Councillors and Decision Making

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.

i) The following question to the Deputy Leader has been submitted by Cathy Salter:

“As an ex-nurse with a passionate interest in our NHS, I note from the ‘Future Fit’ shortlist that there is an only one in six chance of Telford retaining a full 24/7 A+E. Could the Council confirm it will continue to fight for a full 24hr A+E at Princess Royal Hospital?”

ii) The following question to the Leader has been submitted by Simon Malpass:

“HMRC are closing offices throughout the country and splitting up their IT Contract in 2017 which poses a threat to HMRC, Fujitsu and CapGemini jobs. What can the Council do to prevent potential job losses in the Telford Town Centre currently provided by these major Telford based employers?”

iii) The following question to the Leader has been submitted by Lee Carter:

“Could the Leader please give his reaction to comments by Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham, that Telford & Wrekin Council should merge with Shropshire.  Do you think it will have a detrimental impact on providing quality services in Telford & Wrekin and threaten 24/7 A&E Services at Princess Royal Hospital?”

To consider the reports listed below which are contained within the separate Budget document enclosed with the agenda. Reports D1 to D4 will be considered by Cabinet on 26 February 2015 for recommendation to Council for approval.

a) Overview & Revenue Budget (D1)

b) Capital Programme (D2)

c) 2015/16 Treasury Strategy & Treasury Update (D3)

d) Prudential Indicators (D4)

e) Council Tax Formal Resolution for 2015/16 (D5)

Alternative budget proposals have been submitted to Council by the Conservative Group. A copy of the proposals, and the comments of the Budget & Finance Scrutiny Committee and the Chief Financial Officer, is enclosed separately to the agenda. At the meeting, the alternative budget proposals will be moved as an amendment to the Cabinet’s proposals.

Standards Committee

To note the following resolved Minutes (Salmon paper):

Audit Committee – 27 January 2015

Personnel Committee – 22 January 2015
(NB: the recommendation at minute PEB-8  will be dealt with at agenda item 8 above)

Planning Committee – 14 January and 4 February 2015

Standards Committee – 20 January 2015
(NB: the recommendation at minute ST-08 will be dealt with at agenda item 9 above)

To answer questions received under Council Procedure Rule 7.

N.B.   In accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 7.4 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.

Councillor R.A. Overton will move, in accordance with Council procedure rule 11, the following motion:

“This Council recognises that, despite £70m of unprecedented and vicious cuts in Government funding, the Borough is now recognised as a regional and national centre for business and a great place to visit and live.  With the opening of Southwater, the winning of the MOD Fulfilment Centre at Donnington, the continued regeneration of our centres, the opening of new schools and many other successes, we can be proud and confident of the future.
 

“This Council re-affirms its commitment to establishing the Borough of Telford & Wrekin as a growth point in the region and a place where people want to live.”

The motion will be seconded by Councillor S. Davies.