Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion. 

Decision – That the notes of the meeting held on 15 November 2023 be approved. 

Oral report of the Leader of the Council

Decision – That the oral report of the Leader of the Council giving an update on a range of issues including the Network North transport conference in Birmingham where local authority partners spoke with “one voice” on the major benefits improvements to the A50/A500 corridor would bring (which has now been included in the projects listed under the Network North proposals); the gritting crews working tirelessly to keep Staffordshire on the move during the recent adverse weather; the news that many local councils were facing increased pressure and significant financial challenges and, despite these challenges, this Authority’s proposals to deliver a balanced budget and still invest in its key priorities; the “Here to Help” pages on the council website which provides support and advice on where to turn for those in need of help; the free school holiday activities available to eligible families; the Council teaming up with Staffordshire Samaritans to help those who struggle with their mental health over the festive period and the proposal to light the Shire Hall green and encouraging people to safely put green lights in their windows on Friday, 22 December (the longest night of the year); be noted. 

The Leader also extended his thanks to all his county council colleagues, partners and residents who work tirelessly to support people and businesses across the county 365 days a year and wished them a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. 

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: 

·       This month saw an increase of 340 claimants in Staffordshire.  The total number of claimants in the county now stands at 15,030 or 2.8% of the working age population.  The claimant count rate in Staffordshire continues to be one of the lowest in the West Midlands and is far lower than the average for the region of 4.9%, and lower than the average for England of 3.8%. We will continue to support those residents that unfortunately find themselves out of work to access employment through our partnership working and dedicated Jobs Brokerage service. 

·       The youth claimant count in Staffordshire saw an increase of 60 claimants to a total of 2,915 young people.  The proportion of young people in Staffordshire aged 18-24 that are claiming work-related Universal Credit now stands at 4.7%.  This is lower than the national rate of 5.1% and far lower than the regional rate of 6.9%.  This further increase in the youth claimant count highlights the importance of continuing to engage with our younger residents and supporting them to find employment or continue in education and training. 

·       A few weeks ago, we learnt of the successful bid for £20m of Levelling Up Funding for parts of the Stafford Station Gateway project.  Added to the previously successful bids, this now means that over £70m has been secured by the Staffordshire local authorities for the regeneration of our town centres from the Levelling Up Fund alone, with over £220 million national funding secured in total which the County Council continues to work proactively with our District and Borough Council partners to deliver.  Stafford Station Gateway is of course an important piece of the town’s ongoing revitalisation which includes the County Council’s Eastgate regeneration plans and the Borough Council’s Future High Street programme.   

·       i54 South Staffordshire is one of flagship employment sites and the County Council, working with South Staffordshire Council and the City of Wolverhampton Council, have been working together to unlock the western extension to the site.  Back in the summer it was announced that Fortune Brands would be building a 270,000 sq ft manufacturing centre of excellence on the western extension to support the group’s luxury ceramics and brassware brands within the kitchen and bathroom industry.  This development is expected to be completed shortly with recruitment for the 300 expected jobs having recently begun.   

·       The visitor economy is one of Staffordshire’s key strengths and we continue to support the development of this vital part of the county’s economy.  Back in June I updated Cabinet on our efforts to secure a Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as part of VisitEngland’s national reform of Destination Management Organisations.  This programme is expected to create around 40 strategic partnerships across the country which will work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

Cabinet Member for Health and Care

Reasons for the Decision – To consider the proposed Older People Adult Social Care Commissioning Strategy 2024-2029. 

Decision – That the proposed Older People Adult Social Care Commissioning Strategy 2024-29 be approved. 

Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Reasons for the Decision – To update Cabinet on the development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the period 2024 to 2029. 

Decision – (a) That the updates to the financial plans, as set out in the report, including the potential use of reserves to balance the MTFS period and risks associated with that, be noted.  

(b) That the new savings as well as the commitment to continue to deliver the previously approved cost reductions, as set out in Appendices 2a – 2e to the report, be endorsed. 

(c) That a further report be received in January to recommend a Revenue Budget, MTFS and Council Tax to full council in February. 

(d) That the Corporate Review Committee be asked to scrutinise the proposed pressures and cost reduction options against the principles of a good and balanced budget. 

Decision – That the following decisions taken by Cabinet Members under delegated powers be noted: 

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 17 January to 15 May2024, which detailed the following issues, was approved: 

The Chairman to move:

“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

(All reports in this section are exempt)

“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 the Local Government Act 1972 indicated below”. 

PART TWO 

(Exemption paragraph 3)

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

(Exemption paragraph 3) 

Reasons for the Decision – To consider the arrangements for the future provision of the Families Health and Well-being Service. 

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

(Exemption paragraph 3)

Cabinet Member for Health and Care

(Exemption paragraph 3) 

Reasons for the Decision – To consider the arrangement for the future provision of drug and alcohol treatment services in Staffordshire. 

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

Alan White 

Leader of the Council