Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of important matters concerning the county's infrastructure and services. Key topics on the agenda include the protection of highway alignments, the adoption of a new Highways Design Code, and the procurement of framework agreements for essential repairs and maintenance. The Cabinet will also review the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, alongside the Winter Service Policy for 2026, aiming to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the county's road network.

Protection of Highway Alignments

The Cabinet is set to consider proposals regarding the protection of nine highway alignments across Staffordshire. These alignments are designated to safeguard routes for future bypasses and junction improvements. The report outlines an assessment of each alignment, with recommendations ranging from retaining protection to removing it, or amending it to support active travel corridors. For instance, the Cheadle Bypass alignment is recommended for retained protection, while the B5032 Ashbourne Road realignment is proposed for removal of protection due to a lack of policy support and potential negative environmental impacts. The report also details proposals to change the protection status of several other alignments to active travel corridors, aligning with the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Highways Design Code

A new Highways Design Code is scheduled for discussion, aiming to provide clear and consistent guidance for developers, designers, and planning authorities on the design and construction of new residential streets in Staffordshire. This code responds to national guidance such as the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, and aims to ensure high-quality development that is safe, sustainable, and reflects local character. The code will guide the design, construction, and adoption of new residential streets, with decisions on amendments delegated to the Director for Economy, Infrastructure & Skills in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways.

Procurement of Framework Agreements

The Cabinet will consider the procurement of framework agreements for essential services. One report seeks approval to undertake a procurement exercise for a framework agreement for Tarmacadam Paving Repairs and Responsive Maintenance. This agreement, intended to last for four years with a potential two-year extension, aims to manage the council's significant property portfolio efficiently. Another report concerns the procurement of a framework agreement for the provision of demolition and associated services, with the aim of saving time and money by engaging a select group of approved contractors.

Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy

An updated Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy will be presented for review and approval. This policy aims to provide a clear, long-term, and evidence-based approach to managing Staffordshire's highway network, which is described as one of the county's most important assets. The strategy aligns with the Council's Strategic Direction and Highway Roadmap, focusing on targeted investment, risk management, and providing the best possible value for taxpayers. It emphasizes a preventative, data-led, and sustainable approach to improve network resilience and ensure a safe and reliable network that supports economic growth.

Winter Service Policy 2026

The Cabinet will also review the proposed Staffordshire Winter Service Policy 2026, which replaces the previous 2015-16 policy. This updated policy aims to provide a more modern and evidence-led approach to planning winter services, reflecting changes in network usage and topography. A key change involves the adoption of a functional network hierarchy, replacing the previous reliance on historic traffic groups for determining treated roads. The policy also incorporates proposals for community grit bins, to be provided by District/Borough, Parish, and Town councils at their expense on the adopted highway network. The policy is set to be adopted for the 2026/27 winter season.

Other Matters

The Cabinet will also receive updates on the Leader's Update and the Staffordshire Means Business initiative. Additionally, the agenda includes the minutes of the Property Sub Committee meeting held on 15 July 2026, and an Integrated Performance Report for Quarter 1, 2026/27. Decisions taken by Cabinet Members under delegated powers will also be noted, alongside a review of the Forward Plan of Key Decisions.