The Shropshire Council Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the council's financial strategy and capital strategy for the coming years. Other key items on the agenda included the approval of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan and the terms of reference for its advisory committee, alongside decisions on neighbourhood plans for Baschurch and Much Wenlock. The Cabinet was also set to consider proposals for the redesign of in-house provider services and the retendering of the leisure service contract.

Draft Financial Strategy 2025/26 - 2029/30

Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, was scheduled to lead the discussion on the draft financial strategy for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. Lead Officer James Walton, Executive Director (S151), was also involved in this item. A report on this matter was to follow.

Capital Strategy 2025/26 – 2030/31 - In-Year Review

Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, was also scheduled to lead the discussion on the in-year review of the capital strategy for 2025/26 to 2030/31. Cheryl Sedgely, Head of Financial Management and Reporting, was the lead officer for this item. A report on this matter was also to follow.

Approval of Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-30 and new Shropshire Hills National Landscape Advisory Committee Terms of Reference

Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, was scheduled to lead the discussion on the approval of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan for 2025-30. This item also included the approval of new Terms of Reference for the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Advisory Committee. Andy Wilde, Service Director - Infrastructure, was the lead officer. The report pack indicated that this item covered pages 13 to 178 of the documents.

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-30 outlines a vision for the area focused on nature recovery, climate stabilisation, sustainable land use, clean water, healthy communities, and valuing the landscape as a special place. It details policies, recommendations, and aspirations across six priority themes: Nature, Climate, Land, Water, People, and Place. The plan also proposes a new, streamlined structure for the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Advisory Committee, reducing its membership from 36 to 12 to improve governance and collaboration. The report highlighted that the plan is a statutory document required every five years under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 and had undergone public consultation.

Baschurch Neighbourhood Plan - Area Designation

Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning, was scheduled to lead the discussion on the Baschurch Neighbourhood Plan's area designation. Eddie West, Planning Policy and Strategy Manager, was the lead officer. This item covered pages 179 to 188 of the report pack.

The report sought approval for Baschurch Parish Council's application to designate the entire parish area as a Neighbourhood Area for the purpose of preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan. It was noted that this designation does not commit the parish council to completing a plan but is a necessary first step. The report stated that the designation of the Baschurch Parish area as a Neighbourhood Area aligns with the Shropshire Plan's objectives for a healthy economy and environment.

Recommendation for the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review to Proceed to Referendum

Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning, was also scheduled to lead the discussion on the recommendation for the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review to proceed to referendum. Eddie West, Planning Policy and Strategy Manager, was the lead officer. This item covered pages 189 to 390 of the report pack.

The report recommended that the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review be approved to proceed to a local referendum. An independent examiner had reviewed the plan and concluded that, subject to a number of modifications, it met the necessary 'Basic Conditions' to be put to the public vote. If successful, the reviewed plan would replace the existing Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan (2013-2026) and become part of the statutory Development Plan for the area. The report detailed the proposed modifications and the final 'referendum' version of the plan.

Provider Services Redesign (in-house)

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, was scheduled to lead the discussion on the redesign of in-house provider services. Natalie McFall, Service Director – Care and Wellbeing, was the lead officer. This item covered pages 391 to 428 of the report pack.

The report presented proposals regarding the future direction of Shropshire Council's in-house day services for adults with learning disabilities and older people. Due to a declared financial emergency, a review of services with high costs or reduced demand was deemed essential. The report recommended public consultation on the potential closure of Helena Lane Day Centre due to low demand and substantial deficits, and the relocation of Aquamira Day Centre's services to another location due to high operational costs, particularly related to its hydrotherapy pool. A broader engagement on reshaping in-house day services was also proposed. The report highlighted that these services are not statutory requirements and that alternative support options are available in the community. An Equalities, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) had been completed to inform decision-making.

Leisure Service Contract Retendering

Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, was scheduled to lead the discussion on the retendering of the leisure service contract. Laura Tyler, Service Director - Commissioning, was the lead officer. This item covered pages 429 to 448 of the report pack.

The report indicated that this item would involve discussions regarding the process of retendering the contract for leisure services.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was scheduled to be noted as Wednesday, 11 February 2026.