The Staffordshire County Council Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 October 2025, and among the items discussed were the rescinding of the climate change emergency declaration, a new approach to delivering the Levy Fund¹, and an update on business in Staffordshire. The cabinet approved the recommendations for the Integrated Performance Report, the LEVI Fund, and the Forward Plan.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The cabinet approved a new approach to delivering the Levy Fund. The council intends to withdraw from the Levy Consortium to direct its allocation of funding to local priority areas.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Leader of the Council, stated that the previous climate change emergency declaration was rescinded to allow the council to focus on practical environmental improvements rather than chasing unachievable and unaffordable net zero policies . He said that the paper regarding electric vehicle charging points would provide more information on the council's pragmatic, real-world approach .

Councillor Mason said that the new approach would bring real benefits to local communities, making charging points available across the entire community on an equitable level, reducing infrastructure disruption and costs.

Councillor Alex Hunt, Cabinet Support Member for SEND, raised concerns about the pressure that increased electric vehicle charging points would put on the electrical grid. In response, it was confirmed that the project would work with power providers to ensure the energy supply is sufficient.

Integrated Performance Report

The cabinet approved the Integrated Performance Report - Quarter 2, 2025/26. The report provides an overview of the council's delivery progress, performance, and financial position, in line with its strategic ambitions and Medium-Term Financial Strategy².

Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, asked for more detail on the almost £11 million reduction in the capital forecast between Quarter 1 and Quarter 2. Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, explained that some work had been refaced on the highways, with capital programmes for Norton Canes and Lichfield being found to conflict with potential drainage renewal works and some development work. He added that the footway programme had been halted temporarily due to resident complaints about the quality of the work.

Councillor Alex Hunt asked about the progress of the strategic reviews and how they link with the report. It was confirmed that there are currently 55 metrics in the performance report, and the plan is to review all of the metrics going forward, with information from the strategic reviews being fed into the forward plan and the future MTFS.

Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said that the council was focusing on the key dynamics and impact areas that affect the people of Staffordshire, and would be committing to around 15 to 18 metrics in the future.

Staffordshire Means Business Update

Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, provided an update on business in Staffordshire. He reported that Staffordshire employment levels are higher than the national average, and the increase in claimant counts is lower than the national average. However, he noted that the average wage in the county is still below the national average, which is something the council will be focusing on.

Councillor Murray mentioned several large projects coming forward in Staffordshire, including the Central Edge, the West Midlands Interchange, and the future development of the 5500³. He said that these projects are a positive sign for Staffordshire's economy and will provide long-term job security and high-level wages.

Councillor Murray also highlighted the importance of the Institute of Technology in Stafford, which officially opened its doors to learners last month. He said that the IOT is being led by Newcastle and the Stafford College Group, and is being delivered with strong collaboration with several other skilled providers and private sector partners.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The cabinet approved the forward plan, a list of matters coming before the cabinet over the next few months. The plan included items such as devolution, nexus trading services, half-yearly treasury management, domestic abuse, renewable powers, local transport, the medium-term financial plan, special educational needs, home care, East Staffordshire transfer, waste management, and a homeless strategy.

Leader's Update

Councillor Ian Cooper gave an oral report, addressing several key issues. He stated the council's commitment to environmental improvements, addressing concerns about a proposed incinerator in Hickson, and calling on the government for clarity and commitment on long-term funding settlements.

On the subject of the proposed incinerator, Councillor Cooper stated:

We understand your concerns about the proposed incinerator. And we stand shoulder to shoulder with you. This council will continue to challenge the application robustly to protect the character of your community and the well-being of the environment. We aim to make sure your voices are heard so that the government planning inspectors can be in no doubt of your views.

He also spoke about the council's focus on frontline services, democratic accountability, and pushing for change that works for Staffordshire.