The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network, the Highways Design Code, the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy, the Winter Service Policy, and the Artificial Intelligence Business Case. Key decisions included noting progress on the highway roadmap, reviewing and commenting on the Highways Design Code, and considering updates to the Winter Service Policy. The committee also discussed the strategic opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, presented an update on the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network, a comprehensive highway transformation programme receiving £72 million in capital investment this year, with an additional £15 million allocated for backlog reduction over the next two years. The programme is on track, having transitioned from setup to active delivery, with tangible operational improvements being realised. New local depot teams have been mobilised, focusing on local priorities and coordinating with utilities. Over 14,500 potholes had been addressed by the week of July 30th.

Key discussions included the use of additional investment for plant equipment, with the response indicating that while no new plant was purchased, some treatments include plant elements. The efficiency of machinery utilisation, particularly the Pothole Pros, was discussed, with ongoing work to optimise team structures around new equipment. A mixed delivery model for drainage maintenance is being reviewed, focusing on a risk-based approach to gully cleaning rather than a purely cyclical one, with outputs expected in September. Local depot operational teams are feeding local knowledge into work schedules, but do not yet have specific KPIs as they operate within the current mechanism. The backlog of potholes, currently around 16,000 Category 3 defects, is showing signs of declining, though it is still early days in the two-year programme.

Councillor Tagg raised concerns about the lack of specific targets for backlog reduction by March 2028 and the percentage of the budget allocated to preventative maintenance versus reactive repairs. The response indicated a target of 16,000 backlog pothole repairs from the existing list, with the exact sustainable backlog level by 2028 yet to be determined. The percentage of the budget spent on preventative maintenance was stated as 57%. Councillor Tagg also inquired about figures for failed pothole repairs and the target for right first time repairs. The committee was assured that measures for temporary repairs and failures are now being tracked, and the roadmap aims to move away from temporary repairs, with innovation focused on making permanent repairs or first-visit repairs that endure.

Councillor Bentley asked about hiring equipment and night working for repairs, with the response clarifying that plant and machinery generally come through the I-plus route. Night working is undertaken but requires specific permissions and can incur additional costs. Councillor Bentham raised concerns about staff availability for winter works due to gritting duties, and the response indicated that additional teams are targeting work during good weather periods, with potential to roll into winter depending on innovation progress.

The committee recommended adding reactive versus proactive targets and right first time to the KPIs of interest. The breakdown of the £72 million capital maintenance programme was noted as being available in the March Cabinet report.

Highways Design Code

Councillor Peter Mason introduced the revised Highways Design Code, noting it was long overdue, replacing a 2000 document rendered obsolete by national guidance. The code aims to provide clarity for developers on council expectations and is based on national planning policy frameworks. A key feature is its consideration of Staffordshire's specific communities and geography, particularly in planting schemes.

The code is aimed at house builders for new residential streets that will be adopted as public highway, not the existing network. Its purpose is to ensure well-designed streets and public spaces, providing clarity and consistency from planning through to adoption. It sets minimum requirements, focusing on long-term stewardship, maintainability, and climate resilience. The code draws from the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, using a rules-based approach across themes of place, movement, access, safety, servicing, utilities, and lifespan. It allows designers to respond to local vernacular, aiming to create distinct developments rather than generic ones.

Discussions covered adoption timelines, with the onus on developers to ensure works are completed to a standard acceptable for public maintenance. Road width minimums are not prescriptive but are considered within technical appendices and national guidance, balancing competing needs for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and street trees. The code has teeth through a new deliverability check before planning permission is granted, bringing design engineers in earlier to assess feasibility. Changes in the code also address issues like refuse collection and cul-de-sac design. The code is expected to remain relevant despite Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Residents can raise concerns, though 100% compliance cannot be guaranteed due to practicalities. The report was praised for its visual aids and clarity. Concerns were raised about inherited unadopted roads and the maintenance of Section 106 funded green spaces. The policy on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) was discussed, with clarification that legislation for mandatory SuDS implementation is still pending.

Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy

Councillor Peter Mason introduced the draft Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy, noting that the current documents are seven years old and no longer reflect current council priorities, funding environments, or customer expectations. The refresh aims to align with the Council's highway strategic direction and the Highways Roadmap, supporting Department for Transport incentive fund and transparency reporting requirements. Staffordshire is set to receive £40.7 million in highway maintenance funding in 2026/27, with £10.8 million contingent on demonstrating effective asset management practices.

Matthew Thomas explained that the highway network spans 6,200 kilometres and comprises diverse assets. The policy and strategy aim to embed a consistent approach to managing these assets throughout their lifecycle, balancing cost, performance, and risk. The approach targets investment with data and evidence, aligning with the move towards preventative maintenance. The previous policies were approved in 2018/19 and do not align with current DFT requirements. The updates are aligned with the Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice.

Councillor Jones raised concerns about paragraphs relating to the cost of implementation, road conditions, and defects, requesting timeframes for the implementation table. It was agreed that Matthew Thomas would email Councillor Jones with the specific details. Councillor Griffiths inquired about innovation in delivery, and Matthew Thomas explained the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the network for condition collection, investing in specialised software to analyse data and project impacts of investment. The AI car scans the network, and while currently in beta testing, it identifies minor, moderate, and severe defects, supporting inspection teams. Councillor Jones asked about stakeholder consultation, and it was confirmed that engagement has been ongoing, with documents shared with other authorities for peer review. The impact of LGR on the highway asset management plan was discussed, with the systems being configurable to produce new boundaries for the two new unitary authorities. Councillor Bentley raised concerns about weeds on pavements and gullies, and it was noted that while the documents are strategic, AI is being calibrated to capture such data. The AI system is not yet identifying specific plant types. The committee was encouraged to review the AI software.

The committee recommended reviewing and commenting on the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy.

Winter Service Policy

Councillor Peter Mason introduced the updated Winter Service Policy, noting the current policy is 11 years old. The primary change is a move from historic traffic groupings to a more holistic carriageway hierarchy, with minimal changes to the actual treated roads. All roads treated under the 2015-16 policy will continue to be treated. The policy incorporates a proposal for members or local councils to fund additional grit bins at their expense, with Staffordshire County Council acting as the service provider. This aims to address requests that do not meet the standard criteria but are deemed locally necessary. The policy also seeks to clarify ownership and maintenance of existing ad-hoc grit bins on the highway network.

Councillor Tagg questioned the tangible improvements for residents compared to last winter, citing community disapproval of gritting in North Staffordshire. Councillor Mason defended the previous winter's efforts, attributing challenges to external factors like extreme low temperatures and reduced traffic volumes affecting salt effectiveness. He stated that no roads were left untreated and that the new policy maintains the high level of service across 40% of the network while modernising the approach. Councillor Tarrant questioned if Cheshire East and Stoke-on-Trent had similar problems and suggested better communication and real-time monitoring of gritters. Councillor Mason confirmed that real-time monitoring is being explored, but reiterated that roads were gritted, and the issue was efficiency due to external factors.

Councillor Bentley liked the idea of trackers and asked about removing grit bins in summer, which was deemed an unnecessary expense. He also inquired about involving local farmers and ice busters initiatives. Councillor Mason confirmed that rural roads are already maintained by local farmers in some areas and that the council is exploring communication with them. The use of DHP funds for grit bins was confirmed, with automatic subtraction from the councillor's fund at the start of the financial year. Councillor Tagg raised concerns about unequal provision of grit bins between parish and unparished areas and potential confusion over responsibility. It was clarified that bins will be labelled, and the council will service bins on its asset base, while new provisions are at the expense of the local council or member. The tonnage of grit left at the end of the season was discussed, with assurances that more grit would be sourced if needed, and contingency plans are in place. The transition from defect works to winter gritting was discussed, with potential for more repair works during winter maintenance due to innovation.

The committee was asked to consider and support the proposed updates for the highway's winter service policy.

Artificial Intelligence Business Case

Councillor Robin Hall introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Business Case, highlighting that AI is no longer a future concept but a present reality impacting businesses and economies. The business case identifies a potential £2 billion economic opportunity for Staffordshire by 2030. The ambition is for Staffordshire to become the intelligent heart of the country, achieved not by creating new structures but by leveraging existing assets like the Growth Hub, colleges, universities, and partners to accelerate responsible AI adoption. Risks around jobs, digital exclusion, cyber security, and governance were acknowledged, but the risk of inaction was deemed greater.

The committee was asked to challenge assumptions and the delivery model. Discussions covered how AI support would be provided, focusing on transforming the economy and supporting business adoption rather than teaching basic tool usage. An AI working group has been established, with the Growth Hub acting as a single front door for businesses. The proposed interventions include a virtual AI Skills Academy, AI careers guidance through the Careers Hub, and introductory AI courses for adults.

Councillor Griffiths asked about the nature of AI suggestions, and it was clarified that the focus is on economic transformation and business adoption. Councillor Tagg noted that many small businesses are already using AI in various forms (e.g., accounting software, Google Maps) and the strategy needs to communicate this and encourage further adoption. Councillor Bentley inquired about using AI for tourism and transport information, with examples given of current AI applications for bus information and potential for wider use. Councillor Baker asked about the tiers of AI knowledge provided, with Tier 1 being foundational literacy, Tier 2 occupational skills, and Tier 3 specialist and leadership skills. The power of AI for business analysis was illustrated with an example of identifying financial shortfalls. The question of headcount savings was raised, with the response emphasizing that the business case is primarily about economic and skills development, not staff replacement, and that any workforce transformations would be considered on their own merits.

The committee was asked to consider the strategic opportunities, risks, and proposed delivery approach for AI adoption, comment on the proposed direction of travel, and provide observations to inform future developments.

Work Programme

Carly Trusler presented the draft work programme for the committee's approval. The committee noted the date of the next meeting as Tuesday, September 21st. The meeting concluded with no exclusion of the public.