Agenda and minutes

The following declaration will be read:

“Colleagues, aware of our responsibilities to promote democracy and the well-being of all local people, on behalf of the Council, I make this commitment to our office as elected representatives.

Elected to serve the public good, we recognise that public office is a privilege granted by the people and not a right.

We, elected representatives of the people of Telford & Wrekin, declare that we will, to the best of our ability, uphold the Council’s constitution and serve the community above any private or personal interest.”

All Members will affirm the Declaration.

Councillor O Vickers read the following declaration:

“Colleagues, aware of our responsibilities to promote democracy and the wellbeing of all local people, on behalf of the Council, I make this commitment to our office as elected representatives.

Elected to serve the public good, we recognise that public office is a privilege granted by the people and not a right.

We, elected representatives of the people of Telford & Wrekin, declare that we will, to the best of our ability, uphold the Council’s constitution and serve the community above any private or personal interest.”

Members signified their affirmation of the Declaration.

Ms N Headley, representing the Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Centre, said prayers.

To elect a Mayor for 2023/24.

It was moved by Councillor P R Watling, seconded by Councillor H Morgan, that Councillor A R H England be elected as Mayor of the Council.

RESOLVED – that Councillor A R H England be elected as Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2023/24.

To elect a Speaker for 2023/24.

It was moved by Councillor A D McClements, seconded by Councillor G H Cook, that Councillor P Davis be elected as Speaker of the Council.

RESOLVED – that Councillor P Davis be elected as Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2023/24.

To elect a Deputy Speaker for 2023/24.

It was moved by Councillor L Lewis, seconded by Councillor E Aston, that Councillor Z Hannington be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council.

RESOLVED – that Councillor Z Hannington be elected as Deputy Speaker of the Council for the municipal year 2023/24.

To elect a Deputy Mayor for 2023/24.

It was moved by Councillor R Mehta, seconded by Councillor L Parker, that Councillor I Preece be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Council.

RESOLVED – that Councillor I Preece be elected as Deputy Mayor of the Council for the municipal year 2023/24.

A vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor R Mehta, was proposed by Councillor C Healy and seconded by Councillor R A Overton.

RESOLVED – that the Council record its thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor R Mehta for his service over the 2022/23 term of office.

In response, the retiring Mayor thanked Members for their kind words and stated that it had been an honour to serve as Mayor. He highlighted a number of engagements that he had attended, such as riding in a hot air balloon and visiting the Borough in Santa’s sleigh.  He had enjoyed the honour of hosting the Queen Consort and the Lord Lieutenant during their visits and engagements in the Borough.

The retiring Mayor noted that he had raised over £12,000 which would be used to support the work of the Telford Interfaith Council. He expressed his thanks to the Council staff, his deputy, the Mayoress and his family for all the support he had received during his mayoral year.

To elect a Leader for a four year term of office.

It was moved by Councillor R A Overton, seconded by Councillor G C W Latham-Reynolds, that Councillor S Davies be elected as Leader of the Council for a four year term of office.

RESOLVED – that Councillor S Davies be elected as Leader of the Council for a four year term of office from 2023/24 – 2026/27.

To note the appointment by the Leader of the Council of a Deputy Leader for a four year term of office.

The Leader confirmed that he was appointing Councillor R A Overton as Deputy Leader for a four year term.

None.

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

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Mayor.

The Leader advised that he had first been elected to the Council 12 years ago and that he was proud to represent the community he was born and brought up in. The Leader expressed his congratulations to the newly elected Councillors and thanked those Members who were not returned or decided not to stand for election for their time, energy and passion while undertaking their duties.

The Leader reflected on his time in office. He noted that one of his first actions in post as a Cabinet Member had been to halt the privatisation of the Ice Rink and noted that it was a magnet for children and young people in the Brough and generated income which was invested back into services across the Borough.

The Leader highlighted a number of achievements, which included the Pride in Your High Street Programme, the Telford Land Deal, the designation of 17 Local Nature Reserve and Children’s Services being rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.

Councillor A J Eade, Leader of the Conservative Group, noted that this was a civic occasion. Councillor Eade discussed his first Full Council Meeting and that it had been said at that meeting that Members were there to do their best for the Borough.

Councillor W L Tomlinson, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, welcomed initiatives that the Council had introduced to support residents in the Borough. Councillor Tomlinson stated that Members should strive that at the end of the four year term of office that every ward should be a better place to live in than when the term of office began.

To note the appointment, by the Leader of the Council, of Members to serve on the Cabinet for 2023/24.

Councillor S Davies notified the meeting of his Cabinet appointments.

To re-assert the Council’s delegation scheme in accordance with the Constitution.

Councillor N A M England proposed that the Council reassert the delegation scheme as detailed in the Council Constitution.

RESOLVED - that the discharge of Council functions by Committees as

set out in the Council's Constitution dated 5 March 2020 be approved

under the provisions of Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972.

To confirm the appointment of the Committees and Boards of the Council for 2023/24, including the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Members to serve on those bodies.

Proposals for the appointment of Committees, Commissions and Boards, etc in accordance with the political balance of the Council had been submitted. It was noted that there was a typographical error in the report, however, the calculations were correct.

RESOLVED – that the committees and bodies for the municipal year 2023/24 (including the appointment of Chairs and Vice-Chairs) be appointed as set out in the report.

To confirm the programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2023/24.

The programme of dates for ordinary meetings of the Council for 2023/24 would be as set out in the report.