Apologies were received from Councillor Dawn Husemann (deputised by Councillor Brandan Mallon – Reform UK) and Tanya Miles, Interim Chief Executive (deputised by Rachel Robinson, Interim Deputy Chief Executive).

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No interests were declared.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2026 be confirmed as an accruate record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2026 be confirmed as an accurate record.

To receive any questions from members of the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

One question had been received:

William Briggs, in relation to hydrogen storage and distribution.

The full question and response can be found on Response to Public Questions - Cabinet 6 May 2026.pdf

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

There were no members’ questions.

Although no scrutiny items had been received, the Leader made a statement regarding ongoing issues with bin collections and grass cutting services, acknowledging that performance under the current contract had been inadequate. It was noted that the contractor had failed to deliver services effectively, including missed bin collections, delayed grass cutting, and a lack of proper planning, equipment, mapping of assets, and contract management.

Members were advised that the situation had arisen from an inherited contract arrangement, with particular difficulties following the contractor ceasing some services prior to the contract end. This had led to service disruption across the county, with some areas experiencing significant backlogs.

Cabinet expressed concern regarding the contract management arrangements and the impact on residents, and an apology was issued. Immediate steps were being taken to improve service delivery, including increased operational efforts and work to properly map service requirements.

It was confirmed that the Council intends to bring the service back in-house, subject to the necessary processes, in order to ensure greater control and improved performance in the future.

Lead Member: Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader

Lead Officer: Tanya Miles, Interim Chief Executive

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Considered and recommended the draft Corporate Plan 2026-30 (with amendments) to Council for approval

2.     Noted the underlying need for financial recovery and sustainability, the need to align delivery commitments to the Council’s financial position, and the potential impact on service standards

3.     Noted that a performance framework will be developed (and presented to Cabinet on 10th June 2026) providing a basis for reporting progress, delivery and impact against the priority outcomes – including:

(i)              a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the relevant Local Outcome Framework measures

(ii)             a set of key delivery commitments against each of the priority ambitions

(iii)           an annual review report, summarising delivery over the previous 12 months, and refreshing the commitments for the next 12 months (to ensure alignment with our financial position and sustainability)

The Leader introduced the report which sought approval of the Corporate Plan for 2026-2030 by Cabinet and Council.

Cabinet noted that it had been developed rapidly to reflect the Council’s current financial position and to provide a clear strategic direction. It was emphasised that the Plan would be a living document, supported by an action plan and delivery commitments to be refreshed annually to ensure alignment with financial sustainability.

Members highlighted the importance of the Plan in guiding future decision-making, particularly in prioritising resources and improving customer responsiveness. Amendments were proposed to strengthen references to customer service, transport integration, housing delivery, economic strategy, and inclusion of the library strategy. Members noted that these amendments would be incorporate in the appendix which will be taken to full Council for adoption.

During discussion, Members broadly supported the strategic intent but raised concerns regarding presentation, prioritisation of economic growth, and the need for clearer emphasis on prevention, integration with partners, and place shaping. The financial constraints facing the Council were acknowledged as a key challenge impacting delivery, including limitations on capacity and missed economic opportunities.

It was also noted that the effectiveness of the Plan would depend on the forthcoming action plan and measurable outcomes, with strong Member support for ongoing scrutiny involvement and cross-party engagement.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Considered and recommended the draft Corporate Plan 2026-30 (with amendments) to Council for approval

2.     Noted the underlying need for financial recovery and sustainability, the need to align delivery commitments to the Council’s financial position, and the potential impact on service standards

3.     Noted that a performance framework will be developed (and presented to Cabinet on 10th June 2026) providing a basis for reporting progress, delivery and impact against the priority outcomes – including:

(i)              a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the relevant Local Outcome Framework measures

(ii)             a set of key delivery commitments against each of the priority ambitions

(iii)           an annual review report, summarising delivery over the previous 12 months, and refreshing the commitments for the next 12 months (to ensure alignment with our financial position and sustainability)

Lead Member: Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care

Lead Officer: Wendy Bulman, Domestic Abuse Strategic Lead

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029 (Appendix 1) and recommended its approval to Full Council

2.     Noted that delivery of the Strategy will be overseen by the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board through an accompanying action plan, with regular monitoring and review by the Community Safety Partnership.

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care presented the report, noting the statutory requirement under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the need to update the previous 2018 strategy to reflect legislative changes, updated needs assessments and learning from domestic homicide reviews.

Members were advised that the Strategy had been developed collaboratively with partners, informed by public consultation and input from individuals with lived experience. It adopts a whole-system approach, balancing prevention, protection and accountability across victims, perpetrators, the workforce and the wider community.

Members welcomed the Strategy but raised questions regarding the scope of consultation, representation of specific groups, and the balance between prevention and treatment activity. The importance of early intervention, partnership working and public awareness was emphasised.

Clarification was also provided that delivery would be supported through existing resources, including ring-fenced government grant funding, and overseen through established governance arrangements.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029 (Appendix 1) and recommended its approval to Full Council

2.     Noted that delivery of the Strategy will be overseen by the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board through an accompanying action plan, with regular monitoring and review by the Community Safety Partnership.

Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Eddie West, Planning Policy & Strategy Manager

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the publication of the Plan-Making Timetable (Appendix 1) and that any subsequent changes to this timetable are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

2.     Agreed the publication of the Notice of Intention to Commence Plan Making (Appendix 2) in May 2026.

3.     Agreed the Local Plan Project Initiation Document (PID) (Appendix 3), including the governance and decision making arrangements included in Figure 4.1 of the PID, and that any subsequent changes to the PID are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

4.     Agreed the publication of the Local Plan Scoping Document (Appendix 4), the Draft Community Hierarchy (Appendix 5), the Draft Site Identification and Assessment Methodology (Appendix 6) and the SEA Screening Report (Appendix 7) for public consultation in line with the engagement strategy outlined in the PID, and that any minor changes to these documents ahead of publication are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

5.     Agreed that delegated responsibility is given to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, for the preparation and consultation of an SEA/SA Scoping document within the Local Plan ‘notification and scoping’ stage.

6.     Noted the Equalities, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Stage One Screening Record (Appendix 8)

7.     Agreed, that delegated authority is given to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to agree the completion of Gateway 1 (Self- Assessment) upon the completion of the ‘Scoping’ stage, in order to commence the formal commencement of the plan making in September 2026.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report which outlining the commencement of the new Local Plan process, including the proposed timetable, scoping consultation, and supporting documents. It was noted that the new plan would establish a long-term spatial strategy for Shropshire to 2046 and would be prepared under a revised national planning framework with a compressed timescale.

Members were advised of the importance of progressing the Local Plan to ensure a robust, locally-led policy framework for future development and to reduce the risk of speculative planning applications. The report set out that the current stage focused on early engagement with stakeholders and did not yet include specific site allocations.

Members emphasised the need to ensure the plan is sound and deliverable, recognising the risks of progressing too quickly. Concerns were raised regarding infrastructure provision, housing targets, protection of rural areas, and the importance of aligning the Local Plan with other strategies, including the Corporate Plan and forthcoming Local Transport Plan. The need for transparency, cross-party involvement and effective scrutiny throughout the process was also highlighted.

It was confirmed that existing evidence from the previous plan would be utilised where appropriate and updated as required, and that the process would involve ongoing consultation with residents, partners and stakeholders.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Agreed the publication of the Plan-Making Timetable (Appendix 1) and that any subsequent changes to this timetable are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

2.     Agreed the publication of the Notice of Intention to Commence Plan Making (Appendix 2) in May 2026.

3.     Agreed the Local Plan Project Initiation Document (PID) (Appendix 3), including the governance and decision making arrangements included in Figure 4.1 of the PID, and that any subsequent changes to the PID are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

4.     Agreed the publication of the Local Plan Scoping Document (Appendix 4), the Draft Community Hierarchy (Appendix 5), the Draft Site Identification and Assessment Methodology (Appendix 6) and the SEA Screening Report (Appendix 7) for public consultation in line with the engagement strategy outlined in the PID, and that any minor changes to these documents ahead of publication are delegated to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning.

5.     Agreed that delegated responsibility is given to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, for the preparation and consultation of an SEA/SA Scoping document within the Local Plan ‘notification and scoping’ stage.

6.     Noted the Equalities, Social Inclusion and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Stage One Screening Record (Appendix 8)

7.     Agreed, that delegated authority is given to the Interim Service Director for Place Shaping in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to agree the completion of Gateway 1 (Self- Assessment) upon the completion of the ‘Scoping’ stage, in order to commence the formal commencement of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 10 June 2026.