Budget consultation

Outcome

Budget consultation

Introduction

Shropshire Council is facing significant financial challenges.

Our costs continue to rise, while income is not keeping pace with the cost of delivering essential services. As a result, we declared a financial emergency on 10 September 2025.

To address this, we must make substantial changes to increase income and reduce spending so that we can operate within our budget. These changes will need to continue in future years, and many difficult decisions lie ahead.

If we do not act now to implement these changes, meet the statutory recommendations from our External Auditor, and deliver our Improvement Plan, Central Government may step in. This would mean that decisions affecting local services would be taken away from local people. We are working hard to avoid this situation. We are also working to keep borrowing to a minimum where possible and we are continuing to lobby Government for additional funding to support the residents of Shropshire.

What could this mean?

  • Possible short- and long-term reductions in services and service levels
  • Increases in a range of fees and charges

Your views are vital. We need to understand what matters most to you.

You can read more within our background paper available below.

How to get involved

Share your thoughts with us by completing our survey. 

Complete the survey

If you’d like the survey in an alternative format, please use the email below to request a copy, or call our customer services team on 0345 678 9000 and explain any support you need to allow you to respond.

There are easy read versions of the survey and background paper available below.

You can also respond with any comments in writing:

  • Email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk  
    Please title your email ‘Budget Consultation’
  • Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, PO Box 4826, Shrewsbury, SY1 9LJ.
  • You may also visit a local library for support to share your views on the budget consultation if you are unable to complete the online survey.

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