Staffordshire County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the adoption of a new approach to environmental policy, the appointment of political assistants, highways maintenance, and the Community Fund. The council voted to rescind its climate emergency declaration made in 2019, but rejected a proposal to include percentage impact alongside financial impact in budget changes. Councillors also approved changes to the constitution regarding political assistant posts.

Climate Emergency Declaration

The council voted to rescind the climate emergency declaration made in 2019. Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, moved to rescind the declaration, arguing that while the council wants to protect the environment of Staffordshire, the previous approach did not bring value to the people of Staffordshire.

Councillor Simon Tagg, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Strategic Highways, proposed an amendment to replace the declaration with a renewed commitment that reflects progress made and challenges ahead, following full scrutiny and consultation. He noted the previous Conservative administration implemented a fully costed action plan between 2021 and 2025, which delivered £3.5 million a year in savings. Councillor Tagg said that the amendment maintains a commitment to environmental protection, grounds actions in legal duties, financial prudence and community benefit. Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, seconded the amendment, saying that he never loved the climate emergency term and would be quite happy to see that go.

Councillor Jack Rose raised a point of order that Councillor Mynors had failed to declare an interest, as he works for a group that specialises in oil, gas and geothermal operations. Kate Loader, a Councillor, confirmed that Councillor Mynors had declared his employment in BDM Geolog UK Limited, and that it was a matter for Councillor Mynors to confirm whether or not he considers that he is conflicted by reason of this matter. Councillor Mynors said that he did not think he was conflicted.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Leader of the Council, urged members to reject any amendment and stick with the original motion. The amendment was voted down, and the council then voted to rescind the climate emergency declaration.

Political Assistant Posts

The council approved changes to the constitution regarding political assistant posts. Councillor Cooper moved that the changes be made, and Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, seconded the motion.

Councillor Rose said he would be voting against the proposal, stating that Councillor Cooper has provided no detail on the brief that the political assistants will be performing. Councillor Colin Greatorex, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Health and Care, said that it doesn't really matter what the cost is, as there is no value for money analysis. Councillor Alex Farrell, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Portfolio Holder for Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution, said that the main issue is that this is a decision to spend just over £142,000, and that there is no value for money argument there.

Councillor Cooper said that the framework for this position was written in by the Conservatives in 1989, and that they use the title political assistant. He said that this is not what Reform want, and that the framework is not their design.

The recommendations contained in the Council Report - Changes to Constitution were approved.

Highways

The council discussed highways maintenance, with several councillors raising concerns about the state of the roads in their divisions. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said that the council does not get the funding levels it deserves or needs, but that it needs to champion and do something different for Staffordshire. He said that the council needs to be smarter about how it goes about work, and that it is looking to roll the works into whole road packages, geographic packages, and tackle across multiple assets.

Councillor Simon Tagg, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Strategic Highways, said that a rushed decision came out of scrutinising the delegated decision not to introduce the three-month pause. He said that the three-month pause on non-essential roadworks comes at precisely the time of year when road maintenance is most effective, most efficient and least disruptive.

Councillor Colin Greatorex, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Health and Care, said that delaying the category 3 potholes by three months will not make them go away, and that they will actually become category 2, and become bigger and more expensive to treat.

Councillor Philip White, Leader of the Opposition, said that whenever highways come up you always get an awful lot of speakers, and that's because it's the thing that residents speak about the most. He said that the devil is in the detail in terms of how the council tries to use the funding that it's got.

Community Fund

The council discussed the Community Fund, with several councillors praising the scheme and highlighting the positive impact it has on their communities. Councillor Farrell said that the Community Fund has such an impact on smaller projects, and that he'd encourage any councillor who hasn't yet spent all their money to please do so. Councillor Victoria Wilson, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, said that the Community Fund is essential for small organisations just to have a tiny acorn with which to grow a great oak.

Councillor Gary Bentley said that he remembered when the figure was £10,000 a few years ago that councillors had to give out, and that it was reduced to two and a half. He asked if that was something as a cross group the council could consider lifting up.

Councillor Cooper said that he'd take on board the points made, and that he would have to talk to the cabinet member for finance to see if there's any money in the kitty at all.

The Community Fund Annual Report 2024 was received.

Other Business

• The council extended congratulations to Jeremy Pert on being elected as the County Councillor representing the Eccleshall and Nosell County electoral division.
• The council congratulated JCB as they approach their 80th anniversary.
• The council approved the Corporate Parenting Panel Annual Report 2024-25.
• The council received the Report to Full Council final of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.
• Councillor Pert presented a petition with 4,653 signatures relating to Eckershall, asking for the county council to recognise the concerns of local people and take into account those people viewing the petition.