If they are anything like my local authority (which I work for), their procurement practises are probably terrible. They could make massive savings if they improved in that area and so wouldn't have to cut staff.
Thats not a solution at all, I work for Wrexham Council and we're having a massive internal move around. The management are finally looking at our council like a business and moving the internal staff/departments accordingly.
Our budget cut is no where near Shropshires but we're well on our way to making the required savings whilst hopefully improving the service we offer.