The Council of Shropshire Council was scheduled to consider a range of financial and policy matters, including the upcoming year's budgets, fees and charges, and treasury strategy. Discussions were also planned on the North West Relief Road, social housing, and adult social care policies, alongside proposed changes to council procedures and motions on Net Zero spending.

Draft 2026/27 General Fund Budgets and Medium Term Financial Plan

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the draft 2026/27 General Fund budgets and the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This would have involved reviewing the council's financial projections and strategic financial planning over the next five years. The report on this matter was scheduled to follow.

Fees and Charges Pricing Policy and 2026/27 Fees and Charges

The council was set to review its Fees and Charges Pricing Policy and the specific fees and charges for the 2026/27 period. These discussions would have informed how much the council charges for various services it provides to residents and businesses.

Treasury Strategy 2026/27

The Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 was scheduled for consideration. This strategy outlines how the council will manage its financial investments and borrowing.

North West Relief Road

The North West Relief Road project was on the agenda, with a report from the Service Director – Infrastructure expected. This project has been a subject of discussion and planning for some time.

Social Housing Tenancy Agreement and Rent and Service Charges

Two items related to social housing were scheduled: the Social Housing Tenancy Agreement and Social Housing Rent and Service Charges for 2026. These would have addressed the terms of tenancy for social housing properties and the associated costs for residents.

Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy

The council was scheduled to consider the Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy. This policy relates to how individuals receiving care services can defer payments for their care costs.

Report of the Shirehall Strategic Review

The report from the Shirehall Strategic Review Council Task and Finish Group was to be discussed. This review likely examined the future use and strategy for the Shirehall building.

Motions

Several motions were scheduled for consideration:

Amendment of Council Rules of Procedure on Submission Deadlines for Reports and Motions to Council

A motion proposed by Councillor Donna Edmunds, supported by Councillors Kate Halliday, Caroline Bagnall, Rosemary Dartnall, and Alan Mosley, sought to amend the Council Rules of Procedure regarding submission deadlines for reports and motions. The motion highlighted concerns about the timeliness of report publication and its impact on democratic accountability, referencing case law and legislation such as the Local Government Act 1972. It proposed that officers should submit and publish reports within five clear working days of a meeting and that the deadline for submitting motions be reduced from ten to five clear working days. A six-month review of compliance was also requested.

Net Zero Spending

A motion from Councillor Brendan Mallon, supported by the Reform Group, called for the immediate suspension of all Net Zero related spending pending a review of value for money. The motion argued that global commitment to Net Zero is declining, citing the actions of countries like the US, Russia, India, and China, and the situation in Germany. It contended that further spending on Net Zero by the council would be a waste of money in light of global emissions and the council's own financial emergency.

Ensuring Timely Publication of Council Reports, Minutes and Decisions

A separate motion, proposed by Councillor Carl Rowley and supported by the Reform Group, also addressed the timely publication of council reports, minutes, and decisions. This motion echoed concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing council procedure rules and relevant legislation. It proposed that officers responsible for preparing minutes, reports, and outcome summaries should submit and publish these materials within 10 working days of the next meeting date. The motion also stipulated how working days should be counted and requested a six-month compliance report.

Report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority

The council was scheduled to receive the report of the Chair of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority.

Public Questions and Member Questions

The agenda included provisions for receiving questions from the public and from members of the council, with specific deadlines for notification.

Appointment of Interim Chief Financial Officer

A report from the Chief Executive concerning the appointment of an Interim Chief Financial Officer was scheduled for discussion.

Exempt Business

The meeting agenda indicated that there would be a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of certain items, followed by the approval of exempt minutes from the previous meeting.