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.
Minutes:
The Leader addressed Members regarding the uncertainty and conflict taking place throughout the world and concluded that the best response would be to remain positive, lead by example and do his best for the community, particularly during uncertain times.
The Leader remembered those who had been lost and commemorated during the Remembrance Sunday services and Armistice Parades that had taken place throughout the borough. There was now a greater focus on the cost of war and it brought into focus their sacrifice and commitment.
The Leader announced that it was with great sadness that the Council had lost Councillor Turley during the summer and as this had been the first time that Members had met as a Council since his passing, the Leader asked that Members remained silent for a few moments as a mark of respect. Councillor Turley had served in the armed forces and as a Councillor being a valued member of the Council and it was pleasing to see that the Armed Forces flag had been flown to mark his distinguished career in the services. Councillor Turley had been proud of the borough and that a lot could be learnt from his way of doing things and the Council would do its very best for the community regardless of people’s background and beliefs.
The Leader praised the work taking place in the borough in relation to recent flash floods where the community came together in a moment of crisis. This brought out the very best of human nature and this should inspire us to do better. The Leader would continue to progress the Council’s vision to ensure the borough was the best place to live, work and do business for each and every resident.
The Leader set out some of the work that had taken place since the last meeting including the opening of numerous family hubs, providing additional school places, the progression of Station Quarter for learning opportunities and the start up business centre. It was a great honour to have welcomed Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, who had officially opened the Quad building, almost 40 years since she had officially opened Telford Ice Rink.
The Council had extended the £2 bus fares on seven Council run bus services, with some 350,000 passenger trips during the last year. Free green waste collections would continue as well as free parking to remain on parking spaces across the borough and it was intended to keep council tax at the lowest possible. As part of the pledge commitments, the Council had helped and protected the most vulnerable in the community. Support had been given to 600 pensioners to help claim pension credit and £100 had been given to 6,000 pensions to help support them though the winter months and he would continue to ensure over the winter months that the community knew about the wide range of support provided by the Council and trusted partners.
The Leader considered that there would be challenging times ahead but despite these difficulties, with the right ethos and ethics, there were plenty of reasons for optimism and as the Council headed towards Christmas and a brand new year, this would hopefully bring forward further opportunities and success as the Council continued to deliver its vision to protect, care and invest to create a better Telford and Wrekin.