This week in Staffordshire:

Elective Home Education: Council Grapples with Rising Numbers and Support Gaps

The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, to address the growing trend of elective home education (EHE) in Staffordshire. The committee reviewed the executive's response to recommendations aimed at supporting families choosing this educational route, while also confronting the challenges of ensuring children receive a suitable education and remain safeguarded.

The core issue is the significant increase in families opting for EHE, driven primarily by concerns around children's social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. This trend places a strain on council services, raising questions about capacity, the timeliness of support, and risk management, particularly for older students facing examination and progression hurdles.

The executive response accepted key recommendations, including making five temporary EHE posts permanent to bolster the team's capacity. The council also committed to assessing the implications of new legislation and exploring practical ways to share effective school practices. However, concerns were voiced about the lack of data on the long-term outcomes for home-educated children compared to those in mainstream education. The cost of examinations was highlighted as a significant barrier for parents, with a call for greater awareness of the implications of choosing EHE.

One of the most debated points was the potential for a cooling-off period for parents wishing to deregister their children from school for EHE. While current legislation makes immediate deregistration mandatory, other authorities are exploring such periods. The committee agreed to recommend that the council investigate the feasibility of this, acknowledging that it could help parents make more informed decisions and potentially prevent children from falling through the cracks.

The discussion also touched upon the challenges faced by children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who are electively home-educated, and the need to understand why parents choose this route. The financial implications for the council were also raised, with the point made that funding follows pupils in mainstream education, meaning EHE students do not generate the same level of per-pupil funding for the council.

The committee also received an update on the Children's Services Improvement Plan, highlighting progress in areas like leadership and early intervention, but also persistent challenges in workforce capacity, rising demand, and placement sufficiency. The proposed new plan for 2026-2028 aims for a more outcome-focused approach, with priorities including Right help, right time, Children thrive, Strong foundations, and Working together.

The sheer volume of discussion around EHE underscores its importance to families and the council's commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for all children, regardless of their educational setting.

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

Children's Services Transformation: A Long Road to Improvement

The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee also received a comprehensive update on the progress of the Children's Services Improvement Plan. This plan, now entering its third year of a five-year strategy, aims to transform services following a requires improvement judgment in November 2023.

The report painted a picture of significant effort and some progress, particularly in leadership, early intervention, and practice standards. However, the challenges remain substantial. Workforce capacity is a critical issue, with a high percentage of social work posts vacant and caseloads averaging 21 children per practitioner. This directly impacts the quality and timeliness of support, potentially leading to longer waits for vulnerable children and families.

Rising demand across all areas of social care, coupled with increasing costs for children's placements, is placing immense pressure on the council's budget. The report acknowledged that improvement is a long-term endeavour, with lasting impacts not expected for another decade.

Key priorities for the next phase include strengthening the Integrated Front Door to ensure earlier and more consistent intervention, improving the sufficiency and stability of children's placements, and addressing the growing pressures within SEND services. The report stressed the importance of a child first approach, ensuring that children's voices are heard and influence service design.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion about the financial sustainability of these improvements, with concerns raised about the council's overspend and the need for rigorous identification of inefficiencies. The ongoing transformation requires difficult choices about service provision, and the report emphasised that improvement does not come cheaply.

The commitment to supporting children and young people was evident throughout the presentation, with examples of positive outcomes for care leavers and the impact of the Voice Project in empowering young people. However, the scale of the task ahead is considerable, requiring sustained investment and a collaborative approach across all partner agencies.

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

Other Matters

• Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Coroner Area Joint Committee: This committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 15 October 2026. However, there is no confirmation that this meeting took place or that any decisions were made. Information on the scheduled meeting can be found here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Council Constitution Changes Approved Amidst Planning Power Concerns

Staffordshire County Council's Full Council met on Thursday, 8 October 2026, and approved significant changes to its constitution and scheme of delegation. These amendments are a direct response to new national planning regulations that came into effect on 31 October 2026, mandating a shift towards greater officer delegation in planning decisions.

The decision was met with considerable debate and opposition from several councillors who voiced concerns about the erosion of local democratic control. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, described the government's actions as a terrible, terrible example of government overreach and urged members to vote against the changes. He argued that this move strips power from local people and bypasses parliamentary scrutiny.

Councillor Ian Cooper highlighted the difficult position councillors were placed in, facing a choice between surrendering democratic authority or risking legal and financial consequences. He questioned the timing of the information provided and called for greater transparency. Despite an amendment proposed by Councillor White to delay the vote and seek further information, it was defeated. The motion to approve the constitutional changes was ultimately carried, meaning the council must now comply with the new regulations.

The new regulations aim to speed up planning decisions by delegating more minor and technical applications to officers. While the council leadership, including Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, stressed that this was a legal necessity, not choice, the decision has significant implications for how planning applications will be handled and the level of direct councillor involvement in the future.

Read the full details of the County Council meeting here.

Rights of Way: Panel Confirms Orders and Rejects Green Registration

The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday, 9 October 2026, to consider several applications related to public rights of way and land registration. The panel authorised the confirmation of two definitive map modification orders, rejected an application to register land as a town or village green, and noted the resolution of a previous byway application through a court order.

Definitive Map Modification Orders Confirmed

The panel confirmed two definitive map modification orders:

• Footpath 11 in Heaton Parish: Upgraded to a restricted byway. This order was made in March 2020 and confirmed without objections.
• Public Footpath in Fradswell Parish: Added from the junction of public footpaths 2 and 4 to the boundary of the Church of St. James the Less. This order was also made in March 2020 and confirmed without objections.

These confirmations mean that the definitive map and statement will be updated to reflect these changes in public rights of way, providing clarity for landowners and the public.

Town or Village Green Application Rejected

An application to register Glebelands Sports Field in Church Eaton as a town or village green was rejected. An independent inspector recommended rejection after the applicant failed to attend two scheduled public inquiries and submitted 19 identical witness statements. The inspector concluded the applicant had demonstrably failed to cooperate with the process. This decision means the land will not be registered as a town or village green, impacting potential future public access rights.

Byway Application Resolved by Court Order

The panel was informed that an application to record a Byway Open to All Traffic between the A53 and part of Public Footpath 15 in Tyrley Parish had been resolved. A Magistrates' Court order under Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980 stopped up the route, extinguishing any public rights of way that may have existed. This means the application under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 no longer requires determination as the matter was resolved through the Highways Act process.

Footpath Application Rejected in Winshill

An application for a public footpath across Wheatley Lane Recreation Ground in Winshill was rejected. The applicant provided insufficient evidence of public use over the required 20-year period under the Highways Act 1980, and the common law test for dedication was also not met. Officers concluded that the evidence did not demonstrate that public rights subsist or could reasonably be alleged to subsist.

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

Other Matters

• Staffordshire County Council Constitution: A meeting was scheduled to consider the Staffordshire County Council's Constitution on Friday, 9 October 2026. This document outlines how the council operates, makes decisions, and ensures transparency and accountability. The meeting was scheduled to review various aspects, including the roles of councillors and officers, citizens' rights, and the functions of the Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny Committees. However, there is no confirmation that this meeting took place or that any decisions were made. Information on the scheduled meeting can be found here.
• Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee: A meeting of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026. However, there is no confirmation that this meeting took place or that any decisions were made. Information on the scheduled meeting can be found here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Planning Powers Shift: Council Constitution to Change Amidst Government Mandate

Staffordshire County Council is set to amend its constitution and scheme of delegation following new national regulations that shift the balance of power in planning decisions. The Audit and Standards Committee met on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, to discuss mandatory changes that will reduce the size of the Planning Committee and increase officer delegation for planning functions.

The Town and Country Planning (Discharge of Local Planning Authority Functions) (England) Regulations 2026, which come into force on 31 October 2026, require local authorities to presume in favour of officer delegation for planning applications, with committee referrals becoming the exception. This means fewer planning decisions will be made by elected councillors and more will be handled by council officers.

Councillors expressed significant concern about this shift, viewing it as an erosion of local democracy. Councillor Jeremy Pert and Councillor Ian Cooper strongly opposed the changes, arguing that elected members should retain the power to challenge decisions. Councillor Cooper stated, This establishes a principle that central government can basically override local authorities across England and Wales and push delegated powers through officers, bypassing the democratic process of elected people to challenge decisions made by councils.

Despite these objections, the committee acknowledged the legal requirement to implement the changes. Failure to comply could lead to judicial review or quashed planning decisions. The committee resolved to recommend to Full Council that the constitution be amended, but with a note of non-endorsement due to concerns about the loss of local democratic control. The Planning Committee size will be reduced from 15 to 13 members, and the scheme of delegation will be updated to reflect the new gateway test criteria for referring applications to committee.

Read the full details of the Audit and Standards Committee meeting here.

Tackling Fraud: Council Joins National Data-Matching Initiative

Staffordshire County Council is participating in the Cabinet Office's National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2026, a mandatory data-matching exercise designed to detect and prevent fraud, overpayment, and error across public services. The Audit and Standards Committee received an update on this initiative on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

The NFI works by comparing data from various public bodies, including payroll, pensions, and blue badge records, to identify potential discrepancies. In the 2026 exercise, Staffordshire will submit data on payroll, pensions, trade creditors, blue badges, direct payments, and residential care home residents. The Cabinet Office will then analyse this data, with results expected by 18 December. The council's participation fee for this year is £5,880.

Councillor Colin Greatorex questioned the cost but ultimately agreed it was money well spent. He also raised concerns about employment fraud and whether employees are restricted from having second jobs. It was confirmed that employees must declare and have second jobs approved by management, and the NFI checks will help identify any undeclared roles. Councillor Ian Cooper expressed surprise at the national figure of £500 million identified in fraud over 30 years, calling it astonishing and unbelievable.

This initiative is vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that resources are used effectively for the benefit of all residents, particularly vulnerable groups who rely on these services.

Read the full details of the Audit and Standards Committee meeting here.

Police and Fire Services: Funding Pressures and Service Delivery Under Review

The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Monday, 28 September 2026, to receive updates on the Police and Crime Plan and the Fire Safety Plan. Discussions highlighted ongoing funding pressures and the continuous efforts to maintain and improve service delivery across both services.

Police Performance and Public Confidence

An update on the Police and Crime Plan revealed that while Staffordshire Police has made improvements in areas like call handling and response times, these gains are not yet consistently sustained. His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) noted concerns regarding leadership, crime investigation, and fraud management, with an inadequate rating for responding to the public. Victim satisfaction surveys showed mixed results, with improvements in ease of contact but a decline in satisfaction with how investigations were carried out and being kept informed.

The force has recruited 53 additional neighbourhood officers, and a new body-worn camera technology is being rolled out. A new CCTV Registry was launched to aid police investigations. The Staffordshire Victims and Restorative Justice Gateway has handled a significant number of referrals, providing support to victims of crime, domestic abuse, hate crime, and anti-social behaviour.

However, concerns were raised about the impact of protests on police resources, with repeated demonstrations in areas like Shenstone drawing officers away from other duties. The Commissioner noted that these events are a straight cost to Staffordshire council taxpayers.

Fire Service Faces Funding Gap

The panel received an update on the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Safety Plan, which is undergoing a Transformation Programme to achieve financial sustainability. While Phase 1 has delivered £1.3 million in savings, Phase 2 aims for a further £1 million by 2029. However, the Service is forecasting a funding gap of between £0.8 million and £2.4 million for 2027/28 and 2028/29, due to factors including unknown council tax precept levels, inflationary pressures, and pay awards.

Despite these financial challenges, the Service's availability for on-call appliances has stabilised at just under 60%, and the attendance standard for the first pump appliance was met on 83.6% of occasions in Q1 2026/27. The Fire and Health Partnership Team continues to deliver vital services like the Falls Response Service and Home from Hospital Service, supporting vulnerable residents.

Councillor Charlotte Atkins raised concerns about the financial impact on PCSOs due to changes in shift patterns and allowances, with some PCSOs being financially worse off. The Commissioner confirmed an agreement to maintain their finances until December, with potential for extension.

Read the full details of the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting here.

Other Matters

• Internal Audit Plan Progress: The Audit and Standards Committee received an update on the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, noting that 36% of the plan had been completed or was in progress. The service has recruited new staff, and proactive fraud activities have identified over £5,000 in duplicate invoice payments. Read the full details here.
• Market Supplement Payments: The Audit and Standards Committee also agreed to update the Council's Scheme of Delegation to reflect the appropriate decision-making authority for market supplement payments, which are used to attract and retain staff in hard-to-fill roles. Read the full details here.
• Code of Conduct Complaints: The Audit and Standards Committee reviewed the first quarter update on complaints under the Members' Code of Conduct, noting a decrease in new complaints compared to the previous year. Read the full details here.

This week in Staffordshire:

Pension Fund Governance and Investment Under Scrutiny

The Pensions Board and Pensions Committee met on Friday, 25 September 2026, to discuss the financial health and governance of the Staffordshire Pension Fund. Key topics included the fund's risk register, investment performance, and the implications of new national regulations for local government pensions.

Managing Pension Fund Risks

The Pensions Board reviewed the Staffordshire Pension Fund Risk Register, with a particular focus on governance. The report highlighted two high-level risks: the potential failure to have appropriate advisors in place and to monitor their performance, especially concerning LGPS Central acting as the Principal Investment Adviser. Twelve medium-level risks were also detailed, including keeping pace with regulatory changes from the Fit for the Future reforms and the Pension Schemes Act 2026, and ensuring the Pensions Committee possesses sufficient knowledge and understanding. These risks, while considered well-managed, underscore the complex and ever-changing landscape of pension fund management, which directly impacts the long-term security of retirement incomes for thousands of local residents.

The Board also received updates from the Local Government Association and the Scheme Advisory Board, covering critical areas such as Access & Fairness for scheme members, the Gender Pensions Gap, and ongoing government consultations. These updates are vital for ensuring the fund remains compliant with evolving legislation and best practices, ultimately safeguarding the financial future of its members.

Read the full details of the Pensions Board meeting here.

Investment Performance and Annual Accounts

The Pensions Committee received a presentation on the Staffordshire Pension Fund's investment performance for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026. The fund's assets were valued at £8.4 billion, having returned 8.9% over the year. This performance is crucial for ensuring the fund can meet its future pension obligations to former and current council employees. The committee also reviewed the draft Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26, a statutory document that provides a transparent overview of the fund's financial position.

Membership in LAPFF and LGPS Central Pool Governance

A significant discussion point was the review of the Staffordshire Pension Fund's membership in the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF). The Pensions Panel had previously recommended ceasing membership to potentially save on fees. This decision reflects a broader trend of consolidating resources and voices within the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to achieve greater efficiency and influence.

Furthermore, the committee received an update on the new governance structure of the LGPS Central Pool, effective from 1 September 2026. Staffordshire County Council will be represented on key groups, including the Oversight Board, which focuses on performance and governance. This reflects the ongoing efforts to streamline and strengthen the governance of pooled LGPS assets, aiming for better oversight and potentially improved investment outcomes.

The committee also noted the confirmation of the Assistant Director for Treasury and Pensions as the nominated LGPS Senior Officer, a requirement under the Pension Schemes Act 2026. This role is critical for ensuring robust management of the fund's administration, investment, and governance.

Read the full details of the Pensions Committee meeting here.

Road Maintenance and Future Lighting Contracts Under Scrutiny

The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 24 September 2026, to examine key issues affecting the county's infrastructure, including rail services, road maintenance, and street lighting.

Improving Rail Services and Connectivity

The committee received an update on Avanti West Coast rail services in Staffordshire. While improvements have been noted, including increased services from Stafford to London Euston, concerns were raised about the sustainability of passenger growth and the capacity of the West Coast Main Line to handle future demand. The discussion highlighted the vital role of reliable public transport in connecting communities and supporting economic activity, particularly for those who rely on these services for work and essential travel.

Future of Street Lighting Contracts

A significant discussion focused on the upcoming expiry of Staffordshire's 25-year street lighting PFI contract with E.ON in May 2028. The committee reviewed the proposed direction for a successor service, favouring a jointly procured external contractor arrangement with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. This model aims for clear accountability and a simpler transition, with an anticipated annual saving of £600,000. However, the report stressed that this is not a final decision and is subject to further business case development and affordability testing. The transition to a new street lighting contract is crucial for ensuring the continued safety and security of our streets, impacting everything from pedestrian safety to deterring crime.

Progress on Road Maintenance Programme

The committee received an update on the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network programme. Since April 2026, over 26,396 potholes have been repaired, with a reported low level of validated repair failure. The programme aims to improve highway maintenance and reduce the backlog of repairs, supported by £72 million in capital investment for 2026/27. While the data presented shows positive progress, members raised concerns about the long-term durability of repairs and the need for year-on-year comparisons to track genuine improvement. The focus on data collection and transparency is essential for residents to see tangible improvements in the condition of their local roads, which directly impacts their daily commutes and safety.

Read the full details of the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting here.