Shropshire Council is celebrating continued strong performance in tracking and supporting young people aged 16–18, with some of the lowest levels of NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and ‘Not Known’ destinations compared with England, the West Midlands and the council’s statistical neighbours.

It comes on the back of some major headlines in the press over the past two weeks about the plight of young people not successfully placed in education, employment or training in the 16-25 age group (1 in 8 and rising).

Latest data for the Shropshire Council area shows a sustained improvement in ‘Not Known’ figures and remaining consistently low, averaging 0.3% by April 2026. At the same time, NEET levels have remained relatively stable and low, broadly between 2.1% and 3.3%, comparing favourably with most neighbouring authorities where NEET rates are higher.

This continued improvement has resulted in Shropshire achieving one of the lowest combined NEET and Not Known rates across its statistical neighbour group, stabilising at around 3.2% through early 2026 (less than 1 in 30).

This improvement reflects a sustained and coordinated approach across the council’s Post- 16 and Information, Advice and Guidance NEETs teams and partners for effective early intervention, with a clear focus on:

• Targeted follow-up with schools, providers, and families
• Intensive early-year tracking
• Clear identification and resolution of unknown destinations

Shropshire Council officers Nic Copeland, Leanne Crowe and Jamie Dorricott at the the Shrewsbury Colleges Group Careers Fair in March.

Andy Hall, Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“This is really positive news for Shropshire’s young people. As a council we are keen to see what further opportunities and/or funding may be afforded us by national initiatives, as we drive to try and build further improvement in these statistics, and improve the quality of the lives of even more young people in Shropshire.”

Jo Brown, post-16 systems lead with Shropshire Council , said

“We work closely with our secondary schools to ensure that we know all students in the post-16 transition phase and our team of advisors can work to support any identified as needing help and support early. We work with target students over the summer to ensure that they have clear plans for their next steps in place and offer transition support. In early September we contact our colleges and sixth forms to check that students have started courses so that we can follow up any who didn’t and help them into their chosen area.”

Geoff Renwick, lead education quality advisor with Shropshire Council. said:

“Supporting young people at transition is critical at age 16 just like it is at 11. We work closely with our colleges to ensure that every young person can make a successful start. We are continually trialling new ways to alleviate any fears or concerns that may hinder a smooth transition, sharing knowledge so that they get any help they require from the outset. We appreciate all the time, effort and concern that our schools and colleges show towards our children and young people via their positive engagement with us and their involvement in all our systems and processes.”

Cross Street. Ellesmere. Image: Google Maps

Four trees on the Promenade area on Cross Street, Ellesmere are to remain in place following a public consultation into their proposed removal.

Shropshire Council had proposed to remove the trees due to ‘root heave’* causing uneven footway surfaces and trip hazards, and to then repave the Promenade area and install new seating areas and planters.

However following a review of the consultation responses, and having considered the strength of feeling expressed, a decision has been reached that the trees will remain. The council will now look to address the issues associated with the condition of the footway and ongoing root heave, in order to improve safety while retaining the trees.

The council would like to thank all who took part in the consultation.

*Root heave is the upward movement of soil caused by expanding tree roots, which can cause significant damage to pavements.

News from our partners

Four Shropshire leisure centres are offering two days of free swimming lessons during the Big Splash Weekend, taking place on Saturday 6 June and Sunday 7 June.

Free swimming sessions for the whole family

Free activities will be on offer across the weekend at Oswestry Leisure Centre, The Quarry Swimming & Fitness Centre, Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre and Whitchurch Swimming & Fitness Centre.

A key feature of the Big Splash event is a programme of free taster swimming lessons delivered by the centres’ fully-trained teaching team. These sessions are a great way for young children to try swimming before signing up to a course. Family swim sessions and fun activities such as swim galas and a disco will also be on throughout the weekend.

Rhys Collins, Partnership Manager for the centres, said:

“Swimming is an essential life skill, especially as we move into the summer season when more people will be enjoying holidays, beach trips and pools. It’s so important that everyone entering water has the confidence and knowledge to stay safe. Our taster sessions offer the ideal opportunity for new learners of all ages to give swimming a go before committing to regular lessons.

“Visit the centres’ websites for booking information, and get set to make a splash at the Big Splash Weekend!”

Sarah Marston, portfolio holder for communities and environment said:

“Big Splash Weekend is a great opportunity for families across Shropshire to try something new at one of our fantastic leisure centres. With free taster sessions on offer, it’s a brilliant chance for children and adults alike to give swimming a go, have fun and enjoy everything our centres have to offer. I’d encourage everyone to come along and make the most of this exciting weekend.”

To book a session at the Big Splash Weekend, please visit the website: https://www.shropshireleisurecentres.com/

Shrewsbury Sports Village, the Quarry, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre, Whitchurch Swimming & Fitness Centre and SpArC Bishops Castle are operated by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, on behalf of Shropshire Council.

For further information, please contact:

 Alan Mitchell
Communications Manager
Email: Alan.mitchell@serco.com
Tel: 07764 333 639

Notes to editors:

About Shropshire Community Leisure Trust

Shropshire Community Leisure Trust manages the Whitchurch Swimming Centre, Market Drayton Swimming Pool, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and The Quarry Swimming Pools.

Our vision is the creation and maintenance of a first-class range of healthy leisure and recreational activities and facilities to serve all parts of the communities in the areas we serve.

We work in partnership with the community and all relevant bodies including but not restricted to existing providers of relevant leisure and recreational activities, the Local and Parish Councils, County and Town Councils and potential funding partners. For more information, visit our website: Shropshire Community Leisure Trust

About Serco Leisure

Our vision is to help our customers make more of every day. We run gyms, swimming pools, event venues and National Sports Centres, including Bisham Abbey, Lillieshall and the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park. For more information about the company, visit its webpage: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/citizen-services/leisure-services. We run gyms, swimming pools, event venues and major sports facilities like Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre, the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park and Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement.

About Serco

Serco brings together the right people, the right technology and the right partners to create innovative solutions that make a positive impact and address some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the modern world.

With a primary focus on serving governments globally, Serco’s services are powered by more 50,000 people working across defence, space, migration, justice, healthcare, mobility and customer services.

Serco’s core capabilities include service design and advisory, resourcing, complex programme management, systems integration, case management, engineering, and asset & facilities management.

Underpinned by Serco’s unique operating model, Serco drives innovation and supports customers from service discovery through to delivery.

More information can be found at www.serco.com

Following robust scrutiny from a financial perspective, the reports will then move to Cabinet on Wednesday 10 June for discussion. As per correct procedures, only Cabinet can approve the recommendations made within the papers. 

The papers will summarise the public consultations held earlier this year and set out how the proposals support financial sustainability while enabling the council to continue meeting its statutory duties to residents.  

The Committee will consider the financial implications of both papers, and whether the recommendations meet the council’s objectives to become a ‘Best Value’ authority.  

Shropshire Council is keen to stress that sending the papers to the Finance and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee does not necessarily mean that the proposals will be adopted by Cabinet. The papers will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 10 June, where decisions will be made whether to accept the papers. It is the role of the new Committee to assess the papers from a financial perspective, and for those assessments to inform challenging decisions.   

Councillor Chris Naylor, Shropshire Council’s Chair of Finance and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:  

“We’re all very aware of the financial challenges facing Shropshire Council in delivering the important services residents expect from us. So this new cross-party Scrutiny Committee will be looking at how the council can get ‘best value’ for residents from our limited resources.  

“It’s our job to scrutinise new proposals like these to check that they make financial sense, so the council’s Cabinet can make necessary decisions. This is of course particularly true where residents and staff may be affected – Scrutiny should do its bit to help good decision making.” 

To read the agenda and papers, please visit the council’s website. 

Shropshire Council has published its Financial Outturn Report for 2025/26, ahead of it being discussed by the Finance and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8 June. 

The report looks at how much the council actually spent over the year compared to its budget set in February 2025 by the previous administration. 

It shows the council spent £49.4 million more than planned in its main (General Fund) budget. This was mainly due to rising demand and costs in adult and children’s social care, along with savings that proved difficult to deliver. 

These pressures led to the council declaring a financial emergency in September 2025. Despite action to control spending and an Improvement Plan in place, the gap was too large to close during the year. 

To balance its finances, the council had to use its remaining reserves and apply to the government for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). This is a form of borrowing used by councils facing serious financial challenges. 

For 2025/26, the council needed just under £62 million of this support – less than first expected, but still a significant amount. 

The report also shows some early signs of progress. Spending became more stable towards the end of the year, and financial monitoring has improved. New processes are now in place to strengthen how budgets are managed. 

However, the council is clear there is still a long way to go. EFS is not a long-term solution, and difficult decisions will be needed to make the council financially sustainable. 

An updated medium-term financial plan and sustainability plan will be presented in July 2026, setting out the next steps. 

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: 

“This administration inherited a highly unacceptable situation. It has resulted in a very difficult year, and the report shows the scale of the challenge we continue to face. 

“With a lot of work we have managed to balance the books for the year, using our diminished reserves and a large loan from the government in the form of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).   

“Over the last few months we’ve seen signs of change and we must keep going. We now have better controls in place to reduce this happening again in future. “But we are being honest – there is still a long way to go, and more tough decisions lie ahead as we work towards becoming financially sustainable. 

“I’d like to thank residents and staff for their support during this challenging time.” 

The report will be considered by scrutiny on 8 June before going to Cabinet on 10 June. 

A car park area is to feature a rain garden through the Oswestry De-pave project

People can learn more about the work of the Shropshire Council-managed Oswestry Depave demonstrator project at this year’s Green Day event in the town centre.

The project, which is part of the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme, is teaming up with its newly formed community group Grow With The Flow to showcase simple, practical ways to make the town greener and more resilient to heavy rainfall.

The Green Day event will bring together local residents, families and community organisations to explore how small changes like removing unused hard surfaces and replacing them with planting can help manage rainwater more naturally while improving local spaces for people and wildlife.

Visitors to the Grow With The Flow stall will be able to see examples of how depaving works in practice, speak to project partners, and find out how they might apply similar ideas at home or in their communities and how residents can play a direct role in shaping local spaces, from rain gardens and tree planting to community-led greening projects.

Jenna Shaw, from Shropshire Wildlife Trust who is leading the De-pave demonstrator project, said:-

“What we’re showing is that tackling surface water and improving our environment doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, local actions like removing unused paving and planting something in its place can make a real difference when lots of people get involved.”

Grow With The Flow, formed by the De-pave project with local volunteers, is focused on helping communities work with nature, encouraging solutions that slow the flow of water, support wildlife and bring people together.

Jenna added:-

“There’s a real appetite locally to do something positive for the environment. By working together, we can create spaces that are not only greener, but better prepared for the kinds of weather we’re seeing more often.”

As well as attending the Green Day event on June 13, Jenna will be at Oswestry Library between 10am and 1pm on June 10 and June 24 to promote the work of the De-pave project and encourage local people to get involved.

The Oswestry De-pave project is one of the SVWMS’s eight demonstrator projects to have received funding and will test approaches that aim to reduce flood risk within the upper River Severn catchment area.

About the SVWMS: The SVWMS is a cross-border initiative led by the Environment Agency, in partnership with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council, and Shropshire Council, and funded by Defra. Its aim is to develop a holistic water management strategy for the upper Severn, which could serve as a model for similar projects nationwide.

To learn more about the SVWMS visit: Have Your Say Today – Severn Valley Water Management Scheme – Commonplace

An artist’s impression of the new extension

Work has started at  Whitchurch CofE Junior Academy on a £2million scheme that will see the existing demountable buildings replaced with a permanent extension, and extra classrooms provided.

 In total four new classrooms will be provided, plus two classrooms for the school’s SEND provision – to include toilets and circulation space as needed. There will also be  some minor external alterations to add some extra staff parking spaces.

 Work is being carried out by SWG Construction on behalf of Shropshire Council.

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

 “This year we’re investing around £33 million in education in response to rising pupil numbers across the county. This record investment in our schools is about giving our children and young people the best possible start in life.

 “This includes an investment of £2 million at Whitchurch Junior Academy that will see the existing demountable buildings replaced with a permanent extension as well as providing extra classrooms to accommodate the growing current and projected pupil numbers. There will also be a new SEND hub to help us offer more inclusive spaces in a mainstream setting in the north of the county.”

 Shaun Humphries, SWG director, said:

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the school and Shropshire Council to deliver this exciting project, which continues our commitment to supporting schools in the delivery of modern, inclusive, and sustainable educational facilities and learning environments. Throughout the build we’ll ensure access to key local facilities is maintained, with pedestrian routes kept open and parking provision in place to minimise disruption.”

 Sustainability and accessibility have been central to the design, with the project targeting operational Net Zero Carbon through the use of a timber-frame structure, all-electric heating and cooling systems, and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels.

As the 2026 football World Cup begins in a few days’ time, organisations across Shropshire are coming together to reinforce a simple message: everyone has the right to feel safe at home and in their relationships.

Domestic abuse awareness poster

Major sporting events can bring excitement and a sense of community. However, for some people, the home can become more dangerous, as abuse escalates behind closed doors.

Factors that present themselves during sporting events, such as increased substance use, emotional highs and lows, financial pressures, or gambling concerns, can increase the risk of harm for some people.

Domestic abuse is never acceptable and is not caused by football, substance use or stress, but these can be contributing factors. Responsibility always lies with the person choosing to use abusive behaviour.

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.”

Domestic abuse takes many forms, including emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, economic abuse and coercive controlling behaviour. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background.

If you are experiencing abuse, are frightened or unsure about your situation, you are not alone. You can speak to someone in confidence to understand your options. To learn more about the local support services available across Shropshire, please visit: https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/. Remember in an emergency, call 999, if you can’t speak press 55 for the silent solution.

If you are worried about a friend, family member or colleague, trust your instincts. Reach out safely and sensitively and encourage them to seek support. Small, supportive conversations can make a real difference.

If you are concerned about how you are treating someone, support is available to help you change. Taking responsibility is a positive first step. Seeking help now can prevent further harm and support healthier, safer relationships. Please contact Cranstoun.

If you are struggling or experiencing self-harm thoughts, seeking help is crucial. Everyone in Shropshire has the right to safety and support. Call 999 for emergencies. Reach Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7), or call NHS 111 and select mental health (option 2). Text STW to 85258 for mental health support.

Click here for more information.

Shropshire Council is inviting carers to join in the celebrations of Carers Week 2026, an annual campaign to raise awareness of unpaid carers, and to help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

Shropshire Council’s carers support team has organised a range of events and competitions to recognise and support unpaid and family carers in the community.

The theme for this year’s carers week focuses on the power of Building Carer Friendly communities and the real, lasting difference they can make to the lives of unpaid carers.

Carers week is our opportunity to say thank you to all unpaid and family carers in Shropshire.  We do recognise and appreciate the valuable support carers give others

From Sunday 7  June to Sunday 14 June the council’s carers support team has organised a range of activities across Shropshire.

Details of activities and programme can be found What’s happening – latest news and events | Shropshire Council

To book a place on any of the activities on the programme, please email: shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 341995

The activities are designed to offer carers a break from their caring role, to enjoy the beauty of the Shropshire countryside, to connect with other carers and to have some fun and relaxation.

Margarete Davies, carer lead and manager of Shropshire Carers, said;

“Caring for someone else can feel rewarding but it can also be tiring, frustrating, lonely, and isolating, and without people identifying as a carer and receiving information and help at an early stage, it can lead to carers own health and wellbeing being affected.

It is vitally important that carers remember to take care of themselves too which is why raising awareness for carers week is vitally important

We really want to reach out to carers to encourage them to take some time out and take part in our activities.”

Further information

• Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and help people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. The campaign is brought to life by thousands of individuals and organisations who come together to provide support for carers, run activities and highlight the vital role carers play in our communities.
• A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, substance misuse issue, or who needs extra help as they grow older.
• For some, taking on a caring role can be sudden: someone in your family has an accident or your child is born with a disability. For others, caring responsibilities can grow gradually over time: your parents can’t manage on their own any longer or your partner’s mental or physical health gradually worsens.
• The amount and type of support that carers provide varies considerably. It can range from a few hours a week, such as picking up prescriptions and preparing meals, to providing emotional support or personal care day and night.
• Caring will touch each and every one of us in our lifetime, whether we become a carer or need care ourselves. Whilst caring can be a rewarding experience, it can also have a huge impact on a person’s health, finances and relationships.
• Shropshire Council’s carers support team provides information, advice and support adult carers of adults and young carers across Shropshire. The team can be contacted by email at shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01743 341995.
• Thank you to all the contributors to Carers Week in Shropshire: National Garden Scheme, National Trust, Mobilise, Jenna Blair Yoga, Hodnet Hall Gardens, Shropshire Museums, Theatre Severn, Hawkstone Park Follies, The Citadel, Daniels Mill, Highley Severn Centre.

Perches House – 29 May 2026

In April [2026] Shropshire Council began work to erect a scaffolding roof over Perches House, on Windsor Place in Shrewsbury, which was badly damaged in a major fire in the early hours of 27 January that very sadly claimed the life of the late owner, Rose Roberts.

The scaffolding work is being carried out under an Urgent Works Notice to provide a temporary roof over the Grade II* listed building, to protect both it and the adjoining properties, and is now nearing completion.

This has been a complex project and, as part of the latest phase of work, the scaffolding contractors are now fabricating the main roof spans on Windsor Place, within an extended compound outside Windsor House.

A crane is currently due to be on site from 8am on Tuesday 2 June to manoeuvre the roof spans into position on the scaffolding frame. The crane will be located on the corner of Windsor Place and St Marys Place. Parking will be suspended on St Marys Place from 10pm today (Monday 1 June) until the crane has finished on 2 June. If all goes to plan the crane will be finished by Tuesday afternoon/evening.

Watergate Mansions car park will be closed on Tuesday 2 June and alternative arrangements are being put in place in Shropshire Council car parks.

Perches House – 29 May 2026

Note: the ability of the crane to operate will be weather dependent and timescales may therefore change.

This will conclude the majority of the scaffolding works and, with the exception of the ongoing closure of a section of Windsor Place, the disruption will then reduce.

The contractors will notify the affected residents and businesses on St Marys Place of the planned work and traffic restrictions.

Shropshire Council would like to extend its thanks to residents and surrounding business for their ongoing co-operation during this period.