Agenda and minutes

Decision – That the notes of the meeting held on 31 March 2021 be approved.

Decision – That the oral report of the Leader of the Council giving an update on a range of issues including Staffordshire’s covid rate being significantly below that for England and the West Midlands; vaccination rates in the county and Stoke-on-Trent being amongst the very best in the UK, extending the Council’s thanks to its staff, the community groups, businesses and individuals who stepped up to support our communities, people and our businesses, and also to doctors, nurses, police and other professionals for their courage and dedication; the need to continue to follow the government guidance on “hands, face, space and fresh air” and to get vaccinated; and the upcoming Staffordshire Day celebrations on Saturday 1st May when we celebrate all that’s great about our amazing county; be noted.

Decision – That the minutes of the meeting of the Property Sub-Committee held on 7 April 2021 be received.

Reasons for the Decision – To consider an update from the COVID-19 Member Led Local Outbreak Control Board including the continuing fall in the number of cases of Covid in Staffordshire and across England, leading to the pressure on the NHS being largely abated; the completion of the first two steps on HM Government’s Roadmap from lockdown enabling schools to re-open, people allowed to meet outdoors in groups of up to six, shops opening, and outdoor hospitality resuming; the roll-out of the Covid vaccination programme with over 500,000 people in Staffordshire receiving a first dose, and 100,000 with a second dose; and concern about very rare side effects associated with the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine with people under 30 now being given the choice of one of the other vaccines available.

Decision – That the report be received.

Oral Update by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills

Decision – That the oral report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills giving an update on “Staffordshire Means Back to Business” activity including the following matters be noted:

·       The Council’s on-going response to the Covid pandemic.

·       The UK economy being expected to return to normal levels by mid-2022.

·       Progress against the Government’s roadmap which has enable non-essential shops and other businesses such as pubs, theme parks and zoos to reopen.

·       The recent announcement by JCB of its largest order in the company’s 75 year history.

·       The creation of around 1,000 jobs at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Cannock.

·       The commencement of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Business Loans Fund.

·       The development of programmes to support businesses across the County including;

-       Staffordshire 500, Apprentices Wage Support

-       Nil Cost Training for Employers Top Up Project

-       Small Business “To Thrive” Financial Support

Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing

Reasons for the Decision – To consider the key aspects of the proposals contained in the HM Government White Paper published on 11 February 2021 together with the opportunities and risks they present to the Council.

Decision – (a) That the legislative proposals set out in the White Paper and the attendant opportunities and risks, be noted.

(b) That the Council begins preparing to implement the proposals in anticipation that they will become law.

(c) that the Council seeks opportunities to influence the development of the enhanced assurance framework.

Cabinet Member for Commercial Matters

Reasons for the Decision – To consider proposals for the award and subsequent award of any call-off contracts under the Agreement for the Repair and Treatment of Flat Roofs and Associated Works.

Decision – (a) That the Staffordshire County Council (the “Council”) concludes its regulated procurement in line with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 for the Framework Agreement for the Repair and Treatment of Flat Roofs and Associated Works;

(b) That following the procurement process, the successful suppliers be appointed to the framework agreement for the period 1st December 2021 to 30th November 2024 and that dependent on the quality of their delivery, that the 12-month service extension be implemented to a final contract end date of 30th November 2025; and

(c) That the Director of Corporate Services be given delegated authority to:

(i) Approve the initial awards of the successful providers to the Framework Agreement, and approve entering into the Framework Agreement with successful providers;

(ii) Approve all subsequent awards of call-off contracts under this Framework Agreement and approve entering into the call-off contracts; and

(iii) (if applicable) approve the 1-year extension to the Framework Agreement in its 4th year.

Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance

Reasons for the Decision – To consider an overview of the County Council’s progress, performance and financial position in delivering against its Strategic Plan and Delivery Plan.

Decision – That the report be received.

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 19 May to 15 September 2021, which detailed the following issues, was approved:

Decision – That the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business which involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of Local Government Act 1972 indicated below.

PART TWO

(Exemption paragraph 3)

Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing and Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change

(Exemption paragraph 3)

Reasons for the Decision – To seek approval for the spend of the grant allocation to

support the Government Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme (GHGLADS).

Decision – That the recommendations contained in the report be agreed.