Issue - meetings

Due to a technical issue, Councillor A Jhawar left the meeting during consideration of this item.  His connection was not restored before the meeting closed.

The Leader expressed gratitude to the NHS, keyworkers and Council staff for their response to the Coronavirus pandemic and expressed sympathy to the families of local residents who had died.  The Leader reflected on the cross-party work that had taken place to support the community and looked ahead to the lessons that needed to be learnt for the future.

Councillor A J Eade also reflected on the unprecedented situation and paid tribute to all those working to support the community.  He reflected on the financial cost of the crisis and the need for the Council to do everything in its power to secure the future prosperity of the borough.

Similarly, Councillor W L Tomlinson expressed his thanks to keyworkers and Council staff and extended condolences to those bereaved during the pandemic.

In response, the Leader reflected on the scale of challenge that lay ahead as the Council sought to reform and reset.

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.