This week in Shropshire:

Council Finances Under Scrutiny: West Mercia Energy Approves Budget Amidst Broader Financial Concerns

The West Mercia Energy Joint Committee met on Friday, 27 March 2026, to approve its Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2026/27. While this meeting focused on the financial health of a specific council-owned entity, it occurs against a backdrop of significant financial challenges for Shropshire Council as a whole, with recent reports highlighting substantial overspends and the need for government support. You can find the meeting details here.

West Mercia Energy's Financial Roadmap

The committee reviewed and approved the financial plans for West Mercia Energy, a company that provides energy services. This included:

• Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026/27: This outlines the operational and financial strategies for the upcoming year.
• External Audit Findings Report 2025/26: This report details the outcomes of the independent audit of the company's financial statements for the past year.
• Internal Audit Annual Report 2025/26 and Strategic Plan 2026/27: These documents provide an overview of internal audit activities and future plans, crucial for ensuring robust internal controls.
• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2025/26: This confirms the company's commitment to combating modern slavery.
• Risk Management Update: An overview of how the company identifies and mitigates potential risks.

The approval of these financial documents is a routine but essential part of ensuring the company operates effectively and transparently.

Broader Financial Context: A Council Under Pressure

It's important to note that this meeting of the West Mercia Energy Joint Committee took place in the context of wider financial pressures facing Shropshire Council. Previous reports have indicated significant overspends, particularly in Care & Wellbeing and Children & Young People services. These pressures can have a direct impact on the most vulnerable residents, potentially leading to reduced service provision or longer waiting times for essential support. The council has applied for substantial government funding to address these challenges.

Housing Development Plans Kept Private: Cornovii Developments Limited's Business Plan Reviewed

The Housing Supervisory Board met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to review the Interim Business Plan for 2026 for Cornovii Developments Limited. However, the details of this plan and the board's discussions were kept confidential, with the meeting being exempt from public disclosure. You can find the meeting details here.

The Stakes of Private Decisions

Cornovii Developments Limited is a company wholly owned by Shropshire Council, established to deliver housing and regeneration projects. Decisions made about its business plans, even if conducted in private, have real-world consequences.

• Impact on Housing Delivery: The effectiveness of Cornovii Developments Limited directly influences the council's ability to meet housing targets, including the provision of affordable housing.
• Financial Performance: The company's financial performance impacts the council's overall financial health and its capacity to invest in other public services.
• Vulnerable Groups: While not directly evident from this meeting's summary, housing projects can impact community infrastructure, local employment, and the availability of suitable housing for various demographics, including those on lower incomes or with specific needs.

The exclusion of the press and public from this part of the meeting means that residents cannot scrutinise the specific plans for Cornovii Developments Limited or understand the rationale behind any decisions made regarding its business operations.

This week in Shropshire:

• The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss public health matters including domestic abuse, drug and alcohol strategies, and mental health initiatives.
• The Housing Supervisory Board met to discuss the progress of Cornovii Developments Limited and deferred a decision on its business plan.
• The Schools Forum was scheduled to convene, though details of its discussions are not yet available.
• The Pensions Committee was scheduled to review the Shropshire County Pension Fund's audit plan and treasury strategy.
• The Standards Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider exempt reports relating to code of conduct complaints.

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Health and Wellbeing Board of Shropshire Council was scheduled to address a range of critical public health issues. Discussions were planned to cover the annual report of the Shropshire Community Safety Partnership, updates on domestic abuse services, strategies for tackling drug and alcohol misuse, and initiatives to improve mental health. The board was also set to review progress on the SEND JSNA (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) and the Better Care Fund, alongside strategies for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic health.

The Shropshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) was due to present its annual report for 2024-25. This report was intended to detail the partnership's achievements in areas such as reducing reoffending, tackling drug and alcohol misuse, addressing hate crime, domestic abuse, and anti-social behaviour. The CSP has been undergoing a transition, with its board separating from safeguarding functions and establishing specific workstreams. Despite these changes, the report highlighted achievements like the implementation of a Serious Violence Strategy and the delivery of hate crime sessions in schools.

An update on domestic abuse was scheduled, focusing on the development of Shropshire's new multi-agency Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy. The report indicated progress in strategic planning, partnership governance, and the integration of lived experience into service development. Key insights from a needs assessment pointed to the significant mental health impacts of domestic abuse and the increasing complexity of cases, underscoring the need for early intervention and multi-agency coordination.

The board was also to receive an update on the drug and alcohol strategy. Provisional figures showed an increase in adults in treatment, exceeding the 2025-26 ambition. While young people's referrals had also risen, Shropshire was slightly below its ambition. National trends of increasing alcohol and cocaine use and declining opiate use among adults were reflected locally, with alcohol being a particular concern in Shropshire. For young people, cannabis remained the most common substance, but alcohol-related treatment was increasing locally, contrary to regional and national trends.

A significant discussion was planned regarding mental health and suicide prevention. Recent data indicated an increase in Shropshire's local suicide rate, which was statistically higher than the England average. Activities in place to address this included the Orange Button Community Scheme, the publication of a Preventing Suicides Toolkit for primary care, and the establishment of learning review panels for drug/alcohol-related deaths. The board was recommended to extend the existing Shropshire Suicide Prevention Strategy for a further two years.

The SEND JSNA was to be presented, offering a comprehensive overview of the needs of children and young people with SEND and their families. The assessment highlighted that 57% of Shropshire's population lives in rural areas, presenting challenges for access to services. The SEND population in Shropshire has increased rapidly, particularly those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The report detailed prevalent needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) and speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), as well as lower educational attainment and higher rates of absence and exclusions among pupils with SEN.

The Better Care Fund (BCF) 2025-26 quarter three template was to be approved. The BCF aims to support a shift from sickness to prevention and enable longer, healthier, and more independent lives. Shropshire was reported to be on track to meet its headline metrics for emergency admissions, discharge delays, and residential admissions for those aged 65 and over.

A Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic (CVRM) Strategy and Delivery Plan was presented. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in Shropshire. The strategy aims to address overlapping risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity through early detection, equitable access to interventions, and integrated neighbourhood health models.

Updates were also scheduled for the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership (ShIPP), focusing on the new contract for Children & Young People's Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and the pharmacy sector, with information on supplementary opening hours for Day Lewis Pharmacy in Oswestry.

Housing Supervisory Board - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Housing Supervisory Board met to discuss the progress of Cornovii Developments Limited (CDL), the council's housing development company. The Board noted the Quarter Three Monitoring Report, which detailed CDL's performance up to December 2025. The report indicated that CDL is on track to deliver 582 homes over its 10-year business plan, with a revised forecast of 532 homes due to updated viability assessments and scheme changes. A significant transaction highlighted was the sale of 27 Section 106 affordable homes to Shropshire Council for £3.853 million.

Key development sites, including London Road (Charles View), Sue West Welshpool Road, Shrewsbury, and Shrewsbury Road, Oswestry, are progressing. Councillor Jon Tandy raised concerns about the revised timeline for the Sue West Welshpool Road development, which has been pushed back to Spring/Summer 2026 due to the need for specific traffic surveys and ongoing road works.

Concerns were also raised about the reduction in the projected number of homes to be built from the original target of around 700 to approximately 582. This reduction has been attributed to increased construction costs, housing market volatility, and the complexity of unlocking difficult sites. The loan from Shropshire Council remains around £69 million.

Discussions also touched upon the possibility of Star Housing¹ absorbing more affordable units, given the council's housing waiting list. It was explained that while Star Housing manages the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) in partnership with Shropshire Council, any increase in home building would require Shropshire Council's approval. A forthcoming paper in May is expected to outline a route for Star Housing to deliver more homes, potentially using CDL as a vehicle.

The aesthetic of some properties was also questioned, with a view to improving their saleability. While acknowledging that design can always be improved, it was noted that CDL's properties focus on new technology and thermal efficiency, which, while beneficial for energy bills, may not always be the primary consideration for buyers.

The Board also deferred a decision on the CDL Business Plan. This was due to ongoing internal changes within the council, including new Section 151 and deputy Section 151 officers, and the need for further due diligence in light of the current economic climate and market conditions. A separate session will be scheduled to discuss the business plan in more detail before it is presented for formal agreement at a future meeting.

Schools Forum - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Schools Forum was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 19 March 2026. As this meeting is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, details of its discussions and any decisions made are not yet available.

Pensions Committee - Friday 20 March 2026

The Pensions Committee was scheduled to discuss several key financial and governance matters for the Shropshire County Pension Fund. The agenda included the Audit Plan for 2025/26, which detailed Grant Thornton's planned scope and timing for the statutory audit, identifying significant risks such as management override of controls and the valuation of level 3 investments. Materiality for the audit was set at £44.9 million.

The Pension Fund Treasury Strategy for 2026/27 was proposed, governing the management of cash balances for daily transactions. The strategy prioritises the security of capital and liquidity, aiming for optimum returns. It also outlined creditworthiness policies and country limits.

Updates on Pensions Administration Monitoring were provided, detailing team workloads, performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and ongoing projects. While 10 out of 14 KPIs were meeting targets, challenges such as staff resignations and maternity leave were noted, with recruitment plans in place.

The committee was also to review Governance matters, including regulatory breaches recorded between April 2025 and December 2025, and any appeals received under the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP). No breaches were deemed materially significant to require reporting to The Pensions Regulator. Four IDRP cases were upheld, all related to employers' decisions not to pay pension benefits on ill-health grounds.

Corporate Governance Monitoring included updates on the government's LGPS - Fit for the Future consultation and socially responsible investment issues. Actions taken by the Fund's key stewardship partners, including voting and engagement activities, were detailed. The Fund's success in maintaining its signatory status to the UK Stewardship Code was confirmed.

Several items were scheduled for discussion with the press and public excluded, including exempt minutes of the previous meeting, new employer admissions, financial markets updates, and investment strategy implementation and monitoring reports.

Standards Sub-Committee - Thursday 19 March 2026

The Standards Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider two exempt reports relating to code of conduct complaints. These reports, prepared by the Monitoring Officer, were to be discussed in private, with the press and public excluded from the meeting. Procedural matters, including the election of a chairman and the declaration of interests, were also on the agenda. The meeting was scheduled to take place at The Ludlow Room, The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury.

This week in Shropshire:

Taxi Policy and Fees Under Review: Balancing Public Safety and Affordability

The Strategic Licensing Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss crucial updates to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and proposed changes to licensing fees. These decisions directly impact the taxi services available to residents and the livelihoods of drivers. You can find the meeting details here.

Overhauling the Taxi Licensing Policy

The committee considered the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for 2027 to 2031. This comprehensive document, spanning over 200 pages, sets the rules for licensing taxis and their operators. It covers everything from driver suitability and vehicle standards to operator responsibilities and enforcement.

• The Stakes: A robust licensing policy is essential for public safety. It ensures that drivers are fit and proper, vehicles are safe and well-maintained, and operators adhere to regulations. For passengers, particularly vulnerable individuals, this policy is a key safeguard. For drivers and operators, it provides clarity and a framework for their business.
• Key Areas of Focus: The policy details requirements for:
  • Driver Vetting: Including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, medical examinations, and safeguarding training.
  • Vehicle Standards: Covering emissions, age limits, and safety features, with specific attention to wheelchair accessible vehicles.
  • Operator Accountability: Ensuring operators manage their businesses responsibly and comply with licensing conditions.
• Proposed Changes: The updated policy aims to embed ongoing improvements and strengthen enforcement. The committee was asked to agree to a formal consultation on the proposed policy, giving the public and stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback.

Taxi Fee Increases Spark Concern

Alongside the policy review, the committee examined proposed changes to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Fees for 2026-2027. While the council states fees are set on a cost-recovery basis, covering administrative and compliance costs, the proposed increases have drawn objections.

• The Stakes: Fee increases can place a significant financial burden on taxi drivers, many of whom operate as small businesses. This could potentially lead to higher fares for passengers or reduced availability of taxis, particularly impacting those who rely on them for essential travel, such as elderly residents or individuals with disabilities.
• Public Reaction: During a prior consultation, five objections were received. One requested a fee freeze, while others objected to any increase.
• Justification for Increases: The report indicated that proposed fee increases are linked to additional resources for safeguarding and enhanced compliance checks. The council aims to balance the need for robust regulation with the affordability for drivers.
• Potential Outcome: The committee was asked to consider the objections and decide whether to implement the proposed fee variations, with potential modifications, from 1 April 2026.

Delegated Powers Report

The committee also reviewed a report on the exercise of delegated powers by licensing officers. This report provided an overview of licences issued and variations made between September 2025 and January 2026, highlighting the efficient processing of applications and the use of delegated authority for various licensing decisions.

Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Planning Framework on the Agenda

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss significant environmental and planning policy matters. Key items included the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the council's response to proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can find the meeting details here.

Protecting and Enhancing Shropshire's Natural Environment

The Cabinet considered the Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This strategy, mandated by the Environment Act 2021, sets out priorities for nature recovery and identifies areas for habitat creation and improvement.

• The Stakes: The LNRS is crucial for safeguarding Shropshire's biodiversity and natural heritage. It aims to create a more resilient natural environment, which benefits everyone through improved air and water quality, flood management, and recreational opportunities. For wildlife and ecosystems, this strategy is vital for their survival and recovery.
• Key Actions: The strategy identifies 16 local priorities and 51 actions to restore habitats and enhance ecological connectivity.
• Potential Outcome: Approval of the LNRS by the Cabinet, and subsequently by Telford & Wrekin Council, would lead to its notification to the Secretary of State for publication.

Responding to National Planning Policy Changes

The council's proposed response to the government's consultation on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was also a key discussion point. The NPPF guides local planning decisions across England.

• The Stakes: Changes to the NPPF can have a profound impact on development across Shropshire, influencing housing delivery, economic growth, and environmental protection. The council's response ensures that local needs and concerns are considered in national policy.
• Council's Position: While generally supporting many proposed changes, the council sought clarifications and modifications on issues such as the application of the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the resourcing implications of new planning processes.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Spatial Development Strategies

The meeting also touched upon the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, highlighting opportunities for developing charging points. Furthermore, the Cabinet discussed new duties to collaborate on sub-regional Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs), which aim to plan for growth and infrastructure across wider areas.

Food Waste Collections: Weekly Service Mandated by New Law

The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss the introduction of weekly food waste collections and review the council's work programme. You can find the meeting details here.

New Legal Duty for Food Waste Collections

A significant item was the impending requirement for weekly food waste collections for all households by 31 March 2026, stemming from the Environment Act 2021 and Simpler Recycling Legislation.

• The Stakes: This is a major shift for residents, requiring more frequent bin collections. For the council, it presents a substantial financial challenge as no ongoing revenue funding has been provided by the government, despite £3.6 million in capital funding. This could impact other council services if not managed effectively.
• Options Considered: The committee reviewed three options:
  • Do nothing: Postpone the service due to funding uncertainty.
  • Fortnightly collection with garden waste: Utilise existing rounds.
  • Weekly separate collection: This option creates an estimated £3.8 million annual financial pressure.
• Public Reaction: The report noted that Defra had rejected Shropshire's request for an exemption, as the council is already capable of collecting food waste with garden waste.
• Potential Outcome: The committee was tasked with making recommendations to the Cabinet regarding the implementation of this new service, balancing legal obligations with financial realities.

Pothole Processes and Work Programme

The committee also received a verbal update on pothole processes and discussed its Work Programme for 2025-2026, aiming to refocus on member-led topics and establish task and finish groups.

This week in Shropshire:

Housing Development Sparks Major Debate: Tasley, Bridgnorth Faces Large-Scale Residential and Commercial Plans

The Southern Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to consider a significant outline application for a large residential and commercial development at Tasley, Bridgnorth. The committee was also due to review a schedule of appeals and appeal decisions. You can find the meeting details here.

Tasley Garden Village: A Vision for 1,500 Homes and New Amenities

The core of the meeting was the detailed outline application for a substantial development at Tasley, Bridgnorth. Submitted by Bloor Homes Limited and Taylor Wimpey UK Limited, the proposal envisions up to 1,500 residential dwellings, including specialist housing for older people. It also allocates approximately 14.6 hectares for employment uses, a mixed-use local centre, and a primary school. The plans further include a country park, open spaces, sports pitches, and essential infrastructure.

• The Stakes: This development represents a significant expansion for Bridgnorth, with the potential to reshape the local community. For existing residents, concerns centre on the impact on infrastructure, traffic, and the rural character of the area. For those seeking housing, it offers a substantial opportunity, particularly with the inclusion of specialist housing for older people and the promise of new community facilities.
• Garden Village Principles: The vision for this development, dubbed Tasley Garden Village, is rooted in Garden Village principles, aiming to create a new neighbourhood that respects local character and utilises the site's natural attributes. These principles, as defined by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), emphasise holistic planning, healthy communities, high-quality materials, and accessible services.
• Access and Infrastructure: The proposed access strategy includes three main vehicular access points from the A458 and B4364, with planned speed limit reductions. The plans also detail internal roads, pedestrian and cycle routes, and the potential for a mobility hub.
• Community Concerns: Objections were raised by Tasley Parish Council and Bridgnorth Town Council, citing concerns about the scale of development, infrastructure strain, and the impact on the area's rural feel. Supporters, however, highlighted the pressing need for housing, including affordable options, and the benefits of new community facilities and employment land.
• The Tilted Balance : The report noted that the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply engaged the presumption in favour of sustainable development, often referred to as the 'tilted balance'. This legal principle means that planning permission should be granted unless any adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
• Potential Outcome: The officer's recommendation was for approval of outline planning permission, with delegated powers to officers to finalise conditions and secure developer contributions through a Section 106 agreement. This indicates a strong push towards development, balanced against the need to address community concerns.

Appeals Against Council Decisions Reviewed

The committee also reviewed a schedule of appeals and appeal decisions, providing insight into how previous planning decisions made by the council have been challenged.

• Dismissed Appeals: Two applications were dismissed:
  • Permission in Principle for two to four dwellings at Proposed Residential Development Land West Of The Chestnuts, Cruckton, Shrewsbury was dismissed on 22 January 2026.
  • An outline application for a single self-build dwelling at Proposed Residential Development To The East Of Woodlands Close, Broseley was dismissed on 10 February 2026.
• Pending Decisions: The committee also reviewed applications for a new dormer bungalow at Proposed Dwelling To The North Of Hazler Crescent, Church Stretton and the demolition and replacement of a bungalow at The New Bungalow, Quatford, Bridgnorth. Decisions on these appeals were still pending.

Housing Appeal Panel Considers Secure Tenancy Case

The Housing Appeal Panel convened on Friday, 27 February 2026, to discuss a housing appeal related to a secure tenancy. You can find the meeting details here.

Exempt Report on Secure Tenancy Appeal

The panel considered an exempt report from the Head of Housing (Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing) concerning a housing appeal. The nature of the report, being exempt, means that details of the specific case and any discussions are not publicly available. This is often the case when personal or sensitive information is involved, as permitted under the Local Government Act 1972.

• The Stakes: For individuals involved in housing disputes, these appeals are critical. A secure tenancy provides significant rights and protections to tenants, and any appeal concerning this status can have profound implications for their housing security and stability.

Council Meeting: Broad Range of Topics on the Agenda

The full Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss a wide array of council business. You can find the meeting details here. As the transcript for this meeting is not yet available, specific decisions cannot be detailed. However, the attendance list indicates a broad representation from across the political groups on the council, suggesting a comprehensive agenda was covered.