Shropshire Council approves its Corporate Plan and permanent Chief Executive

Last week (Thursday 14 May 2026) marked another important step forward in Shropshire Council’s improvement journey, with Full Council approving both the council’s Corporate Plan and the appointment of its permanent Chief Executive, Tanya Miles.

Bishop’s Castle

The Corporate Plan sets out the council’s key ambitions for the next four years and what it will deliver with partners and communities.

While the council remains ambitious about the outcomes it wants to see for Shropshire, it is clear about the financial challenges it faces and the need to ensure that everything it does is affordable and focused on the services that matter most to residents.

The Corporate Plan supersedes the current Shropshire Plan and provides a clear focus for what the council will deliver, enable and influence for the county and its residents. It has been informed by the Administration’s New Direction report (presented to Council in September 2025), alongside a range of data, insight and engagement, and has been shaped by feedback from staff, councillors and residents.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“Shropshire Council is at a pivotal moment. Our financial position means we need to live within our means, while we build a stronger future for our county and its communities. This Corporate Plan sets a new direction for the next four years, rooted in realism and responsibility.

“Financial sustainability underpins this plan. We must be disciplined in how we use every pound, focusing on needs not wants, and ensuring spending delivers the greatest possible benefit for residents.

“We also know we can’t deliver everything alone. Increasingly, our role must be enabling, facilitating and influencing – working with partners, town and parish councils, the voluntary and community sector, businesses and, most importantly, our communities themselves.”

Full Council also approved the appointment of Tanya Miles as the council’s permanent Chief Executive. The decision provides long-term leadership and stability as the council continues its improvement journey and focuses on delivering sustainable, affordable services for residents.

Tanya Miles, Shropshire Council’s new Chief Executive

Councillor Heather Kidd added:

“Tanya is a real asset to Shropshire Council, and she has played a key role in the progress we have made over the last six months as Interim Chief Executive. Her appointment gives the council and our staff the stability we need, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver the change that is required.

“I have every confidence that we will become the financially sustainable council we need to be – but we are realistic that this will take time.”

Further information

The Corporate Plan

The Corporate Plan is built around clear priority ambitions:

• A a financially sustainable council, with clear priorities and purpose, and a workforce that is supported to excel.
• Communities that are connected by well-maintained roads, accessible transport and infrastructure.
• People live in safe, inclusive places with homes that meet their needs
• Everyone has an opportunity to be healthy and thrive at every stage of life.
• We have an environment that harnesses our natural assets and supports wellbeing.
• We have a thriving economy that benefits everyone.

The Corporate Plan works alongside the council’s Improvement Plan and Medium-Term Financial Plan, providing a coherent focus on achieving financial sustainability and delivering its statutory responsibilities – especially supporting and protecting the most vulnerable people in the county’s communities.

A permanent Chief Executive

Tanya joined Shropshire Council 28 years ago, starting out in frontline social work and progressing through children’s services, adult social care and senior leadership roles. She brings an unparalleled understanding of the issues and challenges that the council faces – as well as the many opportunities to make a positive, lasting difference to the residents of Shropshire.

During her tenure as Interim Chief Executive, Tanya has worked closely with the administration to not only stabilise the council after a period of considerable insecurity, but also to start to deliver the change that residents and staff alike need and expect.