The Cabinet of Shropshire Council met on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to discuss a range of financial and operational matters. Key topics included the estimated outturn for the Collection Fund in 2025/26, the proposed fees and charges for 2026/27, and the Treasury Strategy for 2026/27. The meeting also covered financial monitoring reports, the Adult Social Care Deferred Payment Policy, and the determination of admission arrangements for schools in 2027/28.

Estimated Collection Fund Outturn for 2025/2026

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the estimated outturn position for the Collection Fund for the financial year 2025/26. This fund is a separate account ring-fenced for Council Tax and Business Rates collection. The report detailed the expected cash receipts, adjustments for outstanding debts, and the impact of property revaluations. It was anticipated that the Collection Fund would show an overall deficit of £4.022 million for the year ending 31st March 2026, comprising an estimated deficit of £1.465 million for Council Tax and £2.557 million for Non-Domestic Rates (NDR). Shropshire Council's share of this estimated deficit was projected to be £2.446 million, which was to be included in the 2026/27 budget. The report also noted that NDR receipts from renewable energy projects are retained in full by the Council, contributing to a dedicated base budget for climate change initiatives.

Fees and Charges 2026/27

The meeting agenda included a discussion on the proposed fees and charges for the upcoming financial year, 2026/27. This item, led by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, would have involved a review of the council's charging structure across various services.

Treasury Strategy 2026/27

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Treasury Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy outlines how the council will manage its banking, cash flow, investments, and borrowing. The report detailed the council's gross cashflows, planned capital investments totalling £621 million, external debt of £415 million (predominantly government loans from the Public Works Loan Board), and investments of £24.2 million as of 31 December 2025. The strategy also covered the proposed Prudential Indicators, Investment Strategy, and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement, which require formal approval by the Council. The economic update within the strategy highlighted forecasts for moderating UK inflation and a projected slowdown in GDP growth for 2026, with anticipated interest rate cuts influencing borrowing strategies.

Treasury Management Update Quarter 3 2025/26

An update on treasury management activities during the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year was presented. This report detailed the return on the council's cash balances, which achieved a return of 4.0%, marginally below the benchmark by 0.1%. The net income from investments as at quarter 3 amounted to £1.982 million. The report noted the Monetary Policy Committee's reduction in the Bank Rate to 3.75% in December 2025 and anticipated further reductions in the first half of 2026/27. The council's borrowing and investments as at 31 December 2025 were £414.7 million and £24.2 million respectively.

Performance Monitoring Report Quarter 3 2025/26

The Cabinet received a performance monitoring report for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, covering the period from October to December 2025. The report indicated that out of 29 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with targets, 69% were on track, 3% were close to target, and 28% were below target, flagged as exceptions. Key areas of concern included timeliness in issuing Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and an increasing prevalence of overweight and obese children in reception and Year 6. Improvements were noted in reducing the use of bed and breakfast accommodation for homeless households and favourable claimant rates for Universal Credit. However, an increase in complaints and sickness absence among staff were highlighted as areas needing attention.

Financial Monitoring Report Quarter 3 2025/26

A detailed financial monitoring report for the third quarter of 2025/26 was presented, indicating a marginal deterioration in the forecast outturn position to £53.261 million. This overspend was noted as manageable within existing earmarked reserves. The report detailed significant management actions being taken to ensure the council's financial survival, including scaling down initiatives and challenging essential spend. The council had submitted an application for Exceptional Financial Support from the government. The report also outlined the projected capital programme outturn and the financial position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which was forecasting a minor overspend. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) was reported to be in a significant deficit.

Adult Social Care Deferred Payment Policy

The Cabinet was asked to consider and approve an updated Deferred Payment Policy for Adult Social Care. The existing policy, approved in 2015, was reviewed to reflect current processes and associated costs. The proposed changes included an increased one-off setup fee, the introduction of an annual administration charge, and legal charges to reflect the work involved in entering, registering, and removing charges from the Land Registry. The policy aimed to ensure cost neutrality for the council while providing financial flexibility for individuals needing long-term care.

Determination of Admission Arrangements 2027/28

The Cabinet was asked to determine the admission arrangements for Shropshire Council's community and voluntary controlled schools for the 2027/28 academic year. This process is a legal requirement and follows a consultation period. A minor change to the oversubscription criteria, specifically regarding the definition of a sibling, was proposed. The report detailed the co-ordinated admission arrangements for both secondary and primary schools, including information on service families, late applications, and the appeals process.

Dedication of a Local Nature Reserve at Eardington

The Cabinet was asked to approve the designation of land at Eardington Nature Reserve as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This designation, a requirement under the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949, aims to raise the profile of the site, increase public usage, and provide health and wellbeing benefits. The report highlighted the reserve's diverse habitats, including open mosaic habitat, ponds, species-rich grassland, and woodland, and noted the significant voluntary contribution from the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve. Letters of support from Tarmac (landowner) and Natural England were included.

Town and Parish Councils Asset Transfer Policy and Process

A clear framework for transferring suitable council-owned assets to Town and Parish Councils was presented for approval. The policy aims to empower local communities, ensure sustainable management of assets, and deliver community benefit. It outlines eligibility criteria, a five-step process, and governance arrangements, with a preference for long-term leasehold transfers. The policy is intended to reduce the council's ongoing costs for managing these assets and align with the new administration's priorities.

Application by Oswestry Town Council for Oswestry Parish to be considered as a Neighbourhood Area

The Cabinet was asked to agree the designation of Oswestry Parish as a Neighbourhood Area for the purpose of preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan. This designation is a preliminary step in the neighbourhood planning process, allowing Oswestry Town Council to develop local planning policies that supplement the wider Shropshire Council Development Plan. The report confirmed that the proposed area aligns with the parish boundary and responds positively to the Shropshire Plan's objectives.

Shropshire Schools Funding Formula 2026/27

The Cabinet was asked to approve the proposed Shropshire Schools Funding Formula for the financial year 2026/27. This formula determines how the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) is distributed to maintained schools and academies. The report confirmed that the formula would continue to mirror the National Funding Formula (NFF), with an increase in the primary and secondary minimum per pupil funding levels. It also detailed a proposed transfer of up to 0.5% of the Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block to address growing pressures in that area.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda indicated that there would be a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of specific exempt items, as per the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt Minutes

The confirmation of exempt minutes from a previous meeting held on 21 January 2026 was scheduled.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was noted as Wednesday, 11 March 2026.