Apologies were received from Councillor David Vasmer (Councillor Tom Dainty deputised).

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 11 March 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2026 be confirmed as an accurate record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 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 9 April 2026.

One public question was received:

Andrew Sceats, in relation to Cornovii Development Ltd.

The full question and response provided can be found on Responses to Public Questions - Cabinet 15 April 2026.pdf

To receive any questions from Members of the Council. Deadline for notification is not later than 12 noon on Thursday 9 April 2026.

Two questions were received:

Councillor Alan Holford, in relation to speed limit reductions.

Councillor Harry Hancock-Davies, in relation to a pedestrian crossing near Shillingston Drive. In response to a supplementary question, in the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Environment, the Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth provided reassurance that an update would be provided to the local member for Battlefield as soon as possible.

The full questions and responses provided can be found on Responses to Member Questions - Cabinet 15 April 2026.pdf

Lead Member: Councillor Greg Ebbs, Chair of the Community Infrastructure Levy Task & Finish Group

Lead Officer: Claire Braddock, Scrutiny Officer

RESOLVED:

That further work on the recommendations of the Community Infrastructure Levy Task and Finish Group be accepted and taken forward for consideration by Cabinet.

The Chair of the Task and Finish Group presented an overview of the group’s work, explaining that the review had been undertaken to improve understanding, transparency and governance of the CIL process.

The Task and Finish Group put forward eight recommendations. These included consideration of the current 90:10 split between local and strategic CIL; the development of an annual CIL strategy approved by Cabinet and Full Council; increased Member involvement and transparency around the Infrastructure Investment Group (IIG), including formal minutes and wider reporting; learning from the Cornwall model; improved communication and engagement with town and parish councils; better access to CIL information for Members; clearer communication to residents on the benefits of CIL-funded schemes; and further work to explore alternative governance arrangements.

Members emphasised the importance of transparency, fairness and ensuring that communities directly impacted by development receive appropriate mitigation. Concerns were raised about cross-boundary impacts, delivery of funded schemes, and the need for clearer feedback to Members, town and parish councils and residents on how CIL and developer contributions are spent.

Members welcomed the work of the Task and Finish Group and supported the direction of travel set out in the recommendations. It was noted that Task and Finish Groups are advisory in nature and intended to inform Cabinet decision-making. Cabinet agreed that the report provided a strong evidence base for further consideration and development of proposals.

RESOLVED:

That further work on the recommendations of the Community Infrastructure Levy Task and Finish Group be accepted and taken forward for consideration by Cabinet.

Lead Member: Councillor Dawn Husemann, Chair of the Partnership Working Task & Finish Group

Lead Officer: Claire Braddock, Scrutiny Officer

RESOLVED:

That the verbal update from the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group be noted and that Cabinet look forward to receiving the final report.

The Chair of the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group provided a verbal update on engagement with town and parish councils regarding the devolution of street scene services. Feedback from workshops highlighted the need for early and meaningful engagement, clearer communication, improved data transparency, respectful officer behaviours and flexibility to reflect local capacity.

Concerns were raised about consultation occurring after decisions had effectively been made, inconsistencies in information provided, and a lack of trust where engagement was perceived as transactional or dismissive.

The Task and Finish Group concluded that successful devolution would depend not only on process but on confidence, partnership working and co?design. Key issues identified included variability in local capacity, the need for a shared data audit, clarity on what services would be devolved, and the importance of avoiding a one?size?fits?all approach. Specific issues raised during the Oswestry workshop included transport connectivity, digital infrastructure, street scene data accuracy and the resource implications for hub councils.

Recommendations to Cabinet included committing to early engagement before preferred models are fixed, setting clear expectations for officer engagement, improving transparency and accessibility of information, establishing a single point of contact for town and parish councils, tailoring arrangements to local circumstances, and undertaking a review of pilot arrangements following implementation.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the Task and Finish Group for its work. Members acknowledged the importance of partnership, culture change and learning from pilot schemes. It was noted that further information and formal reporting would return to scrutiny, and that expressions of interest for future participation would be invited as part of the next phase.

RESOLVED:

That the verbal update from the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group be noted and that Cabinet look forward to receiving the final report.

Lead Member: Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance

Lead Officer: Duncan Whitfield, Interim Executive Director (S151)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

A.    Confirmed that the s151 Officer continues to ensure that actions taken by other senior officers under the declared Financial Emergency to reduce the variation from budget at outturn are continued.

B.    Noted the continued use of the Budget, Transformation and Change Panel (formerly the Operations Boards) and the Workforce Review Board with a view to enhancing the control of spend and authorisation of projects.  

C.    Noted the forecast overspend at Period 11 of £49.374m.  

D.    Noted the forecast level of savings to be delivered by the end of the financial year at Period 11 of £17.726m (29.60%).  

E.    Noted the forecast General Fund Balance of £5.000 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report and advised that the forecast overspend had reduced for the second consecutive month, with a further improvement since Period 10. While the Council remained in a financial emergency position, officers were confident that improved monitoring arrangements and the use of actual expenditure data had strengthened financial control.

Members noted that the majority of the forecast overspend continued to relate to Care and Wellbeing and Children’s Services, reflecting demand pressures and previously unrealisable savings. It was emphasised that statutory services would continue to be delivered at minimum required levels while efforts to minimise expenditure and maximise income continued.

Members welcomed the progress made, acknowledged the work of officers and the finance team, and noted that further reports would be brought forward, including the year?end outturn and the Medium Term Financial Plan.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

A.    Confirmed that the s151 Officer continues to ensure that actions taken by other senior officers under the declared Financial Emergency to reduce the variation from budget at outturn are continued.

B.    Noted the continued use of the Budget, Transformation and Change Panel (formerly the Operations Boards) and the Workforce Review Board with a view to enhancing the control of spend and authorisation of projects.  

C.    Noted the forecast overspend at Period 11 of £49.374m.  

D.    Noted the forecast level of savings to be delivered by the end of the financial year at Period 11 of £17.726m (29.60%).  

E.    Noted the forecast General Fund Balance of £5.000 

Lead Member: Councillor Roger Evans, Portfolio Holder for Finance

Lead Officer: Rachel Robinson, Executive Director for Public Health

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet reviewed the proposed schemes outlined in the attached Appendix 1  

2.     That Cabinet delegated approval of the finalised delivery plan to the Councils S.151 Officer in consultation the Portfolio Holder for Finance. 

2.1     That the finalised delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1, was approved for  implementation by the Crisis & Resilience Fund working group and Voluntary and Community Sector partners and is shared with the Department for Work & Pensions as required as part of this fund.

3.     That Cabinet advocated for and encouraged the entire Council to support the “no-wrong-door approach” for crisis and resilience support both as Portfolio Holders and Local Members.

4.     That further information in various formats (leaflets, PDF, jpg) be made available to members for sharing within their local communities.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report, which replaced the previous Household Support Fund and provides targeted support to residents experiencing financial hardship. It was noted that the funding is provided by central government and includes a specific allocation to support households using oil, LPG and other solid fuels.

Cabinet noted that the fund will be delivered through partnership working with the voluntary and community sector, applying a “no wrong door” approach to access and aiming to provide timely support in urgent cases. It was confirmed that blanket schemes could not be used under the funding criteria and that support would be targeted at those in greatest need, including households not in receipt of benefits.

Members emphasised the importance of clear and accessible communications, including information for Members and community venues, to ensure residents are aware of the support available.

RESOLVED:

1.     That Cabinet reviewed the proposed schemes outlined in the attached Appendix 1  

2.     That Cabinet delegated approval of the finalised delivery plan to the Councils S.151 Officer in consultation the Portfolio Holder for Finance. 

2.1     That the finalised delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1, was approved for  implementation by the Crisis & Resilience Fund working group and Voluntary and Community Sector partners and is shared with the Department for Work & Pensions as required as part of this fund.

3.     That Cabinet advocated for and encouraged the entire Council to support the “no-wrong-door approach” for crisis and resilience support both as Portfolio Holders and Local Members.

4.     That further information in various formats (leaflets, PDF, jpg) be made available to members for sharing within their local communities.

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

Lead Officer: Laura Tyler, Service Director - Commissioning

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet noted:  

a.     The new legislative requirement to provide weekly food collection from 31 March 2026 for every home in Shropshire

b.     That compliance with the new arrangement has not been possible at this time as a result primarily of contractual and financial constraints  

c.     The comments from The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 29th January 2026 as set out in the report  

d.     The initial capital and revenue funding already available to the Council to support design and implementation  

And instructed the Service Director for Place Shaping:  

e.     To undertake further work with the current contractor to assess the full costs and timing of a fully compliant scheme  

f.      To update a complete risk assessment of the plan moving forward 

g.     Separately to consider the need for an application to DEFRA for exemption from the regulatory requirements on the basis of rurality and contractual complexity.  

h.     To write formally DEFRA to confirm the Council's position and plans to design and assess the full cost of the project and the likely timescales involved, again subject to affordability  

i.       To report further to Cabinet in July 2026 updating them on progress. 

The Deputy Portfolio Holder for Highways and Environment presented the report, which set out proposals for planning for the delivery of this regulated service and the approach to funding the new requirement for weekly food waste collections in Shropshire for all households.

It was noted that, although a one?off capital grant had been received from DEFRA, no ongoing revenue funding had been provided to meet the estimated annual cost of operating the service. Cabinet was advised that Shropshire Council’s current financial position, contractual arrangements and infrastructure constraints meant that the service could not be introduced at this time without creating further financial pressure.

Cabinet discussed the environmental importance of food waste collection and acknowledged concerns raised about compliance with national legislation. Members noted the complexities arising from existing contracts, rurality and processing capacity, and that further work was required to identify a sustainable and equitable solution for the whole county.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet noted:  

a.     The new legislative requirement to provide weekly food collection from 31 March 2026 for every home in Shropshire

b.     That compliance with the new arrangement has not been possible at this time as a result primarily of contractual and financial constraints  

c.     The comments from The Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 29th January 2026 as set out in the report  

d.     The initial capital and revenue funding already available to the Council to support design and implementation  

And instructed the Service Director for Place Shaping:  

e.     To undertake further work with the current contractor to assess the full costs and timing of a fully compliant scheme  

f.      To update a complete risk assessment of the plan moving forward 

g.     Separately to consider the need for an application to DEFRA for exemption from the regulatory requirements on the basis of rurality and contractual complexity.  

h.     To write formally DEFRA to confirm the Council's position and plans to design and assess the full cost of the project and the likely timescales involved, again subject to affordability  

i.       To report further to Cabinet in July 2026 updating them on progress. 

Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

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

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to approve adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as set out in Appendix 1, to provide guidance on the application of the Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report which sought Cabinet approval to adopt the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as a material consideration in the planning decision making process following a public consultation that took place between October 2025 to January 2026.

It was noted that the Design Code had been developed through the national Design Code Pathfinder Programme and informed by public consultation. The Code will support the implementation of Local Plan policies, provide clarity for developers and decision?makers, and act as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. Cabinet noted that the Design Code focuses on design quality and place?making and will also provide a template for potential use in other market towns.

Members welcomed the Design Code as a means of protecting the character of Shrewsbury town centre while supporting high?quality future development. Concerns were raised regarding levels of public engagement; however, it was emphasised that the Design Code relates specifically to design principles and does not replace wider consultation on transport or infrastructure proposals.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agreed to approve adoption of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Design Code as set out in Appendix 1, to provide guidance on the application of the Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning decision-making process.

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

Lead Officer: Paula Mawson, Service Director – Communities & Customer

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet endorsed the Destination Management Plan and delegated to the relevant Service Director, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to work with partners and stakeholders to deliver the plan.

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Economic Growth presented the report which set out a strategic framework to support the visitor economy up to 2029.

It was noted that the Plan aims to grow tourism in a sustainable, accessible and inclusive way, supporting local businesses, communities and employment while safeguarding Shropshire’s natural and historic environment. The Plan had been informed by consultation with stakeholders and aligns with the development of the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

Members discussed the importance of partnership working, securing external funding and ensuring that tourism growth benefits both urban and rural communities. Concerns were raised regarding the evidence base and delivery arrangements; however, Cabinet recognised the value of having a strategic framework to guide future activity and investment.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet endorsed the Destination Management Plan and delegated to the relevant Service Director, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to work with partners and stakeholders to deliver the plan.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting was scheduled to take place on 6 May 2026.