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Cabinet - Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 10.30 am

July 8, 2026 at 10:30 am Cabinet View on council website

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AI Generated

Summary

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The Cabinet of Shropshire Council met on Wednesday 8 July 2026, discussing a range of important issues including the progress of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the council's financial plans, and strategies for improving education and digital services. Key decisions included endorsing recommendations for the Station Gyratory project, approving the draft Medium Term Financial Plan, and adopting new Cyber and Digital Strategies.

Station Gyratory Task and Finish Group Recommendations

Cabinet endorsed recommendations from the Station Gyratory Task & Finish Group, requesting officers to investigate options for the project's future. This includes further exploration of reverting to two lanes of traffic and changing the cycleway to a shared bus/taxi/cycle use. Officers will also clarify grant conditions and assess the need for a stronger evidence base, including traffic modelling and cycle usage data. The Task and Finish Group will continue to act as an advisory body.

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge: Progress Review

Cabinet noted the report on the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review, acknowledging that its recommendations will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability. The review indicated significant progress since the initial Corporate Peer Challenge in July 2025, with renewed energy from leadership and a stronger grip on financial management. However, it also stressed that substantial work is still required to translate early progress into sustained delivery.

Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2032

Cabinet agreed to the recommendations outlined in the report for the Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2032. The full details of these recommendations are available in the report itself.

Annual Treasury Report 2025/26

Cabinet approved the actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2025/26, noted the annual treasury management report for the same period, and acknowledged the inclusion of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) borrowing in the 2025/26 position. The report detailed the council's treasury activities, highlighting compliance with its policies and achieving its targets for managing financing arrangements. Investment income for 2025/26 was £2.409m.

Shropshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Review of Progress and Programme Evaluation

Cabinet noted the high performance of Shropshire's UKSPF programme delivery, including achievements against spend, outcomes, and outputs targets. They also noted the findings and recommendations from the independent programme evaluation. Recognising the decline of external funding in Shropshire post-UKSPF, Cabinet agreed to formally write to the Government and its departments to express concerns about the loss of funding to rural and non-Combined Authority regions and its implications for Shropshire. The council will also promote the UKSPF's legacy as a positive story while lobbying the Government for fair access to future growth funds.

Bridgnorth Youth Club – Asset Decision

Cabinet declared the former Bridgnorth Youth Centre on Innage Lane surplus to requirements and approved its disposal as a non-core asset. Authority was delegated to the Head of Property and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to manage the disposal process. The building has been vacant for 18 months and is in poor condition, requiring substantial investment to be brought back into use. Disposal is recommended to generate a capital receipt, remove liabilities, and support the Council's financial sustainability.

Shropshire's Children Achieving and Thriving Strategy 2026-29

Cabinet considered and endorsed the final draft of the Shropshire Achieving and Thriving in Education Strategy 2026-29, recommending its adoption by the Council in September. They also referred the strategy's impact for regular review by the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which will receive regular reports on its implementation. This strategy aims to ensure children and young people achieve and thrive in education across Shropshire, outlining the Council's approach to education quality and safeguarding standards.

Cyber Strategy Report

Cabinet approved the Cyber Strategy 2026-2030 and its accompanying Plan on a Page. Authority was delegated to the Service Director Enabling and Head of Automation and Technology, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Economic Growth, to update the strategy annually. The strategy aims to strengthen the Council's cyber resilience by embedding security by design, improving governance, protecting data and critical services, and building workforce capability.

Digital Strategy Report

Cabinet approved the Digital Strategy 2026-2030 and its accompanying Plan on a Page. Authority was delegated to the Service Director Enabling and Head of Automation and Technology, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Economic Growth, to update the strategy annually. This strategy outlines a people-centred approach to digital transformation, focusing on redesigning services around resident needs, reducing complexity, and improving outcomes through the use of digital, data, and automation.

Town Centre Public Space Protection Order

Cabinet agreed to extend the Shrewsbury Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (No.1) 2017 for a further three years, effective from 1 August 2026. Authority was delegated to the Director Legal & Governance to manage the Order and to publish necessary notices. The Order, which addresses behaviours such as public urination, defecation, leaving belongings unattended, and refusing to stop drinking alcohol when causing nuisance, has been in place since 2017 and has shown a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour. Consultation indicated strong support for its renewal.

DWP Funded Connect to Work Programme - Year 1 Progress

Cabinet approved the recommendations as set out in the report concerning the progress of the DWP Funded Connect to Work Programme in its first year.

Minutes

Cabinet confirmed the minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2026 as an accurate record.

Delegated decisions linked to this meeting

Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.

  • Minutes
    Recommendations Approved

    The Cabinet of Shropshire Council on Wednesday 08 July 2026 approved the minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2026 as an accurate record.

    Council website ↗

  • Bridgnorth Youth club – Asset Decision
    Recommendations Approved

    The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the Bridgnorth Youth Centre asset on 08/07/2026. The Cabinet approved declaring the former Bridgnorth Youth Centre site surplus to requirements and approved its disposal as a non-core asset. Authority was delegated to the Head of Property and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to progress the disposal.

    Council website ↗

  • Shropshire Council Cabinet approved recommendations for the DWP Funded Connect to Work Programme - Year 1 progress on 08/07/2026.

    Council website ↗

  • Annual Treasury Report 2025/26
    Recommendations Approved

    The Cabinet of Shropshire Council noted the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review report on 08/07/2026. They also noted that the recommendations from the review will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet of Shropshire Council noted the report of the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review on 08/07/2026. The Cabinet also noted that the recommendations from the review will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • Shropshire Council's Cabinet decided to approve recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review on 08/07/2026. The Cabinet noted the report and acknowledged that its recommendations will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet of Shropshire Council decided to approve recommendations on 08/07/2026. They noted the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review report and that its recommendations will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet of Shropshire Council decided to approve recommendations on 08/07/2026. They noted the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review report and that its recommendations will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • Cyber Strategy Report
    Recommendations Approved

    The Cabinet approved the Cyber Strategy 2026-2030 on 08/07/2026. Authority was delegated to the Service Director Enabling and Head of Automation and Technology to update the strategy annually.

    Council website ↗

  • Digital Strategy Report
    Recommendations Approved

    The Cabinet decided to approve the Digital Strategy 2026-2030 and delegate authority to the Service Director Enabling and Head of Automation and Technology to update the strategy annually. This decision was made on 08/07/2026. The strategy includes a single, integrated digital portfolio, a clear prioritisation framework, and benefits-led delivery.

    Council website ↗

  • The Cabinet decided to approve recommendations from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review on 8th July 2026. These recommendations will continue to inform the Council's plans for improvement and financial sustainability.

    Council website ↗

  • Shropshire Council Cabinet approved recommendations for the Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2032 on 08/07/2026. The recommendations are detailed on pages 2-3 of the report.

    Council website ↗

Attendees

Profile image for Heather Kidd
Heather Kidd Group Leader - Liberal Democrat Group. Leader - Shropshire Council Liberal Democrats Chirbury and Worthen
Profile image for Alex Wagner
Alex Wagner Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Economic Growth Liberal Democrats Quarry and Coton Hill
Profile image for Ruth Houghton
Ruth Houghton Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Liberal Democrats Bishop's Castle
Profile image for James Owen
James Owen Portfolio Holder for Housing Liberal Democrats Oswestry North East
Profile image for Rob Wilson
Rob Wilson Portfolio Holder for Transport & Regeneration Liberal Democrats Copthorne
Profile image for Sarah Marston
Sarah Marston Portfolio Holder - Communities and Environment Liberal Democrats The Meres
Profile image for Rosemary Dartnall
Rosemary Dartnall Group Leader - Labour Group. Labour Column and Sutton
Profile image for Dawn Husemann
Dawn Husemann Group Leader - Reform UK Group Reform UK Claverley and Worfield
Profile image for Ed Potter
Ed Potter Chair - Economy & Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee Conservative Loton
Profile image for Roger Evans
Roger Evans Portfolio Holder for Finance Liberal Democrats Longden
Profile image for Andy Hall
Andy Hall Portfolio Holder for Children and Education Liberal Democrats Whitchurch North
Profile image for David Vasmer
David Vasmer Portfolio Holder for Highways and Waste Liberal Democrats Underdale
Profile image for David Walker
David Walker Portfolio Holder for Planning Liberal Democrats Whittington

Topics

Station Gyratory project Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2032 Shropshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund Annual Treasury Report 2025/26 Shropshire's Children Achieving and Thriving Strategy 2026-29 Digital, Data and ICT Strategy for 2026-2030 Cyber Strategy 2026-2030 DWP Funded Connect to Work Programme Shrewsbury Town Centre Public Space Protection Order (No.1) 2017

Meeting Documents

Agenda

Agenda frontsheet 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf

Reports Pack

Public reports pack 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf

Additional Documents

To Follow - 8 - Draft Medium Term Financial Plan 2027-2032 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf
Annual Treasury Report.pdf
Shropshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Cabinet 8th July 2026.pdf
Appendix 1 - Cyber Strategy 2026.pdf
Background paper - Shropshire UKSPF_Investment_Plan_Final.pdf
APPENDIX C Projects List and Funding Allocation.pdf
Appendix D UKSPF News Items Case Studies 2023 - 2026.pdf
Bridgnorth Youth Centre Innage Lane Cabinet 8th July 2026.pdf
Appendix A - Shropshire Achieving and Thriving in Education Strategy - 2026 - 2029.pdf
Cyber Strategy Report.pdf
Appendix 2 - 1 Page Cyber Strategy 2026.pdf
Digital Strategy Report.pdf
Appendix 1 - Digital Strategy 2026.pdf
Appendix 2 - 1 Page Digital Strategy 2026.pdf
Appendix A - Shrewsbury Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order no1 2007 FINAL 1.pdf
Appendix B Shrewsbury Town Centre PSPO Executive Summary.pdf
Appendix C PSPO Support from STCRA.pdf
Appendix D letter of support Pubwatch 1.pdf
Appendix E letter of support Shrewsbury BID 1.pdf
Member Questions - Cabinet 8 July 2026.pdf
Responses to Public and Member Questions 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf
Public Questions - Cabinet 8 July 2026.pdf
Response to Member Questions - Cabinet 8 July 2026.pdf
Response to Public Questions - Cabinet 8 July 2026.pdf
LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review-03062026 1251.pdf
Appendix 1 Shropshire CPC Progress Review 12052026.pdf
20260706 APPENDIX A - Borrowing Strategy and Outturn 2025-26.pdf
20260706 APPENDIX B - Investment Strategy and Outturn 2025-26.pdf
20260706 APPENDIX C - Prudential Indicators 2025-26.pdf
Appendix A - UKSPF Key Outputs and Outcomes 22-26.pdf
Appendix B - Final-Shropshire-Council-UKSPF-Programme-Evaluation-2.3.2026-PR-Consulting.pdf
Appendix A _Location Plan - Bridgnorth Innage Lane - June 2026.pdf
Shropshire Children Achieving and Thriving in Education Strategy 2026 - 2029 previously referred to.pdf
Town Centre Public Space Protection Order-15062026 0957 1.pdf
3 Minutes of meeting held on 10 JUne 2026 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf
Decisions 08th-Jul-2026 10.30 Cabinet.pdf