The Cabinet of Shropshire Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the financial outturn for the 2025/26 year, the future of day services for learning disabled and older people, and reforms to children's services. Key decisions included approving the closure of Helena Lane Older People's Day Service in Ludlow, transferring the Aquamira Learning Disability Day Service to the Abbots Wood Site, and endorsing a comprehensive Children's Services Reform Programme.

Financial Outturn 2025/26

The Cabinet reviewed the financial outturn for the 2025/26 year, noting a significant adverse variance of £49.428 million above budget. This was largely attributed to ambitious savings targets that proved unachievable and under-recognised demand pressures within social care. To manage this deficit, £19.637 million was funded by Exceptional Financial Support (EFS), leaving £29.278 million to be funded from General Fund reserves and balances. Consequently, the General Fund Balance stands at £5 million, which is below the level considered appropriate for a council of Shropshire's size. The report also noted an increase of £5.658 million in Earmarked Reserves and Provisions, bringing the total to £29.812 million. Savings delivery over the year amounted to £17.722 million. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reported a surplus of £1.372 million, while the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed an overspend of £28.029 million, resulting in a deficit reserve of £45.655 million. The capital programme saw net budget variations of £26.932 million, with re-profiled budgets for the coming years. Cabinet noted these figures and agreed to incorporate them into the financial statements for external audit.

Aquamira Learning Disability Day Service and Helena Lane Older Peoples Day Service

A significant decision was made regarding the future of day services for vulnerable adults. Cabinet agreed to transfer the Aquamira Learning Disability Day Service to the Abbots Wood site and close the current Aquamira building. This move is projected to save £71,320 per year by addressing the high running costs associated with the Aquamira building and its hydrotherapy pool, which is not a statutory service. While acknowledging strong opposition from service users and carers during the consultation period, particularly regarding the loss of the hydrotherapy pool, the Council stated that eligible needs would continue to be met through Care Act assessments and person-centred transition plans.

Furthermore, Cabinet approved the closure of the Helena Lane Older People's Day Service in Ludlow. This decision was driven by sustained low utilisation and high unit costs, with a forecast net annual cost of £169,738. The service currently supports only five individuals, resulting in an indicative cost of £332.82 per attendance day. Cabinet acknowledged the opposition to the closure, particularly from unpaid carers and families who highlighted the importance of respite, assisted bathing, and dementia-specific supervision, as well as concerns about rural transport barriers. Mitigation and support arrangements, including Care Act assessments, carers' assessments, person-centred transition planning, and monitoring, were approved to ensure a managed transition.

Children's Services Reforms

Cabinet endorsed a comprehensive, integrated approach to delivering national children's services reforms through a single Children's Transformation Programme. This programme aims to rebalance services towards prevention, with an anticipated investment of approximately £8 million over four years to deliver £21 million in savings. Key aspects include endorsing the Families First Partnership's operating models for Family Help, Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams, and Family Group Decision Making, all aimed at driving earlier intervention. The draft Best Start in Life (BSIL) Family Hubs Delivery Plan was also endorsed, including the enhancement of digital offers. Cabinet approved the proposed locations for three BSIL Family Hubs in Shrewsbury (The Lantern), Oswestry, and Ludlow, along with additional multi-disciplinary team bases in Highley, Market Drayton, and South Shrewsbury. Delegated authority was granted for finalising the BSIL Delivery Plan, exploring premises options, and approving participation in Family First Partnership business cases. Updates on progress, risks, and mitigations will be provided annually to Cabinet and the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Other Decisions

Cabinet also approved the adoption of two Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs): the 'Design of New Dwellings SPD' and the 'Design of Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD'. These documents will provide guidance on applying development plan policies and will be material considerations in planning application decisions. Additionally, approval was given for the Motor Race Order and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders to facilitate the Hills Ford Stages Rally on 19–20 September 2026.

The Cabinet also noted the progress report on the Improvement Plan, providing guidance on continued improvement and financial sustainability. A Treasury Management Update for Quarter 4 2025/26 was noted, confirming new borrowing of £100 million for the General Fund, including £61.8 million for Exceptional Financial Support. Finally, the Commissioning, Procurement and Contract Management Strategy (CPCM) for 2026–2029 was approved, setting out the framework for how Shropshire Council will manage its third-party spend.