Lead Member – Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Communities

Lead Officer – Andy Wilde, Service Director – Infrastructure

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved:

1.    The delegation of full or part operational and managerial responsibility for Street Scene services to participating pilot areas

-       Broseley Town Council

-       Oswestry Town Council

-       Shifnal Town Council

-       Shrewsbury Town Council

Delegation of the final terms of the individual arrangements, (to be agreed by the 31st March 2026) to the Service Director for Infrastructure in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Environment. The commercial terms of the individual arrangements are detailed within section 5 of this report.

2.    That an Operations Board is established to meet a minimum of once a year to monitor the operation of the delegated services with joint membership from Shropshire Council and Town Council.

The Portfolio Holder for Communities presented the report on the first phase of devolution of local services, focusing on street scene and grounds maintenance.

It was reported that four pilot areas – Shrewsbury, Broseley, Oswestry and Shifnal – had expressed interest in early participation, with varying models of full, partial or enhanced devolution. The approach aimed to support local choice, partnership working and financial sustainability, with funding set at 66% of current costs in year one and a reducing contribution in future years.

Members discussed the nature of the pilot arrangements, the financial implications for both the Council and participating town councils, and the potential impact on staffing, contracts and service standards. Assurance was given that legal agreements were being progressed and that an Operations Board would be established to oversee delivery and partnership working.

Cabinet also considered the position of smaller parish councils and noted that devolution would be voluntary, with different models developed to reflect local capacity and circumstances. It was acknowledged that the Council would not be able to guarantee the continuation of current discretionary service levels in the future.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved:

1.     The delegation of full or part operational and managerial responsibility for Street Scene services to participating pilot areas

-        Broseley Town Council

-        Oswestry Town Council

-        Shifnal Town Council

-        Shrewsbury Town Council

Delegation of the final terms of the individual arrangements, (to be agreed by the 31st March 2026) to the Service Director for Infrastructure in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Environment. The commercial terms of the individual arrangements are detailed within section 5 of this report.

2.     That an Operations Board is established to meet a minimum of once a year to monitor the operation of the delegated services with joint membership from Shropshire Council and Town Council.