The Staffordshire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 April 2026 to discuss and approve a new Traffic and Network Management Plan and the Capital Programme for Schools for 2026/27. The meeting also included an update on the Staffordshire Means Business initiative and a review of the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Traffic and Network Management Plan

The Cabinet approved the new Traffic and Network Management Plan (TANMP), which provides a strategic and operational framework for managing traffic, roadworks, events, and incidents across Staffordshire's highway network. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, presented the plan, highlighting that it supports the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network and aims to balance essential maintenance and infrastructure investment with minimising disruption for residents and businesses. The plan acknowledges the significant increase in vehicle mileage on the network and the challenges posed by larger and heavier vehicles. Key themes of the plan include understanding the network hierarchy, coordinating activities, protecting highway assets, managing traffic demand, and minimising disruption through the use of technology and data. The plan does not introduce new financial or legal commitments but consolidates existing duties, powers, and practices into a clear framework.

Capital Programme for Schools 2026/2027

Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, presented the Capital Programme for Schools for 2026/27. The programme aims to invest in schools to provide a safe, warm, and dry environment for pupils, supporting attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing. Key priorities include planned maintenance, investment in resource bases for children with high needs, strengthening STEM provision, refurbishing school toilets, and supporting long-term planning for school places, including feasibility work for a new SEND school in Rugeley. The programme is funded through central government grants, developer contributions, and other sources. The Cabinet approved the investment proposal, with delegated authority for monitoring and in-year alterations.

Staffordshire Means Business

Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, provided an update on the Staffordshire Means Business initiative. He reported a decrease in the number of Universal Credit claimants in Staffordshire over the past year, although there was an increase in young claimants. Hall highlighted the importance of supporting job creation and ensuring residents have the necessary skills. He also mentioned positive business investment in the county, citing examples such as Lucidian's role in a sustainable titanium production program and the success of local tourism businesses recognised at the annual Tourism Awards. The upcoming Staffordshire Day and the associated Staffy Trail public art trail were also highlighted as opportunities to showcase the county's businesses and heritage.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet reviewed and noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the upcoming months, which outlines matters coming before the Cabinet for decisions. This included items such as the Recommissioning of support for victims of domestic abuse, the Staffordshire Sustainability Board's revised vision, and the Skills for Growth Plan.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the public for discussions on the Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) Infrastructure Contract.