Cabinet endorses major adult social care transformation programme

Cabinet endorses major adult social care transformation programme

Shropshire Council's Cabinet has today (14 October 2026) endorsed a major programme to help more people stay independent through prevention and earlier support, while responding to rising demand and costs.

The Adult Social Care Transformation Programme brings together 11 projects to improve access, strengthen community support and recovery, and make services financially sustainable.

Councillor Ruth Houghton, Shropshire Council's portfolio holder for adult social care and public health, said:

"This programme puts independence, choice and wellbeing at the heart of adult social care. Supporting people earlier, helping them recover at home and working closely with communities and partners will improve outcomes for residents and help create a sustainable service.

"We will deliver change carefully, with strong oversight and continued engagement with people who use services, unpaid carers, staff and partners."

The Adult Social Care Transformation Programme builds on existing projects that are already having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of adults throughout Shropshire. New projects will undergo diagnostic, discovery and design work before plans are confirmed, allowing the council to test evidence, understand impacts and maintain financial and operational control.

As part of the early work towards transformation, people can currently share their views through the Healthy Shropshire Survey and the Resident Self-Funder Survey.

The Resident Self-Funder Survey asks people who fund, or may need to fund, their own care about finding information, arranging support and understanding costs. The survey is open until 13 November 2026: https://getinvolved.shropshire.gov.uk/consultations/resident-self-funder-survey/

The Healthy Shropshire Survey asks how people find advice and support to stay healthy, including help with smoking, alcohol and physical activity. The survey is open until 19 October 2026: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HealthyShropshire

The Adult Social Care Transformation Programme can be accessed here (item 7): Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 14th October, 2026, 10.30 am - Shropshire Council

Notes to editors

Adult Social Care and Children's Services account for 71% of the council's budget. By 2035, Shropshire's population aged 65 and over is projected to rise by around 24%, and the population aged 85 and over by around 54%, increasing demand and complexity.