The Cabinet of Shropshire Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial and operational matters. Key decisions included the approval of a structured closure plan for Cornovii Developments Ltd, the adoption of revised policies for business rate relief and council tax discretionary discounts, and the approval of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan for the next 30 years.

Exceptional Financial Support: External Assurance Review

Cabinet noted and agreed the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the CIPFA External Assurance Review, which was part of the arrangements for the Council receiving Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government. Many of the recommendations were found to align with priorities already being addressed through the Council's Improvement Plan and Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. Progress against these recommendations will be reported quarterly to Cabinet.

Financial Monitoring Report Quarter 1 2026/27

The Cabinet noted the financial position for the first quarter of the financial year 2026/27, forecasting a favourable variation of £2.291 million against the General Fund budget. This positive position was achieved despite a significant overspend within Children's Services, which is being closely monitored. The report also highlighted the continued use of the Budget, Transformation and Change Panel to control spending and authorise projects, and noted the forecast level of savings achieved to date against the target. The forecast General Fund Balance at 31 March 2027 is £15 million, in line with the Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. Cabinet also noted the reduced call for EFS in 2026/27.

Annual Customer Feedback Report 2025/26

Cabinet considered and agreed the recommendations and actions within the Annual Customer Feedback Report 2025/26. The report provided an overview of formal customer feedback received by Shropshire Council during the financial year, including complaints, compliments, and comments. It also included data from the Local Government Ombudsman and information on compliance with the Complaint Handling Code.

Cornovii Developments Ltd

Cabinet approved a structured closure of Cornovii Developments Ltd (CDL) over a period of time, estimated to be a minimum of 18 months. This decision was made due to the Council's financial circumstances, limitations on borrowing arising from EFS commitments, and the financial position of CDL. The closure aims to minimise financial exposure to the Council and seek the best consideration from property and land disposals and transfers. Funding was approved for CDL to complete planning applications for London Road Phase 2 and SUE West sites to maximise their future value. The s151 Officer was authorised to ensure CDL remains solvent during this closure period.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan

Cabinet approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Policy and the 30-year HRA Business Plan 2026. The Business Plan includes the financial strategy, investment programme, and statutory compliance measures necessary to ensure the HRA remains sustainable and can support the delivery of safe, affordable, and good quality council homes. Provision has been made within the plan to support potential applications for Government grant funding to increase capacity within the HRA stock, though this does not constitute approval to submit a bid at this stage.

Whitchurch Civic Centre & Library - Asset Decision

Cabinet declared the Whitchurch Civic Centre and Library site surplus to the Council's operational requirements due to the identified RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) risks, lack of funding, and the Council's financial emergency. Approval was given for its in-principle disposal, subject to due diligence and financial and legal requirements. Authority was delegated to the Service Director for Place Shaping, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Portfolio Holders for Finance and Assets, to determine and implement the disposal strategy. Officers will continue to engage with local Members, Whitchurch Town Council, and other interested parties.

Business Rate Relief and Council Tax Discretionary Discount Policy

Cabinet approved the existing policy for business rates discretionary rate relief and noted the updated Rural Settlement List. Authority was delegated to the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager for the awarding of Hardship Relief, Discretionary Business Rate Relief, and Part Occupied Relief, with appeals to the Section 151 Officer. A separate policy document for Council Tax Discretionary Discounts was also approved, which includes continuing discounts for care leavers up to the age of 25 and introducing a new policy to support residents affected by an uninsured 'Act of God'. Decisions on council tax discretionary discount awards were delegated to the Revenues and Benefits Service Manager, with appeals to the Section 151 Officer. The s151 Officer was instructed to plan for a Council Tax Discretionary Discount Hardship Fund. Both policies will be reviewed in 2029/30.

Council Tax Support Scheme

Cabinet noted proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme, which will be subject to a formal six-week consultation. The proposed changes include retaining the current tapered scheme with adjustments to disregard Child Benefit as an income, retaining the current 20% minimum payment, and continuing support for those impacted by the minimum payment through the Crisis Resilience Fund.

Fostering Payment Arrangement Policy

Cabinet approved several changes to fostering payment arrangements aimed at improving recruitment and retention. These include a 5% uplift to fostering Skills Payments, an increase in the mileage rate paid to internal foster carers, and the removal of the requirement for foster carers to deduct the first 30-70 miles weekly before claiming mileage from April 2027. A new 'Belonging and Stable Homes Scheme' payment of £250 per week for the first 12 months was approved to incentivise foster carers to transition children from residential care. Additionally, the proposal to pay annual National Trust membership for up to 100 fostering households was approved, and free parking at council venues for foster carers was considered.

Minutes and Exempt Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 August 2026 were confirmed as an accurate record, as were the exempt minutes of the same meeting.

Other Business

Cabinet also considered the Q1 Performance Report and the Treasury Management Update for Quarter 1 2026/27, noting the information presented.