The Executive of Staffordshire Moorlands Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the approval of policies for Discretionary Housing Payments and War Pensions, the annual Climate Change Report, the Nature Recovery Declaration, and the establishment of the Derby and Derbyshire Strategic Leadership Board.

Discretionary Housing Payment and War Pensioner Policy

The Executive approved policies for Discretionary Housing Payments and the disregard of War Pensions and Armed Forces compensation. These policies aim to provide financial support to residents in need and ensure that compensation received by war pensioners does not affect their eligibility for housing payments.

Climate Change Annual Report

The Council presented its Annual Climate Change Report, which was reviewed by the Climate Change Working Group in February 2024. The report highlighted progress towards the Council's Climate Change Strategy. Key performance indicators are set to be revised as part of the Council’s performance management review. A suggestion was made to issue a plain English guide to accompany the report, which will be promoted via the Council’s social media channels.

Nature Recovery Declaration

The Executive acknowledged the nature emergency and approved the adoption of a revised Nature Recovery Declaration, subject to further consideration by the Climate Change Working Group and any plain English amendments. The declaration outlines steps the Borough Council can take to address the nature emergency.

Derby and Derbyshire Strategic Leadership Board

The Executive discussed the formation of the Derby and Derbyshire Strategic Leadership Board, a new Joint Committee aimed at enhancing collaborative and partnership working among Derby and Derbyshire councils. This board will replace the dissolved D2 Joint Committee for Economic Prosperity and the VisionDerbyshire Joint Committee. The Council approved its active participation in the board, with the Leader of the Council appointed as the representative and the Deputy Leader as a substitute. The board will also link into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) arrangements.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.