Decision details

“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a considerable impact on our finances and operations – though we have met the challenge with the whole council working incredibly hard to support our communities through this difficult time.

Our ongoing work with the NHS to combat the spread of coronavirus in Staffordshire has included identifying hotspots with targeted community testing programmes and latterly supporting the vaccine roll-out. We have now distributed six million items of PPE to care staff, social workers and other frontline roles in addition to the provision of PPE to over 2,000 small businesses. Through our #DoingOurBit initiative, 109 community groups have now received grants and we have continued to support our schools and early years settings in any way we can.

Our five-year economic recovery programme has seen a new year launch of proposals to work with our district and borough councils on new support programmes for businesses and to increase employee and apprenticeship skills. It follows on from our comprehensive business start-up support package. Meanwhile our major regeneration projects continue at pace and we have seen more companies commit to invest in Staffordshire and create hundreds of jobs.

Covid-19 will remain a huge challenge throughout this year and beyond. However we can assure people that our effective management of our finances and operations have put us in a strong position as we move forward; and we are confident that with the rapid roll-out of the vaccine and continued efforts of all partners, our residents and businesses, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Alan White, Leader of the Council

“The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic remains a huge challenge to our finances, but one which we continue to manage resolutely. 

At the end of Quarter 3, the latest revenue forecast outturn shows a forecast overspend of £600,000 which equates to 0.1 per cent of our budget. This compares to £1.8m for Quarter 2.

The pandemic will undoubtedly impact on the county council and its finances in the months and years to come. However, we can assure people that our effective management of them means we retain our focus on supporting those most in need, our communities and businesses as we move forward from this difficult period.”

Mike Sutherland, Cabinet Member for Finance