’s Constitution dated 19 January 2017 be approved under the provisions of Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972

To confirm the appointment of the Committees and Boards of the Council for 2019/20, including the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members to serve on those bodies.

Proposals for the appointment of Committees, Commissions and Boards, etc in accordance with the political balance of the Council had been submitted. 

RESOLVED – that the internal bodies for the municipal year 2019/20 (including the appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen) be appointed as set out in the report.

To confirm the programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2019/20.

The programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2019/20 would be as set out in the report.