Shropshire Council awarded Exceptional Financial Support from Government

Shropshire Council has been awarded Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

I’m pleased to share the welcome news that the council has been awarded Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government for this year and next.

“This represents agreement that the council may borrow the money we’ve asked for to propose a balanced budget for 2026/27. This proposed budget will be presented to full Council on Thursday (26 February 2026) for their consideration and agreement.

“Receiving EFS will require us to receive an independent review of the council’s financial position and governance arrangements. This will include a detailed look at the progress we are making with our plans to achieve financial sustainability over the coming years including all the actions covered in our Improvement Plan. We won’t be able to rely on EFS indefinitely which is why we need to continue to improve and become sustainable.

“Of course, any money that we borrow from the Government will need to be paid back over time. Therefore, we will continue to work hard to ensure that we only borrow what we absolutely need.

“Our conversations with central Government continue and recognise we are not the only Council to apply for EFS, and that in the longer-term sustainable Government funding that better reflects our rural demographics is critical.”

Shropshire Council has been awarded £71.4m for the 2025/26 financial year, and £121.4m for the 2026/27 financial year.