Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of significant topics, including the final financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, a new Skills for Growth Plan, and reforms to the SEND system. The meeting will also address the allocation of the Crisis Resilience Fund and the Community Learning Accountability Agreement for the upcoming academic year.

Skills for Growth Plan

A key item on the agenda is the proposed Skills for Growth Plan, which outlines Staffordshire County Council's strategy to cultivate a highly skilled and resilient workforce to support local economic expansion. This plan aims to secure £150 million in investment for skills, training, and employment initiatives, comprising £40 million in secured funding and a further £110 million sought from the government for the further education sector. The plan focuses on four priority areas: Get Staffordshire Working, aiming to improve access to good jobs and raise skill levels; Inspire Careers and Skills Development, focusing on careers education and work experience for young people; Promote Lifelong Learning for Prosperity and Wellbeing, strengthening adult learning; and Build the Right Learning Infrastructure for Growth, addressing future shortages in education and training places. Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated, Staffordshire's future prosperity depends on having the right skills in the right places, and this Skills for Growth Plan sets out how we will make that happen. ¹

Every Child Achieving and Thriving - SEND Reform

The Cabinet will also consider Staffordshire's response to the government's Every child achieving and thriving strategy and the associated SEND Reform consultation. The report details the co-produced Local Area SEND Reform Plan, which aims to improve the SEND system by promoting earlier intervention, increasing local placements, and reducing reliance on out-of-area provision. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, commented, This is Staffordshire's response to the Government's reform of the SEND system, one which sets out how all those with a responsibility to help children and young people will work together. ² The plan outlines governance and monitoring arrangements, key milestones, and the financial context, including potential High Needs Stability Grant funding linked to the plan's approval.

Crisis Resilience Fund

The Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF), which replaced the Household Support Fund on 1 April 2026, is also scheduled for discussion. This three-year national programme aims to provide short-term financial assistance for urgent essentials like food and fuel bills, with a greater emphasis on financial resilience and early intervention. Staffordshire has been allocated £8,464,799 for 2026-27. Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, explained, The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a national scheme being rolled out to provide short-term help to eligible Staffordshire people facing an immediate financial crisis. ³ Cabinet will be asked to accept the CRF grant, endorse the strategic approach, and delegate authority for its operation.

Final Financial Outturn 2025/26

Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, will present the Final Financial Outturn for 2025/26. The report details the final revenue and capital budget positions for the financial year. Councillor Bagguley noted, Successfully delivering a £753 million budget with a small surplus in the face of rising costs for fuel, materials and wages is an excellent achievement. ⁴ The report includes recommendations for contributions to reserves and approval of capital financing arrangements.

Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2026-2027

The Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2026-2027 will be presented for approval. This agreement outlines the priorities, targets, and responsibilities of the Community Learning Service in return for government funding from the Department for Education. Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated, Our Community Learning service continues to play a vital role in supporting adults and families across Staffordshire, helping people to improve their skills, confidence and wellbeing... ⁵ The report acknowledges the service's performance and sets out the framework for delivering tailored learning.

End User Device Provision

The Cabinet will consider a proposal for End User Device Provision, seeking approval to replace the council's expiring contract for laptops and devices. The recommendation is to participate in the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Aggregation programme EUD02, which is described as the most proportionate, compliant, and value-for-money option. Councillor Sean Bagguley highlighted the importance of this, stating, Making sure our staff have the right laptops and devices might happen behind the scenes, but it plays a vital role in helping them support Staffordshire residents every day. ⁶ The proposed contract has a two-year term with an estimated value of up to £3 million.

Other Topics

The meeting agenda also includes a Leader's Update, the Minutes of the Property Sub-Committee meeting held on 20 May 2026, and a Verbal Report on Staffordshire Means Business. Additionally, the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for July to November 2026 will be presented. The latter part of the meeting is scheduled to exclude the public for discussions on exempt information related to adult social care and safeguarding, and care home placements.