The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 16 April 2026 to discuss the draft Economic Strategy, the promotion of young people's participation in education, employment, and training, and the Libraries Strategy. The committee also received an annual update on the Flood Risk Management Strategy and reviewed the work programme.

Economic Strategy

The committee reviewed the draft Staffordshire County Council Economic Strategy, which outlines the vision, ambitions, and priorities for supporting economic growth in Staffordshire. The strategy focuses on five key areas: place promotion and investment attraction; vibrant towns and the visitor economy; infrastructure and corridor growth; talent, skills, and inclusive growth; and enterprise and innovation in urban and rural areas. Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, introduced the report, highlighting that the new strategy is more outcome-focused and future-looking than previous versions.

Key discussions included:

• Collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent: Councillor Griffiths questioned how Staffordshire works with Stoke-on-Trent on economic strategy. Matthew Shufflebotham, Senior Economic Development Officer, explained that while this is a county council strategy, close collaboration exists with Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, including the development of a local growth plan with Stoke-on-Trent.
• Contingency plans for economic shocks: Councillor Tagg raised concerns about potential economic shocks, such as a fuel crisis, and asked about contingency plans. Councillor Hall acknowledged that fuel crises are largely a central government issue but highlighted that the council distributes government support for home fuel oil.
• Town centre regeneration: Councillor Tagg also inquired about the county council's role in supporting town centre regeneration, particularly in light of reduced government funding. Councillor Murray, Leader of the Council, detailed ongoing regeneration projects in Newcastle, Burton, Stafford, and Cannock, emphasizing the importance of place promotion and investment attraction.
• Equitable economic benefits: Councillor Peddington asked how equitable outcomes across districts would be evidenced. Matthew Shufflebotham explained that this is constantly monitored through the monthly economic bulletin, which uses unemployment figures as a key indicator. Councillor Murray added that claimant count data, particularly for youth unemployment, provides area-specific insights, and that investment in education and skills is crucial for tackling deprivation.
• Infrastructure and connectivity: Councillor Bentley raised concerns about the condition of Cheadle Road and the underutilization of Blythe Bridge train station. Councillor Hall acknowledged the road's issues and suggested a traffic survey, while also noting the council's work on improving the A500 corridor.
• Attracting secondary supply chains: The committee discussed strategies for attracting secondary supply chains, with Councillor Murray highlighting the importance of improving infrastructure, such as the A500, and investing in skills. Matthew Shufflebotham confirmed the use of commercial intelligence tools like CoStar to monitor the property market for inward investment. Councillor Murray also emphasized the significant contribution of SMEs and numerous large companies across Staffordshire.
• Innovation and future energy: Councillor Griffiths inquired about encouraging innovation, specifically mentioning micro-reactors and Keele University's research. Councillor Murray highlighted Staffordshire's leading role in hydrogen technology and partnerships with Keele University.

The committee recommended that the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills provide a six-monthly update on the delivery of the Economic Strategy.

Promoting the Workplace for Young People: People not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) and Apprenticeships

The committee received an update on the council's efforts to support young people into education, employment, or training, and to reduce the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented the report.

Key points discussed included:

• NEET and Not Known Rates: As of December 2025, Staffordshire's combined NEET and Not Known rate was 6.2%, which is slightly below the England average. While the Not Known rate is low, indicating strong tracking systems, NEET levels have risen since 2021 due to post-pandemic impacts, early leavers, and a shortage of appropriate training options.
• Participation in Learning: Staffordshire's participation rate in learning is 90.6%, slightly below the England average, but apprenticeship participation is notably higher at 5.3% compared to the national average of 3.2%.
• Challenges: Significant challenges identified include increasing mental health issues among young people, a rise in elective home education, early leavers from post-16 provision, young people taking up employment without training, and barriers to accessing apprenticeships such as lower prior attainment and affordability concerns.
• Council Interventions: The council's Careers and Participation Service is actively working with young people through initiatives like the New Avenues programme, which provides personalised employability support. The Careers Hub in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire is strengthening careers education and employer engagement.
• Provision Availability: A review of 16-18 provision has highlighted a projected shortage of places due to demographic growth and increased demand, particularly for technical skills. Colleges are seeking significant government investment to expand capacity.
• Apprenticeship Opportunities: The Ladder for Staffordshire initiative encourages businesses to offer apprenticeships, and the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network promotes apprenticeships. However, barriers for NEET young people include a lack of employability skills, insufficient GCSE English and Maths qualifications, mental health issues, and affordability.
• Future Policy: The committee was updated on forthcoming post-16 education and skills reforms, including guaranteed college places, youth hubs, and enhanced local oversight.
• Targeted Interventions: Councillor Griffiths asked about geographically targeting interventions in areas with high NEET rates, such as Cannock and Tamworth. Councillor Hall confirmed a targeted approach focusing on career support and skills interventions where the need is greatest.
• DWP Bottlenecks: Concerns were raised about bottlenecks in working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding apprenticeship placements. Councillor Hall stated that active engagement is maintained at an executive level to address these barriers.
• Mental Health and Home Education: Councillor Hall noted the significant number of NEETs with mental health issues, and Councillor Griffiths highlighted the correlation between elective home education and higher NEET propensity.
• Youth Provision: Councillor Bentley raised the issue of the de-commissioning of youth clubs in 2013-14 and suggested libraries could potentially serve as spaces for youth engagement. The committee was informed that the council is exploring options for youth provision and apprenticeships within highways departments.

The committee recommended that the Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills provide an annual update on NEET figures and young people's participation outcomes. It was also agreed that a bi-monthly statistical update and a six-monthly report on interventions would be circulated.

Libraries Strategy

Councillor Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, presented the new Libraries Strategy for 2026-2028, which aims to transform libraries into vibrant community hubs.

Key aspects of the strategy include:

• Vision: To create safe, welcoming spaces that enrich lives and strengthen communities by inspiring creativity, curiosity, and connection. Libraries will be more than just places for books; they will be hubs for learning, wellbeing, and social engagement.
• Consultation Feedback: A 10-week public consultation revealed that residents value accessibility, books, helpful staff and volunteers, welcoming spaces, community provision, and digital services. Desired additions include more space for community groups, activities for children and young people, health and wellbeing support, and cultural events.
• Six Priorities: The strategy is built around six priorities: Libraries as Community Hubs, Welcoming Spaces, People, Marketing and Communication, Income Generation, and Digital Offer.
• Delivery Model: Staffordshire has 43 libraries and 2 mobile libraries. 16 are managed by the County Council, and 27 are Community Managed Libraries (CMLs). The strategy aims to support CMLs and explore income generation opportunities.
• Commercial Opportunities: Discussions included potential income streams such as advertising on digital screens, room rentals, and partnerships with parcel delivery services. Councillor Tagg sought more detail on commercial opportunities and income targets, while Councillor Pote raised concerns about competing with existing community centres.
• Community Impact: The strategy aims to improve outcomes for residents, particularly the least engaged and most in need, by ensuring accessible, inclusive, and high-quality services. Key performance indicators will be developed to measure community impact, value for money, and equitable access.
• Specific Initiatives: Quick wins include promoting events via Alexa devices and the installation of an accessible toilet at Biddulph Library. The strategy also explores piloting parcel lockers and enhancing refreshment offers.
• Cheadle Library: Councillor Bentley raised concerns about Cheadle Library's inability to be used for elections and the parking situation for volunteers. Councillor Coles agreed to explore these issues.

The committee recommended that they promote and raise awareness of Libraries and Community Hubs, identify potential partners, and support the Community Managed Library model.

Flood Risk Management Strategy

Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity, presented the annual update on the Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Key points from the update included:

• Strategy Objectives: The strategy focuses on five objectives: improving understanding of flood risk and preparedness, managing flood risk and new development sustainably, seeking and securing funding for flood alleviation schemes, working with communities to enhance awareness and resilience, and promoting effective management of drainage and flood defence assets.
• Flood Investigations: The council has a duty under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to investigate flooding. Criteria for investigation include a minimum number of properties flooded, critical infrastructure affected, or repeated flooding events. A refined procedure for triaging investigations has been developed.
• Planning and Development: Staffordshire County Council acts as a statutory consultee for major planning applications, ensuring that new developments do not increase flood risk. The Sustainable Drainage Handbook guides developers, and the council is working towards ensuring SuDS are incorporated into all new developments.
• Funding and Partnerships: The council actively seeks funding for flood alleviation schemes and collaborates with partners like the Environment Agency, water companies, and district councils. The FAIR (Flood Aware, Informed, Resilient) project, funded by Defra, is a key initiative for community engagement and resilience.
• Community Engagement: The FAIR project aims to increase community awareness, information, and resilience to flooding through innovative solutions and community involvement.
• Asset Management: The council has powers to determine land drainage consents and take enforcement action for restricted watercourses. Regular meetings with partners ensure effective management of drainage and flood defence assets.
• Performance: The committee noted that the Flood Risk Management team is currently under-achieving its target for responding to statutory consultee planning consultations within 21 days, with a current performance of 72-91%. Outsourcing is being considered to address this.
• Scheme Delivery: Examples of completed schemes, such as at Festival Court and Cheslyn Hay, were presented, highlighting the reduction in flood risk and return on investment.
• Technology and Innovation: The presentation touched upon the use of GIS software, virtual flood wardens, and the potential of AI and future technology in flood risk management.

The committee recommended receiving an annual update on the Flood Risk Management Strategy Action Plan and supporting the progress of the FAIR Project. Andrew Brett, Acting Flood Risk Manager, offered to provide a PDF version of the detailed flood risk management guide to all councillors.

Work Programme

Jacob Huggins, Scrutiny and Support Officer, provided an update on the committee's work programme. Key changes included the rescheduling of several items to the next municipal year, such as the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and renewable energy policy. A briefing with National Highways is scheduled for 5 May 2026. Mr. Huggins also announced that this would be his last meeting as Scrutiny and Support Officer for the committee, and he was thanked for his dedication. The committee agreed to a site visit to the Lichfield Highways Depot, potentially combining it with a training session on flood risk management.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday 25 June 2026.