Cabinet supports first phase of devolution to town and parish councils
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has today (Wednesday 11 February 2026) confirmed its continued commitment to devolving services and decision-making to town and parish councils, strengthening local democracy and giving communities greater control over local priorities.
The Cabinet heard updates on four pilot devolved arrangements, agreeing to progress signing off on progressing agreements with Shrewsbury, Shifnal, Broseley and Oswestry. These pilots are designed to test how devolved services can operate in practice, ensuring arrangements are practical, financially sustainable and deliver clear benefits for residents.
The pilot programme will see Shropshire Council offer funding to pilot town and parish councils to deliver a standard specified level of service, whilst delegating authority to them to decide on any service enhancements, through their own resources and funding arrangements, that will improve responsiveness to community priorities and preferences.
Shropshire Council will closely monitor and evaluate these pilots over the coming year, with the intention of expanding devolved arrangements from 2026 onwards in the future to any town or parish council that wishes to take part and has the capacity to come to an agreement with Shropshire.
The pilot approach recognises that town and parish councils are often best placed to understand local needs and respond quickly, while ensuring that devolution is undertaken through clear agreements and strong partnership working.
Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s Deputy Leader, said:
“Town and parish councils are closest to their communities and play a vital role in local life. Devolution is about empowering those councils to shape services locally, strengthening democracy and working together to protect services at a very challenging time for local government.
“By piloting these arrangements carefully, we can build a model that works and can be expanded more widely next year – and ensure that local areas have local choices about their services as Shropshire Council continues to navigate unprecedented financial difficulties.”
Councillor Caroline Bagnall, Shropshire Councillor who represents Broseley, said:
“This is an exciting change for Broseley, putting local services under local control and allowing the town council to invest in a cleaner, tidier town with excellent parks and public spaces. It has been encouraging to hear such positive feedback from so many residents, businesses, and the staff team who are working so hard and with such pride in our town.”
Shropshire Council will continue to work with town and parish councils across the county to review the outcomes of the pilots and develop a consistent, locally-led framework for wider devolution.
