Agenda and draft minutes

Natalie Headley, founder and Chair of Trustees at TAARC (Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre) said prayers.

None.

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

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the Meeting of the previous meeting of the Council held on 17 July 2025, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

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.

The Leader of the Council made the following announcements:

(i)            Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign Board

The Leader acknowledged Members had been signing the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign Board and hoped all members would sign it.

(ii)          “Swift Brick” Nesting Facilities for Endangered Birds

The Leader referred to the last meeting of the Council, following which, Councillor Healy had secured a response on swift boxes, which she would circulate after this meeting.

(iii)         Platinum Award – Council’s Planning Team

The Leader congratulated the Council’s Planning Team for its Platinum Award, which recognised it as one of the best planning departments in the whole country. He said this was a fantastic effort on the part of the Team and he again extended his congratulations to staff on receiving the award.

(iv)         Councillor Paul Watling

The Leader invited all in the Chamber to join him in sending the Council’s best wishes to Councillor Watling, who was recovering from surgery and an eleven-month battle against cancer and who had received the all clear this week.

(v)          Pride in Place Programme

The Leader said that, in September, Telford had been chosen as a national launch site for the Pride in Place Programme, and he had welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State, Steve Reed to Woodside.

The Leader said that the Pride in Place Programme had secured £20m of investment into South Telford and as a Council, it had topped this up with another £10m, which meant that a large part of South Telford, Woodside, Brookside and Sutton Hill would benefit from significant investment over the next decade. He wanted to place on record his sincere thanks to Telford MP Shaun Davies for his instrumental role in the Pride in Place Programme and recognised that his efforts would ensure communities in Telford would benefit from a scheme designed to tackle inequalities and unlock fresh opportunities.

The Leader said that this decade-long programme promised to deliver lasting, visible change for local people and places and he promised that the Council would not let this once in a generation opportunity pass to address challenges that had existed in those areas for generations. He said these were great communities, and the Council was committed that it drive this new investment into their neighbourhoods.

(vi)         Visitation by Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

The Leader thanked Councillor Shaun Davies MP for his hard work in securing the visit by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, who confirmed a £9m investment to safeguard the borough’s internationally important heritage in Ironbridge, with the transfer of ownership of the Iron Bridge Gorge Museum's trust to the National Trust. The Leader said that the Museum Trust and the many local people who had worked for the Trust over the years had been outstanding custodians of Ironbridge’s industrial heritage.

The Leader said that the transition to the National Trust ownership preserved a history made by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

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

The Mayor asked Members to note the engagements undertaken since the last Council meeting in July, shown on the list circulated.

She said that since that meeting, both her and the Deputy Mayor had been very busy attending a wide range of events across the Borough.  She said that, over the summer, she had had the pleasure of attending the Telford Balloon Fiesta, which had been a truly amazing event and how wonderful it had been to see so many residents enjoy the occasion.  She extended her sincere thanks to all the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.

The Mayor said she also attended the launch of the Telford and Wrekin edition of the Monopoly board, and it had been such a delight to see so many familiar local landmarks featured, which had brought the borough’s community to life in a fun and creative way.

The Mayor announced that October had marked Black History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black people throughout history and in the borough’s communities today. She said she had had the privilege of attending several engagements that highlighted inspiring stories, cultural heritage, and the ongoing work to promote equality and inclusion. These events, she said, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the role everyone played in building a society where everyone felt valued and empowered.

The Mayor went on to say that there had been countless fantastic events and far too many to name, but each one had truly showcased the energy, creativity, and community spirit that made the borough so special.

Last weekend, she was sure many attending tonight had attended a remembrance service across the Borough.  She said it had been deeply moving to see communities come together to honour those who had served, sacrificed, and fought for the freedoms people enjoyed today.

Looking ahead, the Mayor said she was excited to share that on 11 December, the Council would be hosting the first-ever “Christmas Carol-Oke”, which would take the place of the traditional Civic Service. She said it promised to be a joyful and festive occasion, with some exciting performances lined up. She said she would love to see as many members and staff there as possible, singing along and celebrating together.  She said that more details were available from the Mayor’s Office.

The Mayor announced that preparations were underway for her next event in the New Year, and she looked forward to welcoming those attending.

The Mayor expressed her thanks to the Deputy Mayor, Nathalie Page, for all the support she had given to the Mayor throughout her term of office so far.

In conclusion, the Mayor wished to express her heartfelt thanks to everyone who had supported her during her term so far. She said she was truly grateful and very much looking forward to the engagements ahead and the start of the festive season.

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.

The following question to Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, was submitted by Mr Ashdown.

“Fundamental to efficient and effective delivery of services for taxpayers is that the Council has competent officers. Competency is recognised as a relevant qualification with suitable experience and employed currency. A FOI reply highlighted the employment of officers who were not competent. As Council Leader what assurances can you give that officers are competent going forward.”

In response, Councillor Carter said that as a local Council, it had more than 700 services that it provided and, like all organisations, not all roles required qualification. He said that did not mean the Council’s teams were incompetent - far from it. Councillor Carter said that the Council had a workforce, which was hardworking, dedicated and committed to delivering their very best. He said they frequently went above and beyond to support the borough’s residents, whether that was hand-delivering school meals during COVID, delivering library books to the elderly who were not able to leave their house, or taking time over their lunch break to guide someone who needed support.

Councillor Carter confirmed he had seen information regarding the FOI, to which Mr Ashdown’s question referred and said what was clear from the FOI was that it actually made reference to a clear career development pathway for officers who, until qualified, operated under clear supervision. This, he said, was the action of a responsible Council that took steps to ensure it continued to develop its staff, and it was the action of a Council that ensured it wassuccession planning to ensure core services continued to be delivered. Councillor Carter went on to say that it was also the actions of a Council, which was one of the biggest employers in the borough, which was named Council of the Year just a few months ago and he gave Mr Ashdown the assurance that all of the Council’s officers would continue in the vein that he had laid out.

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.

The following questions were asked under Council Procedure Rule 6.2.2:

a)    Councillor P Scott to Councillor R Overton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Environment

"Following the recent independent report on road safety on the A41, is the suggestion for average speed cameras still a viable option? If not, what future plans are there for making this road safer?”

In response, Councillor Overton said that following the publication of the independent A41 route study, he wanted to be very clear that no decisions had been made by this Council regarding the installation of average speed cameras. He said he had written to both the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the Member of Parliament for Telford and Wrekin constituency to confirm the Council’s support of such measures while confirming completion of the independent route review.

Councillor Overton said, to be clear with the Chamber and the borough’s residents, the decision to instal cameras, whether average, fixed or mobile, rested with the Police and the PCC. He said that this Council's position remained clear in that it welcomed the installation of average speed cameras as part of a wider package of safety improvements on this road and the Council was committed to working collaboratively with the PCC and partners accordingly. He added that the Council had already identified funding to deliver works that would improve road safety along the A41 and complement the PCC's investment.  He said the Council was committed to acting on the findings of the report while building on the extensive improvements, which had already been made along the A41 in the last few years.  The Council, he said, was already progressing the details associated with the identified improvements referenced in the report and that he hoped to meet with the PCC in the near future to discuss the report and the next steps.

In response to a supplementary question from Councillor Scott, which asked Councillor Overton how soon he (Councillor Overton) would be prepared to meet with the PCC, Shropshire Council and the MP to discuss this, Councillor Overton said that based on the announcement today (PCCs in England and Wales were to be stood down), as soon as possible before the PCC left his position.  Councillor Overton went on to say that despite the Council having already written to the PCC offering dates on which to request a meeting, no response had yet been received by the PCC.

b)    Councillor P Scott to Councillor R Overton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Environment

“Parking in Newport continues to be a problem for many. We have an increased population, an increasing amount of student accommodation and now we are losing around 16 car park spaces to electrical vehicle charging points. Public car parks are full by 9am most days. This is having a big effect on our residential streets and some of our other roads, particularly those that are close to the High Street. People  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

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.

Members received the report on the Cabinet decisions made since the last meeting of the Council.

No questions of clarification were raised.

To receive the annual CSE Report.

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, presented the report of the Director of Policy and Governance, which provided Members with the Annual CSE Report 2024/25, that was built upon data from the Council and partner organisations. The Annual Report provided all statutory safeguarding organisations and other stakeholders with data and information that allowed for continuous challenge of the Council’s procedures and practices.

The Leader announced he would present a report to Council in summer next year, which was the first possible opportunity after the end of the reporting period in March 2026.

RESOLVED that

1.    The Council’s commitment to continue its work, through co-production with lived experience consultees and partners as appropriate, and to respond to the challenge of CSE within the Borough, be restated.

2.    The Annual Report in respect of 2024/25, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be noted.

3.    The continued steps taken by Telford and Wrekin Council, being the first in the country to publish an annual report of this nature, to raise awareness of CSE, be noted.

4.    The continued commitment of Telford and Wrekin Council, as set out in the Annual Report, to maintain the specialist team of practitioners to provide support to children and young people at risk of CSE, being one of only a small number of authorities nationally to have such a dedicated team, be noted.

5.    The approach of Telford and Wrekin Council, which had received national recognition and that the recommendations made by Baroness Casey, which had adopted the actions taken by the Council to be implemented at a national level, be noted.

6.    The fact that Telford and Wrekin Council was one of eight local authorities chosen to pilot a new approach to the National Referral Mechanism, a process by which individuals at risk of modern slavery were provided with comprehensive support, be noted.

7.    The work the Council was doing to share learning within the local government sector, be noted.

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

Councillor Z Hannington, Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Services, presented the report of the Director for Policy and Governance (Monitoring Officer), which sought Council’s approval to a leave of absence for:

a)    Councillor Gilly Latham-Reynolds, owing to a period of      maternity leave, until 1 December 2026; and

b)       Councillor Paul Watling, owing to a period of ill-health, until 31 March 2026.

RESOLVED – that a leave of absence for Councillors Gilly Latham-Reynolds and Paul Watling, for the purposes of Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1972 until 1 December 2026 and 31 March 2026 respectively, be approved.  

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

Councillor Z Hannington, Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Services, presented the report of the Director for Finance, People and IDT, which referred to the financial monitoring report to Cabinet on 6 November 2025, that provided an update on the revenue budget and progress relating to the Capital Programme. The report included some changes to the Capital Programme, which now required formal approval by Full Council.

RESOLVED that the changes to the Capital Programme and all associated changes to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, including Treasury and Prudential Indicators, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

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

Councillor Z Hannington, Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Services, presented the report of the Director for Finance, People and IDT, which updated members on the outcome of Treasury Management activities for 2024/25 and detailed the position for 2025/26 to 31 May 2025.

RESOLVED that:

1. The contents of the report, be noted.

2. The performance against Prudential Indicators, be noted.

Council stood adjourned from 7.05pm until 7.15pm to allow for a comfort break.

“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.

(a)             Councillor Stephen Bentley moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following Motion:

“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.”

Councillor Tim Nelson seconded the motion.

Following a robust debate, the Motion was lost by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion be NOT approved.

“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 43b

(a)           Councillor Jenny Urey moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

          “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 cannot 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43b

“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.”

(a)           Councillor Kelly Middleton moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

“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.

Councillor Raj Mehta seconded the motion.

Following a robust debate, the motion was carried by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion, be approved.

“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.

(a)           Councillor Andrew Eade moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

“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.”

Councillor Tim Nelson seconded the motion.

By way of an amendment, with additional words shown in bold and underlined, Councillor Lee Carter, seconded by Councillor Shirley Reynolds, moved that:

“This Council notes the delay by the previous Conservative Government in implementing all of the recommendations of the IICSA Inquiry and welcomes the current Labour Government’s commitment to hold a National Inquiry.  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.  This Council strongly believes that the process should be victim and survivor informed through the newly formed National Survivors Advisory Group; this Council further restates its position to support other areas with their inquiries and stand ready to cooperate with the National Inquiry once it is established.”

Following debate and being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried and became the substantive motion.

Following a robust debate, the substantive motion was carried by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion, as amended, be approved.

“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.

(a)           Councillor Stephen Burrell moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

“This Council notes the positive statements made by the Leaders of both Shropshire and Telford and 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.”

Councillor Andrew Eade seconded the motion.

By way of an amendment, with additional words shown in bold and underlined, Councillor Richard Overton, seconded by Councillor Ollie Vickers, moved that:

“This Council notes the positive statements made by the Leaders of both Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils concerning the installation of average speed cameras along the A41 highway which runs through the Borough.  The Council welcomes the independent commissioned report into the accidents recorded on the A41 that runs through Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Council area, acknowledging the majority of the A41 in this report is in Shropshire.

This Council also notes the above average number of fatalities on the A41 and so reinforces its commitment to work alongside all stakeholders, including Ward members, Shropshire Council and the West Mercia PCC to bring about the installation of average speed cameras, should their installation be deemed necessary.  If so, they would be fully funded by the PCC who has £400,000 specifically allocated for this reason.  The Council will, in any event, work together with stakeholders to look at all other measures such as mobile speed cameras and engineering works as deemed necessary in the independent report.

The Council notes that the independent report concludes that the installation of average speed cameras is not necessary, but that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) retains the discretion to take action on speeding along the A41 as they see fit.

And finally, that this Council expresses its disappointment that the PCC and the local Conservative Wrekin MP are making political statements, misrepresenting the comprehensive and independent nature of this report, which was commissioned to objectively analyse the issues and propose solutions to reduce accidents and fatalities on the A41. The Council now calls on the PCC to meet the relevant cabinet members of both Councils to work on an action plan together, taking a solution based approach to make the A41 safer for motorists.”

Following debate and being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried and became the substantive motion.

Following a robust debate, the substantive motion was carried by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion, as amended, be approved.

“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.

(a)           Councillor Stephen Bentley moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

“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 lifetime fears, damage and traumatic memories inflicted on his victims.”

Councillor Nigel Dugmore seconded the motion.

By way of an amendment, with additional words shown in bold and underlined, Councillor Lee Carter, seconded by Councillor Shirley Reynolds, moved that:

“This Council notes the letter sent by the Leader to the Justice Secretary and the Chairman and Chief Executive of the independent judge-led Parole Board to request that they 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 lifetime fears, damage and traumatic memories inflicted on his victims.  This Council resolves to further write to the Judge led independent Parole Board to urge it, in the event that it makes the regrettable decision to release Ali, to subject Ali to strict conditions including not entering Telford, Shropshire or the wider West Midlands or contacting any victim, survivor or any of their family members.”

Following debate and being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried and became the substantive motion.

Following a robust debate, the substantive motion was carried by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion, as amended, be approved.

“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.

(a)           Councillor Andrew Eade moved, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 7, the following motion:

“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.”

Councillor Stephen Burrell seconded the motion.

By way of an amendment, with additional words shown in bold and underlined, Councillor Lee Carter, seconded by Councillor Richard Overton, moved that:

“This Council urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to relieve financial pressures placed upon local and national businesses at the last budget, in order to pay for the £22bnn black hole that the last government left in the public finances and to pay for the urgently required investment in our public services including the NHS, to help stimulate the economy and promote growth. This Council believes that economic growth is essential, after years of financial mismanagement between 2010 and 2024, which saw inflation increase to 10% which impacted on the cost of everyday items, and sent interest rates through the roof, hitting renters and mortgage holders alike. This Council also notes that during the same period public services were cut by up 70% which damaged support for business.”

Following debate and being put to the vote, the amendment was declared carried and became the substantive motion.

Following a robust debate, the substantive motion was carried by a majority vote.

RESOLVED – that the motion, as amended, be approved.