This week in Staffordshire:

Childhood Obesity and Public Health Take Centre Stage as Council Tackles Growing Health Crisis

The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 26 January 2026, to confront the escalating issue of childhood obesity and review the council's public health strategy. The draft Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025 highlighted stark figures: approximately 6,000 children aged 5-11 are overweight, with another 5,000 obese. For older children (11-18), these numbers rise to 11,000 overweight and 17,000 obese. This trend is not just a statistic; it carries profound health implications, significantly increasing the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The economic impact is also staggering, with an estimated £100 billion annual cost to society.

The council's Better Health Staffordshire programme, presented by commissioning managers Rochelle and Tony Bullock, aims to address this complex challenge. It adopts a health system approach, creating conditions for change by fostering partnerships, utilising data, developing healthy settings, and providing access to information. Councillor Catherine Brown highlighted the need for more localized data for her area, East Staffordshire, while Councillor Jill Hood shared a poignant anecdote about a mother working two jobs who found it quicker to resort to fast food for her child, underscoring the societal pressures contributing to the problem. Councillor Neil Parton raised a valid point about the report not explicitly including individuals whose weight is affected by illness or medication, a concern acknowledged by the presenters who stated the focus is on societal-wide action. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of restricting fast-food takeaways near schools, with Councillor Ann Edgeller lamenting a past planning inspector's decision that allowed a takeaway between two schools, despite the council's rejection. The committee is committed to addressing these issues, recognising that tackling obesity requires a multi-faceted, long-term approach.

You can find more details about the Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting here.

Council Approves Balanced Budget with Modest Council Tax Rise, Prioritising Key Services

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031. Despite significant financial pressures, the council has managed to deliver a balanced budget with a council tax increase of 3.99%, which is 1% below the government's recommended level. This decision reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while prioritising essential services for residents.

• Investment in Highways: An additional £15 million will be invested in roads, separate from back-office costs, to address the backlog of potholes and improve road conditions. This investment is contingent on a strategic review of highways management, which is currently underway.
• Support for Children and Families: A significant £5.5 million is being allocated to children and families services. This investment is crucial for enhancing the quality of care and support for vulnerable children, including those in the care system and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The positive feedback from a recent Ofsted report, which praised the administration's support for these services, underscores the importance of this funding.
• Libraries as Community Hubs: The council has budgeted £5 million for libraries, with a strategic review indicating a shift towards developing them as community hubs. Misinformation about the potential removal of the mobile library service was addressed, with assurances that it will continue to serve its purpose, evolving into a community hub on wheels.

Councillor Chris Large, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, emphasised that the budget was developed through rigorous efficiency savings, ensuring maximum value for council taxpayers without cutting frontline services. The MTFS was subject to extensive scrutiny, including input from a dedicated working group and overview and scrutiny committees, ensuring a comprehensive and well-considered financial plan.

You can read the full summary of the Cabinet meeting here.

Traffic Management and Flood Risk Strategies Under Review

The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to review key strategies impacting the county's infrastructure and environment. The committee examined the proposed Traffic and Network Management Plan, its work programme for the upcoming year, and received updates on flood risk management.

• Traffic and Network Management: The discussion on the Traffic and Network Management Plan is vital for ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and the efficient management of Staffordshire's road network. This plan will outline the council's approach to addressing traffic congestion, improving road safety, and managing infrastructure development.
• Flood Risk Management: Notes from a Flood Risk Management Information Session provided insights into the current flood risks across Staffordshire and the strategies in place to mitigate them. This is particularly important for protecting communities and infrastructure from the increasing threat of extreme weather events.
• Work Programme and Procurement: The committee also reviewed its work programme for 2025-26, ensuring its focus remains on critical issues. Additionally, it considered executive responses to previous recommendations, including those related to procurement, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.

You can find more details about the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting here.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031. More details can be found here.
• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 26 January 2026, to discuss the draft Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025 and strategies for healthy weight in childhood. Details of the meeting can be found here.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to review its work programme and discuss traffic and network management. Details are available here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Monday 02 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 04 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Planning Committee will meet on Thursday 05 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Monday 09 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The County Council will meet on Thursday 12 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

School Budgets and High Needs Funding Take Centre Stage Amidst Financial Pressures

The Schools Forum met on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to discuss critical issues affecting the financial health of Staffordshire's schools. With ongoing financial pressures, the allocation of funding for high needs places and the overall school budget were key discussion points. You can find more details about the meeting here.

• School Budgets Update: The forum received an update on the financial position of schools across Staffordshire. This discussion was vital for understanding the current economic landscape for educational institutions and identifying any emerging challenges. The report, School Forum - Schools Budgets Update 22-01-26, aimed to provide clarity on the financial data impacting schools.
• High Needs Block Funding: A significant focus was placed on the allocation of funding for high needs places. This funding is crucial for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who require additional resources. The HNB Schools Forum Report January 2026 detailed how this essential funding is being distributed and considered future allocation strategies. Decisions in this area directly impact the support available for some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.
• National Offer Day and Late Decisions: The forum also reviewed the outcomes of the recent school admissions round, including National Offer Day (NOC) and Late Decisions (LDs). This discussion, informed by the NOCs and LDs January 2026 document, is important for ensuring fair and equitable access to education for all children.

Cabinet Approves Domestic Abuse Strategy and New Equality Objective

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, making key decisions on community safety and equality. The meeting saw the approval of a new strategy to combat domestic abuse and a commitment to fostering equal opportunities within the council. You can read the full summary of the Cabinet meeting here.

Staffordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2029 Approved

Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, presented the Staffordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2029. This comprehensive strategy aims to place victims and their families at the heart of all efforts, focusing on prevention, perpetrator accountability, and improved outcomes.

• The strategy aligns with the council's commitment to community safety and resilience.
• It seeks to enhance cooperation across Staffordshire's systems and hold partners accountable for shared outcomes.
• Councillor Screen emphasised the importance of reliable data and strengthened collaboration between the police, social care, and commissioned providers.
• The progress of the strategy will be monitored through clear action plans and performance measures, overseen by a dedicated staff and domestic abuse partnership board.

This strategy is a crucial step in ensuring that all residents feel safe, supported, and empowered within their communities.

Public Sector Equality Duty: New Objective Adopted

The Cabinet also agreed to a new equality objective for Staffordshire County Council, as part of its commitment to the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).¹

• The new objective, effective from January 2026, is: to ensure that Staffordshire County Council is a place where equal opportunities exist for all employees, regardless of their circumstances.
• This objective will be measured through workforce equality data, the gender pay gap, and completed Community Impact Assessments (CIAs) for new strategies, policies, and services.
• Councillor Lodge stressed that equality should be embedded throughout the organisation, from management to staff training.

This commitment to equality is vital for creating a fair and inclusive workplace and ensuring that council services are delivered equitably.

Disagreement Over Return-to-Home Interviews for Children

A point of contention arose during the discussion of a delegated decision regarding the cessation of locally funded return-to-home interviews for children placed in Staffordshire from other local authorities. Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, formally recorded his disagreement, stating that he do not support this delegated decision. He expressed concerns that ceasing these interviews carries avoidable safeguarding risks, as they provide valuable local intelligence on exploitation and contextual harm for children who go missing within Staffordshire's communities.

Bernie Brown, in the absence of the Cabinet Member for Children's Services, contested the suggestion of safeguarding risks, clarifying that the statutory safeguarding duty for these children lies with their originating authorities. The decision was made to divert resources to safeguarding Staffordshire's own children placed outside the county. While the decision was noted and passed forward, Councillor Screen's concerns highlight the complex balancing act between resource allocation and the paramount duty of safeguarding vulnerable children.

Other Matters

• The Annual Business Rates Consultation Meeting was scheduled to discuss proposals for the upcoming financial year, including potential changes to business rates and an update on the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy. Details are available here.
• The Property Sub-Committee met briefly, with the majority of its agenda items excluded from public view due to the likely disclosure of exempt information. You can find more information here.
• The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider the annual report of the Staffordshire SACRE² and review the council's Community Safety Strategy. Details of the meeting can be found here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Monday 02 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 04 February 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Children in Care Face Uncertain Future as Funding for Crucial Support is Re-evaluated

A contentious decision regarding funding for return home interviews for children in the care of other local authorities (CICOLA) has sparked significant debate. The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday to examine a cabinet member's decision to cease funding for these non-statutory, yet vital, safeguarding measures. The core of the issue lies in whether cutting this funding, intended to redirect resources to Staffordshire's own children placed out of county, will compromise the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

Councillor Humpherson, who called in the decision, argued forcefully that ceasing these interviews presents significant safeguarding operational and governance risks. He highlighted that these children live in Staffordshire communities, attend local schools, and go missing within the county. Removing these interviews, he stated, reduces our visibility of risk, weakens multi-agency intelligence, and undermines our ability to meet statutory safeguarding duties. The concern is that this move could weaken the ability to identify exploitation and coercion, particularly for children who are already in a vulnerable situation.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Lakin, defended the decision, stating that the report was misguided and misinformed. He argued that the funding for return home interviews is not being cut, but rather reallocated to ensure Staffordshire children placed outside the county receive necessary support. He also pointed out that the intelligence gathered from these interviews is not always shared with Staffordshire Council under the current system. However, Councillor Farrell raised concerns about the transparency of data and suggested the decision should go back to Cabinet for a full review, stating, I do think this is important, because clearly it's an emotive issue that people care about very strongly, that this goes back to Cabinet for a full Cabinet decision.

The committee ultimately voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet member, with a recommendation for further scrutiny. This decision underscores the delicate balance between financial management and the paramount duty to safeguard children. The potential outcomes could range from improved resource allocation for Staffordshire's own children in care to a dangerous gap in safeguarding for vulnerable children placed within the county.

You can read the full transcript of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting here.

Council Approves Balanced Budget with Lower-Than-Expected Council Tax Rise

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031. Despite significant financial challenges, including rising inflation and increasing demand for services, the council has managed to deliver a balanced budget. This is a notable achievement, especially when compared to the financial difficulties faced by many other local authorities.

• Key Financials: The council has announced a council tax rise of 3.99%, which is lower than the maximum level anticipated by the government and lower than previous years' increases. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on residents while still ensuring essential services are maintained.
• Investment Priorities: The MTFS includes significant investments in key areas:
  • An additional £15 million over two years for highways, aimed at tackling the backlog of repairs and improving road infrastructure.
  • £3 million, rising to £5.5 million, for children and families services, which will fund up to 120 additional frontline staff. This investment is crucial for supporting vulnerable children, including those in care, and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Addressing Challenges: The strategy acknowledges the pressures of increasing demand for social care, rising inflation, and changes to government funding. The council has identified £21.7 million in savings to help balance the budget, ensuring that the council tax increase covers less than half of the required additional funding.
• Commitment to Services: Despite the financial constraints, the council has pledged to protect all frontline services and is actively investing in priorities such as children's services, education, and infrastructure. Councillor Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, highlighted the commitment to cleaner streets not just in terms of tidiness but also in fostering a sense of safety.

This balanced budget demonstrates the council's commitment to financial prudence while prioritising the needs of its residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

You can find more details on the Cabinet meeting and the MTFS here.

Footpath Diversions Approved Amidst Local Concerns

The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday to consider several proposals for the diversion of public footpaths. While these decisions are often procedural, they can have a direct impact on local access and the character of rural areas.

• Keele Parish: A proposal to divert Public Footpath No. 6 was approved. The path will be moved away from the farmhouse and residential buildings, a move supported by the landowner for privacy and security reasons. While there were some objections from a neighbouring landowner and concerns from the parish council regarding gate widths, the panel was satisfied that the new route would be accessible and not significantly less convenient.
• Ellastone Parish: A similar diversion for Public Footpath No. 10 was also approved. The existing path runs close to the residential curtilage of Duncombe House, which is undergoing renovations. The new route will run through an open field. Objections were raised regarding views of ruins and the owners' social media presence, but the panel concluded that the diversion was necessary for security and privacy.
• Denstone Parish: The panel approved the diversion of Public Footpath No. 15. This diversion regularises a situation that has physically existed for many years, moving the path out of the residential curtilage. While there was an objection from the Peak and Northern Footpath Society regarding the width of a section of the path, this was addressed through agreement to install a gate and the path's long-standing acceptance by local users.
• Burton: Temporary and permanent diversions for Public Footpath No. 10 at Willington Quarry were approved. These diversions are necessary to allow for quarrying operations and subsequent site restoration, which will include the creation of ponds. While there was an objection from the Open Spaces Society regarding the path's link to other public rights-of-way, the panel found this objection to be factually incorrect and noted that the proposed new route will offer a pleasant walk around the restored quarry area.

These decisions highlight how the council manages public rights of way, balancing the needs of landowners and developers with the public's right to access the countryside.

You can review the decisions made by the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel here.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet met on Wednesday to discuss the Staffordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2029, aiming to outline the council's approach to tackling domestic abuse. They also reviewed the Public Sector Equality Duty and the Delegated Decision Schedule. More details can be found here.
• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday to consider the council's Strategic Direction 2026-2028, the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026-2031, and the Half Yearly Treasury Management Report. You can read more here.
• The Annual Business Rates Consultation Meeting took place on Thursday, focusing on proposals for business rates relief schemes and the council's overall strategy for supporting local businesses. Details are available here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 26 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Property Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 22 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 28 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 29 January 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Care Home Commissioning Changes Could Limit Choice for Vulnerable Adults

The Staffordshire Council cabinet is scheduled to discuss significant changes to how the council commissions care home placements for adults aged 65 and over. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. These changes could have a direct impact on the choices available to vulnerable adults needing care.

• The council is proposing changes to its pricing strategy for care home placements.
• The council is also proposing changes to its choice policy and top-up policy.
• A 'top-up fee' is a payment made by a third party (usually a family member) to cover the difference between the amount the council is willing to pay for care and the actual cost of the care home.
• The council consulted on these proposed changes, and a summary of the consultation responses is included in the report pack.
• These changes could limit the choices available to individuals and families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay top-up fees.
• The changes could also affect the quality of care provided in care homes, as providers may be forced to cut costs to meet the council's pricing strategy.

Council to Decide on Environmental Strategy Amid Climate Concerns

The Staffordshire Council cabinet is scheduled to discuss the council's environmental strategy. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday. With increasing concerns about climate change and its impact on local communities, the council's approach to environmental issues is under scrutiny.

• The Environmental Strategy document outlines the council's approach to environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and waste management.
• The Appendix 1 - Environment Strategy document provides more detail on the proposed actions and targets.
• The Appendix 2 - Environmental Strategy Overview and Scrutiny Report contains a report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the strategy.
• The council's previous environmental policies have been criticised by environmental groups for not being ambitious enough.
• The council has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050, but critics argue that the current strategy does not go far enough to achieve this goal.
• The council's environmental strategy will have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents, as well as the long-term sustainability of the county.

Pensions Committee to Discuss Investment Strategy Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Pensions Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss the Staffordshire Pension Fund's investment strategy. The meeting is scheduled for Friday. With ongoing economic uncertainty and market volatility, the committee's decisions about how to invest the fund's assets are crucial for ensuring the financial security of current and future pensioners.

• The committee will be presented with a draft Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) for the Staffordshire Pension Fund.
• The FSS is a document that sets out how the council plans to meet its pension obligations to its employees.
• The committee will also discuss the results of an audit of the Staffordshire Pension Fund.
• The committee will receive a presentation on the CEM Investment Benchmarking Results 2024 25.
• The council's pension fund has faced criticism in the past for its investments in fossil fuels.
• The committee's decisions about investment strategy will have a direct impact on the financial security of thousands of Staffordshire residents.

Other Matters

• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Property Sub-Committee is scheduled to discuss the proposed acquisition of land at Fradley South for development, and a review of the council's property investment strategy. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
• The Pensions Board is scheduled receive an update on compliance with The Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice. The meeting is scheduled for Friday.