The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss Staffordshire County Council's economic strategy, the Get Britain Working plan, and digital infrastructure in the county. The committee endorsed the approach being taken to improve digital infrastructure and passed on a recommendation to amend the target for 100% gigabit broadband coverage from 2030 to 2032, in line with the government's revised national target. The committee also endorsed the approach and progression made in developing the Get Britain Working (GBW) plan and approved the priorities and initial actions proposed.

Digital Infrastructure

The committee endorsed the update and approach being taken in deploying the digital infrastructure strategic framework. They also noted the further areas of consideration and improvement being developed in support of the council's overall digital-first strategy. The committee agreed to recommend to the cabinet that the county council's target for 100% gigabit-capable broadband coverage be amended from 2030 to 2032, in line with the government's recently amended national target.

Councillor Thomas Baker asked how Staffordshire was performing compared to other councils. An officer stated that Staffordshire was third among neighbouring local authorities for gigabit-capable coverage, and fifth out of nine when considering fibre coverage.

Councillor Simon Tagg, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Strategic Highways, raised concerns about areas such as Madeley and Betley, where residents could see better connections being installed just over the border in Cheshire East. He also highlighted the importance of managing public expectations.

Councillor Paul Jones asked how value for money was being assessed in contracts with Connect Fibre and Alpenreach. An officer explained that contracts are awarded centrally by an arm's-length organisation, now part of the Department of Science of Innovation and Technology, and that value for money is assessed for each contract. They noted that the cost of delivering fibre to rural areas can be significantly higher than in urban areas.

Councillor Gary Bentley raised concerns about the disruption caused by different companies digging up the same roads to install their own networks. He asked if the council had any power to better coordinate these works. An officer explained that the council operates a Staffordshire approach , coordinating with network operators to minimise disruption and agree on standards for reinstatement. Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, added that the council's new highway strategy aims to improve coordination and ensure that ducting is laid during roadworks for future use.

Councillor Su Beardmore raised the issue of poor internet connections in rural areas, particularly in areas with long lanes and few houses. She asked if there was an opportunity to coordinate with utility companies, such as Severn Trent Water, when they are carrying out major infrastructure works to install new internet cables at the same time. An officer responded that this was complex due to commercial sensitivities and contractual issues.

Get Britain Working Plan

The committee endorsed the approach and progression made in developing the Get Britain Working (GBW) plan and approved the priorities and initial actions proposed.

The Get Britain Working Plan [GBW] aims to increase the employment rate in Staffordshire to over 80%, reduce unemployment and underemployment, and tackle economic inactivity, especially among young people. The plan includes a £19 million investment in the Connect to Work (CTW) programme, which will support 5,300 people.

Councillor Bentley raised concerns about the shift towards online job centres and the potential for this to disadvantage people who prefer face-to-face support. An officer explained that the government will merge the National Careers Service into job centres from October next year, bringing 1,000 careers advisors into local job centres. They also highlighted the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service, which provides both digital and physical support, including employment brokers and work experience opportunities.

Councillor Tagg raised concerns about the government's policies on taxation and the potential impact on enterprise and innovation. He also emphasised the importance of expanding Newcastle College to provide the skills needed for new job opportunities in the north of the county. Councillor Murray responded that the council is working on an expansion model for all of its colleges and that Newcastle is key to that.

Staffordshire County Council's Economic Strategy Delivery

Councillor Murray presented an update on Staffordshire County Council's economic strategy delivery. He stated that supporting the growth of Staffordshire's economy remains a key objective for the new administration. The emerging priorities are place promotion and investment attractions, vibrant towns and visitor economy, infrastructure and corridor growth, talent skills and inclusive growth, and enterprise innovation in urban and rural areas.

Councillor Bentley raised concerns about the A500 corridor and the need for infrastructure improvements to support local businesses in Cheadle. He stated that wagons delivering to local businesses were having to use a D road¹ that was not fit for purpose. Councillor Murray responded that the wider infrastructure programme is part of the 5500 project and that the council is putting together a package to address these issues.

Councillor Robin Hall asked whether the council has a procurement policy that prioritises the purchase or leasing of British-made or locally sourced products. Councillor Murray responded that the council does try to source locally first and is looking at building a database to support this. Councillor Hall requested that the committee be presented with data on the proportion of procurement spend going to local suppliers. Councillor Murray agreed to pass this request on to the corporate committee.

Councillor Conor Wileman stated that the report read more like an emerging strategy than an update. He said that Burton-on-Trent needed more high-skilled jobs to generate higher wages. He asked what the council's views were on trying to focus on key sectors such as nuclear SMR reactors, data centres, green technology, and hydrogen. Councillor Murray responded that the council was working to attract high-end, agri-tech businesses to new developments and that the skills side was very important.

Councillor Baker asked about the West Midlands Interchange scheme and what the council was doing to support it. He also asked whether there was a local transport plan for the area to ensure that people without cars can access employment there. Councillor Murray responded that transport for the workforce is built into the regional plan for the scheme.

Councillor Tagg stated that the Staffordshire economy had bounced back after the Covid upset and the energy crisis, but that the government's policies on taxation would have a rebound effect.

Work Programme Update

Jacob provided an update on the committee's work programme. The environmental strategy is scheduled for 17 November. The joint archive service annual report will be received in the next municipal year (2026-27). The library strategy will be received on 18 December 2025, with a briefing on 16 February before it goes to cabinet. The local nature recovery strategy and the natural environment strategy and biodiversity report have been moved from 20 November to 29 January. There will be a briefing on 12 November to discuss the M6 M54 link road. A petition entitled Protect our town from overdevelopment will be received on 20 November. The petition regarding the pump track has been referred to cabinet. There will be a site visit to Staffordshire History Centre on 29 January.