The Shropshire Council Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 15 April 2026, was set to cover a range of significant topics, including a review of the council's financial monitoring for period 11, an update on the Crisis Resilience Fund, and the introduction of weekly food waste collections. The meeting agenda also included the adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code and the Destination Management Plan, alongside a scrutiny item concerning the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task and Finish Group Report

A report from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task and Finish Group was scheduled for discussion. This group has been examining Shropshire Council's processes for allocating funds collected from developers, with the aim of ensuring these funds effectively support local and strategic infrastructure needs. The report was expected to outline Phase One of their work, focusing on CIL allocations, and make recommendations regarding the current 90/10 split between CIL Local and CIL Strategic funds. The group also considered alternative models for CIL allocation, drawing comparisons with approaches used by Cornwall Council and Cheshire East Council. Recommendations were also anticipated regarding communication and awareness strategies for Town and Parish Councils, members, and residents concerning CIL processes and benefits.

Financial Monitoring Period 11

The Cabinet was to receive an update on the council's financial position as of Period 11 (28 February 2026). The report indicated a forecast year-end overspend of £49.374 million for the 2025/26 financial year. While this represented an improvement of £0.570 million compared to the Period 10 forecast, it remained a significant overspend, predominantly within Care & Wellbeing and Children & Young People services. The report detailed measures in place to manage the financial situation, including an application for £71.4 million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government, of which £21.5 million would be used to manage the 2025/26 overspend. The remaining EFS was allocated to cover costs associated with the cancellation of the North-West Relief Road project and transformation initiatives. The forecast General Fund Balance at the end of the financial year was projected to be £5 million, which the s151 Officer considered to be below an acceptable level.

Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) Update

The meeting was scheduled to discuss proposals for the delivery plan of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). This fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund, is a three-year scheme providing financial support to residents struggling with essential living costs or facing sudden financial crises. Shropshire Council was allocated £3.67 million annually, with an additional £758,558 for one-off funding for households reliant on heating oil. The CRF aims to support low-income households with costs including food, housing, energy, clothing, essential household items, transport, and digital essentials. Proposals included Crisis Payments, Council Tax relief for eligible working-age households, and Resilience Support delivered through community and family hubs. The plan also emphasised community coordination through partnerships with the Voluntary and Community Sector to provide advice on budgeting, income maximisation, and financial skills training.

Introduction of Weekly Food Waste Collections

The Cabinet was to consider the introduction of weekly food waste collections, a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021 and Simpler Recycling Legislation, effective from 31 March 2026. The report highlighted that compliance by this deadline was not achievable due to contractual and financial constraints. Government funding for initial implementation and capital costs was provided, but concerns were raised about the adequacy of ongoing revenue funding, which was expected to be through the general grant. The report detailed ongoing discussions with DEFRA and the waste management provider, Veolia ES Shropshire, regarding the complexity of the existing PFI contract and the lack of an In Vessel Composter (IVC) for disposal. The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee had previously reviewed options and made recommendations, including lobbying the Government for appropriate funding. The Cabinet was asked to note the legislative requirement, the current constraints, and to instruct the Service Director for Place Shaping to undertake further work on assessing costs, updating risk assessments, and considering an application for exemption from DEFRA.

Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code

The Cabinet was asked to approve the adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as a material consideration in planning decisions. This code, developed with funding from the MHCLG's Design Code Pathfinder Programme, aims to provide guidance on design expectations within the town centre, supporting the achievement of the Shropshire Plan's objectives for a vibrant and sustainable environment. The code had undergone public consultation between October 2025 and January 2026, with responses analysed and incorporated into the final draft. The code addresses eight themes: movement, nature, built form, identity, public space, uses, homes, and resources, with the aim of promoting high-quality, context-sensitive, and sustainable development. An Equality, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) was also presented, indicating neutral to medium positive impacts, with strengthened positive impacts for inclusivity and accessibility following consultation feedback.

Adoption of the Destination Management Plan (DMP)

The Cabinet was requested to endorse the Shropshire Destination Management Plan (DMP) for 2025-2029. This plan, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, sets out a strategic roadmap for the visitor economy, aiming to grow tourism value, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, raise Shropshire's profile, and enhance access and inclusion. Developed through extensive consultation, the DMP aligns with Visit England's strategies and aims for a unified plan across the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership area. The plan identifies Shropshire's strengths, such as its National Landscape designation, heritage, and market towns, while also acknowledging gaps in serviced accommodation and transport options. Governance would be overseen by a Visitor Economy Working Group, and implementation would be delivered by multiple stakeholders within existing budget levels, supported by external funding.

Scrutiny Item - Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task and Finish Group Report

This item was a report from the Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee's Task and Finish Group concerning the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The group reviewed CIL allocations, governance, and member involvement, making recommendations on the allocation process, the suitability of the 90/10 split between CIL Local and CIL Strategic funds, and the composition of the Internal Infrastructure Group (IIG). The report also explored alternative models, such as the Cornwall model, and recommended improvements in communication and awareness for Town and Parish Councils, members, and residents.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Cabinet was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 March 2026.