This week in Staffordshire:

Petition Against Overdevelopment Sparks Debate on Planning and Infrastructure

A petition against overdevelopment in Eckershall has ignited a discussion about the cumulative impact of development on Staffordshire communities, particularly regarding flooding, infrastructure, and the role of the County Council. The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the petition.

• Councillor Jeremy Peart, a local member, presented the petition, highlighting concerns about the sheer volume of development being proposed and its potential to fundamentally affect our communities.
• Councillor Peart cited an example where the County Council had to spend £250,000 to resolve flooding caused by inadequate drainage from a new housing estate.
• Councillor Peart called for a robust way of determining what that cumulative impact is so that applications are not permitted, which add to the problems that are already there.
• Councillor Peart recommended that the County Council provide strong, evidence-based, robust arguments in response to planning applications, taking into account wider and cumulative impacts.
• Councillor Peart also suggested providing developers with locally-based evidence covering settlements to demonstrate what fundamental needs must be addressed prior to any building.
• Councillor Baker agreed that the County Council has a role to play in providing evidence to district planning officers regarding flood risk and other issues.
• Councillor Tagg stated that the issue all goes back to local plan and having a valid local plan that has been fed into by all the partners including the County Council.
• Mark Parkinson, the head of planning and enabling, agreed that the scale of prospective development in Eckershall is too much and that it can't be what government are wanting.
• Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated that the impact on rural communities is going through without any forethought from central governments.
• Councillor Murray expressed concern about proposals to remove certain statutory rights from local government on planning, which would allow central government to override local decisions.
• The committee referred the matter to Councillor Murray to work with the district and planners to alleviate some of the issues in Eckershall.

The debate highlights the tension between the need for housing and the desire to protect existing communities and infrastructure. The County Council's role in providing evidence and advocating for sustainable development will be crucial in addressing these challenges.

Skills Strategy Aims to Boost Wages and Opportunities

The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee also received an annual update on the Employment and Skills Strategy, focusing on addressing the skills gap and raising average wages in Staffordshire. The meeting took place on Thursday.

• Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated that the strategy aims to create a future ready Staffordshire that attracts investment, fosters innovation, and delivers inclusive growth.
• Councillor Murray stated that the Staffordshire skills and growth strategy will focus on high demand sectors and future skills to meet growing needs.
• Councillor Murray stated that the Get Britain Working Plan aims to help more people gain employment and better care careers addressing local skills gaps promoting employability and lifelong learning which encourages ongoing learning to increase employment rates and reduce workplace inequality retaining and attracting talent promoting local career opportunities to retain graduates and attract skilled individuals back to Staffordshire.
• Councillor Murray stated that the average annual earnings in Staffordshire (£36,300) are below the national average.
• Councillor Baker stated that the big thing is trying to get over the average wage and that's going to be the goal and I assume the best way we can do that is improving our skills from basic to basic English math to actually higher levels of well not degrees but higher levels of education.
• Councillor Pendleton asked for more detail on how the council plans to increase the number of high-paid jobs.
• Councillor Hall stated that the county needs to focus on upskilling existing businesses and employees, as it is probably easier to grow those than attract new business.
• Councillor Bentley stated that some people just want a job and when you start a job you'd learn your skills as you're going through and you're already being paid by the manufacturer and you're getting there.
• Councillor Bentley stated that we should be saying well and we also need so many square meters for for entrepreneurs to like say the for the private sector to look at because like you say the you're going to have the housing developers looking at these areas but we also have a I was well I was lucky enough to know a developer who liked to do in units and he isn't with us anymore but he said it's so difficult gary to get permission to do units and I'll show you when you come to chile the ones he did and um and they were simple to build they were quite they went up quite quick but you've got to give them the area of the land to do it and we've got to plan that i.e noise stacker trucks and then I do think I know we're bling on a little bit the jcb the amount of wagons that come to jcb delivering which is brilliant for jcb but if they ask if we had business parts closer to and feeder change closer to some of these business might think well I'll tell you what I'll have a business next to jcb because it'll cut me transport costs down considerably so you know I think even talking to jcb if they've got any land behind their factories that they'd be willing to do starter factories but we're there we're on the right length and you are the man for the job I've got no doubt in it.
• The committee agreed to invite the cabinet member back for a further update in one year's time.

The success of the Employment and Skills Strategy will be crucial in improving the economic well-being of Staffordshire residents and ensuring that the county can compete in a changing economy.

Other Matters

• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee discussed the Joint Archive Service's forecast outturn for 2025-26, which included a projected overspend of £18,740 due to increased utility costs. The meeting took place on Tuesday.
• The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel discussed the Police and Fire services financial outlook, reviewed complaints procedures, and received updates on fire safety and action plans. The meeting took place on Monday.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed community learning, roadworks management, the local transport plan, and the council's environmental strategy. The meeting took place on Monday.
• The Cabinet approved recommendations relating to a renewable energy policy position, the Nexus Care Trading annual report, and the half-yearly treasury management report. The meeting took place on Wednesday.
• The Property Sub-Committee approved recommendations relating to the transfer of land, property sales, and lease agreements. The meeting took place on Wednesday.
• The Special Committee RE: Appointment of Political Assistant convened to discuss the appointment of a political assistant. The meeting took place on Thursday.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Audit and Standards Committee will meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 01 December 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Pensions Panel will meet on Tuesday 02 December 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 04 December 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Ambulance Service Overwhelmed: Handover Delays Put Patients at Risk

The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard alarming testimony from the West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) about the dire state of hospital handover delays, with potentially life-threatening consequences for patients. The meeting took place on Monday.

• WMAS representatives revealed that handover delays at hospitals, particularly at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, are among the worst in the country.
• In October, WMAS lost 41,000 hours due to handover delays, with 8,500 of those hours occurring in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, primarily at the Royal Stoke.
• Perhaps 2,200 patients didn't meet that standard in October alone, a WMAS representative stated, referring to the NHS requirement for a maximum 45-minute handover wait.
• WMAS representatives stated that the delays are not due to increased demand, but rather a lack of flow within hospitals.
• WMAS representatives stated that the ambulance service is spending millions of pounds on additional resources to offset the time that ambulances are spent in hospitals.
• WMAS representatives stated that they are working with the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and acute hospitals to address the issue, but that a more dynamic review is needed.
• WMAS representatives stated that they want their ambulances back to be able to respond to patients.
• WMAS representatives stated that they want an independent capacity review so they can establish what resources are required where, independently of the NHS.
• WMAS representatives stated that they want the committee to scrutinise the performance and delivery against the NHS operating standards and frameworks.
• Councillor Brown, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Communities and Culture, stated that the first four minutes in a cardiac arrest is crucial, and that the current Category 1 response time is 7 minutes 59.
• Councillor Edgeller stated that she has sat in this meeting for many years and listened to the same arguments, really, regarding the ambulance service and waiting times, and they don't seem to be getting any better over the years as we go on.
• Councillor Norman stated that he wouldn't want the WMAS representatives' responsibility because of the difficulties that they have and the strains they have.
• Councillor Kelly stated that the committee requested to receive a breakdown of performances within Staffordshire as well, which we don't seem to have gotten, but this was what the previous committee requested.
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was looking through the report from last year, and it seems to be that there were some actions that were to be taken by the ambulance service, and that the committee requested that there was a winter plan to build up resources, and that was to be phased throughout the year as well.
• Councillor Kelly stated that it was said that WMAS had signed up to an agreement at the beginning of October 2024 where they were adopting models that no patient in an ambulance waited longer than 45 minutes, and this was something that WMAS said that they were adopting, not the ICB, but this was something they were doing.
• Councillor Wallens stated that he was wondering what is the NHS doing to work with third-party providers to potentially cut down the waste, for the ambulance hours and so forth?
• Councillor Wallens stated that he was wondering how many staff does the NHS have for, you know, when the ambulances do the handovers, obviously for A&E and various other departments?
• Councillor Doherty stated that in 2023, her husband had a cardiac arrest, and four ambulances arrived, and she was wondering if there is any way that that could be looked at so that, like, because, you know, it was a little bit chaotic, I've got to admit, at that point.
• Councillor Adcock stated that he was asking about an organisation that's calling itself Stoke Air Ambulance, and he was wondering if WMAS are able to comment on any of the concerns that have been raised around this organisation?
• Councillor Adcock stated that he was asking if WMAS believe there's any demand for an additional air ambulance service?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking how many ambulances are cancelled because people are waiting so long that they decide to try and get themselves to hospital?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking how WMAS are managing risk if that happens, say, if a person broke their arm and was waiting four or five hours and just said, I'm just going to try myself?
• Councillor Wallens stated that he was asking how many calls do WMAS receive that are incorrectly categorised due to human error, and what measures are in place to stop making the, when you go to categorise patients, to stop incorrectly categorising them and so forth?
• Councillor Wallens stated that he was asking in the last quarter, how many ambulances are stuck with patients in the back at hospitals?
• Councillor Hood stated that she was asking if WMAS could try and answer the questions in numbers, that means...
• Councillor Hedgler stated that she was asking if there is anything that the committee could do to help WMAS in their situation to reduce the waiting times?
• Councillor Brown stated that she thinks the big thing is, obviously, just to reiterate, the white elephant is the hospital front doors, and she thinks that's probably one of WMAS's biggest problem.
• Councillor Norman stated that he was asking if WMAS want the committee to help them, then show us where the best practice is, and then we'll ask you if you're following best practice.
• Councillor Parton stated that he was asking if WMAS know the times spent at people's homes, whether they treat them at home or they take them to the hospital?
• Councillor Parton stated that he was asking if WMAS know the pick-up times from scene to the ambulance and to the hospital?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what's roughly the response time when WMAS is going to those places, where it is in the hills, where it is further away from Stoke Hospital?
• Councillor Greater X stated that he was asking what the alternative options are, and how are they handled?
• Councillor Greater X stated that he was asking if this delivery is going to be affected?
• Councillor Greater X stated that he was asking if there's no, that number of 999 calls that are deflected, if I can use that word, or passed towards pharmacies and other solutions that don't involve then going to hospital?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking which hospitals in Staffordshire are worse performing when it comes to the handover delays, and what measures are in place to improve these delays, and so forth?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking what is the estimated cost to the taxpayer for lost ambulance hours?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking how many staff does the NHS have for, you know, when the ambulances do the handovers, obviously for A&E and various other departments?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking is there any reserve staff in place to compensate for, for example, if you're short on staff?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking in the last quarter, how many ambulances are stuck with patients in the back at hospitals?
• Councillor Wallins stated that he was asking how many calls do you receive that are incorrectly categorised due to human error, and what measures are in place to stop making the, when you go to categorise patients, to stop incorrectly categorising them and so forth?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking when you say Category 2s are 23 minutes, is that an average or are they all below 23 minutes?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking how is it that you're managing to do that?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what's roughly the response time when it is going to those places, where it is in the hills, where it is further away from Stoke Hospital?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking how many ambulances are cancelled because people are waiting so long that they decide to try and get themselves to hospital?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking how are you managing risk if that happens, say, if a person broke their arm and was waiting four or five hours and just said, I'm just going to try myself?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking if someone who says that they will then drive themselves, if they're not necessarily in a capacity where they should be driving themselves, does that then increase the importance of getting an ambulance there to them faster, or not?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on you for getting patients out of the hospital and how many patients are waiting and how long are they waiting for the pharmacy to give their medication before they can leave?
• Councillor Kelly stated that she was asking what effect pharmacy delays have on

This week in Staffordshire:

Staffordshire Approves Divisive Local Government Reorganisation Plan

Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet has voted to submit its proposal for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to the government, a move that has been met with resistance and concerns about the future of local services. The meeting took place on Tuesday.

• The council's preferred option is an east-west split of the county into two unitary authorities¹.
• Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated the council doesn't want LGR but is being forced into it by the government. He emphasized the importance of genuine devolution, shifting power and funding from Westminster to Staffordshire.
• Councillor Murray defended the east-west split as the most viable option, ensuring parity and equity between the new councils.
• The Cabinet voted to approve the recommendations, including submitting the proposal and delegating authority to the Director of Transformation for final amendments.

Concerns about local services

Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, sought assurances that local services would be maintained. Councillor Murray responded that all local services would continue, regardless of the new structure, with changes primarily affecting higher-level executives and senior management. He dismissed claims that Lichfield residents would need to travel to Stoke-on-Trent for services as absolute folly and political scaremongering.

Consultation questioned

Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, questioned the extent of the council's consultation, especially compared to Lichfield's reported engagement with over 16,000 residents. Councillor Murray defended the council's full and impartial engagement process, criticizing Lichfield's consultation as an online political lobby movement influenced by selected maps and proposals.

PwC's role defended

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, inquired about the decision to continue using PwC after the previous administration's instruction. Councillor Murray defended the decision, citing PwC's existing work and their role as the government's consultancy firm for the entire process. He acknowledged the consultancy cost just over £200,000, while the government provided only £367,336 for Staffordshire's consultation process.

Financial implications debated

Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, questioned the financial viability of smaller unitary authorities. Councillor Murray argued that smaller authorities would not be financially sustainable due to transition and long-term running costs.

Long-term costs of smaller authorities

Councillor Alex Hunt, Cabinet Support Member for SEND, raised concerns about the long-term costs of smaller unitary authorities, particularly in relation to adult and child care, and SEND² services. Councillor Murray responded that the cost of SEND services has more than trebled since 2017, and that the County Councils Network (CCN) has predicted that 18 councils could become insolvent by 2027 due to these costs. He argued that smaller unitary authorities would struggle to cover these costs, potentially leading to cuts in vital services or bankruptcy.

East-West split defended

Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, sought confirmation that the east-west split was the best option for Staffordshire. Councillor Murray confirmed that the east-west option was the best long-term financial option, according to the business case, even supported by artificial intelligence (AI) analysis.

Accuracy of financial mathematics questioned

Councillor Lodge raised concerns about the accuracy of the financial mathematics in other proposals, particularly Lichfield's three unitary authority model. Councillor Murray agreed that there were disparities in the financial calculations of certain proposals, criticizing Lichfield's report as a political piece focused on local campaigning rather than financial cost-saving.

Focus on pertinent issues

Councillor Hunt suggested that now that the hard work on LGR had been done, the council could focus on more pertinent issues within the county, such as SEND and adult social care. Councillor Ian Cooper, Leader of the Council, agreed, stating that the decision on LGR rests with the government and will be decided in the future.

This decision has significant implications for the future of local government in Staffordshire, potentially impacting service delivery, community representation, and financial stability. The debate surrounding the proposal highlights the complex challenges and competing priorities involved in LGR.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 10 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standards Panel will meet on Monday 10 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Charities and Trusts Committee will meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Leaders Board will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel will meet on Monday 17 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Archives Committee will meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Property Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Thursday 20 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Friday 21 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.

This week in Staffordshire:

Local Government Reorganisation Dominates Scrutiny Committee

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week to discuss the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process, revealing deep divisions and concerns about the government's approach. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• The committee discussed the Local Government Reform report and its appendices, which included a Cabinet Report, a Member Briefing Presentation, and details of the Financial Implications of the proposed changes.
• Councillor Martin Murray, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, stated that the council was required by the government to put forward an option for LGR, It wasn't necessarily one that the county, the city or the districts or boroughs in a community themselves wanted, but that was most likely to succeed.
• Councillor Kirsten White, Shadow Portfolio Holder for Health and Care, expressed concern that the council's proposal would be taken as having local support, even though nobody in our council chamber was supportive of this option that this council is planning on putting forward.
• Lindsay Bissell, an officer of the council, explained that the government is expected to consult on the options in the spring, with a final decision expected around the summer.
• Councillor Tracey Dougherty raised concerns about the impact of LGR on SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services, particularly in light of existing deficits.
• Councillor Murray responded that splitting county councils into smaller unitaries would hit millions of vulnerable people, citing a report from the County Councils Network (CCN).
• Councillor Pemberton asked how community engagement would be maintained during and after reorganisation.
• Councillor Hall questioned how the cultural differences between different organisations would be measured.
• Councillor O'Genton expressed concerns about the potential loss of the county's heritage and identity.

The meeting highlighted the complex and contentious nature of LGR, with councillors grappling with the potential impacts on services, communities, and the county's identity. The lack of local support for the proposed changes raises serious questions about the future of local government in Staffordshire.

Integrated Performance Report Sparks Debate Over Political Influence

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee also discussed the Quarter 2 Integrated Performance Report, with some councillors raising concerns about the inclusion of political achievements in what should be an objective assessment of council performance. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• The report provides an overview of the council's delivery progress, performance, and financial position.
• Councillor Chris Large, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, highlighted that 69% of strategic performance measures were green, meeting or exceeding targets.
• Councillor White criticised the report for including a section on the reforms first 100 days, arguing that it introduced a political element.
• Councillor White questioned whether certain achievements attributed to the Reform administration were actually the result of previous efforts.
• Councillor Rose expressed support for the policy of suspending the selling of County farms, particularly in light of the cost of living crisis.
• Councillor Hall suggested that the council should explore the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency.
• Councillor Boyd suggested that if the council does get put through a reorganisation, that it would be really good if the council could do some work about embedding AI from the ground up in those new organizations.
• Councillor Jones asked about the cabinet members' priorities for the next quarter, how performance data would be used to inform budget planning, and any anticipated risks or challenges.

The debate over the Integrated Performance Report underscores the importance of transparency and objectivity in assessing council performance. The inclusion of political achievements risks undermining public trust and blurring the lines between governance and campaigning.

Other Matters

• The Audit and Standards Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 29 October 2025 was postponed. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of meetings scheduled for the next week:

• The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Monday 10 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 04 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standards Panel will meet on Monday 10 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Charities and Trusts Committee will meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education will meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Staffordshire Leaders Board will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Countryside and Rights of Way Panel will meet on Friday 14 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.
• The Schools Forum will meet on Thursday 13 November 2025. Here is a link to the meeting page.