Here is a summary of the topics that were scheduled for discussion at the Shropshire Council Cabinet meeting on 11 June 2025, according to the agenda and report pack. It is important to note that this summary is based on the documents provided and does not reflect actual discussions, decisions, or outcomes of the meeting.

The Cabinet of Shropshire Council was scheduled to discuss the financial performance of the council, a proposed charging structure for telecare services, and an application to designate a neighbourhood area.

Financial Performance

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss several reports concerning the council's financial position:

Financial Outturn 2024/25

The report on the Financial Outturn 2024/25 provided a detailed review of the council's financial performance for the year, covering both revenue and capital. Key issues identified in the report pack included:

• Overspending in Children's Services, particularly concerning residential placements.
• Increased costs related to Home to School Transport, especially for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Adult Social Care experiencing high demand and inflationary pressures, despite savings efforts.
• Under-delivery against savings targets in the Place Directorate.
• A £15.096m in-year deficit against the Central Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), resulting in a cumulative DSG deficit of £17.639m.

The report pack noted that 52% of the required savings for 2024/25 had been achieved, amounting to £47.194m. However, £42.812m of savings were not achieved, with £41.181m of these carried forward to 2025/26.

The report pack recommended that the Cabinet note the overall variance of £34.230m above budget, the General Fund Balance of £4.823m, and the use of £7.726m of Earmarked Reserves and Provisions.

Treasury Management Update Quarter 4 2024/25

The Treasury Management Update Quarter 4 2024.25 outlined the council's treasury management activities during the fourth quarter of the financial year. At the time, the council held £50.6m in investments and £420m in borrowing. The report pack noted that the internal finance team achieved a return of 4.44% on cash balances, resulting in net income of £1.956m for the financial year. The report pack also noted that new borrowing of £101.9m for the General Fund and £19.2m for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) had been undertaken during the quarter.

The report pack recommended that the Cabinet note the new borrowing and the summary of the wider economic environment, as well as the performance within prudential indicators.

Financial Monitoring Period 1 2025/26

The Financial Monitoring Period 1 2025.26 report provided an early view of the council's financial position for the new financial year. The report pack highlighted total savings of almost £60m, a projected overspend of £13.884m, and a forecasted General Fund Balance of £0.394m by year-end.

The report pack recommended that the Cabinet note the early stage of the estimates, the indicative level of savings delivery, and the control corridor for 2025/26.

Telecare Charging Consultation

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a report on the Telecare Charging Consultation. Shropshire Council currently provides telecare services free of charge to over 2,000 individuals. The report pack stated that with increasing demand, the council needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of these services, and that introducing charges would allow the council to continue delivering high-quality support and adapt to digital telecare technology.

The report pack included a summary of the consultation that was undertaken between 20 January 2025 and 10 March 2025. In total 467 people responded to the consultation. Key findings included:

• 52% of respondents disagreed with the introduction of the £3.45 weekly charge.
• 49% of respondents indicated they would retain the system if charges were introduced.
• 82% of respondents rated the quality of the telecare service as Good or Very Good.

The report pack recommended that the Cabinet approve the introduction of charging for telecare services, with effect from 1st October 2025. It also recommended that any financial contribution would be determined by reference to the council's Adult Social Care Charging and Financial Assessment Policy for Non-residential Care 2024-25.

Bayston Hill Parish Neighbourhood Area Application

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss an application by Bayston Hill Parish Council for the parish area to be considered as a Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The report pack stated that it is Shropshire Council's role to decide if the proposed Neighbourhood Area is appropriate for preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan. The application is attached as an appendix, and the proposed area map as another appendix.

The report pack recommended that the Cabinet agree to the designation of the proposed Neighbourhood Area, covering the Parish of Bayston Hill as an appropriate basis for the development of a Neighbourhood Development Plan.