The ICS told HM it was £15.9m behind its plan for the current financial year.

NHS England has given the ICS to the end of February to present a financial action plan.

A spokesperson said: ‘As a system, we place significant focus on addressing our financial situation and we continue to work together to take action to reduce expenditure and improve productivity wherever practical and possible. 

‘NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin also continues to ensure that the contracts we commission deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents, as well as broader value for money.

‘Together, we are committed to achieving financial recovery, alongside the delivery of safe and sustainable services that meet the needs of our population. 

‘As we draft our financial and operational plans for 2025/26, we will be looking to deliver the ambitions set out in the Joint Forward Plan, within the resources that we have available to us.'