This week in Staffordshire:

Council Constitution Under Review: Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

The Staffordshire County Council Constitution Committee met on Friday, 28 August 2026, to conduct a thorough review of the council's foundational governing document. The Constitution sets out the rules and procedures that guide how Staffordshire County Council operates, makes decisions, and engages with its residents. This comprehensive review is crucial for ensuring that the council acts transparently, accountably, and efficiently in all its dealings.

The meeting's agenda was dedicated to examining various aspects of the Constitution, as detailed in the Agenda frontsheet 28th-Aug-2026 Staffordshire County Council Constitution and the accompanying Public reports pack 28th-Aug-2026 Staffordshire County Council Constitution. These documents cover how the council functions, the rights of its members and citizens, and the procedures for its various committees and officers.

Key areas discussed included:

How the Council Works and Makes Decisions

The review focused on the fundamental principles of how Staffordshire County Council operates. This included clarifying the rights of County Councillors, officers, and citizens, and detailing the processes by which decisions are made. The discussions emphasised the importance of considering all relevant factors, evaluating alternatives, and ensuring decisions are proportionate, consultative, and respect human rights and equalities. A presumption in favour of openness and the provision of clear reasons for decisions were also highlighted as core principles. These principles are vital for building public trust and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the community.

The Constitution's Role and Purpose

A significant part of the agenda was dedicated to understanding the Constitution's role and purpose. This included how it is interpreted, reviewed, and potentially suspended. The Constitution acts as the bedrock of the council's governance, ensuring that its operations are fair, open, and that residents can hold it to account.

Members, Citizens, and Council Structures

The meeting also covered the composition and responsibilities of County Councillors, including their Code of Conduct and the Members' Allowances Scheme. The rights of citizens, such as their right to vote, access information, and use the complaints and petitions schemes, were also examined. Furthermore, the structure and functions of key decision-making bodies like the Full Council, the Cabinet, and various committees were reviewed. This ensures that the mechanisms for making and scrutinising decisions are robust and serve the public effectively.

Officers and Financial Regulations

The roles and responsibilities of council officers, as well as the council's Financial and Procurement Regulations, were also on the agenda. These regulations are critical for the responsible management of public funds and ensuring that the council procures goods and services in a fair and efficient manner, delivering value for money for taxpayers.

The comprehensive review of the Constitution is a vital process that underpins the council's commitment to good governance and public service.

Read the full details of the Staffordshire County Council Constitution Committee meeting here.

Other Matters

• Staffordshire County Council Constitution: A meeting was held on Friday, 28 August 2026, to discuss the Staffordshire County Council Constitution. No video of the meeting was provided.

This week in Staffordshire:

Footpath Diversions and Rights of Way: Balancing Access and Private Property

The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday, 14 August 2026, to consider several proposals affecting public footpaths and rights of way across the county. A key decision involved the proposed diversion of Public Footpath No. 29 in Pattingham and Patchell. The current route runs through a private garden, and the proposal aims to formalise an alternative, already established route. This aligns with government guidance to move public paths away from residential curtilages, aiming to improve clarity and safety for both residents and path users.

An objection was raised by the owner of Patchville Hall, who claimed the diversion would be detrimental. However, council officers noted that the proposed diversion does not affect their land and, in fact, removes a section of the path from their ownership. The panel recommended that the order be made, allowing the objector to pursue their concerns through the statutory process.

The panel also authorised the confirmation of two definitive map modification orders. These orders will add a public footpath between Marston Lane and public right-of-way No. 8 in Hopton and Marston Parish, and a restricted byway in the parish of Gayton, Stafford Borough. Crucially, no objections were received for these orders following their publication, meaning these changes can proceed without further dispute.

Upgrading Footpaths to Byways

A significant discussion centred on the application to upgrade Public Footpath 17 in Dilhorne to a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT). Historical evidence, including the Dilhorne Inclosure Award of 1782, referred to Blakehall Road as a Public Carriage and Drift Road. Officers considered this, alongside other documentary evidence, sufficient to support the existence of public vehicular rights. The panel was asked to decide whether to make an order to upgrade Public Footpath 17 to BOAT status. However, the evidence for upgrading part of Public Footpath 8 in Dilhorne was deemed insufficient.

Adding New Footpaths

The panel also considered an application to add a public footpath between Caverswell Old Road and Trent Road in Forsbrook. Fifty-nine user evidence forms indicated long-term and regular use of the route by local residents. While a previous challenge in 1974 meant the statutory 20-year period under the Highways Act 1980 was not met, the evidence was considered sufficient to infer dedication under common law. Officers recommended accepting the application and making an order to add this right of way to the Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way.

The meeting also noted an application for the addition of a public footpath from Vicarage Close, Winshill to Wheatley Lane Recreation Ground, Burton upon Trent. This application, submitted in 1996, was found to be already recorded as part of Public Footpath No. 8, Winshill Parish, following the publication of the definitive map and statement in 2005. Therefore, no further determination was required.

Read the full details of the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel meeting here.

Staffordshire County Council Constitution: A Framework for Governance

The Staffordshire County Council Constitution Committee met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to review the council's fundamental governing document. The Constitution outlines how the council operates, the roles of its members and officers, and the procedures for decision-making and public engagement. Discussions covered the interpretation, review, and potential suspension of the Constitution, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the public.

How the Council Works

The meeting delved into the core principles of how Staffordshire County Council functions. This included the rights of councillors, officers, and citizens, and the processes guiding decision-making. Key areas of focus were the role of the Cabinet, the definition of Key Decisions, and the function of Scrutiny committees.

Roles and Responsibilities

The composition, election, and responsibilities of County Councillors were scheduled for discussion. This encompassed the Members' Code of Conduct, member-officer relations, and the Members' Allowances Scheme. The rights of citizens to participate in democratic processes, access information, and make complaints, including the council's petitions scheme, were also on the agenda.

Decision-Making Structures

The meeting was set to review the functions of the Full Council, including its role in approving the Budget and Policy Framework, and the Medium Term Financial Strategy. The executive arrangements of the Cabinet, including the appointment of the Leader and Cabinet Members, and their decision-making processes, were also to be examined. The role and procedures of Overview and Scrutiny Committees, tasked with holding the Cabinet accountable, were also on the agenda.

Officers and Procedures

The structure of the council's officer management, the roles of statutory officers, and their conduct were to be discussed. The meeting also covered the council's Procedural Standing Orders, which govern how meetings are conducted, and the Access to Information Procedure Rules, ensuring public access to council business. Financial and Procurement Regulations were also on the agenda, outlining how council funds are managed and spent.

You can find more details about the Staffordshire County Council Constitution Committee meeting here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Historic Chetwynd Bridge to be Preserved as New Bypass Opens

A significant decision was made this week to approve the construction of a new bypass bridge and the conversion of the historic Chetwynd Bridge into a pedestrian and cycle route. The Planning Committee, meeting on Thursday, 6 August 2026, voted to permit the application, a move that will alleviate long-standing traffic issues and preserve a Grade II* listed heritage asset.

The Problem: A Bridge at Breaking Point

The existing Chetwynd Bridge, built in 1824, is a vital crossing over the River Tame but can no longer cope with modern traffic demands. A 7.5-tonne weight restriction and single-lane traffic control have been in place since 2019, causing considerable disruption for local residents, businesses, and visitors. This has led to lengthy diversion routes, particularly impacting farmers and those needing to access local amenities.

The Solution: A Modern Bridge and a Heritage Legacy

The approved plan involves constructing a new, two-span bridge designed to modern standards, capable of handling current traffic volumes and even abnormal loads. This will remove the existing restrictions and improve connectivity. Crucially, the historic Chetwynd Bridge will be sensitively converted into a safe pedestrian and cycle-only route. This will create a valuable link between the National Memorial Arboretum and the Croxall Wildlife Reserve, enhancing access to these important local attractions.

The applicant, Staffordshire County Council, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that without intervention, the existing bridge could be forced to close to all traffic within 12 months due to its deteriorating condition.

Addressing Environmental and Community Concerns

The development site is located in Flood Zone 3, a high-risk area. The Environment Agency, after initial concerns, removed its objection following revised plans that demonstrate how flood risk will be managed. Conditions have been imposed to ensure compliance with approved drainage schemes and mitigation measures.

Historic England has confirmed that the proposed contemporary design of the new bridge is visually recessive and will not compete with the historic structure. The plan also includes significant on-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), exceeding the mandatory 10% requirement, which will be secured through a Conservation Covenant.

Local councils, including Alrewas Parish Council and Edingale Parish Council, supported the application, with Edingale Parish Council specifically mentioning the inconvenience caused to local farmers by the current restrictions.

The committee voted to permit the application, subject to a range of planning conditions covering construction, design, flood risk, biodiversity, and archaeology.

Read the full details of the Planning Committee meeting here.

Planning Rules Set for National Overhaul: Committees to Shrink, Officers Gain More Power

The Planning Committee also received an update on upcoming changes to national planning delegation regulations. The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, coming into effect on 31 October 2026, will necessitate amendments to Staffordshire County Council's constitution.

What This Means for Local Planning

These new regulations aim to streamline the planning process by delegating more minor and technical decisions to Planning Officers. This will allow Planning Committees to focus on more significant and strategic proposals. A key change will be the reduction in the maximum size of the Planning Committee from 15 to 13 members.

Under the new scheme, current practices such as local members calling in cases or trigger points for referral based on the number of objections will no longer be permissible. Member and Democratic Services are working on the necessary constitutional changes, which will be presented to the Audit and Standards Committee and then to Full Council. The committee noted this report, acknowledging the impending procedural shifts.

Read more about the changes to planning delegation regulations here.

Other Matters

• Countryside and Rights of Way Panel Membership: Following a change in political proportionality, revised appointments were made to the Countryside and Rights of Way Panel. Seven members were appointed to the panel.

This week in Staffordshire:

Local Government Reorganisation: A New Era Dawns for Staffordshire's Councils

The most significant development this week is the confirmation of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans for Staffordshire. The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, to receive a comprehensive update on this government-mandated process, which will see the current two-tier system replaced by two new unitary authorities.

What This Means for You

The government has decided on a north and south geographical split for Staffordshire. This means that instead of the current county council and district councils, all services will eventually be delivered by a single tier of local government in each new authority. While officers assured the committee that there will be no immediate change to day-to-day council services for residents and businesses, the transition work is already underway.

The implications are far-reaching. Elections for the new unitary councils are scheduled for May 2027, with the new authorities officially coming into being on 1 April 2028. This transition period will involve significant planning and the establishment of new governance structures, including voluntary joint committees and shadow councils. The council's leadership stressed the importance of constructive engagement to ensure the new arrangements are delivered safely and effectively, despite differing proposals having been submitted by various councils during the process.

Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the challenging timescales but emphasised the necessity of proactive work: Failure to do so can actually put people at risk, those vulnerable people, those vital services that we, local government, have to deliver.

Financial Outturn: A Mixed Picture

The committee also reviewed the final financial outturn for 2025/26, which showed a revenue underspend of £6.696 million. This is a commendable result, especially considering the pressures of rising costs for energy, materials, and wages. However, a significant portion of this underspend was attributed to the use of reserves, particularly within Children and Families services.

An underlying overspend of £4.5 million on children's placements was identified as a potential long-term structural issue. This means that while the council's overall financial position remains strong, the increasing demand and costs associated with supporting vulnerable children will require ongoing attention and will need to be factored into future financial planning. The council has approved the establishment of a new earmarked reserve to support future spending related to the Local Government Reorganisation.

Read the full details of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting here.

Integrated Performance Report: Progress Amidst Growing Demands

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee also examined the Integrated Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/27. The report indicates a positive start to the year, with 32 out of 39 delivery projects on track. Highlights include progress in expanding inclusive education, delivering health checks, strengthening skills and business support, and improving digital transport connectivity.

Children's Services Under Pressure

However, the report also shone a light on the persistent challenges within children's social care and SEND services. Rising demand, driven by both local and national pressures, continues to strain capacity and finances. The Q1 revenue forecast indicated an overspend of £19.8 million, primarily driven by increased costs in children and family services, particularly residential placements. Mitigating actions are being implemented, but the scale of the challenge remains significant, impacting the council's ability to balance its books both in the short and long term.

Treasury Management: Prudent and Profitable

In more positive financial news, the Treasury Management Report for the year ended 31 March 2026 was presented. The council maintained a prudent and low-risk approach to borrowing and investment, prioritising the security and liquidity of funds. The council repaid £30.5 million of external loans and avoided additional interest payments by utilising cash reserves. Investment returns exceeded the benchmark, achieving 4.29% against a target of 3.52%, demonstrating sensible financial management.

Find out more about the Integrated Performance Report and Treasury Management here.

Review of Outside Bodies: Streamlining Representation

The committee also undertook a review of the council's representation on outside bodies. The aim was to ensure that Staffordshire County Council's involvement remains relevant, effective, and delivers value for money. Fourteen bodies are recommended for removal from the list of those the council represents, based on organisations no longer operating, no longer requiring county councillor representation, or a lack of contact. This streamlining aims to focus member time where it can make the greatest difference for Staffordshire residents.

Read more about the review of outside bodies here.