A series of important and closely linked reports considered by Shropshire Council’s Full Council today, Thursday 16 July 2026, set out the scale of the financial challenge facing the council, the ongoing action being taken to support recovery, and the progress made to date. 

The reports include the Financial Outturn 2025/26 and the Audit and Governance Committee’s Annual Assurance Report to Council 2025/26. Both look back at the previous financial year and reflect the position the council was in before its current recovery and improvement work had begun to take effect. 

Since declaring a financial emergency in September 2025 and subsequently securing Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from government, the council has taken significant steps to stabilise its budget, strengthen financial controls, improve governance and rebuild capacity across the organisation. It has also put plans in place to support long-term financial sustainability, including its Improvement Plan and Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy, alongside an independently chaired Improvement Board to provide challenge and support. 

That progress has been recognised in the most recent Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Progress Review, which noted improvements in financial management, governance and the council’s overall direction. 

As well as progressing improvement plans, the route to financial sustainability also includes difficult decisions. Full Council also acknowledged two petitions: one relating to the closure of an in-house adult day centre service at Helena Lane in Ludlow, and one relating to Meole Brace Park & Ride. Both relate to difficult decisions that have already been made as part of the council’s work to reduce costs, manage risk and reduce future reliance on EFS. 

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: 

“The Financial Outturn and Audit and Governance reports look back at a period when savings targets set in the budget were not deliverable, and when the organisation had lost key capacity and expertise. That context is important, because these reports do not describe the position we are in today. 

“Since declaring a financial emergency in September, significant work has taken place to strengthen financial control, improve governance and rebuild confidence in the way the council is run. This has been recognised by the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review and our independently chaired Improvement Board, both of which have been clear that the council is moving in the right direction, with renewed energy, pace and focus. 

“However, that feedback has also been clear that we are still at an early stage. The challenge remains significant, and we must keep delivering at pace, and it’s something that the government will be assessing us on under a Best Value Notice. 

“There are challenging issues to work through and decisions that no one would choose to make in easier times. But there are also positive foundations to build on, including stronger partnerships, a clear Corporate Plan, a more focused Improvement Plan, action on roads, closer working with town and parish councils, and a commitment to rebuild the capacity and capability needed to become a modern council that can deliver for Shropshire.” 

The reports can be viewed on the council’s committee webpages: Agenda for Council on Thursday, 16 July 2026, 10.00am. 

Launched in April 2026, The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network, known as SWANN, brings together friendly, practical support for adults who may be feeling isolated, finding life more difficult, recovering after a stay in hospital, living with a long-term health condition, or supporting someone else as an unpaid carer. 

Commissioned by Shropshire Council and Shropshire Integrated Care Board, SWANN is delivered through partner organisations including Shropshire Mental Health Support and Community Resource, Live Well Shropshire and the British Red Cross. Working in partnership, they help residents talk through what is happening, build confidence, reconnect with their community and find support that feels right for them. 

For some people, this may mean help to get home safely from hospital and settle back into everyday life. For others, it may mean one-to-one support, local groups, befriending, help to stay active, support with mental wellbeing, or a friendly conversation about where to turn next. 

By offering support early, SWANN can help residents, including family carers, feel less alone, more confident and more able to manage day-to-day life. It can also help prevent smaller problems from building up, giving people a supportive place to start when they are not sure what help they need. 

Residents are currently referred into SWANN through professionals and services who are already supporting them, including health, care and community partners. This helps make sure people are connected with the most appropriate support for their circumstances. Shropshire Council is also working with partners so that, soon, residents will be able to refer themselves directly. 

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for social care and public health, said:  

“SWANN is already making a positive difference by helping residents get support earlier, in a way that feels personal, practical and reassuring. We know that people’s needs are not always about one single issue. Someone may be feeling lonely, recovering after hospital, caring for a loved one, or simply unsure where to turn. SWANN brings local support together so people do not have to face those challenges on their own.

“This service is about helping people stay well, independent and connected to the things that matter to them. As self-referral becomes available, we hope even more residents will feel able to ask for support at an earlier stage, before difficulties become more serious.” 

Find out more about SWANN and refer customers 

SWANN is open to adults aged 18 and over who live in Shropshire and would benefit from short-term support to improve their wellbeing. It is not a replacement for care or medical services, but it can help people find the right help at the right time and take positive steps towards feeling more confident and connected. 

If you work with adults in Shropshire who need support to stay independent, you can find out more about SWANN and refer customers here: The Shropshire Wellbeing and Navigation Network | Shropshire Council 

News from our partners

People across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin are being encouraged to build more movement into everyday life, following updated physical activity guidance from the UK Chief Medical Officers.

Exercising outdoors

The refreshed guidance, published on 10 July, confirms that any regular movement can support better physical and mental health. It places renewed emphasis on sitting less, moving more throughout the day, and maintaining strength and balance at every stage of life.

The message is simple: any movement is better than none. Walking or wheeling to the shops, taking the stairs, gardening, dancing, active play and everyday household tasks can all help people become healthier and more active.

The UK Chief Medical Officers said:

“Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to none, and the benefits steadily increase up to the recommended 150 minutes a week.”

For Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, the updated guidance reflects the approach already being taken locally. Energize STW works with communities, schools, health and care partners, local councils and organisations to make movement a part of everyday life.

Local work bringing the guidance to life

Across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Energize STW is helping people build movement into their routines through programmes and partnerships that support all ages and abilities.

Examples include:

• Training social care professionals to talk with adults about strength, balance and activity options through Get Yourself Active, helping embed movement into local Adult Social Care systems.
• Delivering Elevate, an evidence-based strength and balance falls prevention programme for people aged 60 and over in Shropshire. Recent results show following the 20-week programme, 92% of participants improved their strength and balance and 88% reported reduced social isolation.
• Supporting healthcare professionals to build more movement into care settings, including work linked to national movements such as End PJ Paralysis.
• Connecting residents with local activities and nature-based opportunities through Green Social Prescribing.
• Supporting place-based approaches in Donnington and Telford & Wrekin to create local opportunities, share information and reduce residents’ barriers to getting involved.
• Working with schools through Creating Active Schools, School Games, Active Agenda and Parkrun Primary to help children and young people move more during and beyond the school day.
• Supporting community-led initiatives that help people become active in ways that suit their lives and circumstances.

Pete Ezard, Chief Executive of Energize STW, said:

“At Energize STW, we work with partners across communities, education, health and social care, and local councils to make movement part of everyday life. We support children to move more, help older adults improve their strength and balance, create opportunities for people to connect with nature, and work with organisations to embed movement into local systems. Our goal is simple: to help more people live healthier, happier and more active lives.”

Strength and balance: Jane’s story

The updated guidance highlights the importance of strength and balance throughout life. Energize STW’s Elevate programme is already helping older adults build confidence, stay independent and improve their quality of life through regular movement. Jane, a Shropshire resident, experienced first-hand how building strength and balance can transform everyday life. Before joining Elevate, she rarely left home to go shopping or use local services. She had contact with other people less than twice a week and had little confidence walking on uneven ground, getting out of a chair or using stairs without support. After completing the 20-week programme, Jane improved her strength and balance assessment scores by 63%. She was shopping independently, taking part in hobbies and socialising regularly. She also reported greater confidence with everyday activities such as housework, shopping and walking outdoors. Jane said: “I am overwhelmed by the progress I have made. The course and tutoring were first class. I am now ready to live my life.”

Embedding movement into local systems

Energize STW is also supporting partners to make movement part of everyday conversations and services. Movement is now included in adult social care assessments in Telford & Wrekin following training delivered to 123 social care professionals in the borough and a further 123 in Shropshire earlier this year.

Find out more

Learn more about how Energize STW supports active lives across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin at www.energizestw.org.uk/

Further information about Energize STW’s work is available online:

Communities: www.energizestw.org.uk/communities

Education: www.energizestw.org.uk/education

Health and Social Care: www.energizestw.org.uk/health

Editor’s notes:

For more information please contact:

Nikita Whitfield

Programme Manager – Marketing and Communications,

Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
Nikita.Whitfield@energizestw.org.uk

Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin

We are a local charity and one of 42 organisations within the Active Partnerships network who work collaboratively with national and local partners to support as many people as possible to have an active lifestyle. We work with partners and local organisations within health and social care, education and community sectors to tackle inequalities, embed sustainable initiatives and ultimately try to create long-term system change. The change we want to see is that activity and the opportunity for an active lifestyle is a real possibility for everyone. You can find out more about us at www.energizestw.org.uk.

Shropshire Libraries, supported by the Shropshire Council Early Years Team, and the Summer Reading Challenge invite children up to the age of 11 years to visit their local library, discover new books, explore the joy of music through reading and take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat!

Take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2026

This year, The Reading Agency is partnering with Universal Music Group UK to bring Read to the Beat! to life. Illustrated by award-winning author and illustrator Harry Woodgate, the theme celebrates the power of music to inspire creativity, expression and connection through stories.

Launching on Saturday 18 July in Shropshire, the Summer Reading Challenge invites children aged up to 11 to visit their local library, discover new books, and explore the connection between storytelling and sound.

Children can choose which 6 goals they want to achieve with stickers as a reward, and a medal and a certificate if they complete them all.  The goals vary between reading a book by a new author, taking part in a library activity or event, writing a book review or visiting the library at least 6 times. Each goal completed also unlocks a special digital reward.

Sarah Marston, portfolio holder for communities and environment, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for children across Shropshire to discover the enjoyment of reading while taking part in fun activities at their local library. Reading helps to build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning, and I am delighted that our libraries continue to provide free opportunities for families to engage with books throughout the summer holidays. I encourage children and their families to get involved, visit their local library and take on the challenge this year.”

Annabel Gittins, library support manager, said:

“The Summer Reading Challenge is a key part of our summer programme in libraries with a wide variety of creative activities for families to help keep children entertained through the summer.   2026 is also the National Year of Reading and other family members can join in by taking part in Shropshire Libraries’ Read-a-Lottery.”

Visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/ to discover all the family activities on offer in libraries across the county.

Now in its 27th year, the Summer Reading Challenge is completely free to join. It aims to inspire a passion for reading outside the classroom.

To find out more about how to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge or to find your local participating library, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk or visit Shropshire Libraries’ website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries

For all enquiries, please contact:    libraries@shropshire.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About The Summer Reading Challenge:
The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to prevent the summer reading ‘dip’ that many young people experience during their summer holidays while schools are closed. With delivery through public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2023, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 685,821 children and families across the UK, with 635,115 children taking part through their local library service. The Challenge also drove 133,697 new children’s library memberships which is 42% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total.

About The Reading Agency

The Reading Agency is a UK charity with a mission to empower people of all ages to read. Evidence shows that reading improves health and wellbeing, life chances and social connections. The Reading Agency champions access to the proven power of reading by providing activities for all ages. Working with public libraries, prisons, hospitals and other community settings, we reach over two million people a year. But with a UK population of over 67 million that’s not nearly enough. We want to get more people fired up about reading because everything changes when you read.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has today (15 July 2026) issued a Best Value Notice to Shropshire Council.

The Notice is a formal notification that MHCLG has concerns about the council and its financial position. There are also concerns about leadership capacity, governance, and culture which were identified in reports from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and External Auditor in 2025.

The council already has plans in place to address these concerns, including an Improvement Plan and Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy. The Notice stresses the importance of the council continuing to deliver its plans and in doing so, provide assurance that progress is being made and concerns are being addressed.

The Notice confirms that MHCLG expects the council to continue leading their own improvement and engage with support provided by the Local Government Association (LGA), including regular reporting to the Improvement Board established in November 2025.

There is also a requirement to engage with MHCLG on a quarterly basis to discuss progress.  The council welcomes the ongoing engagement with MHCLG and remains committed to addressing the concerns it has raised.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Shropshire Council’s Leader, said:

“Given the scale of the challenges we are responding to, the Notice is not entirely unexpected. However, it underlines the seriousness of our position and the importance of continuing to demonstrate clear improvement, pace and progress.

“We have made significant progress in a short space of time, which the Notice acknowledges, but we recognise there is still much more to do and under no illusion about the scale and pace at which we need improve.”

On Wednesday 5 and Wednesday 12 August, venues across Shropshire will take part in The Big Listen, two days of activities and events where children, young people and families will be asked to share their feedback to help improve children’s services in Shropshire.

The two dates coincide with the National Day of Play and International Youth Day respectively. As well as enjoying fun events and activities, including sports, crafts, cooking and story times, participants will be invited to share their views and experiences of services for children, young people and families to help shape future provision. Venues across Shropshire in locations as widespread as Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Market Drayton will be taking part.

Shropshire local authority area residents who are unable to attend the events on 5 and 12 August but would like to share their views will be encouraged to use an online form available from the beginning of August.

Councillor Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“We encourage local children, young people and families to take this opportunity to share their views and help ensure the council’s services meet the needs of Shropshire residents. Shropshire Council staff and partners are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their sites and events.”

The Big Listen is part of a long-term engagement and participation programme that will continue to gather local people’s views as part of the transformation of children’s services at Shropshire Council approved by Cabinet on 10 June.

The transformation programme, which reflects changes to government statutory requirements affecting children’s services nationwide, will affect services for children aged 0 to 18 as well as young adults with SEND up to age 25. The aim of the changes is to make the right help available, at the right time, where it is needed, so that support can be provided early, and to ensure greater collaboration between agencies and services to give families needing support a smoother experience.

Big Listen events and activities will vary at locations. For more information, go to The Shropshire Together Community and Activity Directory website.

A link to give your views on Shropshire children’s service online will be available here from August.

The newly refurbished swimming pool

Work to refurbish the swimming pool at Bishop’s Castle Arts and Leisure Centre (also known as SpArC) is now complete – with the pool set to reopen to the public on Friday 17 July [2026].

The work – carried out by Shropshire Council – has included installing a new pool lining, a new pool surround, repainting, and the installation of a new pool filtration system and pumps.

Essential repairs to the building’s roof and the installation of easy access steps were also caried out making the facility more accessible, especially for older people, families with babies and toddlers and the disabled.

The next stage of the project is a decarbonisation project that will replace the aging and expensive to run oil-fired boiler with an all-electric heating system, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 70% and lowering running costs. This work is due to be completed in November this year.

The work has been funded with £250,000 raise by the trustees and the local community, together with funding from Shropshire Council’s capital programme, and CIL (community infrastructure levy) funding.

Trustees and councillors inspected the pool ahead of its reopening.

Sarah Marston, Shropshire’s Council’s Cabinet member for community and environment, said:

“I’m delighted that work to refurbish the pool has been completed and it will soon be open to the public. This is such a good example of how funding from the council and from housing developers can be added to grant funding and money raised by the local community to make a real difference to a local community.

“People in Bishop’s Castle and across southwest Shropshire will have a pool that they can be proud of, and one that will be more cost effective to operate and accessible for all.”

Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, said:

“It is wonderful to see our new swimming pool which will serve the local community for many years to come and, along with others, I’m looking forward to using it over the summer.

“The work undertaken by the dedicated trustees of the Save the SpArC charity and the generosity of the local community in contributing £250k,000 is something to be very proud of.

“Thank you as well to everyone that has made a contribution either through volunteering, fundraising or by making a donation. Built originally by public subscription in the early 70s , residents in and around Bishop’s Castle have stepped up and contributed again.”

The total cost of these improvements is expected to be £3.93million, with funding coming from many different sources as follows:

• £2.454 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
• £680,000 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)*.
• £505,000 from the council’s capital repairs budget.
• £250,000 donated by the Trustees of the Bishop’s Castle Save the SpArC charity. which has been raised by the local community

Shropshire Council and local partners are reminding residents that support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse, following an increase in calls to the local helpline during the World Cup period.

Domestic abuse is never caused by football, the World Cup, alcohol or stress. Responsibility always lies with the person choosing to use abusive behaviour.

However, major sporting events can be a time when existing abuse escalates or when people feel less safe at home.

Recent figures show that calls to the domestic abuse helpline in Shropshire have increased compared with previous months, reflecting a wider rise of around 20% in helpline contacts across West Mercia during the tournament.

While increased awareness of support services may have encouraged more people to seek help, the figures are also a reminder that domestic abuse continues to affect people across our communities.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about someone else, or need advice, help is available. The Shropshire domestic abuse support webpage explains the local help available, including specialist advice, safety support and routes into services: Domestic Abuse Support in Shropshire

You can also call the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 229 4066 (7am–10pm weekdays; 9am–5pm weekends and bank holidays).

For 24/7 support, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

In an emergency, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to activate the Silent Solution.

Cllr Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said:

“Shropshire Council is committed to reducing domestic abuse in Shropshire, which is why it is important for us all to work together around the World Cup where evidence indicates that a higher risk of domestic abuse incidents  can occur around sporting events such as this.

“We recognise the potential increase of abuse due to associated behaviours that may appear around this sporting event and want to make sure that anyone affected knows where to turn to for support at this time.”

The school summer holidays are on the horizon and it can be a challenge to keep everyone entertained and active – but there is loads to do in Shropshire, whatever your budget.

Here are some ideas of Shropshire Council’s free and low-cost activities you can enjoy around our beautiful county: 

Libraries – Explore our libraries where, as well as borrowing books, using library computers (or wi-fi), there are all sorts of free events and activities to appeal to people of all ages. Plus, there are free e-books and e-magazines available online. 

Museums – It is free to visit our museums and with a busy schedule of exhibitions there’s always something new to discover. Why not add the Museums Collection Centre in Ludlow, Much Wenlock Museum, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery and Shrewsbury Castle to your itinerary? 

Archives – Our archives team have everything you need to explore local history, your family tree or the history of your home at Shropshire Archives. 

Theatre and cinema – we have two fabulous sites to enjoy the arts. Theatre Severn has a varied programme throughout the year and stages everything from musicals, stage shows, comedy and dance.  

You can also enjoy popular movies and livestreaming of opera and theatre at the Old Market Hall – there’s also a licensed bar and café serving delicious meals and snacks. 

Leisure – Swimming, splash sessions, golf, yoga, pilates and gyms, it’s safe to say we have everything covered at our leisure centres. The Leisure Time app can help you choose and book your activities too. Check out the ‘Other leisure centres’ tab to see what our partner operators are offering. 

Shropshire’s Great Outdoors – is the place to go for walking, cycling and other outdoor experiences.  

Enjoy the summer!

The work brings together the infrastructure provider, the local community and the developer behind a proposed 250-home site through the Marches Forward Partnership, which is supporting and co-ordinating discussions.

The option being developed would create new areas to hold back water during heavy rain on land linked to the development site. Early estimates suggest the scheme could provide around 50,000 cubic metres of storage to slow the flow of water and reduce flood risk.

Partners are looking at how costs could be shared, with possible funding from the private sector and Government schemes, where the work also supports wider drainage improvements.

It is anticipated the partnership approach will:

• Help protect the town’s infrastructure
• Reduce the risk of flooding for residents by addressing how water flows across the wider area.
• Support plans for new homes by putting a flood solution in place alongside development.
• Bring partners together to agree one plan, rather than separate projects that may cost more overall.

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-

“We know how worrying flooding can be for residents, and we also know how important the railway line is for Gobowen and the wider area. This work is about bringing partners together to look at a practical solution that reduces flood risk and supports the right development in the right way.

“Nothing has been decided yet, but by exploring a shared scheme we can look at the best use of funding, make sure the right evidence is in place, and keep communities informed as plans develop.”

Speaking on behalf of the Marches Forward Partnership, Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council deputy leader and Cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“Gobowen is a good example of where a joined-up approach can make a real difference. By bringing the key organisations around the table early, we can help partners test options, understand costs and funding routes, and focus on what will deliver the best outcomes for residents and for critical infrastructure.”

About the MFP: The Marches Forward Partnership includes councils from Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire, working together to unlock investment and deliver transformational change across the England-Wales border.