The Staffordshire County Council meeting on Thursday 21 May 2026 saw the re-election of Councillor Paul Williams as Chairman and Councillor Gordon Munro as Vice-Chairman. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a heated debate and vote on a motion condemning racism and calling for group leaders to remove members proven to have behaved in a racist manner, which was ultimately not supported. Discussions also covered the council's economic strategy, highway maintenance, environmental action, and the future of county farms.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Councillor Paul Williams was re-elected as Chairman of Staffordshire County Council for the ensuing year, with Councillor Gordon Munro also re-elected as Vice-Chairman. Both expressed their gratitude for the confidence placed in them and pledged to serve the council and the people of Staffordshire to the best of their abilities.

Motion on Racism

A motion proposed by Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, aimed to condemn racism and call on group leaders to remove any member proven to have behaved in a racist manner. The motion sparked a lengthy and passionate debate, with numerous councillors speaking for and against it. Arguments centred on the definition of racism, the role of due process, existing legal frameworks, and the potential for the motion to be used for political gain. Ultimately, the motion was not supported by the council.

Economic Strategy and Investment

Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented the council's approved Economic Strategy, which focuses on five key areas: promoting Staffordshire as a place for investment, supporting vibrant towns and the visitor economy, driving infrastructure and corridor development, nurturing talent and inclusive growth, and encouraging enterprise and innovation. The strategy aims to address pressing issues for local businesses and residents, with a particular emphasis on leveraging opportunities presented by the UKREiiF event and the ongoing devolution journey towards a Foundation Strategic Authority.

Highways Maintenance and Investment

Significant discussion took place regarding the council's highways maintenance programme. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, detailed the council's approach, including a £138 million investment for 2026/27. He addressed concerns about pothole repairs, explaining the council's shift towards a more proactive, whole-road strategy to extend asset life and reduce disruption. He also clarified the council's position on the Brewood Canal Bridge closure, highlighting that it is a Canal and River Trust asset and that the council is working to expedite repairs and improve diversion routes.

Environmental Action Plan and County Farms

The draft Environmental Action Plan was approved, focusing on practical measures to reduce environmental impact, such as improving energy efficiency, strengthening flood resilience, and supporting waste reduction. Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, presented the plan, emphasizing a pragmatic, locally focused approach over distant net-zero targets. Furthermore, the council approved a new County Farms Policy Statement, explicitly stating that Staffordshire's county farms are no longer for sale and will be protected for farming, with exceptions only for incidental surplus land on a case-by-case basis that does not detrimentally impact the core agricultural functions. Large-scale solar and battery farms on county farms will not be supported.

High Needs Provision and Schools Capital Programme

Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, outlined the allocation of £10.7 million in High Needs Provision Capital Allocations for 2025-26. This funding will be used to increase mainstream placements for children with high needs, expand specialist provision, and increase capacity in Pupil Referral Units. The council also approved a £27 million Schools Capital Programme for 2026/27, aimed at maintaining and improving school facilities, including upgrades for sustainability and safety.

Changes to the Constitution and Remuneration

The council approved changes to its Procedural Standing Orders, including amendments to rules regarding the Leader of the Council's absence and questions to Statutory Officers. The terms of reference for the Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board were also updated to reflect a new two-tier meeting structure and co-chairing arrangement. A recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel to reinstate Special Responsibility Allowances for up to three shadow cabinet members was debated and ultimately not supported.

Committee Membership and Appointments

The council approved the appointment of members to various committees, including the Pensions Committee, Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Appointments to outside bodies for 2026/27 were also confirmed.

Petitions

Councillor Andrew Clissett presented a petition signed by over 1,700 residents opposing a proposed Bloor Homes development in Burntwood, citing concerns about green belt land, increased housing stock, and pressure on local infrastructure. A point of order was raised regarding the petition's relevance to the County Council, and a written response will be provided.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman declaring the meeting closed.