The County Council of Staffordshire Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026. Discussions included the government's white paper on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the UK Real Estate Investment Forum (UKREiiF), and Staffordshire Day. The meeting also addressed the council's pay policy statement and committee appointments.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) White Paper

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the government's new white paper on SEND. Councillors expressed a shared desire to improve services for children with special educational needs and their families. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, welcomed the white paper, stating it contained some sensible proposals and that the council should seize the opportunities that may be in there to improve the service. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, acknowledged the need for more investment, noting that her administration had invested an additional £5.5 million, contrasting this with previous funding cuts. Concerns were raised about the need for more funding and the recruitment of experienced staff. Councillor Bernie Brown questioned the digging behind the headlines mentioned in the statement and asked about the timeframe for proposed actions, noting that schools were already ready to support the new paper but lacked guidance. Councillor Ann Edgley echoed the sentiment for more funding and highlighted the challenges faced by parents of children with complex needs. Councillor Martin Murray, Acting Leader of the Council, acknowledged that the white paper was still awaiting detailed information and funding specifics from the government. He also touched upon the potential for bringing services back in-house with increased devolution.

UK Real Estate Investment Forum (UKREiiF)

The UKREiiF event was discussed as a platform for unlocking investment and driving regeneration across Staffordshire. Councillor Philip White expressed his support for the initiative, noting its value in showcasing the county. Councillor Craig Humphreyson inquired about other events the Acting Leader had attended to discuss Staffordshire's benefits. Councillor Rhys Mandry questioned whether Cannock Chase District Council would have a seat at UKREiiF. Councillor Jeremy Pert highlighted the regeneration opportunities for the county town, specifically mentioning the Stafford station gateway project and the town centre master plan, urging for tangible outcomes and developer involvement. Councillor Martin Murray stated that Cannock Chase District Council had disengaged with the county council, but assured that Cannock would be promoted at UKREiiF. He also criticised the political disengagement of some district councils, including Lichfield District Council, which Councillor Andrew Clissett described as creating a black hole in the county's economic strategy and fragmenting the message to investors. Councillor Clissett urged Lichfield District Council to participate in county-wide research like the nighttime economy study. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, provided details on the council's capital maintenance grant and the significant backlog of highway defects, emphasizing that the funding received from central government was insufficient to address the scale of the problem. He also criticised misleading statements from some MPs regarding highway funding.

Staffordshire Day

Staffordshire Day, celebrated on May 1st, was highlighted as a day of pride and community celebration. Councillor Martin Murray spoke enthusiastically about the 10th anniversary, mentioning the introduction of the Staffy mascot and its role in bringing the county together. He encouraged schools, churches, and community groups to participate in events. Councillor Mike Broom proposed a free parking day to celebrate the occasion. Councillor Alex Farrell thanked Councillor Murray for his interest in Lichfield, highlighting its recent achievements, including Purple Flag status for its nighttime economy and the opening of a new leisure centre. Councillor Simon Tagg expressed support for Staffordshire Day and the council's environmental strategy, which he noted was largely based on the previous administration's approach. He raised concerns about delays in the local nature recovery strategy and the council's commitment to carbon reduction targets. Councillor Bernie Brown also agreed with the positive aspects of the environmental strategy but expressed disappointment at the lack of engagement with farmers. Councillor Hayley Coles detailed the Staffy initiative, a campaign featuring sculptures of the Staffordshire Terrier mascot placed around the county to guide visitors and promote tourism. She outlined sponsorship opportunities and highlighted successful community events like the Burton Barrel Roll and St Giles Hospice's elephant trail as examples of how such initiatives can generate revenue and visitor numbers.

Pay Policy Statement 2026-27

The council considered its Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27. The report was moved and seconded, and no members reserved the right to speak. The recommendations contained in the report were put to a vote.

Appointments of Committee Chairs

Nominations were put forward for the chairmen of the Pensions Committee and the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Robin Hall was nominated for the Pensions Committee, and Councillor Andrew Clissett for the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Paul Williams, Chairman of the County Council, congratulated the nominees in advance. Councillor Martin Murray, Acting Leader of the Council, responded to a question about changing the system for appointing chairs and vice-chairs to reflect party balance, stating he would consider changing the ratio. The appointments were moved and seconded and put to a vote.

Report of the Chairman of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Councillor Anthony Screen moved the consideration of the statutory report from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. He stated he had no comments to make on the report, and it was moved that the report be received.

Questions Under Standing Order 8

A series of questions were asked under Standing Order 8, covering various topics including highway safety, trading standards, library funding, and county farm protection.

• Highway Safety: Councillor Adam Griffiths asked about the selection of highway schemes, and Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, assured that selections were based on data, accident risks, and value for money, not political preference. Councillor Craig Humphreyson and Councillor Large raised concerns about the Brockton Crossroads and Baswich Lane, requesting a meeting with the Cabinet Support Member for Highways. Councillor Mason confirmed a meeting would be arranged. Councillor Griffiths also questioned the actual level of highway funding received from central government and the scale of the backlog, with Councillor Mason explaining the funding breakdown and the significant underfunding of the highway network. Councillor Humphreysen asked about ensuring residents receive accurate information regarding the canal and river trust asset, with Councillor Mason stating that council communications were working to provide accurate information and educate political characters who were misleading residents.

• Trading Standards: Councillor Thomas Baker highlighted the declining resources of the Trading Standards service despite growing threats and asked about the administration's plan to reverse this. Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, stated that the previous administration's underinvestment had led to the decline and that the Reform UK administration was committed to restoring enforcement and community safety.

• Libraries: Councillor Victoria Wilson raised concerns about the delay in funding for community-managed libraries, stating that bids made in February 2025 had not yet been funded. Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, responded that funding for community-managed libraries would be confirmed by the end of March and that the administration was implementing marketing plans and commercial strategies to improve their viability. Councillor James Hodges asked about specific revenue streams from arts and cultural projects. Councillor Coles detailed the Staffy initiative and its potential to drive tourism and investment.

• County Farms: Councillor Richard Holland questioned the interim leader regarding representations made to Newcastle under Lyme's local plan concerning county farmland. Councillor Martin Murray reiterated his commitment to protecting county farms and stated that a new policy would be presented to cabinet to ensure their protection. He criticised previous policies that allowed for the sale of farmland and highlighted the importance of agriculture to the county's economy. Councillor Jon Pendleton also asked if county farms would be protected from being sold for housing, with Councillor Murray confirming that the new policy would guarantee their protection.

• Community Safety and Hate Crime: Councillor Val Chapman questioned the council's credibility on reducing hate crime, referencing statements made by a member of the Reform cabinet. Councillor Anthony Screen stated he would consider a reply in writing.

• Environmental Strategy and Biodiversity: Councillor Simon Tagg supported the environmental strategy but raised concerns about delays in the local nature recovery strategy and the council's commitment to carbon reduction targets. Councillor Bernie Brown also expressed agreement with the environmental strategy but highlighted a lack of engagement with farmers. Councillor Martin Murray stated that Staffordshire County Council does not have a net zero target or policy.

• Economic Development and Partnerships: Councillor Richard Holland raised concerns about the need for appropriate HGV parking and driver facilities as part of economic planning. Councillor Martin Murray acknowledged the importance of this issue and stated it would be addressed. Councillor Jon Pendleton inquired about Cannock Chase District Council's engagement in economic development partnerships, with Councillor Murray expressing disappointment at their disengagement. Councillor Andrew Clissett highlighted Lichfield District Council's refusal to participate in county-wide research like the nighttime economy study, urging them to collaborate. Councillor Martin Murray criticised Lichfield District Council's leader for dismissing the nighttime economy study and urged them to rejoin the county's efforts.

• Safeguarding at College Field: Councillor Helen Williams asked about the reasons for the delay in enforcing fencing at College Field. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, explained that recent estate reviews confirmed the need to comply with national safeguarding standards and Department for Education requirements, stating that previous administrations had failed to ensure the site's boundary security met these standards.

• Solar Farms and Battery Storage: Councillor Tracey Dougherty raised concerns about solar farm applications, ecological sensitivities, and fire safety, referencing lessons learned from Amington Moors. Councillor Peter Miners discussed the impact of solar farms on farming communities and highlighted concerns about battery energy storage systems, referencing a fire in Liverpool that took 59 hours to extinguish. He stated that the issue was ongoing and a battle for rural communities.