Janet Higgins

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.

Property Sub-Committee - Wednesday 15th October 2025 12:45pm

The Property Sub-Committee convened to discuss and approve several property-related matters. Councillors approved a 125-year academy lease for Burleyfields Primary School, leases to academies including St. Bernadette School, and the renewal of a lease agreement on Unit QA Beacon Business Park. They also agreed to exclude the public from the meeting for the following items of business.

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.

Special County Council Meeting, County Council - Thursday 9th October 2025 12:00pm

The Staffordshire County Council convened for a special meeting to bestow honours upon Sir Ian Dudson and sixteen former councillors. Sir Ian Dudson was granted the title of Honorary Freeman, and each of the sixteen former councillors were granted the title of Honorary Alderman, all in recognition of their distinguished service to Staffordshire.

County Council - Thursday 9th October 2025 10:00am

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.