This week in Shropshire:

Council Faces £49 Million Overspend as Financial Pressures Mount

Shropshire Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, and received stark news about the council's financial health. A report presented by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, revealed a projected year-end overspend of £49.374 million. While this represents a slight improvement since the previous reporting period, the figures highlight significant financial strain, particularly within Care & Wellbeing and Children & Young People services.

What's at Stake?

This substantial overspend has direct implications for the services residents rely on. Overspends in these critical areas can translate to:

• Longer waiting times for essential social care support for the elderly and vulnerable.
• Reduced resources for children's services, potentially impacting safeguarding and educational support.
• Pressure on other council services as funds are diverted to cover these deficits.

The council has applied for £71.4 million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government to address these challenges, with a portion earmarked for the current overspend and the cancellation of the North-West Relief Road project. However, the report also noted that the General Fund Balance is forecast to be £5 million at the end of the financial year, a level considered below an acceptable or sustainable level by the s151 Officer. This precarious financial position means difficult decisions may lie ahead regarding service provision and investment.

Crisis Resilience Fund to Support Residents

In a move to support those most affected by rising living costs, the Cabinet also received an update on the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund, replacing the Household Support Fund, will provide £3.67 million annually to help residents facing essential living cost challenges. An additional £758,558 is allocated for households relying on heating oil.

The CRF aims to provide direct financial assistance for food, housing, energy, clothing, and transport. While mass voucher distribution for school holidays will cease, the council has committed to funding free school meals during Easter and the May half-term. The proposed schemes, developed with partners, include crisis payments, Council Tax relief, and support through community hubs. The council is advocating for a no-wrong-door approach to ensure residents can access help easily.

You can find the meeting details here.

Weekly Food Waste Collections Face Delays Amidst Funding Uncertainty

The Cabinet also discussed the introduction of weekly food waste collections, a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. Despite the mandate for these collections to be in place by 31 March 2026, Shropshire Council faces significant hurdles.

The Challenge of Compliance

While the government provided capital funding for initial implementation, concerns remain about the adequacy of ongoing annual revenue funding. The report highlighted that Shropshire's funding settlement has seen a reduction in real terms, and no specific funding for weekly food waste collections is apparent.

• Affordability and Contracts: Due to affordability issues, contractual constraints with the current waste management provider, Veolia ES Shropshire, and the absence of an In Vessel Composter (IVC), compliance by the deadline is not possible.
• Future Planning: The council is now planning for a future rollout, assessing funding needs, and considering an application to DEFRA for an exemption based on rurality and contractual complexity.

This delay means residents will not see the mandated weekly food waste collections implemented as planned, highlighting the challenges of unfunded mandates for local authorities.

You can find the meeting details here.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Recommendations Under Review

The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 13 April 2026, to review the first part of a report from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task and Finish Group. CIL is a charge that local authorities can levy on new developments to help fund infrastructure.

Improving CIL Allocation and Transparency

The group explored processes for CIL allocation, member involvement, and transparency, aiming to ensure funds effectively support local and strategic infrastructure needs. Key recommendations included:

• Annual CIL Strategy: Developing an annual CIL Strategy document.
• Review of Decision-Making: Examining the Internal Infrastructure Group's decision-making structure to allow for greater member insight.
• Cornwall Model: Exploring the suitability of Cornwall Council's community-led CIL allocation model for Shropshire.
• Enhanced Communication: Improving communication and awareness of CIL for Town and Parish Councils, members, and residents.

The report also suggested that Cabinet and Portfolio Holders should be invited to observe Internal Infrastructure Group meetings, and that minutes should be more formal and shared widely. The group also proposed exploring how CIL Local might be managed by Member-led Community Boards with officer support.

You can find the meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Cabinet also discussed the adoption of a Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code, which aims to guide future development and preserve the town's character. Additionally, the Shropshire Destination Management Plan (DMP), setting the strategic direction for tourism for the next three years, was presented for adoption.

You can find the meeting details here.

This week in Shropshire:

Code of Conduct Complaints Remain Private: Standards Sub-Committee Meets

The Standards Sub-Committee met on Thursday, 09 April 2026, to consider three separate code of conduct complaints. However, due to the sensitive nature of these matters, the public and press were excluded from the discussions. This means that the specific details of the complaints, the individuals involved, and the recommendations made by the committee remain confidential.

What's at Stake?

Code of conduct complaints are designed to ensure that councillors uphold the highest ethical standards in their public duties. When these complaints are heard in private, it can be difficult for residents to understand how these standards are being maintained and whether any breaches are being addressed effectively. For those involved in a complaint, the privacy of the proceedings is crucial to protect their reputation.

The committee was scheduled to review three exempt reports prepared by the Monitoring Officer, Tim Collard. These reports would have contained findings and recommendations regarding alleged breaches of the council's code of conduct. The decision to exclude the public is made under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows for the exclusion of the public when information is considered confidential, often due to personal data or ongoing investigations.

Election of Chair and Approval of Minutes

Before delving into the complaints, the sub-committee also conducted the election of its Chairman for the proceedings. Additionally, they were due to approve the minutes from their previous meeting on 19 March 2026. The minutes from that earlier meeting, which are publicly available, show that no action was taken on six code of conduct complaints considered at that time, as it was deemed not to be in the public interest to do so.

You can find the meeting details here.

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.