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In accordance with Cabinet delegated decision
(20 July 2022) to approve the details of an initial 5-year contract
extension (from 1 October 2024) to the strategic partnership
between the County Council and Amey within a new hybrid
mixed-economy operating model that is non-exclusive and subject to
annual performance review for each functional activity
Decision Maker: Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills
Decision published: 17/03/2023
Effective from: 14/03/2023
Decision:
In 2014 the County Council entered a long-term
strategic partnership with Amey for the delivery of infrastructure
services. This ground-breaking and multi award-winning arrangement
is ten years old at the end of September 2024.
Approaching this contract break-point provided a timely opportunity
for the County Council to review the highways future delivery model
and on 20 July 2022 Cabinet approved moving to a new Hybrid Mixed
Economy model to best support delivery of a renewed vision,
ambition and strategic goals for the highway service.
External analysis by Future Highways Research Group (FHRG) during
2021 and benchmarking by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance
and Accounting (CIPFA) demonstrated that the existing strategic
partnership is amongst the highest UK performers in terms of low
cost of service delivery. FHRG also validated that a new
procurement exercise would cost c£1.5M and lose months of
productive time.
Consequently, Cabinet also approved in principle an initial 5-year
contract extension to the strategic partnership between the County
Council and Amey within the new Hybrid Mixed Economy operating
model. The new arrangement is non-exclusive and subject to annual
performance review of each functional activity, meaning that if
performance is not acceptable the county council retains the
freedom to put in place alternative delivery arrangements.
Further to the above Cabinet delegated authority to the Director of
Economy, Infrastructure and Skills to agree the final details of
the revised contract terms in consultation with the Director for
Corporate Services, Cabinet Member for Commercial matters and the
Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation.
Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee have been engaged since
the outset in scrutinising and shaping the proposed new Hybrid
Mixed Economy delivery model and contract extension option.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Vicki Sandells
Staffordshire County Council and the
Integrated Care Board (ICB) have jointly developed a final draft of
a new Mental Health and Mental Well-being Strategy 2023-2028 titled
‘Good Mental Health in Staffordshire’. This replaces
the previous Mental Health Strategy ‘Mental Health is
Everybody’s Business.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 22/03/2023
Decision:
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“Having good mental health is important for everyone, and we need to build strong and resilient communities and individuals who are in control of their own mental well-being.
This new strategy, which has been produced with the NHS, local communities, mental health professions and those who use the service and their carers, aims to help everyone improve and maintain their mental well-being, and help people of all ages with severe long-term mental health issues to live productive and fulfilling lives.”
Julia Jessel, Cabinet Member for Health and Care |
Reasons for the Decision – To consider approving the proposed joint Mental Health & Mental Wellbeing Strategy: ‘Good Mental Health in Staffordshire’ 2023-28.
Decision – (a) That the proposed joint Mental Health & Mental Wellbeing Strategy: ‘Good Mental Health in Staffordshire’ 2023-28, be approved.
(b) That the proposal for the Health and Wellbeing Board to monitor delivery of the associated action plan be endorsed.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Andrew Jepps
Staffordshire County Council 2023/24 highways
and transport capital delivery programme is made up of asset
management (including bridges) and integrated transport
improvements. Funding for 2023/24 to deliver the capital programme
is likely to come from a number of different sources including
Government Capital Grant Block funding allocation for both
maintenance and integrated transport, Section 106 contributions
from developers and contributions from other grants and bids. The
Cabinet Report will outline the approach to highway asset
management in Staffordshire, an estimate of the level of investment
required to maintain the condition of the local road network at an
appropriate level, the funding available in 2023/24 for this
purpose and the proposed Highways and Transport capital investment
programme. Cabinet will be asked to consider the report and approve
the Highways and Transport capital investment proposal that will be
set out in the Report.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 22/03/2023
Decision:
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“Staffordshire’s huge road network is vital for keeping our county connected and its residents and businesses on the move.
Over the next two financial years the County Council is planning to invest an additional £30M to support our commitment to fix more roads. This year will see a total of over £50 million invested in a range of major projects, vital local improvements, and general road maintenance. The additional investment being made by the County Council will enable five major road reconstruction schemes at key locations into our towns, the resurfacing of nine junctions/roundabouts, an extra 275,000 sq. m of preventative surface treatments and £1M of additional work to repair highway drainage.
We were also successful in securing £19.8M through the Levelling Up Fund for improvements to roads and bus and cycling routes in Staffordshire that will see investment in environmentally friendly buses and active travel between Stafford and Cannock, as well as significant investment around the A38 Branston interchange in Burton upon Trent.
However, we recognise that there is always more to be done and we continue to lobby central Government for the money necessary to keep Staffordshire’s roads in the condition we expect and ensure local communities and businesses can see the benefits of an improved highway network.”
David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport |
Reasons for the Decision – To consider approving the Highways and Transport capital investment proposals for 2023/24
Decision – (a) That the Highways and Transport capital investment proposal, as set out in the report and supporting appendices, be approved and that it be noted that, at the time of writing, the allocations from the Department for Transport have not been provided.
(b) That the additional investment of £20M by the County Council into highway maintenance to be delivered over the next two financial years (2023/24 and 2024/25), which when put together with the already approved £5M each year to support minor capital maintenance, makes a total investment of £30M over the next two financial years, be approved.
(c) That the progression of the programme of developer funded s.278/s111 highway improvement projects be approved and that authority be delegated to the Director of Economy, Infrastructure & Skills to agree the details of the works agreements and authorise the contracts for works to be entered into.
(d) The Assistant Director for Highways and the Built County monitors progress of the overall programme and be given delegated authority to make any in-year alterations and additions to the programme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: James Bailey
The Capital Programme for Schools 2023/ 2024
consists of SCC's Statement of Priorities for its schools and
associated appendices for major projects and maintenance projects.
Programme to be approved by Cabinet for commencement/ completion in
2023/ 2024.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 22/03/2023
Decision:
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“It is essential that we keep our maintained schools in a good condition that allows children to thrive.
This year will see more than £43 million spent on maintaining and improving Staffordshire schools to ensure Staffordshire children can learn in surroundings that enhance their education and give them the best possible start in life.
The money will also see more schools benefitting from our decarbonisation programme by replacing inefficient systems, improving insulation and making it easier to monitor energy usage, that will directly contribute to our carbon net zero goal.”
Jonathan Price, Cabinet member for Education (and SEND) |
Reasons for the Decision – To consider approving the Schools Capital Programme for 2023/24.
Decision – (a) That the Schools Capital Programme 2023/24 investment proposal, set out in the report and supporting appendices, be approved.
(b) That the Assistant Director for Commercial and Assets monitors progress and makes any necessary in-year alterations in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education (and SEND).
(c) That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services to enter into contracts for projects in the Capital Programme which have a value of £2,000,000 or above. Other contract awards and modifications will be in accordance with the Council’s Procurement Regulations.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Ian Turner
To present Our People Strategy to Cabinet for
approval.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 22/03/2023
Decision:
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“Our People Strategy is key in helping us be an excellent employer with a welcoming culture, in which people are supported and have opportunities to develop their skills and experience with us.
Importantly, it supports our Strategic Plan, as it guides how we lead our people to deliver first class services and make a positive difference to the people of Staffordshire”.
Alan White, Leader of the Council |
Reasons for the Decision – To consider approving the refreshed People Strategy for 2023 – 2027.
Decision – (a) That the key achievements from the previous People Strategy be acknowledged.
(b) That the evidence-based approach adopted in the development of the strategy be noted.
(c) That the “we will” commitments against the four pillars in the strategy be endorsed.
(d) That the strategy be approved.
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: Sarah Getley
An updated Staffordshire County Council Local
Flood Risk Management Strategy
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 22/03/2023
Decision:
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“Since the last edition of the Strategy was approved, there have been nine significant flood events between 2018 and 2022. Each one carries a financial and emotional cost for individuals and businesses and the concern must be that climate change will make matters worse.
Working with communities and incorporating recent experience and innovative practice, the updated strategy will include ways of managing and reducing flood risks in Staffordshire, as well as considering how best we can recover quickly if the worst happens”.
Simon Tagg, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change |
Reasons for the Decision – To consider approving the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.
Decision – (a) that the draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy be approved.
(b) That the accompanying documents: Habitats Risk Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment, be approved.
(c) That the Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change be authorised to sign-off any necessary changes and publish final versions of a) and b) assuming no significant changes necessary. (See point 11 in the reasons for recommendation).
(d) That the strategy be revised again, when implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 makes Staffordshire County Council a SuDS Approval Body responsible for the approval, adoption, maintenance and management of sustainable drainage systems, to take account of this. (See Point 12 in the reasons for recommendation).
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Lead officer: James Bailey
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 15/03/2023
Decision:
The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 19 April to 16 August 2023, which detailed the following issues, was approved:
Subject Matter |
Contact |
Staffordshire Better Care Fund 2022-2024 |
Name: Helen Trousdale Tel: (01785) |
Staffordshire PSN Current Contract Exit Strategy and New Contract |
Name: Ian Turner Tel: (01785) 277228 |
Corporate Delivery Plan 2023/4 |
Name: John Tradewell Tel: (01785) 276102 |
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) Consultation Feedback, Policy Changes, Re-use and HWRC Network Improvements to Date |
Name: Clive Thomson Tel: (01785) 276522 |
'Living My Best Life' - A Strategy for Disabled and Neurodivergent People in Staffordshire 2023-2028 |
Name: Andrew Jepps Tel: (01785) 278557 |
Integrated Performance - Outturn Report 2022/23 |
Name: Rachel Spain/ Wendy Tompson Tel: (01785) 854455/ (01785) 854267 |
Joint Coroners Service - Legal Framework and Financial Protocol |
Name: Catherine Mann Tel: (01785) 278320 |
Maintenance and Minor Works Framework |
Name: Ian Turner Tel: (01785) 277228 |
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 15/03/2023
Decision:
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 newly formed Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service which provides?advice on jobs, careers, training and learning opportunities in the county, and working with local residents and businesses, ultimately connects people to jobs.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 15/03/2023
Decision:
Decision – That the minutes of the meeting of the Property Sub-Committee held on 1 March 2023 be received.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 15/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 16/03/2023
Effective from: 15/03/2023
Decision:
Decision – That the oral report of the Leader of the Council giving an update on a range of issues including thanks to the gritting crews who were out round the clock to keep the County’s main roads moving safely; the Government’s announcement of a national plan and funding to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities which will enable the Council to recruit 10 more educational psychologists; more than 9 out of 10 parents in Staffordshire to receive a place for their child at their preferred secondary school next year; the help available to small businesses through the Council’s Staffordshire Means Back to Business scheme; and the Leader and Chief Executive’s recent meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss the placement of asylum seekers in Staffordshire including the case for greater support to accommodate asylum seekers and reduce the impact on those living nearby; be noted.
To approve capital funding to provide
additional accommodation at Madeley High School using Section 106
education funds, subject to necessary approvals by the Regional
Director and Staffordshire County Council.
Decision Maker: Director for Children and Families
Decision published: 14/03/2023
Effective from: 14/03/2023
Decision:
To approve capital funding for the project to
provide additional accommodation at Madeley High School in order to
mitigate housing developments in the school’s catchment using
S106 education funds.
The cost of the project is approximately £1,286,761. This
project will be funded by S106 education contributions, negotiated
by the School Organisation Team from housing developers across the
school’s catchment.
Divisions affected: Newcastle - Newcastle Rural;
Lead officer: Kathy Maitland
To approve the proposed expenditure, volumes
and delivery arrangements for the Household Support Fund, Education
Support Fund in Staffordshire. This allocation has been made by the
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and has defined conditions
of the grant which the proposal meets, and the allocation needs to
be fully spent by 31st March 2024.
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
Decision published: 13/03/2023
Effective from: 17/03/2023
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 08/03/2023 - Cabinet
Decision published: 09/03/2023
Effective from: 15/03/2023
Decision:
Reasons for the Decision – To consider the progress made to date on the County’s Electoral Review together with the Council’s proposals for Stage 2 of the Review which considers division arrangements.
Decision – (a) That the progress made to date on the County’s Electoral Review be noted.
(b) That it be recommended to Full Council that they agree to the proposals for Staffordshire’s boundary changes:
i. Requests a single member per division review
ii. Review the boundary changes proposed
iii. Removal of one elected member in Tamworth
iv. Addition of one elected member in East Staffordshire
(c) That it be recommended to Full Council that they agree that the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Corporate Services be authorised to finalise the proposals prior to submitting to the Boundary Commission.
Alan White
Leader of the Council
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);