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Cabinet - Wednesday, 17 June 2026 - 10:00am
June 17, 2026 at 10:00 am Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Staffordshire Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026, approving a £150 million Skills for Growth Plan and a £8.46 million Crisis Resilience Fund. The meeting also saw the approval of the final financial outturn for 2025/26, which reported an underspend of nearly £7 million.
Leader's Update
Leader of the Council, Martin Murray, provided an update on the council's work, highlighting that in the 2025/26 financial year, 2,200 families had been supported through the Supporting Families Programme, home care agencies had made approximately 4.5 million visits, nearly 700 local businesses had received support, and the contact centres had handled 173,000 calls. He emphasised the ongoing cost of living crisis as a major issue for families and introduced the Crisis Resilience Fund as a key agenda item. Murray also reiterated the council's commitment to securing major investment in post-16 learning, with a £150 million Skills for Growth Plan aiming to expand college capacity and training opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds. He also touched upon devolution, stating the council's readiness to move forward with a foundation strategic authority for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Finally, he wished the England football team luck in their upcoming match, noting that their training centre is located in Staffordshire at St. George's Park.
Staffordshire Means Business Report
Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented the Staffordshire Means Business report. He noted that while claimant counts were below regional and national averages, youth unemployment remained a concern. Hall highlighted national recognition for Staffordshire's manufacturing base, citing the Chancellor's visit to Dunoon in Stone to launch the government's plan for the ceramics industry, and previous visits to JCB and COSI. He also mentioned progress at the Keele Innovation District, which aims to support high-value sectors like life science, digital, and energy. The report also noted the launch of the Made in Staffordshire
quality mark and a £67 million investment by Marks and Spencer in a warehouse at Fradley Park in Lichfield. The early success of the Staffie Trail
was also highlighted, estimated to have generated £180,000 for the local economy.
Crisis Resilience Fund
Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the Crisis Resilience Fund, a national scheme providing short-term help to eligible Staffordshire residents facing immediate financial crises. The fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund from April 2026, represents a national shift towards a preventative model focusing on financial resilience and early intervention. Staffordshire has been allocated nearly £8.5 million for 2026-27. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of the grant, endorsed the strategic approach and governance framework, and delegated authority to the Director for Children's Services to establish and operate compliant delivery arrangements. Councillor Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, thanked the officers for their work in ensuring the fund's phased distribution to prevent it from being depleted too quickly.
Final Financial Outturn 2025/26
Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, reported on the final financial outturn for 2025/26, stating that the council had successfully delivered a £753 million budget with a small surplus despite rising costs. He highlighted an underspend of £6.696 million in the revenue outturn, attributing this to efficient programmes and strong management. Bagguley also confirmed significant investments in adult social care (£330 million), children's services (£223 million), highways (£74 million), and school buildings (£29 million). The Cabinet approved the noting of the financial outturn position, contributions to reserves, the establishment of an earmarked reserve for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) costs, and capital financing arrangements including borrowing of £2.451 million.
Skills for Growth Plan
Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented the Skills for Growth Plan, describing it as a blueprint for ensuring Staffordshire has the skilled workforce needed for future growth. The plan aims to secure £150 million in investment for skills, training, and employment support, with £40 million already secured and a further £110 million being sought from central government. The plan is built around four priorities: getting Staffordshire working, inspiring careers and skills development, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring the right learning infrastructure. Hall emphasised that this is not just a skills strategy but an economic growth strategy, including programmes like the £19 million Connect to Work programme. The Cabinet approved the plan, agreeing to report progress to scrutiny committees and delegating authority to officers to make necessary changes and develop supporting delivery plans.
Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2026-2027
Councillor Robin Hall also presented the Community Learning Accountability Agreement for 2026-27. He highlighted that community learning is crucial for building confidence, employability, and independence, particularly for those less likely to engage in traditional education. The service had engaged over 3,000 adults in the last academic year, delivering over 300 courses. The agreement, a requirement of the Department for Education, sets out the council's delivery in return for approximately £4.2 million in funding. The Cabinet acknowledged the service's performance and approved the accountability agreement, delegating authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Economy to enter into the necessary agreement with the Department for Education. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, praised the work, noting its importance in providing opportunities for people later in life.
Every Child Achieving and Thriving - SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First in Staffordshire
Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, introduced the Staffordshire SEND Reform Plan, which responds to the government's proposed reforms. She welcomed the ambition to strengthen inclusion and improve early identification, aiming for more children to be supported effectively in mainstream education. The local plan, co-produced with partners, focuses on early help, inclusive practice, and increasing local provision. Higgins stressed that these reforms require proper funding, noting that Staffordshire is one of the lowest-funded authorities for education and SEND. The Cabinet supported the strategic approach, approved the submission of the co-produced Local Area SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education and NHS England by 19 June, and delegated authority for the allocation of grant funding and the appointment of external suppliers for the 'Experts at Hand' offer.
End User Device Provision
Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the End User Device Provision report, explaining the need for reliable and cost-effective hardware for the workforce. The recommendation was to replace the expiring Large Account Reseller contract with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Aggregation programme. This national procurement model aims to ensure value for money and simplify processes. The estimated budget over the next two years is £3 million. The Cabinet approved participation in the CCS Aggregation programme and delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Resources to authorise entry into relevant contracts up to the estimated value.
Forward Plan of Key Decisions
The Cabinet reviewed and approved the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period July to November 2026, which outlines upcoming matters to be considered by the Cabinet.
Exclusion of the Public
The public were excluded from the meeting for the final three items of business, which involved the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to Section 75 agreements for adult social care, safeguarding services for adults with social care needs, and an update on the commissioning of care home placements.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Final Financial Outturn 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve recommendations regarding the final financial outturn for 2025/26 on 17 June 2026. They approved contributions to reserves, including the unspent contingency budget into the capital reserve, with the overall underspend added to General Balances. The Cabinet also approved a new earmarked reserve for Local Government Reorganisation costs and capital financing arrangements, including borrowing of £2.451m.
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Services Supporting Adults with Social Care Needs In the Community
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire Council Cabinet decided to approve recommendations on 17/06/2026. This decision concerned the support commissioned via the home care market for adults with social care needs.
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Crisis Resilience Fund
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire County Council Cabinet decided to approve the recommendations for the Crisis Resilience Fund. The decision was made on 17/06/2026. The Cabinet approved accepting the grant, endorsing the strategic approach and governance framework, and delegating authority to the Director for Children's Services to establish and operate compliant delivery and assurance arrangements.
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Every child achieving and thriving - SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First in Staffordshire
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Staffordshire Council approved recommendations on 17 June 2026. They endorsed the "Every child achieving and thriving" strategy and the associated SEND Reform programme. The Cabinet also approved the submission of the co-produced Local Area SEND Reform Plan and delegated authority for the allocation of grant funding and appointment of external suppliers for the 'Experts at Hand' initiative.
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Staffordshire Means Business
Recommendations Approved -
Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Staffordshire Council approved recommendations on 17 June 2026. The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for July to November 2026 was noted.
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Leader's Update
Recommendations Approved -
Update on Commissioning of Care Home Placements
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire Cabinet decided to approve recommendations on the commissioning of care home placements on 17 June 2026. This decision was subject to call-in.
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Section 75 Agreement for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire Council Cabinet approved recommendations on 17/06/2026. This decision relates to the review of the Section 75 Agreement for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding.
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Minutes of the meeting of the Property Sub-Committee held on 20 May 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Property Sub-Committee of Staffordshire Council decided on 20 May 2026 to grant a Supplemental Academy Lease of part of the Torc Vocational Centre to the Endeavour Multi Academy Trust. Final lease details were delegated to the Assistant Director for Commercial and Assets.
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Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2026 - 2027
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the Community Learning Accountability Agreement for the 2026-2027 academic year. They also agreed to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive & Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills to authorise the council to enter into an agreement with the Department for Education to deliver Tailored Learning. This decision was made on 17/06/2026.
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Skills for Growth Plan
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Staffordshire Council approved the Skills for Growth Plan on 17 June 2026. The plan aims to secure £150 million to invest in skills, training, and employment support. It includes plans to improve access to good work, expand careers education, promote lifelong learning, and build the right learning infrastructure.
The Cabinet of Staffordshire Council approved the submission of Staffordshire's Local Area SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education and NHS England on 17 June 2026. The plan sets out how the local area will work together to reform the SEND system, focusing on earlier intervention and education closer to home. It delegates authority for the allocation of grant funding and the appointment of external suppliers for 'Experts at Hand' to the Director for Children and Families in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and SEND.
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End User Device Provision
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire Cabinet approved participation in the Crown Commercial Service Aggregation programme EUD02 on 17/06/2026. The decision authorises the Director of Finance and Resources to enter into contracts for End User Devices up to £3 million. This includes using the GovSpec standard and a price variation clause to manage market volatility.
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