Staffordshire County Council's Constitution was the sole focus of a meeting held on Friday 28 August 2026. The meeting's agenda was entirely dedicated to reviewing and discussing the various sections and procedures that govern how the council operates, makes decisions, and interacts with its citizens.

The County Council's Constitution

The meeting's agenda was structured around a comprehensive review of Staffordshire County Council's Constitution, as detailed in the Agenda frontsheet 28th-Aug-2026 Staffordshire County Council Constitution and the accompanying Public reports pack 28th-Aug-2026 Staffordshire County Council Constitution. The Constitution outlines the fundamental rules and principles by which the council operates, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in its decision-making processes.

The report pack detailed the various sections of the Constitution, covering how the council works, the role and purpose of the Constitution itself, the composition and responsibilities of Members of the County Council, and the rights of citizens. It also delved into the specific functions and procedures of the Full Council, the Cabinet, and Overview and Scrutiny Committees. Furthermore, the document outlined the roles and responsibilities of Council Officers, as well as the Procedural Standing Orders, Access to Information Procedure Rules, Financial Regulations, and Procurement Regulations that guide the council's operations.

Key areas scheduled for discussion included:

How the Council Works and Decision-Making Principles

The initial sections of the report pack were dedicated to explaining the fundamental principles of how Staffordshire County Council operates. This included outlining the rights of County Council members, officers, and citizens, and detailing the processes by which decisions are made. The principles of decision-making were to be discussed, emphasizing due regard to relevant considerations, the evaluation of alternatives, proportionality, consultation, respect for human rights and equalities, a presumption in favour of openness, clarity of aims, and the provision of reasons for decisions. The report pack also highlighted the importance of following proper procedures that accord with natural justice and the right to a fair trial, as contained within Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Role and Purpose of the Constitution

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the Constitution's role and purpose. This included discussions on its interpretation, the process for its review, the conditions under which it could be suspended, and its publication. The Constitution serves as the foundational document that sets out how the Council operates, how decisions are made, and the procedures followed to ensure these processes are efficient, transparent, and accountable to local people.

Members of the County Council

The composition, eligibility, election, and terms of office for County Councillors were scheduled for review. This section also detailed the roles, functions, rights, and responsibilities of all councillors, including the Members' Code of Conduct, guidance on Member/Officer relations, the Members' Allowances Scheme, and the Parental Leave Policy for Members. A Councillor Dress Code was also included for discussion.

Citizens and the County Council

The rights of citizens in their dealings with the Council were a key topic. This included rights related to voting, referenda, access to information, and the complaints process. The petitions scheme, which allows citizens to formally raise concerns and request action from the Council, was also detailed.

The Full Council, The Cabinet, and Other Committees

The structure and functions of the Council's key decision-making bodies were to be examined. This included the purpose and functions of the Full Council, the role of the Cabinet in making key decisions, and the responsibilities of various other committees such as the Planning Committee, Audit and Standards Committee, Pensions Committee, and Charities and Trusts Committee. The report pack also outlined the terms of reference for Overview and Scrutiny Committees, which play a crucial role in reviewing and scrutinising the Council's work.

Officers and Procedural Rules

The management structure, roles of statutory officers, and the employment rules for Council staff were detailed. Procedural Standing Orders, which govern how meetings are conducted, and Access to Information Procedure Rules, which ensure public access to Council information, were also central to the agenda.

Financial and Procurement Regulations

The meeting's agenda included a thorough review of the Council's Financial Regulations and Procurement Regulations. These documents set out the rules and procedures for managing the Council's finances, including budgeting, spending, income collection, treasury management, asset management, insurance, and risk management. The Procurement Regulations specifically detail the processes for acquiring goods, works, and services, ensuring value for money and compliance with legal requirements.

The discussions were expected to cover the entirety of the Council's constitutional framework, providing a detailed overview of the established procedures and governance structures.