This week in Staffordshire:

Council Constitution Overhauled: New Rules for Conduct and Dress Adopted

Staffordshire County Council has approved significant changes to its constitution, aiming to improve the conduct of meetings and uphold professional standards. The County Council meeting on Thursday, 16 July 2026, saw the adoption of new Procedural Standing Orders, a Councillor Dress Code, and a revised approach to appointing Vice-Chairpersons for Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

Stricter Meeting Conduct and Dress Code

The council has empowered its Chairman with greater authority to manage disruptive behaviour during meetings. Amendments to Procedural Standing Order 14.10 will allow the Chairman to ask members to desist from disruptive conduct, including mobile phone use, and potentially retire from the meeting. This aims to ensure that all councillors can participate in debates without undue disruption.

Furthermore, Procedural Standing Order 14.26 has been amended to allow members to request their voting position be recorded in the minutes for non-named votes, enhancing transparency. Procedural Standing Order 8.2 has also been clarified to ensure questions posed to statutory officers receive a written response within five working days.

A new Councillor Dress Code has been adopted, outlining expectations for smart casual attire at council meetings and civic events. While allowing for reasonable adjustments for health, disability, religious, or cultural reasons, unacceptable attire will include sportswear and political messaging. The aim is to maintain public confidence and the dignity of the council. Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, stated that the changes were necessary due to enforced politicisation in previous meetings, and that the new code is just to show respect for all.

Efficiency Savings in Overview and Scrutiny

In an effort to streamline operations and achieve efficiency savings, the council has agreed to reduce the number of vice-chairpersons for each Overview and Scrutiny Committee to one. This change is projected to result in an annual saving of £12,344.48.

Read the full details of the County Council meeting here.

Local Government Reorganisation Confirmed: Staffordshire to Split into Two Unitary Authorities

In a move that has generated significant debate and concern, the government has confirmed plans for the local government reorganisation (LGR) in Staffordshire. The county will be split into two unitary authorities: North Staffordshire, comprising Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stoke-on-Trent; and South Staffordshire, encompassing East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock, and Stafford.

The announcement, made just hours before Parliament's summer recess, was met with disappointment by many councillors who argued it lacked democratic mandate and would negatively impact residents and services. Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the opposition but stated the council's duty to deliver the changes with minimal damage. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for collaboration to ensure the best possible outcome for Staffordshire.

The new North Staffordshire authority will have a population of 487,000 and 84 councillors, while the South Staffordshire authority will have 674,000 residents and 92 councillors. The estimated cost of desegregation is £7.5 million in the first year, with predicted reoccurring benefits of £21.3 million annually. However, concerns remain about the long-term financial implications and the potential for a continued two-tier system with a strategic authority yet to be defined.

The council has committed to working collaboratively with district and borough councils to manage this transition, with a scrutiny meeting planned for 28 July 2026 to delve deeper into the details.

Find out more about the County Council's discussions on Local Government Reorganisation here.

Highways Investment Continues: Focus on Proactive Repairs and Innovative Solutions

Staffordshire's commitment to improving its road network remains a priority, with the council continuing its investment in highway maintenance. The County Council meeting on Thursday, 16 July 2026, heard updates on the Staffordshire Highways Roadmap to a Better Network. This initiative aims to shift from reactive, short-term fixes to proactive, preventative treatments.

Pothole Blitz and Investment

The council reported completing over 12,600 highway defect repairs in the first quarter of 2026/27, a 35% increase compared to the average of the previous three years. This is part of a £15 million investment over two years to tackle the backlog of lower-level defects. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, highlighted the proactive approach, stating, We're being proactive, not reactive. And we're working efficiently and we're bringing work packages together in a whole load of exercise to try and make sure the money hits the tarmac and it doesn't stay in here in administration costs.

Addressing Temporary Repairs and Innovation

While acknowledging the necessity of temporary repairs for immediate fixes, the council is actively exploring ways to move towards one-visit permanent repairs. This includes investigating innovative methods and materials to ensure repairs are lasting. Councillor Mason confirmed that the policy remains for temporary repairs to be made permanent, but the council is working with the officers and we've been looking at ways to move away from using temporary repairs other than where they're absolutely necessary.

Concerns were raised by some councillors about the quality and longevity of temporary repairs, with residents reporting ongoing issues. The council assured that the £15 million investment is additional funding and does not affect major works funding.

Read more about the Highways Roadmap discussions here.

Other Matters

• Puberty Blockers and Gender Identity: The council debated and agreed a motion expressing concern about the PATHWAYS clinical trial into puberty-blocking hormones for children with gender incongruence. The motion reaffirmed the council's commitment to corporate parenting responsibilities, safeguarding, and the welfare of children, stating that due consideration would be given to the potential implications of the trial.
• Community Fund Success: The 2025 Community Fund report was received, detailing the allocation of £144,211 to 234 groups, which generated over £800,000 in project value. This highlights the significant impact of local funding on community initiatives.

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 20 July 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 23 July 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 28 July 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday 17 July 2026. Here is a link to the meeting page.

Upcoming meetings in the next 7 days are listed below. These are included to help you inform readers about what is coming up.

------ MEETING DATA ------ Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee Tuesday 21 July 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/121245 FUTURE false 2026-07-18T05:34:15+01:00

Carly Trusler

Catherine Mann

Jon Pendleton (Reform UK)

Darryl Eyers

Adam Griffiths (Reform UK)

Thomas Baker (Reform UK)

Gary Bentley (Reform UK)

Andrew Clissett (Reform UK)

Paul Jones (Reform UK)

Rhys Machin (Reform UK)

James Hodges (Reform UK)

Richard Rea

Simon Tagg (Shadow Portfolio Holder for Strategic Highways) (Conservative)

Conor Wileman (Shadow Portfolio Holder for Connectivity) (Conservative)

------ END OF MEETING DATA ------

------ MEETING DATA ------ Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee Monday 20 July 2026 00:00 http://opencouncil.network/meetings/121247 FUTURE false 2026-07-17T22:19:11+01:00

Mike Broom (Reform UK)

Tracey Dougherty (Reform UK)

Ann Edgeller

Colin Greatorex (Shadow Portfolio Holder for Health and Care) (Conservative)

Catherine Brown (Conservative)

Adam Griffiths (Reform UK)

Antonia Orlandi-Fantini (Reform UK)

Neil Parton (Reform UK)

Natalie Statham

Matthew Wallens (Reform UK)

Helen Adams

Jill Hood (Stafford Borough Independents)

Wayne Luca (Reform UK)

Rhys Mandry (Reform UK)

Carl Boulton (Cannock Chase District Council representative)

Scott Stevenson

David Bassett

Lyn Swindlehurst

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 5-year Commissioning Plan

A significant item on the agenda is the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 5-year Commissioning Plan, which is designed to underpin the delivery of the NHS 10-Year Plan. This plan outlines how national NHS priorities will be implemented locally across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. It focuses on five key shifts: moving care from hospitals into the community, accelerating the transition to digital ways of working, strengthening the focus on prevention and population health, improving access to care, and enhancing productivity.

The plan details strategies for various service areas, including urgent and emergency care, elective and diagnostic services, cancer services, mental health services, and children and young people's services. It also addresses the need for a sustainable financial approach, workforce development, and system-wide enablers such as digital and data capability. The report highlights potential risks to delivery, including workforce capacity and capability, financial pressures, digital readiness, system flow, partnership complexity, and estate constraints. The committee is asked to note the content and implications of this plan.

2025/26 Winter Lessons Learnt

The committee is also scheduled to review the findings from the 2025/26 winter system review, following a lessons learned event held in May 2026. The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (SSoT ICB) adopted a system-wide, partnership-based approach to winter resilience. The review identified that winter 2025/26 was characterised by sustained and prolonged system pressures across urgent and emergency care, acute services, and community pathways.

Key performance metrics such as ambulance response times, handover delays, emergency department activity, and bed occupancy levels are to be discussed. The review also highlighted themes for future planning, including discharge safety as a whole-system responsibility, the impact of sustained pressure on the workforce, and the increased risk to safety culture in high-pressure environments. The committee is asked to note these findings and support the proposed priorities and strategic direction for winter planning in 2026/27.

Work Programme

The committee will also consider its Work Programme for 2026-27. The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee's remit includes scrutinising health services, public health, and social care, as well as the council's work to support healthy, safe, and independent lives. The committee focuses on tangible outcomes for Staffordshire residents and can make recommendations to NHS organisations, the County Council, and other bodies. The report indicates that there is no update to the Work Programme since the previous meeting on 15 June 2026, and the committee is asked to approve the existing programme.

The committee's membership includes Councillor Antonia Orlandi-Fantini (Chairperson) and Rhys Mandry (Vice-Chairperson (Scrutiny)), alongside other councillors and co-optees such as David Bassett from Healthwatch. The meeting is scheduled to take place in the Oak Room at County Buildings, Stafford.

This week in Staffordshire:

Schools Face a £40.8 Million Budget Black Hole: High Needs Block Overspend Threatens Services

Staffordshire's schools are grappling with a staggering £40.8 million overspend for the 2025-2026 financial year, a crisis largely driven by a £43.6 million deficit in the High Needs Block. This alarming figure means the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reserve is now in deficit by a colossal £94.4 million, a stark increase from £53.6 million at the start of the year. The Schools Forum, meeting on Thursday, 9 July 2026, heard that rising costs and demand, particularly for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), are outstripping government funding.

SEND Reform: A Glimmer of Hope?

The situation is dire, with over 1,600 new EHCPs issued in the last 12 months alone, bringing the total to approximately 11,000. This surge is placing immense pressure on the High Needs Block, with a forecast overspend of £78 million for 2026-2027. To address this, Staffordshire County Council has submitted a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Plan to the Department for Education (DfE). Halit Hulusi, Head of SEND, explained that the plan focuses on four key areas: strengthening inclusion in mainstream settings, improving access to specialist support, enhancing leadership and partnerships, and fostering inclusive cultures. If approved, this plan could make the council eligible for the central government's High Needs Stability Grant, potentially wiping out up to 90% of the council's outstanding DSG deficit.

However, the financial reality remains stark. Sarah Bamber, Senior Finance Business Partner, confirmed that even with potential grant funding, ongoing deficits will still need to be managed. The council is also continuing its move towards an Education Banding Tool (EBT) to manage funding for special schools.

Budget Pressures and School Reserves

The £40.8 million overspend has been partially offset by savings in other areas, including a £2.2 million underspend on the growth and falling rolls fund, which has been diverted to help manage the DSG deficit. The Early Years budget also saw a small overspend of £0.2 million due to increased demand. While maintained schools collectively hold £15.6 million in reserves, this figure has decreased overall due to schools converting to academies. Seventeen schools are currently operating with licensed deficits totalling £5.6 million, which are being covered by their own balances.

Steve Barr, Vice-Chairperson of the Schools Forum, acknowledged the immense work being done on the SEND reform plan but stressed that Staffordshire's financial predicament is a national issue, not a result of local mismanagement. The forum also discussed the allocation of Growth and Falling Roll Funds for 2026-27, with funding confirmed for infant class size legislation, exceptional basic need growth, new free schools, and schools experiencing significant declines in pupil numbers.

Find out more about the Schools Forum meeting here.

Audit Committee Confronts Disclaimed Opinions and Seeks to Rebuild Assurance

The Audit and Standards Committee met on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, facing the ongoing challenge of disclaimed audit opinions and the critical task of rebuilding assurance over the council's financial statements. KPMG presented their external audit plan for 2025/26, highlighting significant risks including the valuation of land and buildings, post-retirement benefit obligations, and management override of controls. The materiality for the financial statements was set at £34 million, with errors reported below £1.7 million.

The Long Road to a Clean Audit Opinion

Richard Lee, the engagement director from KPMG, was candid about the timeline, stating that the earliest a non-disclaimed opinion could be expected is 2027/28. This is largely dependent on addressing the valuation of property, plant, and equipment, and the council's reserves position. The committee heard that while progress has been made, particularly in the income and expenditure accounts, the valuation of assets remains a key area requiring significant work. The audit fees, set by the Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA), remain a point of discussion, with the council's commitment to achieving a clean opinion reiterated by management.

Health, Safety, and Governance Under the Microscope

The committee also reviewed the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Performance Annual Report for 2025/26. Key achievements included a 3% reduction in sickness absence, though it remains above the national average. Psychological ill health and musculoskeletal conditions continue to be the leading causes of absence. Incidents of violence and aggression saw a slight increase, attributed to improved reporting and challenging behaviour placements in children's residential settings. The report highlighted the extension of the Safe & Well pilot, which demonstrated a significant return on investment by reducing short-term absence.

The committee also received the Annual Report of the Audit and Standards Committee, summarising its oversight of financial reporting, audits, risk management, and governance. Despite a disclaimed opinion on the 2024/25 financial statements, an Adequate Assurance opinion was given on the council's overall control environment for 2024/25. However, compliance reviews, particularly concerning maintained schools, revealed ongoing issues, with 13 out of 18 schools receiving limited assurance.

Member Conduct and Constitutional Changes

A significant increase in complaints against elected members was noted, with the majority relating to social media comments. The report detailed that 85.7% of complaints were against members of the Reform political group. The committee was also asked to endorse proposed changes to the council's constitution, including procedural standing orders and the introduction of a councillor dress code, aiming for greater clarity and consistency in council business.

Find out more about the Audit and Standards Committee meeting here.

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Awaiting Key Information

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, 6 July 2026. However, the information status for this meeting is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION, meaning that details of the discussions and any decisions made are not yet publicly available. As such, we are unable to provide a summary of its proceedings at this time.

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

This week in Staffordshire:

Major Pipeline Project Sparks Safety and Environmental Concerns

A significant new infrastructure project, the Peak Cluster pipeline, has emerged as a major point of discussion and concern for Staffordshire residents and councillors. This ambitious carbon capture project, designed to transport emissions from local cement plants like the Cauldon Cement Plant via a new pipeline across the county to the coast for storage, is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to scrutinise the proposal and the council's role as a statutory consultee. The pipeline's proposed route, which runs through areas including the Staffordshire Moorlands, has raised alarm bells for local communities.

Residents' Fears: Safety, Disruption, and Environmental Impact

Concerns voiced by local councillors representing the Staffordshire Moorlands, including Councillor Charlotte Kelly, Councillor Sonny Edwards, and Councillor Mike Broom, highlight a range of anxieties:

• Safety Risks: Residents are worried about potential pipe bursts or ruptures, and the hazardous nature of liquid CO2, which is heavier than air. There are fears that leaks could infiltrate low-lying areas, posing a threat to human and animal life, and potentially impacting emergency services' ability to respond.
• Environmental Damage: Questions have been raised about the impact on water sources, such as Rudyard Lake and Tittesworth Reservoir, and the broader environmental footprint of the project, especially given its proximity to the Peak District National Park.
• Disruption and Land Impact: The construction phase is expected to cause significant disruption through noise and traffic. Landowners are concerned about potential crop damage and devaluation of their properties. The lack of a precisely defined pipeline route has added to the uncertainty.
• Long-Term Legacy: A key question is the long-term impact of burying CO2 underground and what legacy this will leave for future generations.

Councillor Thomas Baker highlighted the potential for hazardous leaks of liquid CO2, noting that CO2 is heavier than air, so there's an underlying, there's a low-lying risk that the CO2 will infiltrate a valley. This could be damaging, possibly life-threatening to cattle, human beings.

Council's Role and Governance

While the final decision on NSIPs rests with the government, Staffordshire County Council plays a critical role as a statutory consultee. Mark Parkinson, Head of Planning Policy and Enabling, explained that the council's internal governance arrangements for responding to consultations are being developed. A pipeline consultation response group (PCRG) will coordinate activity, ensuring members are kept informed and that the council's formal advice to the applicant and the planning inspectorate is robust.

The committee resolved to note the changes to the NSIP planning regime, the geographical areas affected, and the proposed governance arrangements for the council's response. Crucially, the committee recommended that the Peak Cluster pipeline proposal be debated at a full council meeting, underscoring the significant public interest and concern surrounding this project.

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

Archives Service Looks to the Future with Digital Strategy and Financial Prudence

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee met on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, to review the past year's achievements and chart a course for the future of the archive services. Discussions centred on the annual report, financial outturns, and a forward-looking digital engagement strategy.

Annual Report Highlights Growth and Engagement

The annual report for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (Joint) Archive Service and Staffordshire Archive and Heritage Service for April 2025 to March 2026 showcased significant progress. Key highlights included:

• Growth in the Staffordshire History Network: Demonstrating increased collaboration and reach.
• Increased Personal Visits: Indicating a renewed public interest in accessing physical archives.
• Launch of a Formal Learning Offer: Providing educational opportunities for schools.
• Successful Exhibitions: Engaging wider audiences with historical collections.

Performance indicators met or exceeded targets, with notable improvements in volunteer hours and both digital and physical engagement. The report also detailed progress in collections care, including the acquisition of new items and efforts to stabilise environmental conditions in new strongrooms.

Financial Stability and Digital Ambitions

The committee reviewed the financial outturn for the Joint Archive Service, projecting a break-even position for both 2025-26 and 2026-27. Significant reserves totalling £0.643 million are held by the partnership. A key focus for the future is the Digital Engagement Strategy, with a reviewed policy and a new plan for 2026-2028. This strategy aims to build on the service's established online presence, focusing on:

• Continuous Improvement of the Service Website: Enhancing functionality and user experience.
• Tailored Training for Content Creators: Ensuring high-quality digital output.
• Development of a New Social Media Content Plan: Expanding reach and engagement.
• Ongoing Review and Monitoring: Adapting to evolving digital trends.

The strategy acknowledges the power of digital engagement for reaching audiences and marketing the service, while also recognising the need to address potential barriers to online participation.

The committee also reviewed proposed fees and charges for archive services, with proposed increases for research and reproduction services. A minor amendment to the Loans Policy for the Staffordshire History Centre was also considered, addressing security concerns for high-value items.

You can find more details about the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee meeting here.

Pension Fund Prepares for Regulatory Changes and Manages Risks

The Pensions Committee and the Pensions Board both met on Friday, 26 June 2026, to address the ongoing management and future direction of the Staffordshire Pension Fund. Key discussions revolved around audit plans, financial outturns, significant regulatory updates, and risk management.

Audit and Financial Performance

The Pensions Committee reviewed the audit plan for the Staffordshire Pension Fund accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026, prepared by external auditors KPMG. They also examined the outturn position of the Fund's Business Plan for 2025/26, noting good progress in several areas, although some development activities were carried forward due to ongoing challenges with the McCloud Pensions Remedy and the National Pensions Dashboard Programme. The committee was informed that all outstanding external audits for prior years had been concluded.

Adapting to the Pensions Schemes Act 2026

A significant focus for both committees was the Pensions Schemes Act 2026, which received Royal Assent in April 2026. This Act introduces Fit for the Future reforms for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Key changes include:

• LGPS Central as Principal Adviser: From 1 April 2026, LGPS Central acts as the Fund's 'Principal Adviser' with a Fiduciary Management Agreement and Power of Attorney over investments.
• New Roles and Responsibilities: The framework for Partner Funds and Asset Pools has been detailed, with secondary regulations due to come into force.
• Investment Strategy Statement: A key milestone requiring publication.

The Pensions Board also received updates on regulatory changes, including the Access and Fairness consultation, which has led to survivor pension equalisation and the removal of age caps on death grants. Changes related to the gender pensions gap and new arrangements for elected members joining the LGPS were also discussed.

Risk Management and Communication

Both committees reviewed the Staffordshire Pension Fund's Risk Register and Risk Management Policy. The register details high-level and emerging risks across Governance, Funding, Administration, and Investment. The Pensions Board noted that the Local Pension Board had no concerns regarding the Fund's management, stating it is managed effectively and in the best interests of its members and employers.

The Pensions Committee also reviewed the Fund's Communications Policy Statement, outlining its approach to engaging with stakeholders, including scheme members, employers, and elected officials.

You can find more details about the Pensions Committee meeting here. You can find more details about the Pensions Board meeting here.

Other Matters

• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE): This council met on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Discussions included updates on religious education in Staffordshire schools, national developments, and an analysis of recent GCSE and A-level results. The council also reviewed its budget and development plan. You can find more details about the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meeting here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Health Services Under Scrutiny: Integrated Care Plans and Patient Complaints Take Centre Stage

The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened on Monday, 15 June 2026, to delve into the five-year strategic and operational plans of key healthcare organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The meeting provided a detailed look at how major NHS trusts and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) are planning to meet rising demand, tackle workforce pressures, and improve patient care, while also addressing a significant number of formal complaints.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB: A Five-Year Vision for Neighbourhood Care

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) presented its ambitious five-year strategic plan, focusing on a shift towards neighbourhood-based models of care. The core aim is to enable residents to receive care closer to home, with prevention being a central theme. This transformation will span mental health, learning disabilities, children's services, women's health, elective care, cancer, and diagnostics. The plan also includes modernising primary care in preparation for the delegation of dentistry and optical services in 2027, and driving system productivity through value-based commissioning, which links payments to specific outcomes rather than service provision.

Financially, the ICB aims for an underlying breakeven by 2030/31, having already achieved breakeven in the previous year. However, risks to delivery include reduced ICB workforce capacity. A significant concern raised was the 834 formal complaints received between April 2025 and March 2026. The primary themes included delays and dissatisfaction with outcomes in All Age Continuing Care, and cancellations of surgical procedures at private hospitals. The committee requested further information on unresolved complaints and the process for dealing with complaints related to provider services.

University Hospitals North Midlands (UHNM): Robotics, Diagnostics, and Financial Recovery

UHNM presented its Integrated Delivery Plan, aligning with the national NHS 10-Year Plan's shifts from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. Key developments include the opening of a Community Diagnostic Centre in Hanley, the redevelopment of the Breast Care Unit at County Hospital, and progress on an Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Stoke. The Trust aims to achieve financial break-even within three years without national support funding. A significant investment of £12 million has been secured to expand its robotic surgery programme, which has already boosted productivity by 20% and saved an estimated 3,000 bed days.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the Community Diagnostic Centre on waiting times, with an update promised later in the year. The committee also inquired about Burntwood Health Centre, which is commissioned through the ICB. The plan includes a major programme of outpatient reconfiguration and investment in digital systems, including expanding the use of the NHS App.

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust (NSCHT): Neighbourhood Mental Health and Tackling Waits

NSCHT's Five-Year Integrated Delivery Plan focuses on prevention and early intervention, neighbourhood-based care, and digital transformation. Immediate priorities include improving access and flow, addressing long waits for children and young people, maintaining financial sustainability, and ensuring the safe implementation of the new electronic patient record system, ORBIS U. The Trust is working to reduce out-of-area placements, particularly for mental health rehabilitation, with a noted downward trajectory. The plan aims to establish Neighbourhood Mental Health Centres by 2028/29.

The committee discussed the impact of workforce reductions on frontline staff and the challenges of mental health waiting lists, especially for children and young people. The Trust highlighted its commitment to working with voluntary and community sector organisations and the importance of co-production.

Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT): Community-Led Transformation and Staff Wellbeing

MPFT's Five-Year Integrated Delivery Plan addresses rising demand, workforce pressures, and financial challenges, with a focus on neighbourhood-led transformation, strengthening primary and community care, and enhancing mental health leadership. Key priorities include reducing inappropriate out-of-area placements, tackling long waits for children's services, and developing 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres.

The committee discussed challenges with hospital discharge processes and planning for out-of-area beds. MPFT highlighted its commitment to staff wellbeing and its strong performance in staff experience surveys. The plan also outlines a focus on population health management and collaborative work with local authorities and the voluntary sector.

The committee requested further information and briefings on out-of-area placements, talking therapies, and the complaints process for the ICB and provider trusts.

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

Cabinet Approves Crisis Resilience Fund and Finalises 2025/26 Finances

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, making key decisions on financial matters and support for vulnerable residents.

Crisis Resilience Fund: £8.5 Million for Immediate Support

Cabinet approved the acceptance of the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF) grant, totalling nearly £8.5 million for 2026-27. This national scheme replaces the Household Support Fund and aims to provide short-term financial assistance for essentials like food and fuel bills, with a greater emphasis on financial resilience and early intervention. The fund will be distributed through established arrangements, ensuring continuity of support for those facing immediate financial hardship. Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, highlighted the importance of phased distribution to ensure funds remain available through winter.

Strong Financial Performance for 2025/26

Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, reported a positive final financial outturn for the 2025-26 financial year. The council successfully managed a £753 million budget, achieving a small surplus of £6.696 million. This underspend is attributed to strong financial management and efficient programmes, despite rising costs. Significant investments were made in adult social care (£330 million), children's services (£223 million), highways (£74 million), and school buildings (£29 million). Cabinet approved the noting of this financial position, contributions to reserves, the establishment of an earmarked reserve for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) costs, and capital financing arrangements, including borrowing of £2.451 million.

Skills for Growth Plan and Community Learning Agreements Approved

The Skills for Growth Plan was approved, aiming to secure £150 million in investment for skills, training, and employment support across Staffordshire. With £40 million already secured, the plan focuses on getting residents working, inspiring careers, promoting lifelong learning, and developing the necessary learning infrastructure. Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, emphasised that this is not just a skills strategy but an economic growth strategy, crucial for attracting investment and creating high-skilled jobs.

Additionally, the Community Learning Accountability Agreement for 2026-27 was approved. This agreement underpins vital work in building confidence, creating opportunities, and promoting employability and independence for residents. The service engaged over 3,000 adults in the last academic year, delivering over 300 courses and supporting learners in areas such as well-being, digital skills, and employability. The Multiply programme alone engaged over 2,700 residents in numeracy learning.

SEND Reform Plan Submitted to Government

The Staffordshire SEND Reform Plan, developed in response to the government's Every child achieving and thriving strategy, was approved for submission to the Department for Education and NHS England. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, stressed the importance of proper funding for these reforms, highlighting that Staffordshire is one of the lowest-funded authorities for education and SEND. The plan focuses on strengthening inclusion, improving early identification, and supporting children in mainstream education.

You can find more details about the Cabinet meeting here.

Property Matters: School Transfers and Site Acquisitions Finalised

The Property Sub-Committee met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to finalise property transactions related to St Modwen's Roman Catholic Primary School.

St Modwen's School: Freehold Transfers and Lease Agreements

The committee approved the freehold transfer of school buildings and hardstanding at the Tutbury Road site to Birmingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered. A 125-year academy lease for the playing fields at the same site was granted to St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. In a related transaction, the council acquired the freehold interest of the former St Modwen's school buildings and hardstanding at the Belvoir Road site from the Birmingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered. These transactions, conducted in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, involved no financial consideration. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, sought and received assurances regarding the safeguarding of the playing fields, confirming they would remain council property, leased for school use, and securely fenced.

You can find more details about the Property Sub-Committee meeting here.

Other Matters

• Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee Cancelled: The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 16 June 2026, was cancelled.