The Cabinet of Staffordshire County Council met on Wednesday 20 May 2026, discussing a range of important issues including early years development, support for victims of domestic abuse, environmental sustainability, and council property maintenance. Key decisions included the approval of the Best Start for Every Child in Staffordshire strategy, the recommissioning of domestic abuse support services, and the adoption of revised vision and pledges for the Staffordshire Sustainability Board.

Ensuring the Best Start for Every Child in Staffordshire

The Cabinet unanimously approved the Best Start for Every Child in Staffordshire strategy, which aims to improve early years development and outcomes for children from pregnancy up to the age of five. This strategy aligns with the national Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life initiative and sets ambitious targets for Staffordshire to increase the proportion of children achieving a good level of development by 2028. The strategy will be delivered through enhanced Family Hubs, with initial focus on East Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Cannock, and will involve commissioning services from voluntary sector organisations such as Gingerbread, Malachi, and Sickle Cell. Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, Councillor Janet Higgins, presented the strategy, highlighting the crucial nature of early years development for a child's future. Councillor Hayley Coles raised questions about the business case for early prevention work and the impact of weather, to which officers responded that long-term evidence would be gathered and that the strategy aimed to provide a stable environment for families.

Recommissioning of Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation (DASSA)

A significant decision was made to approve the recommissioning approach for domestic abuse support in safe accommodation services, known as DASSA. The Cabinet agreed to directly award contracts to the three existing providers: Staffordshire Women's Aid, The Pathway Project, and GLOW (Honeycomb charity services). These contracts will be for up to four years, commencing on 1 April 2027, with an option for a one-year extension. This decision ensures the continuation of vital support for victims of domestic abuse and their children, fulfilling the council's statutory duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, emphasised the critical role of safe accommodation and the trauma-informed support provided. The estimated cost for these services over the four-year period is approximately £5.5 million.

Staffordshire Sustainability Board – Revised Vision and Pledges 2026

The Cabinet approved the revised Vision and Pledges for the Staffordshire Sustainability Board, a collaborative partnership of local councils focused on environmental improvement. The updated pledges aim to strengthen strategic alignment across all councils, enabling more coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of environmental priorities. Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, highlighted the importance of this partnership in building a cleaner, more resilient county. Notably, the council's position on the net zero target was reiterated, stating that while they do not support it as a policy, they continue to work with other councils on sustainability matters. The council also clarified its stance on solar farms, opposing their development on productive farmland. The revised vision and pledges will be presented to the Staffordshire Leaders Board for collective agreement.

Procurement of a Framework Agreement for Responsive Property Maintenance and Dayworks

The Cabinet agreed to undertake a procurement exercise for a framework agreement for responsive property maintenance and dayworks. This framework will cover essential maintenance and minor works for the council's 210 property sites, including general building, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, with individual works costing below £5,000. The framework will be for multiple providers across four types of work and will also be accessible to other public bodies such as schools and district councils. Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, stated that this would ensure a reliable and efficient system for property maintenance, delivering best value for money. The procurement process will adhere to the Procurement Act 2023.

Staffordshire Means Business

An oral report on Staffordshire Means Business was presented, highlighting the county's economic performance. The claimant count for Universal Credit in Staffordshire saw a decrease, with the claimant rate remaining lower than both regional and national averages. However, there was an increase in young claimants, attributed to national pressures on entry-level employment. The report also emphasised Staffordshire's presence on the national stage, including participation in the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) and recent successes in national business awards. The council continues to support job creation and skills development, with investments in Stafford College and the Institute of Technology.

Leader's Update

The Leader of the Council provided an update following the recent local elections, congratulating newly elected councillors and expressing a commitment to working collaboratively across all districts and boroughs for the benefit of Staffordshire. The update also touched upon the recent Staffordshire Day celebrations and the ongoing efforts to address potholes, with figures showing an increase in repairs compared to previous years. An additional £15 million has been invested to tackle low priority defects.

Decisions Taken by Cabinet Members under Delegated Powers and Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet noted decisions taken by Cabinet Members under delegated powers, specifically regarding future care arrangements within Extra Care schemes at Summerfield Court and Lea Court. Additionally, the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period of 17 June to 21 October 2026 was approved, outlining upcoming key decisions for the council.