Shropshire Council formally submits response to Government review
Shropshire Council has formally submitted its response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) following the Best Value Notice and CIPFA External Assurance Review.
The response follows Cabinet’s acceptance of the review findings on 9 September 2026 and Full Council’s support on 24 September 2026 for the council’s initial response to the recommendations. It sets out the progress made so far, the work under way and the further action planned.
Since the review was carried out in April 2026, the council has strengthened budget monitoring and spending controls, improved oversight of internal audit actions, established a Governance Group chaired by the Chief Executive and increased leadership and specialist capacity. It is also delivering its Financial Sustainability and Recovery Strategy and developing a single portfolio of transformation, improvement and change programmes.
The council has assessed all 22 CIPFA recommendations, which cover four broad areas: financial management and processes; financial sustainability and risk; service reform and transformation; and governance, culture and leadership. Actions include restructuring the finance service, strengthening risk management, developing detailed transformation plans and savings forecasts, reviewing assets and the capital programme, and refreshing the Improvement Plan.
While progress is being made, the response is clear that significant financial pressure remains and that several recommendations require substantial further work. Over the coming months, the council will continue to develop its transformation plans, strengthen financial and risk management, complete key recruitment and organisational changes, and report regularly on progress and impact.
Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:
“We have promised to be open and transparent about the challenges facing the council, the progress we are making and the work still to do. Publishing our response and the detailed appendix is an important part of keeping that promise.
“We welcome external challenge and scrutiny. We know there is no room for complacency, but we are making progress in strengthening governance, rebuilding leadership capacity and improving financial oversight. By sharing the full response, people can see the evidence, understand the actions we are taking and hold us to account for delivering them.
“There is still a great deal to do, and some difficult decisions lie ahead. We will continue to work constructively with MHCLG, CIPFA, our Improvement Board and other partners to build a financially sustainable and resilient council for the people of Shropshire.”
Find out more
Shropshire Council Response to MHCLG – BVN – CIPFA review.
APPENDIX B – CIPFA recommendations and response summary
