Apologies were received from Councillors Rosemary Dartnall (substituted by Councillor Alan Mosley), Dawn Husemann (joining remotely) and Jon Tandy.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No interests were declared.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2025. 

TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2025 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any questions from members of the public.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

One public question had been received from John Palmer regarding Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). A copy of the question and the response from the Chairman can be found on the webpage for the meeting - Agenda for Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 1st December, 2025, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

The Executive Director (S151) provided further information which can be found in the recording of the meeting - Transformation and Improvement Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 1st December, 2025 10.00 am.

To receive any questions of which members of the Council have given notice.  Deadline for notification is 12 noon on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

There were no members’ questions.

To scrutinise performance at Period 7 and identify issues that may require further investigation by an overview and scrutiny committee.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Executive Director (S151) presented the period 7 financial monitoring report, detailing a projected overspend of £50.746 million for the year, with significant pressures in adult social care, children's services, and infrastructure, and outlined the risk scenarios, contingency planning, and the rationale for the figures used in the exceptional financial support application.

Members were advised that a deep dive exercise was conducted to remove optimism bias from projections, moving savings into green, amber, or red categories based on deliverability, and ensuring that the central scenario reflects the most realistic outcome agreed by Service Directors.

A request for a copy of financial tables in an excel format was received to facilitate easier analysis and sorting.

Concerns were raised about the Council's ability to achieve financial sustainability beyond the current year, prompting discussion of the improvement plan, ongoing reliance on exceptional financial support, and the need for structural changes and service cuts to ensure future stability.

Members were cautioned against viewing exceptional financial support as a permanent solution, noting the risks of accumulating debt and interest costs, and the need to avoid a situation where borrowing is required to service existing debt.

Members noted the report.

To review and understand this organisation-wide framework for setting, reviewing, and managing all council fees and charges.

The Executive Director (S151) introduced the revised fees and charges pricing policy, highlighting the need for cost recovery, transparency, and market awareness, with £55 million of discretionary income identified and discussions on the impact of charges on service accessibility and local businesses.

Members noted that decisions on whether a service is statutory or discretionary are made on a case-by-case basis by service professionals and portfolio holders, with some services exceeding statutory requirements and requiring careful categorisation.

A request for future versions of the fees and charging policy detailing changes between versions for clarity was received.

Concerns were raised about the impact of charges on vulnerable groups, with calls to ensure leisure and social care services remain affordable to support long-term health and wellbeing, and recognition of statutory limits on some charges.

Members acknowledged the need to consider the effect of increased fees and charges on SMEs and sole traders, urging the Council to balance revenue needs with the viability of local businesses.

To update the committee on the progress of the development of the Improvement Plan

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Executive Director for Public Health presented the Improvement Plan, outlining its three aims and nine programmes, the role of the independent Improvement Board, and the governance structure involving cabinet, scrutiny, and senior accountable officers, with emphasis on transparency, engagement, and outcome-focused monitoring.

Members noted that a set of around 20 key performance indicators has been established to measure the impact of the improvement plan, with regular updates and opportunities for scrutiny to review progress and conduct deep dives into specific areas as needed.

Members expressed appreciation for the inclusive development process and stressed the importance of outcome-focused measures, flexibility in monitoring, and supporting staff through change management.

To receive an update on the progress of the implementation of the recommendations made by the Staff Bullying and Harassment Task and Finish Group.

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care provided a brief update on progress in managing bullying and harassment, including compliance with new prevention duties, support for staff and members, and tracking incidents through staff surveys and the Member Gateway.

The committee expressed encouragement about the work done and the direction of policy and evidence tracking.

To consider proposals for the Committee’s work programme 2025 – 2026, attached

The committee discussed the work programme, including the addition of an extra meeting to scrutinise the budget before Council approval, plans for future task and finish groups, and ongoing efforts to reform and coordinate scrutiny across the Council.

To note that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 9February 2026.

Members noted that the next meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 19 January 2026 at 2pm.