The Shropshire Council met on 26 February 2026 to discuss a range of financial matters, including the Fees and Charges Pricing Policy and the Fees and Charges for 2026/27. The Council also addressed the Draft 2026/27 General Fund budgets and Medium Term Financial Plan, and the Treasury Strategy for 2026/27. Additionally, a motion regarding the amendment of Council Rules of Procedure on submission deadlines for reports and motions was debated and referred to the Constitution Working Group.

Fees and Charges Pricing Policy

The Council approved and adopted the Fees and Charges Policy for 2026/27, which will be incorporated into the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and budget-setting process. This policy aims to ensure a consistent, organisation-wide framework for setting, reviewing, and managing all council fees and charges for discretionary services, with the core objective of moving towards full cost recovery as the default position. The policy outlines principles such as cost recovery as default, transparency, affordability and accessibility, consistency, regular review, market awareness, legal compliance, and value for money. The report detailed the financial implications, noting that the adoption of this policy is fundamental to mitigating the Council's critical financial risk and forms an essential part of the medium-term financial strategy.

Fees and Charges 2026/27

The Council approved the proposed charges for 2026/27, to be implemented from 1 April 2026. These charges reflect the principles of the new Fees and Charges Pricing Policy, including an increase of at least inflation and the aim for full cost recovery. The report noted that the Council does not have full discretion over all fees and charges, as some are set nationally or are subject to restrictions, such as inflationary increases only. The proposed 2026/27 charges for discretionary services represent £50.868m of the £104.981m income derived from Fees and Charges. The report also recommended revisions to housing rents, with social housing and affordable rents for 2026/27 increased by 4.8% from 6th April 2026. Shared ownership rents will continue to be calculated at 2.75% of the landlord's share, with annual reviews. Service charges will be calculated based on actual cost plus a 15% management and admin fee.

Draft 2026/27 General Fund Budgets and Medium Term Financial Plan 2026/27 - 2030/31

Following a recorded vote, the Council approved the draft 2026/27 General Fund budgets and Medium Term Financial Plan 2026/27 - 2030/31. The decision was made with 44 members voting for, 21 against, and 1 abstention. Councillor Heather Kidd, the Leader, proposed the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance. Members sought clarification from the Interim Chief Financial Officer and requested that communications be issued to alert the public to available support for those struggling with payments.

North West Relief Road

The Council formally cancelled the North West Relief Road project, which was a Department for Transport funded initiative. The S151 Officer was requested to make the appropriate Capital Programme and accounting adjustments following this decision. Councillor David Vasmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways and Environment, proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Portfolio Holder for Communities.

Treasury Strategy 2026/27

The Council approved the Treasury Strategy for 2026/27, along with the Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators, and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement. Authority was delegated to the Section 151 Officer to exercise borrowing powers and manage the Council's debt portfolio. The strategy is based on the Section 151 Officer's view on interest rates, supplemented by leading market forecasts from the Council's Treasury Advisor, MUFG Corporate Markets. The report detailed the economic context, noting expectations for moderating inflation and slowing GDP growth in 2026, with potential interest rate cuts. The strategy also outlined the Council's approach to specified and non-specified investments, prioritising security and liquidity over yield.

Report of the Shirehall Strategic Review - Council Task and Finish Group

The report of the Shirehall Strategic Review - Council Task and Finish Group was received and agreed to be referred to a special meeting of Cabinet for consideration. Councillor Dawn Husemann, Chair of the Group, proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Rosemary Dartnall. An amendment proposed by Councillor Julian Dean to also recommend that Cabinet work towards the recommendations within the report was not supported. The Task and Finish Group's report highlighted concerns about the initial decision-making process regarding Shirehall's future, suggesting that demolition was premature without a full evaluation of alternatives. They recommended an immediate pause on demolition, a twin-track approach to explore refurbishment alongside new build, comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, and the commissioning of full economic and environmental assessments. The report also noted the potential for mixed-use regeneration and the civic value of retaining the building.

Social Housing Tenancy Agreement

The Council approved the adoption of a revised tenancy agreement, which includes a transition from a 48-week to a 52-week rent charging model. This change aims to align rent payments with Universal Credit and Housing Benefit cycles, improving tenant budgeting and financial resilience. The agreement also features updated service charge provisions with annual reviews and clearer breakdowns, and revised tenant responsibilities regarding repairs and maintenance. The implementation is scheduled for April 2026. Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Jeremy Blandford.

Social Housing Rent and Service Charges 2026

The Council approved an increase to Social and Affordable rents of 4.8% from 6 April 2026, in line with Government rent policy. They also approved the adoption of the Government's staged rent convergence mechanism, which will allow for additional uplifts of £1/week from 2027/28 and £2/week from 2028/29. Revised service charges for 2026/27 were also approved, calculated on the basis of actual cost of service delivery plus a 15% management and administration fee (excluding sewage). The draft HRA revenue and capital budgets for 2026/27 were also approved. Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Jeremy Blandford.

Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy

The Council approved the updated Deferred Payment Policy. Key changes include an increase in the one-off setup fee from £610 to £750, the introduction of an annual administration charge, and legal charges for entering and removing the DPA from the Land Registry. The application of interest from contract signing will be maintained. Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, proposed the motion, seconded by Councillor Sarah Marston.

Motions

Amendment of Council Rules of Procedure on Submission Deadlines for Reports and Motions to Council: A motion proposed by Councillor Donna Edmunds, seeking to amend Council Procedure Rules to require reports to be published within five clear working days of a meeting, was debated. An amendment proposed by the Chair, Councillor Duncan Borrowman, to refer the motion to the Constitution Working Group for consideration was passed.

Suspend all Net Zero related spending: A motion proposed by Councillor Brendan Mallon, calling for the immediate suspension of all Net Zero related spending pending a review of value for money, was not supported.

Ensuring Timely Publication of Council Reports, Minutes and Decisions: A motion proposed by Councillor Carl Rowley, seeking to amend Council Procedure Rules to require the publication of minutes, reports, and outcome summaries within 10 working days of the next meeting date, was withdrawn.

Report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority

The report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority was received and noted. Councillor Adam Fejfer proposed the motion.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The Council resolved to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the consideration of the remaining business, in accordance with Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Exempt Minutes

The Exempt Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 December 2025 were approved and signed as a correct record.