This week in Staffordshire:

Maternity Services Face Scrutiny Amidst Closure Proposals

The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to address critical healthcare issues, focusing on the future of intrapartum services and the system operational plan for 2025-26. You can find the full details of the meeting here. A central point of discussion was the potential permanent closure of birthing units at County Hospital in Stafford and Samuel Johnson Community Hospital in Litchfield, a move that has sparked considerable debate and concern.

• Birthing services at these midwifery-led units were suspended in March 2020 due to staffing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the units have remained open for antenatal and postnatal care.
• A public consultation, running until August 3, seeks feedback on the proposal to permanently close the birthing units.
• Concerns were raised about the impact on women without transport, the capacity of larger hospitals, and the potential for increased stress on those facilities.
• Some councillors shared negative experiences of women who had given birth at the University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM), citing lack of staff and missed issues.
• The consultation report will be shared with the committee, and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) board will make a decision in public, following statutory duties.

Jenny Brown, Lead Midwife for Maternity Transformation at Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, emphasized that no decision has been made and that feedback is crucial. She noted that while over 700 online surveys have been completed, attendance at online and face-to-face events has been limited.

Councillor Jill Hood (Stafford Borough Independents) shared negative experiences of women who had given birth at the University Hospital of North Midlands (UHNM), citing lack of staff and missed issues. She urged those with experiences to contribute to the consultation.

Councillor Matthew Wallens raised concerns about the cost of transport to larger hospitals for those without their own transport. Ms Brown responded that the aim was to keep care as close to home as possible, but that services had to be clinically and financially viable.

Sarah Noble, Director of Midwifery at UHDB, added that the safety of mother and baby, as well as a good experience, are key considerations. She noted a decrease in the number of women eligible for freestanding-led births, alongside-led births, and home births due to changes in maternity policy and increased surveillance.

Councillor Steven Norman said that the report indicated that keeping Samuel Johnson open was not a viable option. Ms Brown said that an options appraisal in 2023 reviewed several proposals, including reinstating birthing services at both units, reinstating a single birthing service, implementing a single birthing unit at an alternative site, implementing an on-demand model, and permanent closure. She said that reinstating the freestanding midwifery birthing units was not considered viable due to low numbers of eligible women, and that the recommended standard for an annual birth at such a unit is 350 births per year.

Councillor Wayne Luca raised concerns about what would happen when larger units reached capacity. Ms Noble responded that birth numbers were currently decreasing, and that the service was able to flex up and down to meet demand. She said that there was ongoing work to bring antenatal and postnatal services into the community.

Vice Chair Charlotte Kelly raised concerns about equipment and beds at hospitals if services were removed from the midwifery-led units. Ms Noble responded that the closure of the freestanding midwifery-led unit since COVID-19 had not significantly impacted acute services.

Councillor Tracey Dougherty asked how many of the surplus midwives would receive placements if the units were closed, given NHS savings targets. Ms Noble responded that the number of midwives needed was calculated on the number and complexity of births, not the location of birth, and that the same number of midwives would be employed irrespective of the consultation outcome.

ICB's Operational Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Potential Cuts

The committee also reviewed the system operational plan for 2025-2026, presented by Claire Finn, Interim Chief Finance Officer at the ICB. The plan, incorporating national and local priorities, focuses on moving care into the community, maximizing digital technology, and shifting from treatment to prevention. However, the plan's reliance on significant savings and deficit support has raised concerns about potential impacts on services.

• The plan assumes receipt of £95 million deficit support funding and requires savings of £306 million.
• The ICB needs to reduce running costs by 50% by the end of quarter three, targeting a running cost of £18.76 per head of population.
• While the plan achieves compliance across a range of national metrics, including elective cancer standards, further improvements are needed in 12-hour waits and ambulance handover times.
• Concerns were raised about reductions in expenditure on section 117 aftercare, delays to planned investment for mental health services, and removal of independent sector services for diagnosing and managing ADHD.

Councillor Matthew Wallens raised concerns about reductions in expenditure on section 117 aftercare, delays to planned investment for mental health services, and removal of independent sector services for diagnosing and managing ADHD. He asked how it could be assured that these would be properly managed, and whether the ICB would accept accountability if suicide rates increased as a result.

Councillor Colin Greatorex said that the operational plans did not demonstrate how the savings were going to be achieved, and that there were six bullet points where there was non-compliance or things going the wrong way. He requested more detail.

Councillor Jill Hood said that she would like more detail before July, and raised concerns about homeless people and rough sleepers waiting for mental health services. She said that the word efficiencies was a euphemism for cuts.

Councillor Wayne Luca asked about plans for the mental health unit next to Sir Robert Peel Hospital, which has been shut down for years. It was confirmed that the George Bryan Centre had been closed following a formal consultation, and that money had been reinvested in community services.

Councillor Tracey Dougherty asked how the loss of 800 jobs would have a positive impact on services.

Councillor Bentley raised concerns about the impact of cuts on rural areas, and the potential for increased pressure on the ambulance service.

Memorandum of Understanding Approved for Health Service Changes

Councillors approved a memorandum of understanding regarding substantial variations to health services, aiming to enhance collaboration between Staffordshire Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and the ICB.

Councillor Norman asked how reports would be received back from substantial issues involving Stoke and Staffordshire. Zach, an officer of the council, responded that there would be two meetings, one to go through the consultation, and one to respond to it, and that it would be down to each committee how they wanted to review it.

Councillor Greatorex noted that the memorandum was joint 50-50, with five members from Staffordshire and five from Stoke, and asked how the chairman would be determined, and what would happen in the event of a split decision. Zach responded that the chairman would be nominated by the committee, and that the clerk would sort out a 50-50 decision.

Other Meetings

The Property Sub-Committee and the Pensions Committee also met, but no video recordings of the meetings were provided, so the details of the discussions are not available. Property Sub-Committee Pensions Committee

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Charities and Trusts Committee will meet on Monday 14 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Pensions Panel will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Pensions Board will meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The County Council will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday 18 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Leaders Board will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Audit and Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday 11 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Religious Education Standards Under the Microscope

The Staffordshire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss key issues, national updates, standards, and the budget for religious education in Staffordshire schools. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• The council reviewed the West Hill Legacy Project, which provides free workshops to schools, reaching hundreds of children and aligning with the agreed syllabus¹.
• Support for schools includes advice on implementing the agreed syllabus, reviewing planning, policies, and websites.
• The Cullum St Gabriel Charity Grant supports understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion in relation to the agreed syllabus, encompassing personal, social, health education, British values, and well-being.
• Letters were sent to 12 local MPs advocating for the inclusion of religious studies in the curriculum and assessment review, with Gavin Williamson pledging to petition on behalf of religious studies.

Mary Gale, advisor to the SACRE, highlighted the importance of these initiatives:

Through religious studies you can teach English, you can teach history, you can teach geography and it's opening their eyes to the extensive support pupils can receive if they have a solid religious studies curriculum.

The council also discussed news from the National Association of SACREs (NASACRE), including the annual conference in Newham. Rev. Preb. Michael Metcalfe, a retired priest from the Church of England and a founder of NASACRE, noted that three members attended the conference.

Concerns Raised Over GCSE and A-Level Results

The council analyzed GCSE and A-level results for religious studies in Staffordshire schools, noting that historically, Staffordshire has been below the national standard.

• GCSE results in 2024 reached 64%, indicating a return to pre-pandemic standards, with several schools performing above the national average.
• The average grade for A-levels was B, with 24% of Staffordshire schools achieving A* to A grades.
• Councillor Conor Wileman, a county councillor for Burton Tower Division, noted that he had attended John Taylor High School and achieved a B grade in RE A-Level.

The council discussed reasons for the lower results, including diverse demographics, the mix of academy and maintained schools, and a shortage of specialist RE teachers.

Budget and Development Plan

The council discussed the SACRE budget, noting that £4,700 is available, with £1,700 earmarked for specific projects. Mary Gale noted that she is now running the budget, which has improved value for money.

The SACRE's development plan was reviewed, focusing on ensuring new members understand SACRE's role, supporting the agreed syllabus, utilising the Cullum St Gabriel grant, understanding equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion, developing websites, and engaging with RE hubs.

Reflections on the Meeting

New members noted that the amount of information was overwhelming but appreciated the honesty and frankness of the discussions. Other members praised the informative presentations and the value of the agreed syllabus in promoting curiosity and understanding.

Joint Archives Committee Appoints Chair and Reviews Operations

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee met to approve the annual report, review the risk register, and discuss visitor engagement and marketing strategies. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, was appointed chair, and Councillor Sarah Hill, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, was appointed vice chair.
• The committee approved the annual report, highlighting the completion of the Staffordshire History Centre project and the reopening of the centre to visitors.
• The City Archives celebrated its first full year of opening at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, welcoming over 940 visitors to the new reading room.
• The committee approved the updated volunteer policy, noting that 105 volunteers contributed over 5,000 hours of time in various roles and projects in 2024-2025.

Joanna Terry, Head of Archives, Heritage and Culture for Staffordshire County Council and Head of the Joint Archives Service, noted the success of the City Archives in the Stoke-on-Trent City centenary celebrations, developing a Living Heritage City smartphone app, called Walk the History of the City, that guides users on a journey from the centre of Stoke to the entrance of the Potteries Museum, passing by the station and Hanley Park and other significant landmarks in the city.

Financial Outturn and Budget Forecast

The committee noted the 2024-25 final outturn position and the 2025-26 current budget forecast position for the joint archive services. The final net revenue outturn for the year was £927,000, which was equal to the approved budget, resulting in an overall break-even position.

Visitor Engagement and Marketing

Councillor Sarah Hill raised questions about visitor metrics, website statistics, and marketing plans, requesting data on the uptake of the Walk the History of the City app, website usage, and a forward-looking marketing plan to promote events and exhibitions.

Councillor Lynn Dean, a councillor for Maybank and Moorstanton in Newcastle-under-Lyme, raised the issue of unique versus repeat visitors and suggested that touring exhibitions would be a good way to reach people who may not visit the archives.

Education and Outreach

Councillor Anthony Screen, a councillor for Kittsgrove and also cabinet member for communities and safety, asked about plans to reopen education programmes at Stoke and how volunteer opportunities are linked to projects that build up people around the city and county.

Other Matters

• The Audit and Standards Committee met on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page. No video recording of the meeting was provided, so the details of the discussion are not available.
• The Children and Families Strategic Partnership Board met on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page. No video recording of the meeting was provided, so the details of the discussion are not available.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Coroner Area Joint Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 25 June 2025, has been cancelled. Here is a link to the meeting page.

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 30 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Property Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Friday 04 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 07 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Audit and Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Leaders Board will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday 11 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Food Waste Framework Approved: Savings and Sustainability on the Horizon

The Staffordshire County Council Cabinet has approved a new framework for food waste disposal, a move that could save taxpayers between £500,000 and £1 million annually. You can read the full report here.

• By April 2026, every local council authority in England will need to collect food waste from households on a weekly basis, as part of new government strategy requirements.
• Currently, most Staffordshire households, except those in Newcastle and the Moorlands, dispose of food waste in their main bins.
• A 2019 Keele University analysis revealed that food waste comprises 31.5% of Staffordshire's residual waste¹.
• This change could divert approximately 20,000 tons of waste per year from incinerators at W2R in the south and Hansford in the north of the county.

Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, emphasized the financial and environmental benefits:

The gate fee per tonnage for disposing of waste at the incinerator is higher than the gate fee of the tonnage of food waste. So again, money can be saved there. So we're increasing the recycling, and we're also hopefully giving some money back to the residents and tax and save money.

The council opted for a framework agreement rather than a single contractor to foster competition and flexibility. The Cabinet also delegated authority to the Director for the Economy, Infrastructure, and Skills to approve the contract, and to the Office of Legal Services to execute it.

SEND Contract Secured: Continued Support for Vulnerable Students

The Cabinet has approved a contract with The Haven School Limited to secure 25 full-time equivalent day placements for pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs). More details are available in the meeting report.

• The Haven School Limited, an Ofsted-registered independent special school, is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Staffordshire County Council has been securing placements at The Haven School since it opened in 2016.
• The new contract ensures continued provision for young people aged 11 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• The contract runs for two years, from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027, with options to extend until August 31, 2029.

Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, highlighted the importance of this agreement in providing necessary specialist provision for children with EHCPs.

Financial Underspend Reported: Prudent Management Amidst Pressures

Staffordshire County Council reported a £5.3 million underspend for the 2024-25 financial year. You can find the full financial outturn in the meeting documents.

• Councillor Chris Large, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, attributed the underspend to savings across all directorates, despite pressures in children in care placements and support for older people with physical disabilities.
• These services were partially funded by additional social care grants.
• The £15 million contingency budget remained unused and will be contributed to the Capital Reserve Fund for future capital investments.
• The Capital Programme saw £151.6 million spent on school places, highways, property, and economic regeneration.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Leader of the Council, expressed concern over the government's delayed white paper on SEND funding, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to support these critical services. He also noted that the council spends £7 in every £10 on caring for people of all ages.

Boosting Staffordshire's Economy: Film Office and Global Events

Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, outlined efforts to stimulate economic growth in Staffordshire. Read more in the meeting report.

• The number of people claiming universal credit in the county has increased to 16,045, or 3% of the working age population.
• The youth claimant count also rose to 3,160, representing 5% of the population aged 18 to 24.
• The launch of Screen Staffordshire, the county's first film office, aims to attract more film and television productions to the area.
• The JCB Golf and Country Club will again host the Live Golf Tournament in 2025, drawing tens of thousands of fans from around the world.

Councillor Murray stressed the importance of engaging with younger residents to encourage education and training, and highlighted the potential economic benefits of attracting investors and visitors to Staffordshire.

Other Matters

• Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, approved the expenditure, volumes, and delivery arrangements for the Round 7 Household Support Fund in Staffordshire, providing essential support to vulnerable households. You can read the full report here.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday, June 20th, 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page. No video recording of the meeting was provided, so the details of the discussion are not available.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Audit and Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Children and Families Strategic Partnership Board will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Coroner Area Joint Committee will meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 30 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Property Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Friday 04 July 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Assistant Director Appointed

A Special Committee RE Appointment of Assistant Director for Strategy and Transformation met on Monday, June 9th, 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page. The committee was formed to appoint an Assistant Director for Strategy and Transformation. No video recording of the meeting was provided, so the details of the discussion are not available.

Rights of Way Under Discussion

The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel met on Friday, June 13th, 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page. No video recording of the meeting was provided, so the details of the discussion are not available.

Other Matters

• The Charities and Trusts Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, was cancelled. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, has been cancelled. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, has been cancelled. Here is a link to the meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday, June 20th, 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Audit and Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Children and Families Strategic Partnership Board will meet on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Coroner Area Joint Committee will meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 25 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee will meet on Thursday 26 June 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.