The Cabinet of Staffordshire Moorlands Council met on Tuesday 11 June 2024 to discuss various significant topics, including the addition of a housing delivery vehicle to the forward plan, the corporate peer challenge update, the revised constitution of the Staffordshire Leaders' Board, and the council's mowing regimes and wider biodiversity projects policy.

Housing Delivery Vehicle

Councillor Proudlove requested the addition of the housing delivery vehicle paper to the forward plan. This item will be discussed in the meeting scheduled for 6 August 2024. The housing delivery vehicle aims to address local housing needs and improve delivery efficiency.

Corporate Peer Challenge Update

The council reviewed the findings of the Corporate Peer Challenge Report, which highlighted the strengths and areas for improvement for the council and its alliance with High Peak Borough Council. The report praised the council's financial management, governance, and performance-focused service delivery. Eight recommendations were made, all of which the administration is comfortable with and plans to implement. The action plan for these recommendations is nearly complete and will be reviewed by the Corporate Peer Challenge team in six months.

Staffordshire Leaders' Board Revised Constitution

The council discussed the revised constitution of the Staffordshire Leaders' Board. The board, which includes leaders from the County Council and all district councils in Staffordshire, now also includes Stoke-on-Trent Council. This inclusion aims to enhance collaboration on shared priorities and future devolution possibilities. The revised terms of reference were approved.

Mowing Regimes and Wider Biodiversity Projects

Councillor Yates presented the Mowing Regimes and Wider Biodiversity Projects policy, which is the final stage in the council's Plan for Nature. This policy aims to manage 30% of all land in the Staffordshire Moorlands with nature in mind by 2030. It includes changes to mowing policies and the introduction of new machinery and equipment. The policy was well-received and approved, with an emphasis on effective communication with residents about the changes.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public to discuss commercially sensitive matters. This is a standard procedure to ensure confidentiality and compliance with the Local Government Act 1972.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the SMDC Forward Plan, the Corporate Peer Challenge Report, and the Mowing Regimes and Wider Biodiversity Projects document.