Agenda and minutes

Councillor K Middleton declared a non- prejudicial interest in CAB-201 (Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy) as she worked within the area.

RESOLVED- that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 November 2022 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The Leader advised this was the last Cabinet meeting of 2022 and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

To obtain approval to proceed to consultation on the draft Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member: Housing, Enforcement & Transport presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure.  The report sought approval to proceed to consultation on the draft Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The SPD would provide guidance for protecting and enhancing the World Heritage Site (WHS). It was noted that the WHS had a significant number of heritage assets, including 375 listed buildings and 7 scheduled ancient monuments. The WHS attracted around 1 million visitors annually and generated an estimated £43m for the Borough’s economy.

The SPD would support residents, businesses and organisations with planning applications that are within the boundaries, or impact on the setting, of the WHS.

Cabinet Members welcomed the proposals and noted the contribution the WHS bought to the Borough. Cabinet Members discussed joint working with Shropshire Council on the policy.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    The consultation version of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document be approved;

b)   Authority be delegated to the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure (and any other officer authorised in writing by this postholder) to consult.

To receive a report on the declaration of further Green Guarantee sites.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member: Housing, Enforcement & Transport presented the report of the Director: Prosperity & Investment. The report sought approval to extend the Council’s existing Green Guarantee protection to an additional 107 sites within the Borough.

It was noted that Telford’s green network covered approximately 2500ha, with around 557ha of this being existing Green Guarantee sites. The sites must have met a specific set of criteria in order to be eligible to become a Green Guarantee site.

Cabinet Members discussed how important green spaces were to people’s mental and physical health. Members discussed that many of the spaces identified were not large recreation spaces, but smaller pockets, often where children would play football.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The declaration of 107 new Green Guarantee Sites be approved;

b)   Authority be delegated to the Director: Prosperity & Investment and Director: Policy & Governance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member: Climate Change, Green Spaces, Natural and Historic Environment & Cultural Services to complete the declaration process.

To receive a report on the new Indoor Sports and Leisure Strategy.

The Cabinet member: Leisure, Public Health and Well-Being, Equalities & Partnerships presented the report of the Director: Communities, Customer & Commercial Services. The report presented the new Indoor Sports & Leisure Strategy.

The previous framework was 15 years old and the facilities offered by the Council since publication had significantly improved. The new strategy would ensure that the provision was able to meet current and future demand, contribute to Council priorities and further increase community physical activity levels.

Consultation with stakeholders had taken place to identify local priorities and priority groups and a resident’s survey had been undertaken.

Cabinet Members noted that the administration had chosen not to outsource leisure facilities like many other Council’s had and the result was the fantastic offer across the whole Borough. Cabinet Members discussed the public health benefits of leisure facilities.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The Telford & Wrekin Indoor Sports & Leisure Strategy (2022-2032) be endorsed;

b)   Authority be delegated to the Director: Communities, Customer & Commercial Services, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member: Leisure, Public Health and Well-being, Equalities & Partnerships to progress the actions set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

To receive a report on the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.

The Cabinet Member: Stronger and Safer Communities presented the report of the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure. The report sought approval of the new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the Borough.

It was noted that the Council was required to produce a homelessness strategy and the previous strategy was due to expire in 2022. The strategy had been produced in conjunction with key partner agencies including the voluntary sector.

The strategy set out four overarching priorities which ran throughout the whole strategy. These priority areas were:

·         Prevention through early intervention

·         Accommodation to support and empower

·         Addressing rough sleeping

·         Collaboration – delivery services that are responsive, targeted and maximise impact

Cabinet members welcomed the report and thanked officers and partners for their work in delivering the service. Cabinet Members discussed personal experiences of using the service and how valuable it was for service users.

In response to a question from the Conservative Group Leader, it was confirmed that funding for mental health support had been secured for a further two year period from the Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The adoption of the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the period of 2022-2027 be approved;

b)   Authority be delegated to the Director: Housing, Employment & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member: Stronger & Safer Communities, to implement the actions set out in the strategy.