Shropshire Council is considering plans to extend its shared services initiative to embrace Cheshire East Council – days after it was announced former chief executive Kim Ryley had moved to lead the neighbouring authority.

A Shropshire cabinet meeting held 25 July approved plans to embark on a 'tri-council' programme with Worcestershire and Staffordshire County Councils to collaborate on five areas: economic growth; ICT; fostering, adoption and residential care; education services to local schools and contract management and procurement.