Agenda

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the last meeting of the Full Council held on 17 July 2025.

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 receive any questions from the public which have been submitted under Council Procedure Rules 7.11 and 7.12. The session will last no more than 15 minutes with a maximum of 2 minutes allowed for each question and answer. Questions can be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members.

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.

To receive the annual CSE Report.

To receive a report requesting two Councillors’ Leave of Absence. 

To receive an update on the Council’s financial monitoring position.

To receive the Treasury Management 2024/25 Annual Report and 2025/26 Update Report.

“This Council undertakes to follow the Secretary of State’s acknowledgement that small modular reactors (SMRs) will, unlike wind turbines, provide a constant source of reliable energy, and will include potential future provision for the same within the current Draft Plan.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Tim Nelson.

“April this year I requested a motion to be brought to Full Council updating PSPO due to increased dog attacks in our Borough. Whilst I have not had the opportunity yet to bring this to Council until now, I was pleased to see amendments made to the PSPO in September with regards to dog fouling and prohibiting dogs in play areas. The ‘Wrekin Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2025’ is now online for public however is just an extra policy including original orders.

This is not enough in my opinion as it does not deal with the bigger issue preventing dog attacks.

In Telford and Wrekin, the number of offences titled ‘Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be dangerously out of control injuring any person or assistance dogs’ are:

2023 – 113

2024 – 147

2025 – 132 up to 13th October

(Source: Athena investigations provided by West Mercia Police on request)

In 2024 there were 31,920 dog attacks in England and Wales and they continue to increase.

The above is based on attacks that have been reported.  Many are not reported, with victims opinions that the ‘police won’t do anything’ or ‘I didn’t know I could report it’. Without data, we can not see the full picture.

Implementing stricter regulations for dogs wearing leads in high traffic areas including public parks and highway and mandating the use of disposable bags for dog waste cleanup, can significantly enhance safety and promote responsible pet ownership. These measures not only protect pedestrians and other animals from potential accidents or aggressive encounters but also foster a cleaner environment, boosting community well-being and encouraging more people to enjoy parks and public spaces. Telford and Wrekin need to cultivate a culture of responsibility among dog owners while enhancing the quality of life in the community.

A local elderly couple had their dog "ripped and tossed like a ragdoll" whilst on a lead and killed on the Esso fields in Donnington, the attacking dog was off lead. The distraught husband carried the blood soaked body home to his wife. She reached out to me.

I've personally had 2 small dogs off lead attack my dog on a lead in Donnington, where the owners were too scared of getting bitten by their own dogs to intervene.  Lady in Newport dragged out of her wheelchair with dog off lead, horse attacked at the Granville by off lead dog, Elderly gentleman and son attacked by off lead dog in Muxton last year,….I am sure all Councillors in this room are aware of an attack by an off lead dog and continual reports on social media within their ward.

It is crucial for dog owners to respect the space and comfort of both people and other animals by keeping their dogs on a lead unless they have explicit consent for their dogs to approach. Phrases like “don’t worry, they won’t bite” are misleading and dismissive of the varying levels of comfort and vulnerability of others, including  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14b

“Council Notes:-

·         Domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue affecting individuals and families across Telford & Wrekin, with long-term impacts on physical and mental health, housing, education, and employment.

·         An estimated 25,500 adults in Telford & Wrekin have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16, with two-thirds of victims being women.

·         Victims typically experience multiple incidents of abuse before reporting and live with abuse for 2 to 3 years before seeking help.

·         Domestic abuse/VAWG is a key priority for Telford and Wrekin Council, whom has developed a multi-agency strategy to address the issue.

Council Resolves To:-

·         Reaffirm its commitment to the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2023–2025 and ensure its full implementation across all departments.

·         Continue to work with partners to improve access to safe accommodation spaces, counselling, and legal support for victims and survivors.

·         Continue to support awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and public venues to challenge stigma and promote healthy relationships.

·         Ensure all Council staff receive appropriate training to identify and respond to signs of domestic abuse.

·         Write to the Domestic abuse commissioner for increased and more sustained funding for domestic abuse services and prevention programmes.

·         To ensure that the 2025/26 Council Budget includes:

o   A dedicated funding allocation for domestic abuse services, including safe accommodation provision, outreach, and children’s support.

o   Sustained grant funding for voluntary sector partners delivering specialist domestic abuse services.

o   Investment in early intervention and prevention, including education programmes, perpetrator interventions, and community engagement.

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Raj Mehta.”

“This Council notes the delay in finding an acceptable person to chair the Government’s “Independent Commission on Grooming Gangs” and undertakes to write to the Home secretary to urge the speedy appointment of an independent Judge to get the Inquiry underway without further delay.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Tim Nelson.

“This Council notes the positive statements made by the Leaders of both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils concerning the installation of average speed cameras along the A41 highway which runs through the Borough.

This Council also notes the very high number of fatalities on the A41 and so reinforces its commitment to work alongside all stakeholders, including Ward members, to bring about the installation of average speed cameras, together with other measures such as mobile speed cameras and engineering works as deemed necessary.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Andrew Eade.

“This Council resolves to write to the Justice Secretary to request that she intervene and strongly oppose the potential early release on parole of Abdel Ali, a member of the notorious ‘Telford Grooming Gang,’ as such an early release is not commensurate with the life time fears, damage and traumatic memories inflicted on his victims.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Nigel Dugmore.

“This Council urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to relieve financial pressures placed upon local and national businesses at the last budget to help stimulate the economy and promote growth.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor Stephen Burrell.