This week in Staffordshire:

Health and Wellbeing: Better Care Fund Faces Challenges, Strategy Extended

The Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, to discuss the ongoing progress and future of the Staffordshire Better Care Fund (BCF) and the county's health and wellbeing priorities. While progress has been made, the BCF faces challenges, and the current health and wellbeing strategy will be extended.

Better Care Fund: Progress and Persistent Issues

The Board received an update on the Staffordshire Better Care Fund, a crucial initiative aimed at integrating health and social care services. Rosanne Cororan, Senior Commissioner Manager for the County Council, reported that while some areas are on track, others are not meeting targets. Specifically, emergency admissions for those aged 65 and over exceeded planned targets, largely due to complications from diabetes, COPD, and heart failure. Discharge delays also remain a concern, with significant variations in how long patients stay in hospital across different providers.

Despite these challenges, the 2026/27 BCF plan has been submitted and approved by NHS England, albeit on a caveated basis. This caveat is due to an ongoing dispute over the allocation of funding for adult social care discharge. A key deadline of 30 September 2026 looms for a Section 75 agreement to be in place. The plan includes new initiatives such as a digital platform for care providers and a palliative crisis service, with a total funding of £156,433,027 for 2026/27.

Concerns were raised by Jackie Owen from Healthwatch about the level of patient and public involvement in shaping these schemes. While feedback mechanisms exist for current services, the development of new schemes is largely led by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). The Board also noted the impending Local Government Reorganisation in 2028, with assurances that the BCF plan is expected to remain largely consistent in the following year.

Health and Wellbeing Priorities Extended

The Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2027 is set to be extended for an additional year, until March 2028. This extension is a pragmatic response to the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation and the potential shift towards Neighbourhood Health Plans under the Health and Care Bill 2026. The current priorities remain: Health in early life, Good mental health, Healthy weight, and Healthy ageing.

Councillor Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care, stressed the importance of prevention, sharing his personal success in losing seven stone and advocating for weight loss as a key priority. He also highlighted the need to tailor approaches to the specific health needs of different areas within Staffordshire.

Read the full details of the Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board meeting here.

Pension Fund Performance and Stewardship Under Review

The Pensions Panel met on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to review the performance of the Staffordshire Pension Fund and its investment strategies. The panel examined the fund's financial health, its commitment to responsible investment, and its membership in the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF).

Pension Fund Growth and Investment Mix

As of 30 June 2026, the Staffordshire Pension Fund reported a market value of £8.997 billion, an increase of approximately £596 million since March 2026. The fund achieved a quarterly return of 6.80%, matching its strategic benchmark. Global equities were the best-performing asset class for the quarter, while property saw the lowest returns. Over the longer term, the fund has delivered an annualised return of 8.01%, exceeding the actuary's assumed rate of 5.9%.

Responsible Investment and Engagement

The panel reviewed the Fund's Responsible Investment and Stewardship (RI&S) activities. This includes integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. While the Fund remains a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, a formal report will not be submitted for 2025/26 due to recent process changes. The report highlighted engagement activities through the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) with companies on issues such as climate risk and modern slavery. Stewardship activities by LGPS Central Ltd, including engagements with major corporations and voting records on shareholder resolutions, were also noted.

Review of LAPFF Membership

A key discussion point was the Staffordshire Pension Fund's membership in the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF). The panel considered the annual costs (£12,500) and benefits of this membership, which provides a collective voice for 87 LGPS funds. The report recommended that the Pensions Panel review the information and advise the Pensions Committee on whether to continue this membership, exploring alternative stewardship arrangements through LGPS Central Ltd.

Read the full details of the Pensions Panel meeting here.

Planning Committee Meeting Notes

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 3 September 2026. While the meeting was scheduled, no detailed summary or transcript was available at the time of this report.

Find out more about the Planning Committee meeting here.

Other Matters

• Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board: The Board met on Thursday, 3 September 2026, to discuss the Staffordshire Better Care Fund update and health and well-being priorities. Details of the meeting can be found here.
• Pensions Panel: The panel met on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to review the Pension Fund's performance, responsible investment activities, and LAPFF membership. Details of the meeting can be found here.
• Planning Committee: The committee met on Thursday, 3 September 2026. Details of the meeting can be found here.

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.