Report of the Director: Financial Improvement is attached

Contact: Duncan Whitfield  email: Duncan.whitfield@shropshire.gov.uk

It was proposed by Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance, and seconded by Councillor Alex Wagner, Portfolio Holder for Communities that the report and the recommendations contained therein be received and agreed.

With regard to specific queries raised by Members the Portfolio Holder stated that he would liaise with the relevant portfolio holders and respond to Members after the meeting

RESOLVED:

That Council

A.    Note the breakdown of the total income for 2025/26 and 2026/27 and in particular that the proposed 2026/27 charges for discretionary services represent £50.868m of the £104.981m of income derived from Fees and Charges.

B.    Approve the charges for 2026/27 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented from 1 April 2026.

C.   To note that as previously agreed, any changes to fees and charges proposed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd. in relation to the outsourced leisure facilities will only be referred to Cabinet and Council for approval if the proposed increases exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding November.

D.   Note that the fees chargeable for hackney carriage, private hire vehicle and operator’s licences, and drivers’ licences are currently under consultation, with the proposed new charges to take effect from 9 February 2026.

E.    Note that the proposed new charges for Adult Social Care Deferred Payment Policy, are detailed in a separate report which is also being considered at this meeting.

F.    Note that the fees and charges set in 2026/27 reflect the implementation of the Fees and Charges Pricing Policy which is also being considered at this meeting.

G.   Agree to revise housing rents as follows (subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill):

G(i). Social Housing and Affordable rents for 2026/27 are increased by 4.8% from 6th April 2026.

G(ii)  Shared Ownership rents continue to be calculated at 2.75% of the landlord's share at the time of purchase. From the following April, rents are reviewed annually in line with the terms set out in the lease. As additional shares in the property are purchased, rent will decrease proportionally, based on the original property value.

G(iii)  Service charges will be calculated based on actual cost plus a 15% management and admin fee (excluding sewage), with changes in the way these are calculated following an in-depth service charge review.