Agenda

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Council.

The Leader of the Council may give an oral report on matters of significance to the Borough, comment upon the Cabinet decisions or make any announcements.

To note the Mayoral Engagements undertaken since the previous Council meeting.

To answer questions received under Council Procedure Rule 6.2.

NB      In accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6.2.9 there will be a maximum of 30 minutes allowed for questions and answers.  Any question not answered within the 30 minute time limit will receive a written reply within 5 working days.

To receive the report on the Cabinet decisions made since publication of the last Council meeting agenda. Cabinet Members may speak on these decisions and Members may ask questions about key decisions of the relevant Cabinet Member for the purposes of clarification only.  Members are asked to note the additional delegations to officers granted at those meetings.

RECOMMENDED – that the updated Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy, which was approved by Licensing Committee on 14 October 2024, with effect from 31 January 2025 be adopted.

“This Council fully pledges to do all it can to support local pensioners including distributing £100 vouchers to 6,000 pensioners, continuing to lead the record sign up of Telford & Wrekin pensioners entitled to pension credit, providing increased support for our local Age UK and maintenance of travel and leisure discounts.
 
This Council fully recognises the £22 Billion black hole left by the previous Government and the new Governments attempts to restore stability to the nation’s finances and welcomes the Government’s decision to maintain the pension triple lock which will see an uplift of up to £470 in the state pension and the extension of the Household Support Fund.
 
This Council positively encourages the Government to continue to do it all can to support the most vulnerable pensioners including those just above the pension credit threshold."

The Motion will be seconded by Councillor Richard Overton.

“Following the Government’s 2024 Budget on 30th October and the £25 billion increase in Employer National Insurance contributions to 15% and reduction in the secondary threshold from £9,100 to £5,000 due to be implemented by April 2025; this Council confirms its commitment to support employers in Telford & Wrekin. Telford & Wrekin Council continues to recognise that this Borough is home to a high proportion of SMEs and start-ups and that this Council will support employers to ensure they continue to create quality employment opportunities within the Borough. This Council recognises that by creating a healthy economic environment for employers, this in turn supports households with quality employment and renumeration, and ultimately increasing household income creating a thriving local economy. This supports the Council’s policy of “everyone benefits from a thriving economy”. Combined with the increase in the National Living Wage and other measures associated with the Make Work Pay agenda, businesses are being asked to shoulder the brunt of the tax burden.”

The Motion will be seconded by Councillor Nigel Dugmore.

“This Council calls on the Leader to write to the PM and Secretary of state, to reverse the damaging increase of the bus fare cap by 50%, from £2 to £3, translating to £480 pa for an average bus commuter. This Council has declared a Climate emergency and as part of Active Travel and Sustainable transport, bus travel plays a key role in the Councils emissions reduction objectives. This swinging increase will have a devastating effect on rural bus use, adversely affecting those least able to afford alternatives, and those relying on the service to get to work and healthcare appointments.”

The Motion will be seconded by Councillor Rachael Tyrrell.