“Our focus remains firmly on tackling Covid-19 and doing what is needed to control the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable. Work to manage outbreaks is ongoing as is work dealing with the immediate economic and social consequences of the last eighteen months.

Throughout the pandemic we have supported those who need us most, including the care sector, vulnerable families and local businesses. Our COVID-19 Local Outbreak Control Plan continues to help manage local outbreaks. The emergence of the Delta variant remains a concern and recent outbreaks show just how quickly the virus can spread through our communities. Teams have also delivered targeted testing facilities across the county and continue to provide support to the NHS vaccination programme.

In other council business, we continue to provide support for vulnerable adults and children and with this, we still need longer-term help from the Government for funding adult social care and children’s and family services. We continue to lobby Government for a long-term sustainable solution to this as well as more clarity on future settlement grants and funding opportunities.

The government have also confirmed an additional £5.7m funding increase for the upkeep of Staffordshire County Council maintained schools which is welcome news.  A new source of funding to provide more specialist places and improve provision for SEND pupils has also been confirmed.

We continue to provide advice and support for businesses, as we work to get our economy back on track.  We have plans in place to ensure we bounce back stronger and generate new opportunities for better jobs, improved lives, and a greener county for everyone.”

Alan White, Leader of the Council

“Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic continues to put extra pressures on our finances, but we continue to manage them effectively and are doing what is needed and spending what is required.

We have had additional funds and grants from Government which have been used to help support the additional pressures of continuing to provide vital services while protecting our residents. 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 £8.119m (1.5%).

We will 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 grow our economy post pandemic.”

Ian Parry, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources