Bernie Brown

Cabinet Officer

Additional Cabinet, Cabinet - Tuesday 4th November 2025 10:00am

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet met to discuss and approve the council's proposal for local government reorganisation (LGR) to be submitted to the government. The Cabinet agreed to submit the proposal, associated appendices, and any final amendments to the government by the deadline of 28 November 2025. Councillor Ian Cooper, Leader of the Council, noted that the council was being forced to consider LGR by central government, and that the council would also be writing to the Prime Minister to object to the reorganisation.

County Council Officer

Extraordinary Council Meeting, County Council - Thursday 23rd October 2025 10:00am

Staffordshire County Council convened to discuss the implications of the Labour government's proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR) and to consider a proposal for an East-West unitary authority split in Staffordshire. Councillors unanimously opposed the government's LGR plans, which they felt were being imposed on them without a clear mandate or public support. Despite their opposition, the council debated and ultimately agreed to forward a proposal for an East-West split to the government, while also agreeing to send a letter to the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister, expressing their united opposition to LGR in Staffordshire.

Children and Families Strategic Partnership Board Committee Member

Children and Families Strategic Partnership - Wednesday 22nd October 2025 2:00pm

The Children and Families Strategic Partnership Board of Staffordshire Council met on Wednesday 22 October 2025 to discuss the Education Highlight Report, the Families First Partnership Programme Governance, and the Partnership's Forward Plan. The Board approved the Families First Partnership Programme Governance, and discussed the Education Highlight Report and Forward Plan, noting actions and updates.

Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee Officer

Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 16th October 2025 10:00am

The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, the pressures on the High Needs budget, and future work programmes. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, presented an update on the progress and priorities of the Area SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan. Members expressed concerns about early years intervention, the complexity of the EHCP process, and the increasing High Needs deficit.

Cabinet Officer

Cabinet - Wednesday 15th October 2025 10:00am

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 Fund[^2], and an update on business in Staffordshire. The cabinet approved the recommendations for the Integrated Performance Report, the LEVI Fund, and the Forward Plan.