The Shropshire Council meeting scheduled for 26 February 2026 was set to cover a wide range of financial and operational matters. Key discussions were expected to include the draft general fund budgets and medium-term financial plan for 2026-2031, the proposed fees and charges for the upcoming year, and the Treasury Strategy for 2026/27. The meeting was also scheduled to address the Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy and consider the report and recommendations from the Shirehall Strategic Review Rapid Task and Finish Group.

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

The council was scheduled to consider the draft general fund budgets for 2026/27 and the medium-term financial plan for the period 2026/27 to 2030/31. This would have provided an overview of the council's financial projections and strategic financial planning over the next five years.

Fees and Charges Pricing Policy and 2026/27 Fees and Charges

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial matters related to income generation. The council was set to discuss and potentially approve a new corporate fees and charges pricing policy. This policy aims to ensure consistent and effective management of discretionary service charges across the council, supporting financial stability and aligning with council priorities. Following this, the specific fees and charges for 2026/27 were to be presented, detailing the proposed levels for various council services. This included a comprehensive breakdown of discretionary income by service area, with proposed increases in line with inflation and full cost recovery principles.

Treasury Strategy 2026/27

The meeting agenda included the proposed Treasury Strategy for 2026/27. This strategy outlines the council's approach to managing its borrowing, investments, cash flows, banking, money market, and capital market transactions. It also details the framework for controlling associated risks and pursuing optimum performance. The report was expected to cover key treasury indicators, the annual investment strategy, and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy statement.

Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy

The council was scheduled to review and potentially approve an updated Adult Social Care Deferred Payments Policy. This policy governs arrangements that allow individuals to defer payment for care home fees by securing the debt against their property, as permitted under the Care Act 2014. The report indicated proposed changes including an increased one-off setup fee, the introduction of an annual administration charge, and legal charges for entering and removing the DPA.

Report of the Shirehall Strategic Review Rapid Task and Finish Group

A key item on the agenda was the report from the Shirehall Strategic Review Rapid Task and Finish Group. This group was established to consider options for the future of the Shirehall building and site, following concerns raised about the initial proposal for demolition. The report was expected to present the group's findings, recommendations, and proposed next steps, likely focusing on alternatives to demolition such as refurbishment, adaptive reuse, or mixed-use development. The group's work aimed to ensure a fully informed, evidence-based decision regarding the Shirehall's future, considering financial, environmental, and civic value.

Social Housing Rent and Service Charges 2026/27

The meeting was also set to address housing matters, specifically the proposed rent levels and service charges for the council's retained housing stock and shared ownership homes for 2026/27. This included consideration of the Government's Rent Standard, allowing for a 4.8% rent increase based on CPI, and a revised service charge methodology based on actual cost recovery plus a 15% management and administration fee. The report was expected to detail the outcomes of tenant consultations, where a significant majority reportedly raised no objection to the proposals.

Tenancy Agreement Amendments

In conjunction with housing matters, the council was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the tenancy agreement. These changes were informed by extensive tenant consultation and aimed to modernise the agreement, ensure legal compliance, and clarify tenant and landlord responsibilities. Key proposed changes included a transition to a 52-week rent model, updated service charge provisions, and revised terms regarding repairs and maintenance.

Report of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority

The Chair of the Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority was scheduled to present a report on the main events and matters considered by the authority since December 2025. This would likely include updates on the appointment of an Assistant Chief Fire Officer and discussions around the 2026/27 budget and potential precept increase.

Motions

The agenda also included several motions submitted by councillors. These covered topics such as the amendment of council rules of procedure on submission deadlines for reports and motions, and a motion questioning the global transition to 'Net Zero' energy systems and proposing a suspension of Net Zero spending pending a review. Another motion focused on ensuring the timely publication of council reports, minutes, and decisions.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests, approval of minutes from the previous meeting, and announcements. Public and member questions were also scheduled to be received.

It is important to note that the information available only details what was scheduled for discussion. The actual discussions, decisions made, or outcomes of any votes are not available from the provided documents. The information status of the meeting is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, meaning that while the agenda and supporting documents were made public, the council has not yet published information about whether the meeting was held or what transpired.