The Staffordshire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, approving a new Traffic and Network Management Plan and a significant Capital Programme for Schools. The meeting also included an update on the local economy and a review of the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

Traffic and Network Management Plan

The Cabinet approved the Traffic and Network Management Plan (TANMP), which sets out the council's strategy for managing traffic, roadworks, events, and incidents across Staffordshire's highway network. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, stated that the plan aims to reduce unnecessary disruption, keep Staffordshire moving and make sure our highways are managed in a way that puts residents first. The plan acknowledges the significant increase in vehicle mileage on the network, which has risen by 33% over 20 years, now standing at 6 billion vehicle miles annually. It outlines a framework for coordinating activities, protecting highway assets, managing traffic demand, and minimising disruption from both planned and unplanned events, utilising technology and data to support traffic flows. The plan aligns with the Keep Staffordshire Moving initiative and the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network.

Capital Programme for Schools 2026/2027

A significant Capital Programme for Schools for 2026/2027 was approved, with the aim of providing Staffordshire's children with the best possible start in life. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, highlighted that the programme focuses on ensuring schools are safe, warm and dry, and includes investment in resource bases to support children with high needs within their local communities. The programme also prioritises strengthening STEM provision and continuing the refurbishment of school toilets, which are noted to have a significant impact on pupil behaviour and wellbeing. The funding for the programme will come from central government grants, developer contributions, and other sources. Key areas of investment include planned maintenance, sustainability initiatives, priority capital projects, toilet refurbishments, health and safety improvements, and significant investment in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision.

Staffordshire Means Business

Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, provided an update on the local economy. He reported a decrease of 245 Universal Credit claimants in Staffordshire over the past year, with the claimant rate remaining significantly lower than regional and national averages. However, he noted an increase in young claimants, which is a national trend attributed to a squeeze on entry-level jobs. Hall highlighted the continued strong levels of business investment in Staffordshire, citing examples such as Lucideon's work on sustainable titanium production and Kyocera's relocation of its European Headquarters to Fradley. He also praised the success of the county's tourism businesses, with 15 businesses set to represent Staffordshire at the national tourism awards.

Leader's Update

Acting Leader of the Council, Martin Murray, began the meeting by expressing his thoughts with the people of Leek following the fire at the Big Mill, acknowledging its significance to the town's industrial heritage and local identity. He also highlighted the positive community engagement during the Easter holidays, with libraries and country parks hosting activities. Murray congratulated the winners of the County Tourism Awards and looked forward to Staffordshire Day on 1 May, noting the launch of the Staffy Trail public art trail as a key highlight. He reiterated the council's commitment to practical decision-making and delivery, grounded in the needs of the people and places they serve.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet approved the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 20 May to 16 September 2026. This plan outlines upcoming key decisions, including those relating to the Skills for Growth Plan, services supporting adults with social care needs, the implementation of the Best Start Strategy, and the Staffordshire Sustainability Board's revised vision and pledges. Other items include the recommissioning of support for victims of domestic abuse, the sale of properties in Leek, the post street lighting PFI contract model, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, school-based nurseries capital grants, end-user device provision, the final financial outturn for 2025/26, the integrated performance report for Quarter 1 of 2026/27, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and the protection of highway alignments.