Agenda item

The Leader will inform the Council about his work and his plans for the Council, and will give an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council

The Leader of the Council presented a Statement outlining his recent work; his plans for the Council; and an overview of decisions taken by the Cabinet (and Portfolio Holders) since the previous meeting of the Council.

Staffordshire Prosperity Update

(Paragraph 1 of the Statement)

Mr. Heenan indicated that he welcomed the recent Government announcement that Middleport Pottery in Burslem and Alstom in Stafford were to benefit from the new Regional Growth Fund.  He added that this was a major achievement that would help to attract jobs and prosperity to the county.  Mr Adams responded by indicating that Staffordshire was one of only a few authorities whose bids had been successful.  He added that, with confidence returning in the business sector, he hoped that firms within Staffordshire would be well placed to compete in the developing markets in the East.

Staffordshire Families and Communities Update

(Paragraph 2 of the Statement)

In response to a question from Mr. Sweeney concerning the “take-up” of the Young People’s Travel Card, Mr. Maryon indicated that, to date, nearly 7,000 applications had been received.  He added that, as a direct result of the success of the scheme, a bus operator had contacted the county Council with a view to creating a new bus route.

Mrs. Heath referred to recent speculation that the County Council was proposing to reduce the number of School Crossing Patrols. Mr. Maryon responded by indicating that the County Council had no such plans.

In response to questions by members, Mr. Ellis outlined the progress being made by the County Council and the Primary Care Trusts in Staffordshire in relation to the integration of Health and Social Care services.  He explained that the main thrust was on commissioning services that were “person focussed”, bringing together health and social care so that those services were more “joined-up”.

Mr. Huckfield expressed concern that a recent change in policy had resulted in the Newcastle Weekly Social Club for the Visually Impaired now being charged for the hire of transport.  In response, Mr. Maryon indicated that he would investigate this matter further and would respond to Mr. Huckfield in writing.

In response to questions from Members in relation changes made to address alleged failings at Stafford Hospital, Mr. Atkins indicated that the County Council had made some changes in order to improve the scrutiny arrangements.

Renewable Energy Generation on the Council’s land and Buildings

(Paragraph 4 of the Statement)

Several Members welcomed the announcement by the County Council that it did not wish to pursue the option of commercial-scale wind energy generation on its land holding because of the potential environmental impacts of that technology.  They also noted that the Council had an aspiration to bring forward sufficient projects involving all other renewable energy technologies to ensure that it remained on course to meet its overall carbon reduction target. In response to a question from Mr. Davies in relation to how the County Council would meet its carbon reduction target, Mr. Winnington indicated that the County Council was looking at a number of emerging technologies.  Mr. Atkins referred to the need for the county council to work with its partners to reduce fuel poverty by, for example, making homes cheaper to heat.

Publication of Statutory Proposal to Discontinue Blake Valley Technology College

(Paragraph 5 of the Statement)

Mr. Bernard indicated that he welcomed the news that the Cabinet had agreed to proceed with publication of the statutory notice to discontinue the Blake Valley Technology College, thus paving the way for it to become an Academy.  He requested that he and the other “local members” be kept informed of the progress of the development of the new Academy and expressed the hope that its name would include the words “Blake Valley”.

In response to a question by Mr. J. Oates in relation to the decision by three schools in Tamworth not to pursue Academy status, Mr. Atkins and Mrs. Staples indicated that they were disappointed as this was a “missed opportunity”.

Mrs. Heath extended her thanks to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills in respect of her decision to postpone the proposal to close Flash CE (VC) Primary School to facilitate the establishment of a sustainable federation with other local schools.

Whistle Stop Tours

(Paragraph 11 of the Statement)

In response to a question from Mr. Chapman concerning the recent visit by the Leader of the Council to the new extra-care development for older people in Madeley, Mr. Ellis indicated that the County Council was working with partners with a view to providing 2,000 extra-care places in Staffordshire by 2013.