The Staffordshire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 21 October 2026, with Hayley Coles in the chair, to discuss a range of important issues including the county's economic performance, infrastructure projects, and the council's financial health. Key actions included endorsing the submission of a grant funding application for the replacement of Chetwynd Bridge and noting the progress made on the Staffordshire Means Business initiative.

Leader's Update

Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of the Council, provided an update highlighting a record-breaking month for highways teams, who filled over 5,000 potholes in September. He also noted savings achieved through changes to home-to-school transport and outlined the council's new framework for reviewing supported bus services, which considers wider community benefits. However, Councillor Murray also addressed significant challenges, including the pressures on county councils regarding fair and sustainable funding, particularly for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services and children's social care. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Marston's Carlsberg-Britvic regarding potential redundancies and closures.

Staffordshire Means Business

Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented an overview of employment figures and economic initiatives. He highlighted that while Staffordshire's claimant count remains comparatively strong, there has been an increase in unemployment, particularly among young people. The report noted the proposed closure of Marston's Brewery in Burton, which could affect 303 jobs, and the council's commitment to supporting those affected. Encouraging progress was reported in technical education, with Newcastle and Staffordshire Colleges Group selected as a Technical and Vocational Excellence Centre for the West Midlands. Significant investment from JCB (£100 million) in its Staffordshire headquarters was also mentioned, alongside the continued growth of Staffordshire's visitor economy, now worth a record £2.84 billion annually. The Tamworth Tap pub was celebrated for winning Great British Pub of the Year 2026.

During the discussion, Councillor Janet Higgins asked for the reasons behind the rising youth unemployment rate. Councillor Hall attributed this to a perfect storm of economic uncertainty, new employment legislation, higher employment costs, and a skills mismatch. He outlined the council's efforts to bridge the gap between skills and employability. Councillor Anthony Screen raised concerns about redundancies at Bet365, noting the impact on families in the county. Councillor Hall acknowledged the company's significant contribution to Stoke-on-Trent and highlighted joint programmes with the City Council to support growth hubs and skills.

Integrated Performance Report - Quarter 2, 2026/27

Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the Integrated Performance Report for Quarter 2 of 2026/27. The report indicated a positive overall picture, with most strategic projects on track and performance measures meeting or exceeding targets. Key achievements included expanding specialist education provision with a £28 million investment in new SEND facilities, securing over £33 million in government investment for further education, and continuing highways improvements, including repairing 4,000 potholes in August. Digital connectivity has reached almost 90% of premises.

However, the report also highlighted ongoing challenges within children's social care and SEND services due to rising demand. Financially, the latest revenue forecast showed an overspend of £8.896 million, a significant improvement from the £19.8 million overspend reported in Quarter 1. This improvement was attributed to the corporate cost recovery plan and savings identified across directorates. The council's financial health indicators remained stable, with 98% of supplier invoices paid within 30 days. The capital programme remained fully funded, with forecast expenditure of £191.7 million.

An addendum to the report announced the acceptance of the local SEND reform plan by the DFE, releasing nearly £85 million in high needs stability grant payments.

Councillor Bagguley requested that recommendation B, concerning additional borrowing for the Eastgate Quarter regeneration project, be removed from the record, as he was not seeking approval for this at the present time. The report was received.

A513 Chetwynd Bridge Replacement

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, presented proposals for the replacement of Chetwynd Bridge. A bid of £40.358 million had been submitted to the Department for Transport from the government's structures fund for the construction of a new bridge adjacent to the existing Grade I listed structure. The total estimated cost of the project is £46.358 million, with the council proposing a local contribution of £6 million from the Integrated Transport Fund. The new bridge is forecast to be completed around December 2029, which would restore proper traffic flows and alleviate significant disruption currently faced by vehicles over 7.5 tons. Councillor Mason warned that without this investment, the existing bridge might eventually have to be closed to all traffic.

The Cabinet endorsed the submission of the grant funding application and authorised the council's participation in the project should funding be awarded. This includes allocating the £6 million local contribution and accepting responsibility for any unforeseen cost overruns. Authority was also delegated for the acquisition of necessary land and easements, and for entering into the construction works delivery contract.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 18 November 2026 to 17 March 2027 was approved, detailing upcoming key decisions across various service areas, including the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Post Street Lighting PFI Contract Model, and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-2032.

Following these discussions, the meeting moved into Part Two, where the public was excluded for items involving the likely disclosure of exempt information, including the Bus Service Network Review, Sale of Properties at Mount Road Leek, and an Unregistered Placements Update.