Cabinet - Thursday 7 November 2024 9.00 am

November 7, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The Cabinet approved the updated Council Plan, the 2024/25 revenue budget, the All Age Carers Strategy 2024-2029, the Telford & Wrekin Digital Strategy 2024 and the Ofsted Action Plan. It also noted the recommendations of the Communities Scrutiny Committee and provided a response.

Leader's Announcements

The Leader, Councillor Lee Carter, highlighted the ongoing response to support local residents entitled to Pension Credit. He stated that over 600 elderly residents had been written to in recent weeks and reassured residents that the Council would continue to work with Age UK.1 The Leader also announced the opening of the new skills hub at the Station Quarter Development, commenting that it would eventually host up to 300 students to study maths and digital skills.

Telford & Wrekin Council Plan

The Cabinet approved the updated Telford & Wrekin Council Plan for 2024/25 to 2026/27. The plan sets out how the Council will deliver on its vision to protect, care and invest to create a better borough. The plan focuses on five key priorities:

  • Every child, young person and adult lives well in their community
  • Everyone benefits from a thriving economy
  • All neighbourhoods are a great place to live
  • Our natural environment is protected, and the Council has a leading role in addressing the climate emergency
  • A community-focused, innovative council providing efficient, effective and quality services

Councillor Tim Nelson, Leader of the Conservative Group, sought clarification on the partners involved in the delivery of the plan, specifically asking about the role of secondary education providers.

2024/25 Financial Monitoring Report

The Cabinet approved the 2024/25 Financial Monitoring Report, which set out the latest financial position for the Council.

Councillor Nelson queried the effect of the government's planned increase to the rate and threshold of National Insurance on the Council, to which Councillor Carter responded that the impact on this authority will be zero because the government have said that they will cover that.

Councillor Nelson also raised the deferment of the capital housing budget, to which Councillor Carter responded that there’s an absolute commitment to the NuPlace2 housing scheme and that the Council was committed to expanding both NuPlace and Telford and Wrekin Homes.3

All Age Carers Strategy 2024-2029

The Cabinet approved the All Age Carers Strategy 2024 - 2029. The strategy aims to support carers of all ages to:

  • Identify as a carer
  • Maintain their own health and wellbeing
  • Plan for their future
  • Participate in family and community life.

Councillor Nelson raised a point about the lack of outcome measures relating to parent carers accessing short break forums in the strategy’s action plan.

Telford & Wrekin Digital Strategy 2024

The Cabinet approved the Telford & Wrekin Digital Strategy 2024, which sets out how the Council will use digital technology to create a better borough.

Councillor Nelson expressed concerns about the potential overuse of technology, specifically the use of AI.

Ofsted Action Plan

The Cabinet approved the Ofsted Action Plan, which sets out how the Council will respond to recommendations made by Ofsted following its recent inspection of Children's Services.

Councillor Nelson noted that the identification and support for young carers was underdeveloped but that the All Age Carers Strategy would go some way to address this.

Report of the Communities Scrutiny Committee – Review of Election Processes

The Cabinet noted the recommendations of the Communities Scrutiny Committee Elections Review Working Group Report and provided a response.

Councillor Nelson expressed concerns that, whilst he could request that members of his group attend pre-election briefings, he could not ensure their attendance.


  1. Age UK is a national charity that provides advice and support to older people.  

  2. NuPlace is a private company owned by Telford & Wrekin Council which provides new homes for rent and shared ownership in the borough.  

  3. Telford and Wrekin Homes is a company that manages council-owned properties in Telford and Wrekin.