“Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic remains a challenge and we continue to do what is required to control the spread of the virus and keep people

safe. The vaccine programme has been a game changer and as of January 2022, in Staffordshire 88% of people over 18 have had their first dose, 86% have had two doses and 71% have had the booster.

We continue to do what is necessary to support those who need us most, including vulnerable residents, the care sector, local communities and businesses.

Growing our economy, creating better quality jobs, and supporting local businesses with their recovery through the Staffordshire Means Back to

Business Programme remains a priority. Putting more money in people’s pockets and improving their financial security, especially at a time when

living costs are on the increase, is vital.

The cost of social care continues to rise, and we face capacity issues and challenges in the sector. The home care market is continuing to experience rising demand, compounded by ongoing recruitment and retention difficulties but during quarter 3 we have made good progress to mitigate this across the sector.

In October we introduced a new model for the delivery of our Children and families service and our work through the Building Resilient Families

and Communities programme continues to support vulnerable families. The programme has already achieved its target for the year. The Staffordshire Warmer Homes programme also continues to grow from strength to strength supporting households with updating heating and has attracted an additional £5.9m funding from Government.

Despite the many pressures facing councils like ours, we will invest to keep growing the county in a sustainable way to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents. We want Staffordshire people to enjoy a better quality of life, in thriving communities, and live longer in good health”.

Cllr Alan White, Leader of the Council

“Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic continues to

put extra pressures on our finances, but we continue to do what is necessary and to manage them effectively. A recent audit report also confirmed this alongside our sound approach to financial management during the pandemic.

All council departments continue to deliver against their recovery priorities, whilst progressing with activities in the organisation’s Delivery Plan. The latest revenue forecast outturn shows a forecast saving of £3.963m compared to the previous forecast of a saving of £1.992m at Quarter 2.

Like most local authorities, we still face financial challenges including in adult social care and in children’s social services. We have had the announcement from Government on the reforms to social care which was welcome, but we do need to see more details of how this will work in practice. We also have concerns that any funding available will not match the costs.

We continue to keep our finances in as strong a position as possible and to ensure that we provide good value for money for local tax-payers. Well managed finances also mean we can invest in our future and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115