Thomas Baker

Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 23rd October 2025 2:00pm

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.

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.

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.

Call-in, Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 6th October 2025 2:00pm

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Cabinet's decision to approve funding from the Corporate Contingency Fund for two political assistant posts, at a maximum funding level of £142,010, with the cost to be built into the Medium Term Financial Strategy[^1] (MTFS) moving forward. After discussion, the committee voted to implement the decision as set out in the original decision notice.

Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday 30th September 2025 10:00am

The Audit and Standards Committee met to discuss the external audit, the National Fraud Initiative, the internal audit plan, and a proposed addition to the scheme of delegation. The committee agreed to support the proposed addition to the scheme of delegation, which will allow the Director of Finance and Resources to authorise definitive map modification orders when directed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The committee also heard updates on the progress of the external and internal audits, and the National Fraud Initiative.