The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to discuss the draft Economic Strategy, the promotion of young people's participation in education, employment, and training, the Libraries Strategy, and the Flood Risk Management Strategy. Key decisions included the recommendation to invite the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills to provide regular updates on the Economic Strategy and young people's participation, and to support the Libraries Strategy by promoting its awareness and identifying potential partners.

Economic Strategy

The committee reviewed the draft Economic Strategy for Staffordshire, which outlines the county's vision, ambitions, and priorities for supporting economic growth over the coming years. Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, introduced the report, highlighting that the strategy builds on previous versions by being more outcome-focused and future-looking, with a greater emphasis on proactive place promotion and investment attraction. The strategy's five priorities are: place promotion and investment attraction; vibrant towns and the visitor economy; infrastructure and corridor growth; talent, skills and inclusive growth; and enterprise and innovation in urban and rural areas.

Councillor Adam Griffiths raised concerns about how Staffordshire works with Stoke-on-Trent, asking if there was a joint plan. Councillor Hall confirmed that there is cooperation with Stoke on training and other issues, and that a local growth plan with Stoke-on-Trent is being developed. Councillor Simon Tagg questioned contingency plans for a potential fuel crisis, given Staffordshire's role as a logistics county. Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated that this issue is primarily a central government concern, but that the council is distributing government support for home fuel oil. Councillor Tagg also asked about the county council's plans to support town centre regeneration and funding. Councillor Murray outlined ongoing regeneration projects in Newcastle, Burton, and Stafford, emphasizing the importance of place promotion and branding to attract investment.

Councillor Deborah Breedon asked how equitable outcomes across districts would be evidenced in the six-monthly updates. Matthew Shufflebotham, Senior Economic Development Officer, explained that this is constantly monitored through the monthly economic bulletin, which focuses on unemployment figures. Councillor Murray added that claimant count numbers, particularly youth claimant counts, are a good indicator, and that the council can see area-specific impacts. He also highlighted the role of education and skills structures in addressing these disparities. Councillor Gary Bentley raised concerns about the condition of Cheadle Road and the underutilization of Blythe Bridge train station, requesting consideration for investment. Councillor Hall acknowledged the road's condition and suggested a traffic survey.

The committee also discussed strategies for attracting secondary supply chains for businesses like JCB. Councillor Hall mentioned the A500 program and its potential to improve traffic flow and encourage business setup. He also highlighted investment in technical skills at Newcastle and Stafford College. Matthew Shufflebotham confirmed the use of business intelligence tools like CoStar to monitor the property market for inward investment. Councillor Murray emphasized the importance of supporting SMEs and named several large companies operating in Staffordshire, including Bet365, Busy Bees, and Jaguar Land Rover. Councillor Griffiths inquired about encouraging innovation, specifically mentioning micro-reactors and Keele University. Councillor Murray confirmed Keele University's leading role in global studies on hydrogen energy and its partnership with the council.

The committee recommended that the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills provide a six-monthly update on the delivery of the Economic Strategy.

Promoting the Workplace for Young People: People not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and Apprenticeships

Councillor Robin Hall and Councillor Martin Murray presented an update on the council's work to support young people into education, employment, or training (NEET) and apprenticeships. Councillor Hall reaffirmed the council's statutory responsibility to support young people aged 13-19, and up to 25 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. Staffordshire's current NEET and not known rate stands at 6.2%, which is marginally below the England and West Midlands averages. However, NEET levels have risen since 2021 due to post-pandemic impacts, early leavers from provision, and a shortage of appropriate training options.

The report highlighted the work of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub in improving careers education and employer engagement, and the Careers Observatory model providing structured workplace experiences. The Future Ready Fund is also supporting disadvantaged pupils with meaningful encounters with employers. To address provision gaps, a review of 16-18 provision has been completed, and the council is lobbying for further education investment.

Councillor Tagg asked about geographically targeting interventions in areas with severe problems, such as Cannock and Tamworth. Councillor Hall stated that a targeted approach is used, focusing on career support and skills interventions where the need is greatest. He also addressed challenges with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), noting active engagement at an executive level to improve pathways. Anthony Baines, Assistant Director for Skills and Employability, elaborated on the need for significant investment in further education to meet projected demand and employer needs, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare sectors. Alison Matthews, Head of 16-18 Participation and Skills, detailed the targeting of the New Avenues programme and the careers hub's work with schools.

Councillor Thomas Baker asked about the process for non-responsive NEET individuals. Alison Matthews explained a tiered approach involving texts, letters, and home visits, with individuals categorized as green, amber, red, or purple (refusing to engage). Councillor Tagg inquired about the correlation between elective home education and ending up as NEET. Councillor Matthews confirmed that electively home-educated young people are at a higher propensity to become NEET, though not all do. Councillor Gary Bentley raised concerns about the lack of youth clubs and suggested using libraries as interaction points. He also asked about apprenticeships within highway departments. James Bailey, Assistant Director for Highways and the Built County, confirmed that apprenticeships are a priority due to a skills gap in the sector and that it is a contractual requirement for their strategic partner, Amey. Councillor Murray highlighted the success of apprenticeship awards and the significant number of apprenticeships started in Staffordshire. He also reiterated the need for government investment to expand college capacity.

The committee recommended that the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills provide an annual update on the NEET position and young people's participation outcomes.

Libraries Strategy

Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, presented the new Libraries Strategy for 2026-2028, which aims to transform libraries into vibrant community hubs. The strategy, informed by a 10-week public consultation, focuses on making libraries accessible, inclusive, and intergenerational spaces that offer a range of services and opportunities. Key priorities include libraries as community hubs, welcoming spaces, people, marketing and communication, income generation, and digital services.

Catherine Mann, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities, and Kerry Hutchings, Head of Libraries and Communities, provided further details. The consultation revealed that residents value libraries for their books, staff, welcoming spaces, and community provision. They also expressed a desire for more activities for children and young people, health and wellbeing support, and cultural events. Young people specifically requested a voice in shaping library resources and services.

The strategy outlines six priorities: Libraries as Community Hubs, Welcoming Spaces, People, Marketing and Communication, Income Generation, and Digital. The council plans to implement a commercial and proactive marketing approach to increase income and footfall, protect libraries for the future, and support council priorities such as cultural enrichment and digital skills.

Councillor Simon Tagg inquired about commercial opportunities and income targets. Kerry Hutchings explained that income generation is crucial to support library development, with meeting room hire being a significant contributor. She also mentioned exploring digital screens for advertising and piloting parcel lockers with Royal Mail and DPD. Councillor Paul Jones asked about how the strategy would demonstrably improve outcomes for residents, particularly the least engaged, and what clear measures would be used to evidence community impact. Kerry Hutchings stated that key performance indicators (KPIs) will be set as part of a detailed delivery plan, and that data on attendance, footfall, and volunteering outcomes is captured.

Councillor Gary Bentley raised concerns about the use of libraries for elections and parking for volunteers at Cheadle Library. Councillor Coles agreed to explore these issues with the relevant authorities. The committee recommended that the committee promote and raise awareness of libraries as community hubs, identify potential partners, and support the community-managed library model.

Flood Risk Management Strategy

Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, presented the annual update on the Flood Risk Management Strategy. The strategy, rooted in three principles – meeting statutory duties, working with others to manage flood risk, and aligning with national priorities – aims to reduce flood risk through innovative and sustainable means. Staffordshire has experienced numerous flood events, and climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity.

Andrew Brett, Acting Flood Risk Manager, highlighted the council's role as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and its collaboration with other Risk Management Authorities such as the Environment Agency and water companies. He detailed the flood investigation criteria under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which triggers investigations based on the number of properties affected, critical infrastructure impacted, or historical flooding.

The strategy's five objectives include improving understanding of flood risk, managing risk in new developments sustainably, seeking funding for flood alleviation schemes, working with communities to enhance awareness and resilience, and promoting effective management of drainage and flood defence assets. The FAIR Project (Flood: Aware, Informed, Resilient) was highlighted as an innovative approach to improving community preparedness, funded by Defra.

Councillor Jon Pendleton asked about the consistency of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) requirements in planning applications. Andrew Clissett, from the planning department, explained that SuDS are now a mandatory requirement for all new planning applications, with a hierarchy of preferred drainage methods. Councillor Deborah Breedon inquired about the use of community intelligence in statutory consultee responses for planning. Andrew Clissett detailed how local comments are reviewed alongside the council's own flood risk data and advanced modelling software. Councillor Gary Bentley raised concerns about standard advice from the Environment Agency on planning applications and the issue of fly-tipping near waste recycling centres. Councillor Mynors stated that environmental crime is a significant concern and is being addressed through various initiatives, including potential use of body cameras.

The committee recommended receiving an annual report on the Flood Risk Management Strategy and supporting the progress of the FAIR Project.

Work Programme

Jacob Huggins, Scrutiny and Support Officer, provided an update on the work programme. Several items were moved to the next municipal year, including the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and renewable energy and county farms policy statements. A briefing with National Highways is scheduled for May 5th. Mr. Huggins announced that this was his last meeting as scrutiny and support officer, and the committee thanked him for his dedication and wished him well. The committee agreed to move the work programme update.