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Shropshire Council Faces £47M Overspend: Services at Risk

This week in Shropshire:

Council's Financial Crisis Deepens: £47 Million Overspend Threatens Services

Shropshire Council's Cabinet met this week and revealed a worsening financial position, with a projected overspend soaring to £47.1 million. You can read the full details of the meeting here. With reserves dwindling to a mere £2.2 million by March, the council is in urgent talks with the government for exceptional financial support to avoid issuing a Section 114 notice[^4]. This could mean significant cuts to vital services, impacting the most vulnerable residents.

  • The Stakes: The council's financial instability threatens the delivery of vital services, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely on council support.
  • Emergency Action: The Cabinet agreed to continue emergency action to improve the financial forecast, including challenging spending and reviewing savings delivery.
  • Exceptional Financial Support: The council is in discussions with the government for £15 million in exceptional financial support to avoid issuing a Section 114 notice.

Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, attributed the increased overspend to a more detailed review of the council's finances, revealing that some previously assumed savings were not achievable and delivery plans were lacking.

Autism Strategy Approved: A Step Towards Inclusion

In a positive move, the Cabinet approved the All Age Autism Strategy 2025-2030, aiming to improve the lives of autistic people in Shropshire. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The strategy focuses on early diagnosis, support, and inclusion, ensuring autistic people have access to the services and support they need throughout their lives.

  • The Stakes: This strategy has the potential to significantly improve the lives of autistic people in Shropshire by promoting early diagnosis, increasing access to support services, and fostering inclusion in all aspects of community life.
  • Key Focus Areas: The strategy includes plans to improve early identification and diagnosis of autism, increase access to specialist support services, promote autism awareness and understanding, and ensure that autistic people are included in all aspects of community life.
  • Training: The strategy also addresses the need for better training for professionals who work with autistic people.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, highlighted the importance of the strategy in ensuring that autistic people have access to the services and support they need throughout their lives.

Shrewsbury Station Gyratory Project Faces Scrutiny

The Cabinet addressed concerns about the Shrewsbury station gyratory project, a Levelling Up Fund initiative to transform movement and public spaces around the station. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the project in response to public concern, including a petition with over 6,000 signatures.

  • The Stakes: This project aims to improve traffic flow and public spaces around Shrewsbury station, but public concerns about safety and design have prompted a review.
  • Recommendations: The committee recommended an independent safety audit review of the current proposals, a review of the council's strategic partnerships, and the application of lessons learned to future schemes.
  • Safety Review: Cabinet members supported the recommendations and confirmed that officers had already begun commissioning an independent safety review.

Fees and Charges Could Rise as Council Seeks Full Cost Recovery

The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the council's fees and charges pricing policy, which aims to move towards full cost recovery for discretionary services. You can read the full details of the meeting here. This could mean higher prices for some council services, with potential impacts on affordability and accessibility, especially for vulnerable groups.

  • The Stakes: This policy could lead to increased costs for discretionary council services, potentially impacting accessibility and affordability for residents, particularly those on low incomes.
  • Cost Recovery as Default: The policy's core objective is to move towards full cost recovery as the default position for discretionary services, enhancing the financial sustainability of services.
  • CPI Increases: The standard assumption would be that all fees and charges would be increased in line with CPI[^3].
  • Equality Impact: An Equality, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) stated that the impacts were considered to be neutral to low negative for people in the protected characteristic groupings of age and disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.

The report pack noted several risks, including public/political backlash, legal challenge, non-compliance across services, reduced accessibility/demand impact, and impact on rural communities/market failure.

Pension Fund Performance and Climate Risk Management Under Review

The Pensions Committee met to discuss the Shropshire County Pension Fund's valuation, funding strategy, and climate risk management. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The committee also received updates on corporate governance and pensions administration.

  • The Stakes: The performance of the pension fund directly impacts the financial security of current and future pensioners. Effective climate risk management is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fund.
  • Valuation Update: Preliminary results suggested that the 2025 valuation would see contribution reductions for many employers, balancing short-term affordability with longer-term contribution stability.
  • Climate Risk Management: The report highlighted that best practices were in place to ensure the fund manages climate risk exposure responsibly, and that there had been significant progress toward the fund's climate objectives.
  • Corporate Governance: The committee received a report informing members of corporate governance changes, including the government's latest LGPS - Fit for the Future consultation[^4].

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire Council Faces Financial Crisis; Housing Update

This week in Shropshire:

Council Faces Tough Choices as Financial Crisis Deepens

Shropshire Council is grappling with a severe financial crisis, forcing difficult decisions that could impact services across the board. The Audit & Governance Committee met on Thursday to discuss the Auditor's Annual Report (AAR) from Grant Thornton, which highlights the council's ongoing financial challenges.

  • The Stakes: The council's financial instability threatens the delivery of vital services, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely on council support.
  • Financial Emergency: The Cabinet declared a financial emergency on 10 September 2025.
  • Auditor's Concerns: The AAR is expected to include a statutory recommendation and three key recommendations focusing on financial resilience.
  • Savings Programmes: The committee will discuss the deliverability of savings programmes and the need for scenario planning.

The committee also received an Internal Control Management Update in response to the Chief Audit Executive's Limited Assurance opinion. The report pack states that the new Leader of the Council, Councillor Heather Kidd[^8], agreed to the appointment of opposition groups as chairs for the Audit Committee and several Overview & Scrutiny Committees.

The committee was also scheduled to review the Counter Fraud Strategy Report and measures undertaken to manage associated risks, as well as considering a motion referred by the Council regarding the proposal to create a dedicated Counter Fraud Team.

Cornovii Developments Limited (CDL) Update: Rent-to-Own Scheme and Affordable Housing Targets

The Housing Supervisory Board met on Thursday to receive an update from Cornovii Developments Limited (CDL) on its progress against its approved 10-year business plan. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: CDL's performance directly impacts the availability of affordable housing and the economic well-being of the community.
  • Housing Targets: CDL aims to deliver 582 new homes over the plan period, with 21% expected to be affordable.
  • Rent-to-Own: CDL has launched a Rent to Own product, allowing potential homeowners to rent their home for three years with an option to buy after that period. The product is being piloted on CDL's London Road development.
  • Local Investment: CDL invests in local contractors and subcontractors, with 65% of London Road contractors from Shropshire.

Councillor Rosemary Dartnall[^1], Chair of the Committee, said:

CDL is required to report quarterly to the shareholder, which is Shropshire Council, via this board, detailing operations, performance, and progress in meeting and met housing need.

The Housing Supervisory Board also received the Cornovii Developments Limited Exempt Items Update Report. Due to the confidential nature of the information contained within this report, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during its consideration, as per the Local Government Act 1972.

Planning Decisions Deferred for Shifnal and Cruckton Developments

The Southern Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss several planning applications, including residential developments in Shifnal and Cruckton. You can find the meeting details here. However, no transcript or minutes are available, so it is not known whether these topics were discussed or any decisions were made.

  • The Stakes: These planning decisions will shape the future of housing and infrastructure in these communities.
  • Shifnal Development: The planning officer's report recommended that the application for a residential development on land to the north of Watts Drive in Shifnal be refused, citing concerns about design, layout, access, and parking arrangements.
  • Cruckton Development: The planning officer's report recommended that the application for a residential development on land to the north of the Old Hare and Hounds in Cruckton be refused, stating that the site is not an allocated site for residential development and its development would be contrary to the policies of the Core Strategy and the Council's SAMDev Plan as a whole, as well as to the policies of the Pontesbury Neighbourhood Plan.
  • SpArC Bishop Castle Leisure Centre: The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application relating to SpArC Bishop Castle Leisure Centre. The planning officer's report recommended that the application be approved, subject to conditions.

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire Council Faces £47m Overspend: Service Cuts Loom

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

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire Schools Face £41M Deficit; Cuts Loom

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

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire Council: Code of Conduct Complaint Discussed in Private

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

Schools Forum - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 8.30 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

December 11, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Council of Shropshire Council is scheduled to meet on 11 December 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the council's improvement plan, people plan, and setting the council tax base for the upcoming financial year. They will also discuss motions relating to the accessibility of council meetings and the proposed Sundorne Sports Village redevelopment.

December 11, 2025
Northern Planning Committee

Northern Planning Committee - Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 2.00 pm

The Northern Planning Committee for Shropshire Council met on 9 December 2025, to consider several planning applications, including a retrospective review of a previously refused application, and to note recent appeal decisions. The committee was also scheduled to discuss an update on a deferred planning application.

December 09, 2025
Pensions Committee

Pensions Committee - Friday, 5th December, 2025 10.00 am

The Pensions Committee of Shropshire Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a valuation and funding strategy statement update, pensions administration and corporate governance monitoring, and a climate risk management report. The meeting was also scheduled to cover several items that were considered exempt from press and public access, including governance, new employers, investment portfolio updates, investment strategy implementation, and investment monitoring.

December 05, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.30 am

Shropshire Council's Cabinet convened to address critical financial challenges, approve a new Autism Strategy, and set the council tax taxbase for the upcoming year. Key decisions included approving actions to address a projected £50.746m overspend, applying for Exceptional Financial Support, and adopting the All Age Autism Strategy 2025-2030. The Cabinet also agreed to consult on the future of the School Library Service.

December 03, 2025
Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 1st December, 2025 10.00 am

The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the council's fees and charges pricing policy, receive an update on the progress of the development of the Improvement Plan, and receive an update on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations made by the Staff Bullying and Harassment Task and Finish Group. The committee was also scheduled to scrutinise financial performance at Period 7 and consider proposals for the committee's work programme for 2025 – 2026.

December 01, 2025
Housing Supervisory Board

Housing Supervisory Board - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 2.00 pm

The Housing Supervisory Board is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025. The meeting will include an update report from Cornovii Developments Limited (CDL) on its progress against its approved 10-year business plan, as well as a discussion of exempt items related to CDL. There will also be an opportunity for public and member questions.

November 27, 2025
Audit & Governance Committee

Audit & Governance Committee - Thursday, 27th November, 2025 10.00 am

The Audit & Governance Committee of Shropshire Council convened to discuss a range of issues, including internal control management, audit performance, and financial strategies. A key focus was the council's financial sustainability and adherence to governance procedures, particularly in light of a recent financial emergency declaration. The committee also planned to review the council's counter-fraud strategy and consider options for fraud investigation.

November 27, 2025
Southern Planning Committee

Southern Planning Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 2.00 pm

The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council met on 25 November 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including residential developments in Shifnal and Cruckton, and planned improvements to a leisure centre in Bishops Castle. The committee was also scheduled to review a schedule of appeals and appeal decisions.

November 25, 2025
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 9.30 am

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. The meeting will also include updates on the National Neighbourhood Health Programme and the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership.

November 20, 2025
Housing Appeal Panel

Housing Appeal Panel - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 16, 2025
Southern Planning Committee

Southern Planning Committee - Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 2.30 pm

December 16, 2025
Strategic Licensing Committee CANCELLED

Strategic Licensing Committee - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 10.00 am

December 17, 2025