Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

Decision – That the notes of the meeting held on 15 May 2024 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 Council’s ongoing commitment to support our economy to grow including the Green Solutions programme which provides free support to help Staffordshire businesses become more sustainable and reduce costs;  the announcement of an £18 million investment into some of Staffordshire’s best-loved outdoor spaces including the Country parks at Cannock Chase and Chasewater, and the 92-mile Staffordshire Way; the selection of ION Developments as our development partner for an ambitious regeneration scheme in the centre of Stafford including proposals which are likely to include new public and green spaces near to St Chad's Place and a new ‘South Walls Square,’ supported by a mix of living and commercial spaces that better connect the various parts of the town; plans to super-charge the work we’re doing to fix more roads which will see more crews carrying out pothole repairs over the next 12 months; the Staffordshire Apprenticeship Graduation Awards on 9 July; and the Staffordshire’s residents recently named in the King’s Birthday Honours, many of them sharing a theme of volunteering and public service. 

Decision – That the minutes of the meeting of the Property Sub-Committee held on 5 June 2024 be received.? 

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: 

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·            This month saw a decrease of 30 claimants in Staffordshire, with the county being one of only two strategic authority areas in the West Midlands to see a decrease in the last month and compared to overall increases at both the regional and national level. This follows the decrease seen last month and is positive news at a time when businesses continue to face challenging economic conditions across the country.  The total number of claimants in the county now stands at 15,480 and the claimant rate has remained the same at 2.9% of the working age population.  It is important to note that the claimant count rate in Staffordshire continues to be one of the lowest in the West Midlands, far lower than the average for the region of 5.1%, and lower than the average for England of 4.0%. We will continue to support those residents that unfortunately find themselves out of work to access employment through our dedicated Jobs Brokerage service. 

·            The youth claimant count in Staffordshire saw a small increase of 15 claimants this month to a total of 2,985 young people. This was similar to the small increases seen regionally and nationally.  The proportion of young people in Staffordshire aged 18-24 that are claiming work-related Universal Credit has increased this month from 4.7% to 4.8%. It is important to note that Staffordshire continues to be lower than the national rate of 5.2% and far lower than the regional rate of 7.0%. Our focus continues to be to engage with our younger residents and support them to find employment or continue in education and training.  

·            A substantial amount of work that has been progressing to establish our Local Visitor Economy Partnership and Alastair Budd, Director of the Trentham Estate, has been announced as the partnerships first chair.  Recruitment for the rest of the partnership board is also well underway and the board will help to deliver a growth plan for the visitor economy in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, working in partnership with VisitEngland. 

·            Staffordshire has undoubtedly gained a growing reputation as a foodie destination in recent years and this continues to be an important part of attracting people to visit the county.  Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, the first restaurant in Staffordshire to be awarded with a coveted Michelin star two years ago, has recently been named as the 46th best restaurant in the UK at the recent National Restaurant Awards, up from number 91 in 2023.  The Moat House at Acton Trussell has also this month been the focus of a new television series, The Motorway Hotel, highlighting the establishment and Staffordshire to a national audience and shining a light on the county’s thriving hospitality industry. 

·            We have also recently heard the news that Stafford College’s Riverbank Restaurant has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Reasons for the Decision - To consider the final position for both revenue and capital budgets at the end of the 2023/24 financial year. 

Decision – (a) That the final outturn position be noted and the financing of the overspend from General Balances be approved.  

(b) That the contribution of the underspends described in paragraphs 86 to 92 into reserves for the purposes set out in the report, be approved.  

(c) That the capital financing arrangements as set out in Appendix 3 be approved. 

Cabinet Member for Commercial Matters

Reasons for the Decision - To consider an update on the development of the revised Bus Service Improvement Plan. 

Decision – (a) That the Staffordshire County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan 2024 be approved.  

(b) That delegated authority be given to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Commercial Matters, to make any final amendments to the BSIP following its approval by Cabinet. 

Leader of the Council

Reasons for the Decision - To consider a number of amendments to be made to the Terms of Reference of the Staffordshire Leaders Board to enable Stoke-on-Trent City Council to be added as a ‘constituent authority’ with the Board. 

Decision – That the updated Terms of Reference for the Leaders Board (Appendix 1 to the report) be noted and agreed. 

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

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 17 July to 20 November 2024 which detailed the following issues, was approved:???? 

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