The Cabinet of Shropshire Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters. Key decisions included approving the structured closure of Cornovii Developments Ltd, noting a favourable £2.291m variation against the General Fund budget for Quarter 1 2026/27, and approving updated policies for business rate relief and council tax discretionary discounts.

Exceptional Financial Support: External Assurance Review

Cabinet noted and agreed the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the CIPFA External Assurance Review. It was acknowledged that many of these recommendations align with priorities already being addressed through the Council's Improvement Plan and Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. Progress against these recommendations will be reported quarterly to Cabinet as part of the overall Improvement Plan update reports.

Annual Customer Feedback Report 2025/26

Cabinet considered and agreed the recommendations and actions within the Annual Customer Feedback Report 2025/26 to support and improve customer feedback performance within Shropshire Council. The report highlighted an increase in feedback volumes, with complaints forming 81% of all formal feedback. Challenges remain in managing increasing complexity, customer demand, and new timescales set out under the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code.

Financial Monitoring Report Quarter 1 2026/27

Cabinet noted the financial position for Quarter 1 2026/27, which forecasts a favourable variation of £2.291m against the General Fund budget. The report highlighted a significant overspend within Children's Services (£3.285m), primarily due to increased external residential placements. Mitigation actions are in place, and close attention will be paid to containing this spend. Cabinet also noted the risks identified, the continued use of the Budget, Transformation and Change Panel, the forecast level of savings achieved, and the capital programme outturn position. The forecast General Fund Balance is £15m at 31 March 2027, in line with the Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. The call for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) in 2026/27 has reduced to £90m.

Q1 Performance Report

Cabinet reviewed performance at quarter 1, confirmed areas needing action, provided feedback on the report format, and proposed emerging topics for consideration by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Treasury Management Update Quarter 1 2026/27

Cabinet noted the summary of the wider economic environment and the Council's borrowings and investments, as well as the performance within prudential indicators for quarter 1, 2026/27. The report indicated that the internal finance team's return was marginally lower than its benchmark, achieving 3.722% compared to the benchmark of 3.730%. The Council had £22.7m invested at the end of the period. Temporary borrowing of £35m had been secured from other local authorities during Quarter 1.

Business Rate Relief and Council Tax Discretionary Discount Policy

Cabinet approved the existing policy for business rates discretionary rate relief and noted the updated Rural Settlement List. Authority was delegated to the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager for the awarding of Hardship Relief, Discretionary Business Rate Relief, and Part Occupied Relief, with appeals to the Section 151 Officer. A separate policy document for Council Tax Discretionary Discounts was also approved, continuing discounts for care leavers up to age 25 and introducing a new policy for residents affected by uninsured 'Acts of God'. Decisions on council tax discretionary discounts were delegated to the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager, with appeals to the Section 151 Officer. The Section 151 Officer was instructed to plan for a Council Tax Discretionary Discount Hardship Fund. Both policies will be reviewed in 2029/30.

Council Tax Support Scheme

Cabinet noted proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2027-28 onwards, which will be subject to a formal six-week consultation. The proposed adjustments include disregarding Child Benefit as an income, retaining the current 20% minimum payment, and maintaining protections for vulnerable groups. Support for those impacted by the 20% minimum payment will continue through the Crisis Resilience Fund, with increased top-up amounts planned for 2027-28 and 2028-29.

Cornovii Developments Ltd

Cabinet noted the financial circumstances of the Council and Cornovii Developments Ltd (CDL), approving the structured closure of CDL over a period of time to minimise financial exposure. This decision aligns with the Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. The s151 Officer, with support from the Monitoring Officer, was authorised to notify the CDL Board of the decision. A governance structure will be established to oversee the orderly closure and management of land and property. Funding was approved for CDL to complete planning applications for London Road Phase 2 and SUE West sites to maximise their future value. The s151 Officer was authorised to ensure CDL remains solvent during this process. The estimated costs arising from the closure will be included in the next Medium Term Financial Plan.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan

Cabinet approved the HRA Policy and the 30-year HRA Business Plan 2026, including its financial strategy, investment programme, and statutory compliance measures. It was noted that provision has been made within the HRA Business Plan to support potential applications for Government grant funding, but this does not constitute approval to submit a bid. A further detailed report will be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and approval before any bid is submitted.

Whitchurch Civic Centre & Library - Asset Decision

Cabinet declared the Whitchurch Civic Centre and Library site surplus to operational requirements. Approval was given for its in-principle disposal, subject to due diligence and policy requirements. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Place Shaping, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Portfolio Holders for Finance and Assets, to determine and implement the disposal strategy. Officers will continue to engage with local Members, Whitchurch Town Council and other interested parties.

Fostering Payment Arrangement Policy

Cabinet approved an uplift to fostering Skills Payments of 5% effective from 01/04/26. An increase in the mileage rate paid to internal foster carers from £0.45 to £0.55 per mile from 01/04/26 was also approved. Consideration was given to removing the requirement for foster carers to deduct the first 30-70 miles weekly before claiming mileage, to commence from 01/04/27. A new Belonging and Stable Homes Scheme payment of an additional £250 per week for the first 12 months was approved for approved carers supporting children transitioning from residential care. Approval was also given for annual National Trust Membership for up to 100 fostering households and consideration for offering free parking to Shropshire Foster Carers at council-operated car parks.

Exempt Minutes

Cabinet confirmed the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 5 August 2026 as an accurate record.