Apologies were received from Councillor David Walker.

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 declarations were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2026 be confirmed as an accurate record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 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 Thursday 8 October 2026.

One public question was received:

Tony Burton, in relation to Meole Brace Park & Ride. In response to a supplementary question, it was confirmed that the Meole Brace Park and Ride service had been secured for a three-year period.

The full question and response can be found on Responses to Public Questions - Cabinet 14 October 2026.pdf

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Six Members’ questions had been received.

Duncan Borrowman, in relation to the future of E-MERLIN & the Knockin Telescope.

Ben Jephcott, in relation to litter collection. In response to a supplementary question on litter collection, it was confirmed that discussions with National Highways were ongoing and consideration would be given to scheduling collections, subject to financial constraints.

Brendan Mallon, on behalf of Harry Hancock-Davies, in relation to safety improvements around Harlescott Junior School.

Duncan Kerr, in relation to the Parking Strategy Framework. In response to a supplementary question on residents’ parking, it was agreed that information on the Oswestry assessment and timescales would be provided after the meeting.

Robert Jones, in relation to safeguarding agricultural land.

Andy Boddington, in relation to Ludlow bus services. In response to a supplementary question on Ludlow bus services, it was agreed that the possibility of subsidising the service to reduce fares would be discussed with officers.

Full questions and responses can be found on Responses to Member Questions - Cabinet 14 October 2026.pdf

There were no scrutiny items.

Lead Member: Councillor Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care & Public Health

Lead Officer: Natalie McFall, Service Director – Care & Wellbeing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Endorsed the Adult Social Care Transformation Programme as the strategic framework for delivering coordinated improvement across Adult Social Care pathways, service and outcomes for residents; noting that some individual workstreams may require future cabinet decisions.  

2.     Endorsed the proposed governance arrangements for the transformation programme.  

3.     Delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health to take any decision necessary to implement this strategic framework, except for decisions requiring specific Cabinet approval.  

4.     Noted the requirement to provisionally earmark transformation funding of up to £4 million over the next three financial years in order to deliver the programme, and that this will be included in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP)  

5.     Noted that a further report will be received in March 2027 on progress made with each of the 11 programmes following completion and recommendations from the Adult Social Care Diagnostic which will include estimates of potential outcomes and savings. 

The Portfolio Holder introduced the Adult Social Care Transformation Plan, comprising 11 connected programmes aimed at improving outcomes and supporting financial sustainability. The programme focused on earlier intervention and prevention, independence and recovery, complex care and accommodation, and commissioning and financial sustainability. An independent diagnostic was underway to establish robust baselines and identify realistic savings and benefits.

It was reported that up to £4 million over three years was provisionally earmarked to support delivery, with any expenditure subject to appropriate business cases and approval.

Members discussed the importance of prevention and highlighted links with transport, housing, digital technology, community provision and partnership working with health services.

Members raised concerns regarding the level of financial detail available, capacity to deliver the programme and reliance on effective partnership working with the NHS. Concerns were also expressed regarding the timing and use of transformation funding and ensuring that increased use of digital technology did not exclude those requiring telephone or face-to-face support.

It was confirmed that the independent diagnostic would provide greater clarity on priorities, investment requirements and potential financial benefits, with further reporting as the programme progressed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Endorsed the Adult Social Care Transformation Programme as the strategic framework for delivering coordinated improvement across Adult Social Care pathways, service and outcomes for residents; noting that some individual workstreams may require future cabinet decisions.  

2.     Endorsed the proposed governance arrangements for the transformation programme.  

3.     Delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care, in consultation with the portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health to take any decision necessary to implement this strategic framework, except for decisions requiring specific Cabinet approval.  

4.     Noted the requirement to provisionally earmark transformation funding of up to £4 million over the next three financial years in order to deliver the programme, and that this will be included in the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP)  

5.     Noted that a further report will be received in March 2027 on progress made with each of the 11 programmes following completion and recommendations from the Adult Social Care Diagnostic which will include estimates of potential outcomes and savings. 

Lead Member: Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation & Economic Growth

Lead Officer:  Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director – Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Continue discussions with Government, Telford & Wrekin Council, and other partners to explore devolution options that support Shropshire’s interests, recognise its rurality and build on existing economic and partnership strengths; and  

2.     Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, and Corporate Director of Growth and Connected Communities, in consultation with the Leader, and relevant Portfolio Holder, to progress discussions with Ministers, Government officials, neighbouring authorities and partners in line with national timescales. 

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Economic Growth introduced the report, which sought to continue discussions with Government and neighbouring authorities on future devolution arrangements. It was emphasised that Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin should be central to any future arrangement, while maintaining important partnerships with the West Midlands, Marches area and Wales.

Members supported remaining actively involved in shaping future arrangements but raised concerns regarding democratic oversight, public consultation and protection of Shropshire’s rural interests. It was confirmed that the proposals were intended to establish a direction of travel and enable options to be developed, with substantive proposals returning for further consideration.

The wider economic opportunities arising from strategic partnerships, including work relating to water, flooding, energy, food security, skills and rural economic growth, were also highlighted.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Continue discussions with Government, Telford & Wrekin Council, and other partners to explore devolution options that support Shropshire’s interests, recognise its rurality and build on existing economic and partnership strengths; and  

2.     Delegate authority to the Chief Executive, and Corporate Director of Growth and Connected Communities, in consultation with the Leader, and relevant Portfolio Holder, to progress discussions with Ministers, Government officials, neighbouring authorities and partners in line with national timescales. 

Lead Member: Councillor Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Regeneration

Lead Officer: Andy Wilde, Service Director - Infrastructure

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved public consultation on the proposed changes to parking tariffs, parking bands, charging periods and other charging arrangements set out in this report and Appendix 1.  

2.     Delegated authority to the Service Director Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Regeneration, to:  

a.     consider the responses received through the public consultation and any further relevant evidence;

b.     make any necessary amendments to the proposals arising from the consultation; and

c.     approve and implement the revised parking charging scheme, including making or varying any necessary traffic regulation orders and determining the implementation date or dates.  

3.     Approved the principle that parking charges should be reviewed annually, with any future changes remaining subject to the Council’s applicable decision-making and statutory processes.

The Portfolio Holder for Transport & Regeneration introduced proposals for consultation on changes to parking tariffs and traffic management arrangements. It was emphasised that the proposals sought to balance the affordability and availability of parking with the need to support a sustainable transport network and improve public transport provision.

Members discussed the proposed changes, including residents’ parking schemes, the differing impact on Shrewsbury and the market towns, potential effects on town-centre businesses and the use of additional parking income to support public transport.

Concerns were raised regarding affordability, displacement of parking into residential areas and whether increased charges could affect footfall.

It was confirmed that the proposals were for consultation and did not represent a final decision on implementation, allowing residents, businesses and other stakeholders to comment before final decisions were made.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved public consultation on the proposed changes to parking tariffs, parking bands, charging periods and other charging arrangements set out in this report and Appendix 1.  

2.     Delegated authority to the Service Director Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Regeneration, to:  

a.     consider the responses received through the public consultation and any further relevant evidence;

b.     make any necessary amendments to the proposals arising from the consultation; and

c.     approve and implement the revised parking charging scheme, including making or varying any necessary traffic regulation orders and determining the implementation date or dates.  

3.     Approved the principle that parking charges should be reviewed annually, with any future changes remaining subject to the Council’s applicable decision-making and statutory processes.

Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director – Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed the designation of the proposed Neighbourhood Area identified on the map in Appendix A, covering the Parish of Albrighton and Donington as an appropriate basis for the development of a Neighbourhood Development Plan and notifies Albrighton and Donington Parish Council accordingly.

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Planning, the Portfolio Holder for Housing presented the report which sought Cabinet approval for the proposed designation of the Albrighton and Donington parish area as the neighbourhood area for the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed the designation of the proposed Neighbourhood Area identified on the map in Appendix A, covering the Parish of Albrighton and Donington as an appropriate basis for the development of a Neighbourhood Development Plan and notifies Albrighton and Donington Parish Council accordingly.

Lead Member: Councillor Alex Wagner, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation & Economic Growth

Lead Officer: Kassandra Polyzoides, Interim Service Director - Place Shaping

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved entering into the Grant Funding Agreement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the programme. 

2.     Approved Shropshire Council acting as the accountable body for the funding within the Shropshire Council delivery area. 

3.     Supported the commissioning of training providers to deliver Skills Bootcamps based on employer demand and local need, noting that this approach was approved by CCDG on 7 September 2026. 

4.     Noted the proposed governance and delivery arrangements, whereby the programme will be managed by the Economy, Funding and Skills Service in alignment with the Get Marches Working Plan, The Shropshire Skills and Employment Strategy and the Councils Corporate Plan priorities. 

5.     Acknowledged that approval to submit the Delivery Plan to DWP has been obtained in accordance with BTCRP governance arrangements. 

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Transformation and Economic Growth introduced the proposals for the delivery of the DWP Skills Bootcamps programme, which would bring £1.5 million of external funding into Shropshire to provide short, flexible training in areas of identified skills shortages. The programme aimed to support around 400 participants, including people seeking employment, changing careers or progressing within their existing employment.

Members welcomed the investment and opportunities presented, particularly within sectors such as construction and social care. Concerns were raised regarding contract management, potential financial risk and access to training for people in rural areas.

It was clarified that funding would be drawn down according to delivery, administrative costs were funded separately, and financial risk associated with outcomes would principally sit with training providers.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved entering into the Grant Funding Agreement with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the programme. 

2.     Approved Shropshire Council acting as the accountable body for the funding within the Shropshire Council delivery area. 

3.     Supported the commissioning of training providers to deliver Skills Bootcamps based on employer demand and local need, noting that this approach was approved by CCDG on 7 September 2026. 

4.     Noted the proposed governance and delivery arrangements, whereby the programme will be managed by the Economy, Funding and Skills Service in alignment with the Get Marches Working Plan, The Shropshire Skills and Employment Strategy and the Councils Corporate Plan priorities. 

5.     Acknowledged that approval to submit the Delivery Plan to DWP has been obtained in accordance with BTCRP governance arrangements. 

Lead Member: Councillor David Vasmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste

Lead Officer: Andy Wilde, Service Director – Infrastructure

Report to follow – the report has been delayed to allow further consideration of the extent of information that can be made available in public

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the insourcing of the non-devolved Street Scene services by 1st April 2027.  

2.     Noted the procurement of the new enhanced Mixed Economy Defect Repair contract by 1st April 2027. 

3.     Noted the preparation of an options study and business case for the Highways Future Service Model by the end December’ 2026. 

4.     Referred the Future Service Model options to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for pre decision by the end December’ 2026. 

The Portfolio Holder for Highways presented the report which provided an update on the progress that has been made in the progressive development of the highway services delivery model (termed – Mixed Economy Model) and the actions and decisions now required to implement the Highways Future Service Model by April 2028. This included bringing street scene services in-house, developing a mixed economy model and extending the existing Kier contract to March 2028 to provide a controlled transition to the new arrangements.

Members discussed lessons from the previous street scene transition and raised concerns regarding service capacity, communication and engagement with town and parish councils, and the involvement of scrutiny in developing the proposals. It was confirmed that the phased approach was intended to reduce transition risks, strengthen accountability and contract management, and support increased investment in preventative maintenance and permanent defect repairs.

The importance of improving communication with parish councils, including consideration of a dedicated point of contact, was also highlighted.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the insourcing of the non-devolved Street Scene services by 1st April 2027.  

2.     Noted the procurement of the new enhanced Mixed Economy Defect Repair contract by 1st April 2027. 

3.     Noted the preparation of an options study and business case for the Highways Future Service Model by the end December’ 2026. 

4.     Referred the Future Service Model options to the relevant Scrutiny Committee for pre decision by the end December’ 2026. 

To resolve that, in accordance with the provisions of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items

RESOLVED:

That, in accordance with the provisions of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and Paragraph 10.4 [3] of the Council’s Access to Information Rules, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items.

Lead Member: Councillor David Vasmer, Portfolio Holder for Highways & Waste

Lead Officer: Andy Wilde, Service Director – Infrastructure

Exempt Appendix to follow. 

No business was transacted within the exempt session as decisions took place in the open session.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18 November 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting is scheduled for 18 November 2026.