This week in Shropshire:

Council's Financial Crisis Deepens: Emergency Measures and Potential Service Cuts Loom

Shropshire Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss the dire financial situation facing the council, with a projected £47.069 million overspend. You can find the full details of the meeting here. This alarming situation could lead to drastic measures, impacting essential services and vulnerable residents. The Cabinet agreed to continue exploring Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

• The Stakes: The council's financial instability threatens the delivery of vital services and the well-being of Shropshire residents.
• Negative Balance: The projected General Fund Balance is forecast to be negative (-£12.789m).
• Savings Delivery: The indicative savings delivery is only at £21.304m (36%).
• Operations Boards: The council will support the use of Operations Boards to challenge spending.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Quarter 2 performance report, which showed that demand for adult and children's social care remains high, as does the number of requests for education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with staff shortages leading to delays in meeting government timescales. The suicide rate in Shropshire has risen above the national average.

Oswestry Skatepark Project Moves Forward Amidst Financial Uncertainty

Despite the council's financial woes, the Cabinet agreed to continue with plans to deliver a new skateboard and BMX pump track in Oswestry. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• The Stakes: This project could provide valuable recreational opportunities for young people in Oswestry, but its future depends on the Town Council’s support and funding.
• Consultation: Oswestry Town Council will undertake the final consultation to determine the preferred site for the track.
• Lease: A lease will be put in place for the site Oswestry Town Council select.

Streetscene Transfer and Partnership Working Under Scrutiny

The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday to discuss the report of the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group, which is chaired by Councillor Dawn Husemann. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. The group was formed to explore ways in which partnership working could be developed to deliver outcomes for Shropshire people and communities more efficiently and effectively at a local level. The report summarised the first phase of the group's work, which focused on enhancing collaboration between Shropshire Council and town and parish councils.

• The Stakes: Effective partnership working is crucial for delivering services efficiently and meeting the needs of local communities.
• Streetscene Transfer: The Task and Finish Group focused on the planned transfer of Streetscene services as a pilot in selected areas such as Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Shifnal.
• Communication: The report stated that communication going forward must be consistent, sufficient, open, honest and two way.
• Support and Training: The report also stated that suitable support and training for town and parish councils is essential.
• Essential Information: The report stated that before people can or will be willing to engage with Shropshire Council about the transfer of services it is critical that they are given full information about the services to be transferred, what the minimum statutory service provision for each item of service to be transferred is, what the current cost of these services to Shropshire Council is, how much money town and parish councils will be given to carry out these services locally and what the ongoing financial arrangements are going to be, and exactly what will be expected of them and what help they will be given.

Other Matters

• The Northern Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss an outline application for a residential development on land north of the A53 in Longford, Market Drayton. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.
• The Northern Planning Committee was scheduled to consider an application for an extension to the Shrewsbury Sports Village. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on Thursday 20 November 2025 to discuss a number of issues, including an update on vaccinations, the Better Care Fund, and the Youth Transformation Pilot. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Pensions Committee on Friday 05 December 2025
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• Cabinet on Wednesday 03 December 2025
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• Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 01 December 2025
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This week in Shropshire:

Schools Face £41 Million Deficit: Cuts to Services Loom

Shropshire Council's Schools Forum met on Thursday to discuss a grim financial outlook, with a cumulative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit projected to reach £41 million. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. This shortfall could lead to significant cuts in school services, impacting vulnerable students and potentially widening educational inequalities.

• The Stakes: A £41 million deficit in the DSG threatens the quality of education for Shropshire's children, potentially leading to larger class sizes, reduced support for students with special needs, and cuts to extracurricular activities.
• High Needs Block Overspend: The centrally controlled High Needs Block (HNB) budget, which supports students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is forecast to overspend by £23.497 million this year.
• Rising Costs: Expenditure for 2025-26 is forecast to be 21% higher than 2024-25 levels, reaching £22.134 million, with variances in post-16 FE College placements and independent specialist provision.
• Government Discussions: Council officers met with the Department for Education (DfE) in July to discuss addressing the DSG deficit.
• Potential Cuts: The forum was scheduled to discuss potential cuts to services funded through the DSG, including pupil growth contingency, maternity cover, school improvement, and redundancy funds.

The Schools Forum was scheduled to make decisions on the de-delegation and top-slicing of the DSG at a meeting on 11 December 2025.

Shropshire Hills Partnership Grapples with Council's Financial Crisis

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership met on Thursday to discuss Shropshire Council's priorities amidst its declared financial emergency. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. The council's new Liberal Democrat administration is grappling with financial recovery and stability, contract reform, and community empowerment.

• The Stakes: The council's financial crisis could impact the Partnership's ability to deliver its work programme, including projects related to nature recovery, climate action, and community prosperity.
• Council Priorities: The council is focusing on financial recovery, contract reform, and community empowerment.
• Early Actions: The council has filled 7,970 potholes, launched a major scheme to repair the A488 Hope Valley route, and rolled out Shropshire Local in-person customer service hubs to more communities.
• Partnership Funding: The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has funded 184 grant applications to date, with a healthy pipeline of projects expected to fully spend this year's grant allocation of £1,005,614.
• Future Vision: The Partnership discussed the National Landscapes Association briefing paper on the future of National Landscapes to 2050, which emphasizes the importance of thriving, connected, resilient landscapes for nature, people, and prosperity.

Shrewsbury Sports Village Expansion and Veolia Contract Under Scrutiny

The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday to discuss the Sports Village Development, the Levelling Up Fund, and the Veolia contract. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. These discussions highlight the council's efforts to balance economic development with environmental concerns and responsible contract management.

• The Stakes: The Sports Village Development could provide valuable recreational opportunities for residents, while the Levelling Up Fund aims to improve Shrewsbury town centre. The Veolia contract is a significant financial commitment for the council, and its performance is crucial for effective waste management.
• Sports Village Progress: The committee received an update on the design stage of the Sports Village Development and the forthcoming decision on whether to proceed with the implementation of the project.
• Levelling Up Fund: The committee received a report on the progress of the Levelling Up Fund (Round 2) grant funded 'Transforming Movement and Public Spaces in Shrewsbury' project.
• Veolia Contract: The committee received a verbal update further to the Member Briefings on the Veolia contract.
• Leisure Contract Retendering: The committee was scheduled to receive a report and update on the background to the procurement of a replacement contract to operate Shropshire Council Leisure centres. This item was scheduled to be discussed after the exclusion of the press and public.

Other Matters

• The Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership was scheduled to discuss revisions to structures for the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.
• The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations for developer contributions. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 17 November 2025
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• Northern Planning Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025
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• Cabinet on Wednesday 19 November 2025
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• Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 20 November 2025
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• Southern Planning Committee on Tuesday 25 November 2025
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• Audit & Governance Committee on Thursday 27 November 2025
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• Housing Supervisory Board on Thursday 27 November 2025
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This week in Shropshire:

Code of Conduct Complaint Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The Standards Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, November 5th, to address a code of conduct complaint against an unnamed individual. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. The public and press were excluded from the discussion, citing confidentiality.

• The Stakes: Code of conduct complaints can have serious consequences for those involved, potentially impacting their reputation and ability to serve in public office. The lack of transparency raises concerns about accountability and the public's right to know.
• Exclusion Justification: The council cited Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 (3) of the Council's Access to Information Rules to justify excluding the public.
• Exempt Information: The report pack notes that pages relating to this item were exempt by virtue of paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Other Business

The Standards Sub-Committee also:

• Elected a chairman for the duration of the meeting.
• Received apologies for absence.
• Reminded members to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable or non-registrable interests.

Upcoming Meetings

• Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 17 November 2025
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• Northern Planning Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025
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• Cabinet on Wednesday 19 November 2025
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• Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 20 November 2025
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• Schools Forum on Thursday 13 November 2025
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• Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership. on Thursday 13 November 2025
  • Link to meeting
• Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 13 November 2025
  • Link to meeting

This week in Shropshire:

CQC Report Praises Adult Social Care, But Flags Delays and Accessibility Issues

The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the Care Quality Commission (CQC) update report, the Local Youth Transformation Pilot, and a quarterly performance monitoring report. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. The CQC report rated Shropshire Council's adult social care services as 'Good' overall, but highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly around timeliness, accessibility, and support for carers.

• The Stakes: The CQC report provides a crucial assessment of the quality of care services provided to vulnerable adults in Shropshire. Addressing the identified weaknesses is essential to ensure that residents receive timely and effective support.
• Key Strengths: The report praised positive user experiences, effective use of assistive technology, strong reablement outcomes, and innovative rural service models like Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and the 'Two Carers in a Car' scheme (2CiC).
• Areas for Improvement: The report identified delays in assessments and reviews (especially for sensory needs and occupational therapy), inconsistent online information accessibility, mixed feedback on carer support, and inconsistencies in service transitions for young people.
• Equity Concerns: The report also noted gaps in data and accessibility for protected groups, lower than average uptake of direct payments, significant delays in lower-risk Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) assessments, and a need for improved impact visibility and strategic embedding of co-production.
• Action Plan: Shropshire Council has developed a Towards Outstanding Action Plan (TOAP) to address the identified areas for improvement.

The report recommended that the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee formally acknowledge the outcome of the CQC Assurance Assessment, commit to continuous improvement as set out in the Towards Outstanding Action Plan, note the specific risks and challenges identified in the report, and support the ongoing development and implementation of robust governance arrangements for monitoring progress against the TOAP.

Health Committee Explores Health in All Policies Approach

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss embedding health considerations across all of Shropshire Council's activities. You can find the agenda for the meeting here. This Health in All Policies approach aims to ensure that health and wellbeing are considered in all council decisions, from planning and transport to education and economic development.

• The Stakes: By integrating health considerations into all aspects of council policy, Shropshire aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of its residents, reduce health inequalities, and create a healthier and more sustainable community.
• Key Areas: The committee was scheduled to explore how health considerations and prevention could be embedded across Shropshire Council.
• Work Programme: The committee also discussed their work programme, which includes items such as Neighbourhoods, Community and Family Hubs, Digital Health and Wellbeing, and Local Implications of the NHS 10 Year Plan¹.

Other Matters

• The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to review the Local Youth Transformation Pilot Development Plan. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.
• The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to scrutinise performance at Quarter 4 and identify areas that may require further investigation. You can find the agenda for the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Standards Sub-Committee on Wednesday 05 November 2025
  • Link to meeting