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Council plans shape Shropshire's future

This week in Shropshire:

Council's Financial Strategy and Capital Plans Under Scrutiny

Shropshire Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to discuss the Draft Financial Strategy 2025/26 - 2029/30 and the Capital Strategy 2025/26 – 2030/31. These documents outline the council's financial plans and investment priorities over the next five years. The discussions are crucial for understanding how council services will be funded and what major projects will be undertaken. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: These strategies are the bedrock of the council's financial future. They determine how money is allocated, impacting everything from frontline services like social care and waste collection to major infrastructure projects. For residents, this means understanding how their council tax is being spent and what services they can expect.
  • Financial Strategy: The Draft Financial Strategy sets out the council's approach to managing its budget over the next five years. It includes details on the draft revenue budget summary for 2026/27, plans for growth to offset unachievable savings, and projections for demographic demand, service growth, and inflationary increases. This is vital for ensuring the council can continue to deliver essential services, especially to vulnerable groups who rely heavily on council support.
  • Capital Strategy: The Capital Strategy details the council's plans for capital investment, which includes spending on assets like buildings, infrastructure, and equipment. This strategy will shape the physical landscape of Shropshire, influencing everything from new school buildings to road improvements.
  • Public Reaction: While the meeting documents were published, the actual discussions and decisions are pending council publication. The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed these financial documents on Monday, 19 January 2026, indicating a thorough process of examination before final decisions are made by the Cabinet. You can find the meeting details here.

Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan Under Review

The Cabinet also considered the Approval of Shropshire Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-30 and the terms of reference for a new advisory committee. This plan is critical for the conservation and management of one of Shropshire's most cherished natural assets. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: The Shropshire Hills National Landscape1 is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, vital for its ecological significance, recreational opportunities, and contribution to the local economy. The management plan dictates how this precious environment will be protected and enhanced for future generations.
  • Key Objectives: The plan, titled Thriving in Balance with Nature, aims to ensure the landscape's conservation and enhancement while supporting sustainable development and public enjoyment.
  • New Advisory Committee: The establishment of a new Shropshire Hills National Landscape Advisory Committee will provide a formal structure for stakeholders to contribute to the management and decision-making processes.

Neighbourhood Plans Progress: Baschurch and Much Wenlock

The Cabinet was also set to discuss the progression of neighbourhood plans for Baschurch and Much Wenlock. These plans give local communities a direct say in shaping development in their areas. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: Neighbourhood plans empower local residents to influence planning decisions, ensuring that new developments align with community needs and aspirations. This is particularly important for maintaining the character of rural communities and ensuring local infrastructure can cope with growth.
  • Baschurch Neighbourhood Plan: The meeting agenda included the designation of an area for the Baschurch Neighbourhood Plan, a crucial step in its development.
  • Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review: The committee was also to consider a recommendation for the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan Review to proceed to a referendum, allowing residents to vote on the proposed plan.

Other Matters

Provider Services Redesign and Leisure Contract Retendering

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, and Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, were scheduled to lead discussions on the Provider Services Redesign (in-house) and the Leisure Service Contract Retendering. These items are significant for the delivery of key council services and will impact how residents access leisure facilities and how care services are managed. You can find the meeting details here.

Pensions Board Reviews Administration and Governance

The Shropshire Council Pensions Board met on Friday, 23 January 2026, to review administrative performance, economic updates, and governance matters related to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)2. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: The effective management of the pension fund is crucial for the financial security of current and future pensioners. The board's oversight ensures that the fund is administered efficiently and in compliance with regulations.
  • Key Discussions: The meeting covered updates on the pensions administration team's performance, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and progress on the Pensions Dashboard implementation. Economic and governance updates were also discussed, with some items held in private.
  • CIPFA Benchmarking: The report noted that Shropshire's administration cost per member was £30.34, which is lower than the average of other participating administrators.

Schools Forum Addresses Funding Deficits and Allocations

The Schools Forum met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to discuss crucial school funding arrangements for the upcoming academic year and the ongoing deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: The decisions made by the Schools Forum directly impact the funding available for all schools in Shropshire, affecting everything from teacher salaries to resources for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • National Funding Formula (NFF): The forum approved the NFF for 2026-27, with a proposed increase in funding units.
  • High Needs Deficit: A significant concern was the £41 million deficit in the High Needs Block. To address this, the forum agreed to transfer 0.5% of the Schools Block funding to the High Needs Block. This decision highlights the immense pressure on SEND provision and the difficult choices councils face in balancing budgets.
  • DSG Monitoring: The forum noted a projected cumulative DSG deficit of £42.089 million, with substantial overspends in the High Needs Block due to increased EHCPs and independent special school placements. This situation underscores the national challenge of funding SEND services.
  • Central School Services Block (CSSB): Proposals for the CSSB, which funds central functions for schools, were approved.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles SEND, Children's Services, and Housing

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to address critical issues affecting the health and well-being of Shropshire residents. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: The board's discussions are vital for ensuring integrated health and social care services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children with SEND, families needing support, and those experiencing housing insecurity.
  • SEND and Alternative Provision (AP): An update on the SEND and AP Board highlighted improvements in co-production and health wait times, but acknowledged ongoing challenges with EHC plan waiting lists and the significant High Needs Block deficit.
  • Children's Services Reforms: The board reviewed national reforms aimed at rebalancing the system towards early help and support for children and young people, emphasizing a holistic approach across departments.
  • Housing and Health Action Plan: Progress on the Housing and Health Action Plan was discussed, with a focus on increased regulation for social housing providers and improvements in temporary accommodation.
  • Healthwatch Shropshire: The future of Healthwatch Shropshire was a key discussion point, raising questions about the independence and credibility of future patient voice functions.
  • ICB and ShIPP Updates: Updates from NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (ICB) and the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership (ShIPP) provided insights into ongoing health initiatives, including the NHS Government Reset Programme and winter pressures.

Northern Planning Committee Cancelled

The Northern Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 20 January 2026, was cancelled. You can find the meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 29 January 2026
  • Southern Planning Committee on Tuesday 27 January 2026
  • Standards Sub-Committee on Monday 26 January 2026
  • Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 26 January 2026
  • Audit & Governance Committee on Thursday 05 February 2026

  1. National Landscapes, formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), are designated for their outstanding natural beauty and are protected and managed for conservation and public enjoyment. ↩

  2. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a defined benefit occupational pension scheme for local government employees in the United Kingdom. ↩

Shropshire Children's Services reforms & £41m deficit

This week in Shropshire:

Children's Services Reforms: A Sweeping Overhaul for Better Outcomes

Shropshire Council's People Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss significant national reforms aimed at transforming Children's Services. These reforms, described as the largest in decades, signal a fundamental shift towards early intervention and prevention, with the goal of ensuring children and young people receive the support they need as early as possible. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: These reforms are crucial for the well-being of Shropshire's children and young people. The aim is to prevent escalation of needs, keeping families together and ensuring children are safe and thriving. For vulnerable children, this could mean the difference between receiving timely support or facing more serious challenges later on.
  • What's Changing: The reforms encompass several key programmes:
    • Families First Partnership: This aims to rebalance the children's social care system by treating family help as one integrated system of support, moving away from traditional early help. It emphasizes multidisciplinary teams working together across police, local authorities, health, and education to safeguard children.
    • Best Start in Life Family Hubs: The council is tasked with identifying a Family Hub site to deliver parenting interventions and home learning support, with the ambition of ensuring more children are ready for school.
    • Local Youth Transformation: A 10-year strategy focusing on providing trusted adults, meaningful activities, and support for young people's physical and emotional well-being.
    • Private Law Pathfinder: A programme to ensure children entering the court system receive timely decisions to minimise further trauma.
    • SEND System Reform: Aims to create fairer and more effective systems for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
  • Potential Impact: The reforms require a more holistic approach, integrating services from adult social care, housing, and domestic abuse support, as these often contribute to children needing help. The council is working to ensure all staff understand these changes and can integrate them into their service plans.
  • Public Reaction: During the meeting, a member of the public, John Palmer, questioned whether the report's language was accessible to families seeking help, expressing concern that impenetrable insider jargon might hinder understanding. Councillor Andy Davis, Chair of the committee, acknowledged this and committed to ensuring clarity in future communications.

High Needs Deficit: £41 Million Black Hole Threatens Education Funding

The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee also grappled with the alarming £41 million deficit in the High Needs Block budget for education. This significant shortfall, which sits outside the council's core budget, is primarily driven by a 70% increase in Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans and a surge in placements in expensive independent special schools. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: This deficit directly impacts the funding available for children with the most complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Without a solution, it could lead to reduced support for these vulnerable children or place an unsustainable burden on other council services.
  • The Problem: The number of EHC plans has risen dramatically, leading to increased spending on specialist independent schools. While the council is investing in mainstream schools and resource provisions to offer more local support, the overall cost is escalating.
  • Government Uncertainty: The council is awaiting details from the government on how it plans to address these national financial pressures, but is developing its own strategy to manage the deficit.
  • Scrutiny's Role: The committee plays a vital role in holding the council accountable for its plans to manage and reverse this deficit, ensuring that children with SEND continue to receive the support they need.

Fostering Transformation: Bucking the National Trend

Shropshire Council's fostering service is bucking a national trend of declining foster carer numbers. The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the fostering transformation programme, which has focused on enhanced marketing, restructuring the service, and improving the support offered to foster carers. You can find the meeting details here.

  • The Stakes: A sufficient number of foster carers is essential for ensuring that children who cannot live with their birth families can remain in a safe, loving, and permanent family environment. This is not only the best outcome for children but also the most cost-effective for the council.
  • Successes: The marketing strategy has led to a significant increase in inquiries and applications, with the council on track to approve the highest number of foster carers in the region by March 2024. The service is also seeing a rise in kinship and connected carers, allowing more children to stay within their extended families.
  • Challenges: While recruitment is strong, the report noted that the foster care cohort nationally is ageing. The council is actively targeting younger families and single carers through its campaigns.
  • Support for Carers: The transformation programme emphasizes training, retention, and support for foster carers, recognising that those who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay. This includes competitive allowances and a focus on supporting carers who look after children with more complex needs.

Other Matters

  • Elective Home Education (EHE): The committee discussed elective home education, noting a rise in numbers since 2022. Safeguarding remains a key focus, with the team working to ensure children are safe and receiving a suitable education. The council is reviewing its policies in light of national learning, particularly following the Sarah Sharif review.
  • Adult Social Care Performance: Updates were provided on adult social care performance, including progress on reviews for individuals receiving care, out-of-county placements, and efforts to manage demand and costs for self-funders. The council is working to ensure people receive the right support at the right time and rate.

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire: Broseley licence decision sparks debate

This week in Shropshire:

New Café and Bar Licence Sparks Noise and Safety Concerns in Broseley

The Licensing Act Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to consider a new premises licence application for Mikey's, a café and bar proposed for 4 Delph Side, Broseley, Shropshire, TF12 5EP. You can find the meeting details here. While the applicant and several responsible authorities, including the police, reached agreements on conditions, one local resident raised significant concerns about potential public nuisance and safety.

  • The Stakes: This decision directly impacts the local environment in Broseley, potentially affecting residents' peace and quiet, as well as public safety. For the applicant, it's the key to opening their new business.
  • Resident's Concerns: David Farrell, owner of the Broseley Guest House, lodged a representation citing worries about fire risks, public safety due to the single access/exit point, and noise from music, conversations, and kitchen machinery. He stated that noise from the current operations had already forced him to vacate his bedroom/office. Concerns were also raised about increased vehicle parking and traffic.
  • Agreed Conditions: The applicant and responsible authorities agreed on conditions to promote the four licensing objectives. These include CCTV, a zero-tolerance drugs policy, and measures to prevent public nuisance, such as restricting the use of the outdoor area after 8 PM.
  • Potential Outcomes: The Sub-Committee had the power to refuse the licence, grant it with conditions, restrict activities, or limit operating hours. The decision will balance the applicant's desire to operate with the resident's concerns and the council's duty to uphold licensing objectives.

Upcoming Meetings

Shropshire Green Belt Preserved; Housing Appeal Heard

This week in Shropshire:

Albrighton Development Rejected: Green Belt Preserved

The Southern Planning Committee has refused an outline application for a large mixed-use development on Patshull Road, Albrighton. You can find the meeting details here. The proposal included up to 800 dwellings, a care home, a secondary school, and a local centre. The decision protects a significant portion of the Green Belt, addressing concerns raised by over 1,157 public representations.

  • The Stakes: This decision prevents a major development on Green Belt land, preserving the character of Albrighton and safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.
  • Policy Conflict: The planning officer's report stated that the development was incompatible with sustainable development principles and conflicted with several policies of the Shropshire Council Core Strategy, the Site Allocations and Management of Development (SAMDev) Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
  • Green Belt Protection: The committee agreed that the proposed development did not meet any of the exceptions for building in the Green Belt, and that the circumstances advanced in the application did not amount to the very special circumstances required to overcome an objection to the high level of harm identified.
  • Community Relief: The decision will likely be welcomed by Albrighton residents who voiced strong opposition to the development, citing concerns about loss of Green Belt, strain on infrastructure, and impact on village character.

Housing Appeal Panel Hears Introductory Tenancy Case

The Housing Appeal Panel convened to consider an appeal regarding an introductory tenancy. You can find the meeting details here. The public and press were excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the housing appeal, citing the Local Government Act 1972 and the Council's Access to Information Procedure Rules.

  • The Stakes: This decision directly impacts the housing security of the individual appealing their introductory tenancy.
  • Confidentiality: The meeting was held in private to protect the personal information of the appellant.
  • Introductory Tenancies: Introductory tenancies are a trial period for new social housing tenants, and failure to meet the terms of the tenancy can lead to eviction.

Other Matters

Shropshire Green Belt Under Threat: 800 Homes Proposed

This week in Shropshire:

Green Belt Showdown: 800 Homes on the Line in Albrighton

The Southern Planning Committee is set to clash over a massive proposed development of 800 homes, a care home, a secondary school, and a local centre on Patshull Road, Albrighton. You can find the meeting details here. The council's planning officer is recommending refusal, citing significant harm to the Green Belt and conflict with local and national planning policies. This decision could have major implications for the future of Albrighton and the surrounding area.

  • The Stakes: This decision will determine whether a large swathe of Green Belt land is opened up for development, potentially impacting the character of Albrighton and straining local infrastructure.
  • Green Belt Conflict: The proposed site is entirely within the Green Belt, and the planning officer argues that the development does not meet any of the exceptions for building in such areas.
  • Community Outcry: Over 1,157 public representations have been received, with the majority objecting to the development due to concerns about loss of Green Belt, strain on infrastructure, and impact on village character.
  • Officer Recommendation: The planning officer's report recommends that the committee refuse the application on the grounds of policy and Green Belt considerations.

The report states that the proposed development site is:

wholly located in Green Belt countryside outside of any settlement development boundary which is not safeguarded or allocated land, and is not regarded as being grey belt.

The final decision rests with the Southern Planning Committee, who must weigh the potential benefits of the development against the significant harm to the Green Belt and the concerns of the local community.

Council Tax Taxbase Set for 2026/27: What It Means for Your Bill

Shropshire Council is scheduled to set the council tax taxbase for 2026/27 at its meeting on Thursday. You can find the meeting details here. This decision, while seemingly technical, directly impacts how much each household will pay in council tax next year.

  • The Stakes: The council tax taxbase determines the total amount of revenue the council can raise through council tax, which funds essential services like schools, social care, and waste collection.
  • Calculation: The taxbase is calculated based on the total value of all taxable properties in the Shropshire Council area.
  • Impact on Residents: Changes to the taxbase can affect individual council tax bills, depending on property values and the overall budget set by the council.

Schools Forum to Decide on Funding Transfers: Will High Needs Students Benefit?

The Schools Forum met to discuss school funding arrangements for 2026-27, including the potential transfer of funds from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block. You can find the meeting details here. This decision could have a significant impact on the resources available for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

  • The Stakes: The transfer of funds between blocks could provide much-needed resources for high needs students, but it could also lead to cuts in funding for mainstream schools.
  • High Needs Block: The High Needs Block supports students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • Potential Transfer: The forum was asked to consider transferring up to 0.5% of the Schools Block into the High Needs Block.
  • Average Deduction: Transferring 0.5% of the schools block budget prior to setting the New Individual School Budget would be £1,118,962, with an average deduction per school of £7,612, or £33.23 per pupil.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Southern Planning Committee

Southern Planning Committee - Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to discuss proposals for an outdoor hub at Attingham Park, an affordable dwelling near Clunbury, and the installation of a BT Street Hub unit in Bridgnorth. The meeting's agenda also included a review of recent appeal decisions.

January 27, 2026, 2:00 pm
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 26th January, 2026 10.00 am

The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to meet on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss a review of locally commissioned services in primary care, receive updates from various health-related committees and groups, and consider its work programme. The meeting was also set to address the appointment of a new member to the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

January 26, 2026, 10:00 am
Standards Sub-Committee

Standards Sub-Committee - Monday, 26th January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Standards Sub-Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to consider an application for a dispensation from Councillor Duncan Kerr. The committee was also due to consider an exempt report relating to a Code of Conduct complaint.

January 26, 2026, 2:00 pm
Pensions Board

Pensions Board - Friday, 23rd January, 2026 10.00 am

The Pensions Board of Shropshire Council met on Friday 23 January 2026 to discuss administration and regulatory updates, as well as receive feedback from the Pensions Committee. The meeting agenda also included an economic update and a governance update, with some items scheduled for exclusion of the press and public.

January 23, 2026, 10:00 am
Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 9.30 am

The Health and Wellbeing Board of Shropshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including updates on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, reforms within Children's Services, and the ongoing Housing and Health Action Plan. The Board was also set to receive updates from Healthwatch Shropshire, review progress on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and hear from the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership (ShIPP).

January 22, 2026, 9:30 am
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 9.00 am

The Schools Forum of Shropshire Council met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to discuss school funding arrangements for the upcoming academic year and the ongoing financial challenges within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Key decisions included the approval of the National Funding Formula (NFF) for 2026-27, with a commitment to transfer up to 0.5% of the Schools Block to the High Needs Block, and the approval of proposals for the Central School Services Block (CSSB).

January 22, 2026, 9:00 am
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 10.30 am

The Cabinet of Shropshire Council was scheduled to consider a range of financial and strategic documents, including the Draft Financial Strategy and Capital Strategy. Discussions were also planned regarding the management of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape and the progression of neighbourhood plans for Baschurch and Much Wenlock. Additionally, the meeting agenda included items related to provider services redesign and the retendering of the leisure service contract.

January 21, 2026, 10:30 am
Northern Planning Committee CANCELLED

Northern Planning Committee - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

January 20, 2026, 2:00 pm
Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee POSTPONED

Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 19th January, 2026 2.00 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

January 19, 2026, 2:00 pm
Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 19th January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Shropshire Council was scheduled to consider the council's financial future and its capital investment plans. The committee was also due to review its own work programme for the upcoming year.

January 19, 2026, 2:00 pm
Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 29th January, 2026 6.00 pm

January 29, 2026, 6:00 pm
Audit & Governance Committee

Audit & Governance Committee - Thursday, 5th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 05, 2026, 10:00 am
Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 9th February, 2026 10.00 am

February 09, 2026, 10:00 am
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 10.30 am

February 11, 2026, 10:30 am
Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Friday, 13th February, 2026 10.30 am

February 13, 2026, 10:30 am