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Cabinet - Wednesday, 16 September 2026 - 10:00am
September 16, 2026 at 10:00 am Cabinet View on council websiteSummary
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The Cabinet of Staffordshire Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, approving several key policies and strategies related to highway management and maintenance. Decisions included the adoption of a new Highways Design Code, updates to the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, and a revised Winter Service Policy for 2026. The Cabinet also approved the procurement of a framework agreement for tarmacadam paving repairs and responsive maintenance.
Staffordshire Means Business Report
Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented a report on the economic situation in Staffordshire. He noted a rise in Universal Credit claimants, particularly among young people, but highlighted that Staffordshire's claimant rate remained lower than regional and national averages. Despite national economic pressures, including job losses at BET365 and Jaguar Land Rover, there were positive economic signals. These included £34 million in government funding for further education projects, a significant pre-lease agreement at Chatterley Park for an advanced manufacturing facility, and a substantial increase in business start-ups. JCB's hydrogen-powered Hydromax setting a new world land speed record was also celebrated as an example of Staffordshire's engineering innovation.
Protection of Highway Alignments
Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, presented a report on the protection of highway alignments. Staffordshire County Council currently protects nine highway alignments to safeguard routes for future road development. Following a review, it was recommended to retain protection for one alignment (Cheadle Bypass), remove protection on five (including B5032 Ashbourne Road realignment and Stafford Southern Bypass), and amend three to become active travel corridors (Winchester Road, Hednesford extension; Amington Link Road; and Dosthill Bypass, Tamworth). The decision to remove or amend protections was based on factors including local policy support, economic case, financial viability, and environmental impact. The Cabinet approved the proposed approach for the protection of highway routes.
Highways Design Code
Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, introduced Staffordshire's new Highways Design Code, which updates guidance on street design last published in 2000. The code aims to ensure well-designed streets and public spaces, providing clarity and consistency for developers from pre-planning to adoption. It sets minimum requirements for new residential streets, focusing on place-making, movement, safety, sustainability, and long-term maintenance. The code has been developed with input from district and borough councils and will guide the design, construction, and adoption of new residential streets across Staffordshire. The Cabinet approved the publication of the code and delegated decisions on amendments to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills.
Procurement of a Framework Agreement for Tarmacadam Paving Repairs and Responsive Maintenance
Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented a report seeking approval to procure a framework agreement for tarmacadam paving repairs and responsive maintenance for corporate properties and maintained schools. The current framework expires in March 2027, and the new agreement will be for four years with an option to extend. The total estimated spend is £7 million, with an expected annual expenditure of around £1.5 million. The objective is to establish an efficient way to manage contracts, provide opportunities for local providers, and act as a benchmark for value. The Cabinet agreed to the procurement exercise and delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Resources to award the framework agreement and any extensions.
Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy
Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, presented the updated Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy. He emphasised the importance of managing Staffordshire's road network effectively, given its age and increasing demands. The updated policy provides a clear, long-term, evidence-based approach to managing highway assets, aligning with the Council's Strategic Direction and Highway Roadmap. The strategy aims to target investment for maximum benefit, manage risk effectively, and provide the best value for taxpayers. The Cabinet reviewed and approved the draft policy and strategy, delegating decisions on amendments to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills.
Winter Service Policy 2026
Councillor Peter Mason also presented the updated Winter Service Policy for 2026, replacing the 2015-16 policy. The new policy moves away from historic traffic groups to a more holistic carriageway hierarchy, reflecting changes in network usage over the past decade. While existing treated roads will continue to be gritted, the new policy allows for a more flexible assessment of criteria for gritting. A key change is the inclusion of a new arrangement allowing local district, borough, parish, and town councils, or County Members, to pay for community grit bins through discretionary funds. The Cabinet considered and supported the proposed updates to the policy.
Decisions taken by Cabinet Members under Delegated Powers
The Cabinet noted decisions taken by Cabinet Members under delegated powers, specifically relating to the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection.
Forward Plan of Key Decisions
The Cabinet reviewed and noted the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 21 October 2026 to 17 February 2027, which outlines upcoming key decisions to be made by the Cabinet.
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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Highways Design Code
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire County Council's Cabinet approved the publication of the Highways Design Code on 16 September 2026. The code will guide the design, construction, and adoption of new residential streets. Decisions on amendments and updates that do not change overall principles are delegated to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways.
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Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Staffordshire Council decided to approve recommendations on 16 September 2026. The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for 21 October 2026 to 17 February 2027 was noted.
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Staffordshire Means Business
Recommendations Approved -
Decisions taken by Cabinet Members under Delegated Powers
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture decided to approve the permanent transfer of items from the Staffordshire County Museum collection on 16/09/2026.
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Leader's Update
Recommendations Approved -
Minutes of the meeting of the Property Sub-Committee held on 15 July 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Property Sub-Committee of Staffordshire Council approved leases for St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School, Thomas Russell Junior School, and Cooper Perry Primary School on 15 July 2026. The committee also approved lease changes for Innovation Centre 5, a new lease for TORC Vocational Centre, and a new lease and surrender of a unit at Staffordshire Place.
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Procurement of a Framework Agreement for the provision of Tarmacadam Paving Repairs and Responsive Maintenance
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire Cabinet agreed to undertake a procurement exercise for a framework agreement for tarmacadam repairs and responsive maintenance on 16 September 2026. Authority was delegated to the Director of Finance & Resources to approve the award of the framework agreement and any extensions. The framework will include requirements for recycling waste products, incorporating recycled content into asphalt mixes, and explaining how materials and methods maintain performance under impactful weather conditions.
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Winter Service Policy 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved the updated Winter Service Policy 2026 on 16 September 2026. The policy replaces the 2015-16 version and introduces a new carriageway hierarchy for determining treated roads. It also includes provisions for community grit bins to be provided by District, Borough, Parish, and Town Councils at their expense.
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Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the draft Staffordshire County Council Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy on 16 September 2026. They also delegated decisions on amendments and updates to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways.
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Protection of Highway Alignments
Recommendations ApprovedStaffordshire County Council's Cabinet decided to approve the proposed approach for the protection of highway routes on 16 September 2026. The decision included retaining protection for the Cheadle Bypass, changing protection to an active travel corridor for Winchester Road (Hednesford extension), Amington Link Road, and Dosthill Bypass, and removing protection for B5032 Ashbourne Road (Mayfield realignment), Newpool Road (Biddulph realignment), A520 Cellarhead Crossroads (Werrington bypass), Yoxall Bypass, and Stafford Southern Bypass. The Cabinet also agreed to amend the Local Transport Plan accordingly.
Attendees
No attendees have been recorded for this meeting.
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