The Cabinet of Staffordshire Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of important matters, including the final financial outturn for the last financial year, plans for skills development across the county, and reforms to the SEND system. The meeting will also cover the allocation of funds for crisis resilience and the provision of end-user devices for council staff.

Crisis Resilience Fund

Councillor Nicholas Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, is scheduled to present information regarding the Crisis Resilience Fund (CRF). This national programme, which replaced the Household Support Fund on 1 April 2026, aims to provide short-term assistance to eligible Staffordshire residents facing immediate financial hardship. The CRF focuses on essential needs like food and fuel bills, with an emphasis on preventative measures and financial resilience alongside crisis payments. Staffordshire has been allocated £8,464,799 for 2026-27, and the report outlines the proposed strategic approach, governance framework, and delegation of authority for its implementation.

Final Financial Outturn 2025/26

Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, will present the Final Financial Outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. The report details the final revenue and capital budget positions, highlighting an overall underspend of £6.696 million. It also covers contributions to reserves, including the establishment of a new earmarked reserve for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) costs, and approves capital financing arrangements. The report provides a detailed breakdown of variances across various council portfolios, including Health and Care, Children and Families, Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, and Finance and Resources.

Skills for Growth Plan

Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, is scheduled to present the Skills for Growth Plan. This strategy outlines Staffordshire County Council's approach to developing a skilled workforce to support economic growth, aiming to secure £150 million in investment for skills, training, and employment initiatives. The plan focuses on four key areas: Get Staffordshire Working to improve access to good jobs; Inspire Careers and Skills Development to enhance careers education for young people; Promote Lifelong Learning to strengthen adult learning; and Build the Right Learning Infrastructure to address future shortages in education and training places. The plan seeks government funding and aims to help residents access better-paid jobs while meeting employer needs.

Community Learning Accountability Agreement 2026-2027

Councillor Robin Hall will also present the Community Learning Accountability Agreement for 2026-2027. This agreement forms the basis of the Council's Adult Skills Fund agreement with the Department for Education (DfE). It outlines the priorities, targets, and responsibilities for the Community Learning Service, which provides lifelong learning opportunities for adults across Staffordshire. The service aims to improve skills, confidence, and wellbeing, contributing to inclusive economic growth. The report details in-year performance and the proposed agreement for the upcoming academic year, which includes funding for Community Learning, Skills Bootcamps, and the Multiply programme.

Every child achieving and thriving - SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First in Staffordshire

Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, will present the Local Area SEND Reform Plan, which is Staffordshire's response to the government's Every child achieving and thriving strategy and SEND Reform consultation. The plan outlines a co-produced approach to improving the SEND system, focusing on earlier intervention, education closer to home, and increased support for mainstream schools. Key principles include early, local, fair, effective, and shared support. The report confirms governance and monitoring arrangements, highlights key milestones for plan submission by the 19 June 2026 deadline, and addresses the financial context, including potential High Needs Stability Grant funding.

End User Device Provision

Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, will present a report on End User Device Provision. The recommendation is to approve the replacement of the Council's expiring Large Account Reseller contract for laptops and devices by entering into a new agreement through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Aggregation programme EUD02. This approach is expected to ensure continuity of supply, offer value for money through nationally aggregated demand and ceiling pricing, and simplify procurement. The proposed contract will have a two-year term with an estimated value of up to £3 million.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The Cabinet will also review the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period of 15 July 2026 to 18 November 2026. This plan outlines upcoming key decisions that are likely to have a significant impact on the council's budget, services, or communities. It includes items such as the Integrated Performance Report, Demolition Framework Agreement, High Needs Provision Capital Allocations, Treasury Management Report, and various highway and sustainability-related agreements. Some items may be discussed in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at 10:00 on Wednesday 17 June 2026 in the Council Chamber, County Buildings, Stafford. The meeting will be webcast live and archived for 12 months.