The Staffordshire County Council meeting on Thursday 12 March 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including the government's white paper on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the promotion of Staffordshire as a destination for investment and tourism, and the council's Pay Policy Statement. Decisions were made regarding the appointment of committee chairs.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reforms

A major focus of the meeting was the government's white paper on SEND reforms. Councillors expressed a shared desire to improve services for children with special educational needs and their families. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, welcomed the white paper, stating it contained sensible proposals and that the council should seize the opportunities that may be in there to improve the service. However, concerns were raised about the need for increased funding and the recruitment of experienced staff. Councillor Ann Edgeler questioned the timeframe for implementing the white paper's proposals and the availability of guidance and support for schools, noting that information about funding availability had been news to her. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, acknowledged the need for more investment, stating that her administration had invested an additional £5.5 million, while also pointing out that the previous administration had cut funding by £45 million. She also highlighted plans to open an empty school building as a specialist local provision and to develop specialist hubs.

Promoting Staffordshire: Investment and Tourism

The promotion of Staffordshire as a place for investment and tourism was a prominent theme, particularly in relation to the UK Reef event and Staffordshire Day. Councillor Martin Murray, Acting Leader of the Council, spoke about Staffordshire Day, describing it as a day of pride that brings together communities. He highlighted the Staffy mascot as a way to unite the county and encouraged participation from schools, churches, and community groups. Councillor Murray also discussed the importance of promoting Staffordshire at UK Reef, an event focused on unlocking investment and driving regeneration. He emphasised the need for a unified approach, expressing disappointment with Lichfield District Council's perceived lack of engagement with county-wide initiatives. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, detailed the significant infrastructure work required to support the West Midlands Interchange, a major rail hub planned for South Staffordshire, and stressed the need for adequate HGV parking facilities. Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, enthusiastically promoted the Staffy campaign, aiming to boost tourism and the local economy, and announced the opening of a community fund.

Highways Funding and Maintenance

The adequacy of central government funding for highways maintenance was a significant point of discussion. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, clarified that the council receives approximately £40.4 million in capital maintenance grant, with an incentivised element of over £10 million. He explained that this funding covers a range of maintenance activities beyond just filling potholes, including grass verges, drains, and winter maintenance. Councillor Mason stated that there are over 30,000 defects in the backlog, with approximately 17,000 related to potholes, and confirmed an additional £15 million has been allocated to address these. He also highlighted that the recent budget increase of 3.5% is largely due to inflation and not additional funding for pothole repairs. Councillor Mason criticised some MPs for creating public misunderstanding about the scale of funding, stating that the £800 million figure often cited is a four-year target for the entire West Midlands region, not Staffordshire specifically. He emphasised that the council is grossly underfunded in highways and that the current funding levels are insufficient to address the decades-old backlog.

Pay Policy Statement

The council considered the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027. Councillor Martin Murray moved the consideration of the report, and it was seconded. There were no speakers wishing to reserve the right to speak, and no further speakers on the item. The recommendations contained in the report were moved and seconded for approval.

Appointments of Committee Chairs

The council appointed new chairs for two committees. Councillor Robin Hall was appointed as Chair of the Pensions Committee, and Councillor Andrew Clissett was appointed as Chair of the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Murray, the Acting Leader, made the nominations. Councillor Paul Williams, Chairman of the County Council, congratulated the appointees in advance.

Questions and Petitions

A series of questions were posed to cabinet members on various topics, including road safety, the selection of highways schemes, community safety, county farms, libraries, and the nighttime economy. Councillor Val Chapman raised concerns about the council's credibility in reducing hate crime, questioning the inclusion of a member who had allegedly made hateful statements. Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, stated he would consider a reply in writing. Councillor Peter Mason addressed questions regarding highways funding, the backlog of defects, and misinformation from MPs. Councillor Janet Higgins responded to questions about safeguarding duties at College Field, explaining that fencing was installed due to recent estate reviews confirming the need to comply with national safeguarding standards. Councillor Daniel Cecil addressed concerns about the Canal and River Trust asset and misinformation surrounding its repair. Councillor Hayley Coles provided details on the Staffy campaign and its potential to generate revenue and attract visitors. Councillor Martin Murray responded to questions about county farms, stating that a new policy would protect them from being sold for housing and would be presented to cabinet. He also addressed concerns about Cannock Chase District Council's disengagement from county-wide initiatives. Councillor Andrew Clissett questioned Lichfield District Council's refusal to participate in county-wide research like the nighttime economy study.

No petitions were presented to the council.