Shropshire Council makes strong progress following LGA Corporate Peer Challenge

Shropshire Council has made “significant strides” in the last 10 months, according to a new report from the Local Government Association (LGA), following a progress review visit in May 2026. 

The review looked at how the council has responded to recommendations made in the original Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) report published in July 2025. During their visit on 12 May, the peer team met with councillors, officers and partners, and assessed the council’s progress against the 10 recommendations. 

The final report highlights a renewed sense of pace and commitment across both political and officer leadership, alongside stronger financial grip, improved governance, and better working relationships across the organisation. It also notes a more positive and collaborative culture.  

The report emphasises that while progress has been positive, the council remains at an early stage in its improvement journey. It highlights the need to maintain momentum, move from planning to delivery, and reduce reliance on exceptional financial support (EFS) over time. 

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: 

“We welcome this report and the recognition of the real progress made over the past year. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our councillors, staff and partners at what has been, and continues to be, a challenging time for the council. 

“The improvements in our financial management, governance and working relationships are important foundations as we move forward. Securing Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government has helped stabilise our position in the short term, and the external support we now have in place is helping us build for the future. 

“However, we are under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. This is an encouraging step in the right direction, but there is still a great deal to do. Our focus now is on delivering transformation at pace, maintaining strong core services, and setting out a clear and sustainable financial path for the years ahead.” 

The report, alongside a refreshed Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP), will be considered by Cabinet on 8 July, before being discussed at Full Council on 16 July.