Shropshire Update: Council Tax Tensions and Infrastructure Shifts
London, 24 February 2026 – Shropshire has marked its annual county day amidst a period of significant administrative and financial transition. While residents celebrated the feast day of Saint Milburga with traditional pilgrimages, the local authority faces mounting pressure over a proposed 8.99% council tax increase and the high-profile cancellation of major infrastructure projects. As the largest inland county in England continues to grapple with a backlog of road repairs following a wet start to the year, the balance between heritage preservation and modern development remains a central point of debate for the West Midlands community.
Infrastructure and Planning: Shrewsbury Road Scrapped
In a major policy shift, Shropshire Council has confirmed plans to officially cancel the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road. The decision is expected to be ratified during a full council meeting this Thursday. While the relief road project is set to be abandoned, the Oxon Link Road has reportedly survived the budget cuts. This comes as the council secures a package of “Exceptional Financial Support” from central government to provide a buffer for its strained finances.
Development remains a contentious issue across the county. In Telford, a report on a 600-home development is due within weeks despite over 300 formal objections. Conversely, the council recently refused an application for 60 homes in Prees, citing concerns over the scale of the development. In the south, plans are emerging for a 22-megawatt solar farm at Walton, near Onibury, as the region looks toward renewable energy solutions.
Financial Pressures and Local Economy
The proposed 8.99% rise in council tax has sparked significant local backlash, with opposition figures labelling the move “morally wrong” following the council’s recent government loan. Council leadership has acknowledged the “pain” the increase will cause residents but maintains it is necessary to sustain essential services. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector—a cornerstone of the Shropshire economy—is seeking firmer reassurances. Local farmers have called for greater recognition from the authority regarding the industry’s economic importance amidst shifting post-Brexit landscape supports.
Shropshire: Key Facts and Figures
The following table outlines the foundational characteristics and current status of the county based on verified records.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Shrewsbury |
| Region | West Midlands (Bordering Wales) |
| Patron Saint | Saint Milburga |
| Major Waterway | River Severn |
| Proposed Tax Rise | 8.99% (Fiscal Year 2026/27) |
| Geographic Status | Largest landlocked/inland county in England |
| Historical Origin | Established 10th Century (Saxon Mercia) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shropshire Day?
Shropshire Day is celebrated annually on 23 February. It coincides with the feast day of Saint Milburga, the 7th-century abbess of Wenlock Priory. In 2026, celebrations included a “modern-day pilgrimage” and church services along a 2.5-mile stretch of the River Severn.
Why are there major road closures on the A483?
National Highways has implemented four weeks of overnight closures on the A483 between Llynclys and Llanymynech. The closures, running from 20:00 to 06:00 GMT, are required for essential maintenance on this primary route connecting England and Wales.
What is the “Shropshire Accord”?
The Shropshire Accord is a strategic document currently in its second draft. Shropshire Council is actively seeking feedback from public-sector partners and community organisations to refine how local services and stakeholders collaborate across the county.