The County Council of Staffordshire met on Thursday 11 December 2025, with discussions dominated by the fallout from recent scandals and the council's future direction. Key decisions included a stance against renewable energy production on county-owned farmland and a constitutional change related to the Nexus shareholder agreement.

Leader's Statement and Council Scandals

The meeting began with a statement from Councillor Martin Murray, the Acting Leader of the Council, who pledged to provide stability and uphold the council's integrity. He condemned racism and hate speech, urging for respectful debate and the use of proper channels for complaints. This was followed by strong criticism from the opposition, led by Councillor Philip White, who highlighted recent scandals involving councillors making offensive comments about ethnic minorities and gay people. Councillor Alex Farrell also spoke, emphasizing the need for a strategic plan to address the council's recent difficulties and calling for scrutiny of all councillors. Councillor Simon Tagg expressed his disappointment with the recent events, stating they brought shame to the county. Councillor Syed Hussain sought clarification regarding his alleged endorsement of a letter, stating he had not had the opportunity to read it. Councillor Murray responded by assuring that any councillor found to be flouting high standards would be held accountable.

Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution

Councillor Tagg raised concerns about local government reorganisation and devolution, particularly the government's decision to allow uncapped precepts for elected mayors. He argued that this could lead to significant council tax increases without a clear link to service delivery. Councillor Murray agreed that the proposed local government reorganisation model was unworkable and expressed concern about the potential for unlimited mayoral precepts. He also highlighted the cancellation of mayoral elections and questioned the future of democracy under the current government. Both councillors agreed on the need for genuine devolution that brings power back to local councils.

Budget and Financial Matters

Councillor Colin Greatorex raised concerns about the budget, stating that the current environment, marked by scandals, made it difficult to discuss financial matters. He also noted the absence of a draft budget at this stage. Councillor Murray reiterated the importance of adhering to procedure and addressing issues through due process, rather than generating further political statements.

SEND Funding and Local Government Finance Settlement

Councillor Andrew Paird welcomed the government's intention to provide central funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), acknowledging it as a significant risk for the council. He questioned whether lobbying efforts were being made for social care to receive similar central funding, citing the growing costs associated with an ageing population. Councillor Murray declared a conflict of interest regarding SEND funding due to a family member working within the provision.

Strategic Plan

Councillor Alex Farrell spoke about the importance of a strategic plan to address the recent events and guide the council's future. He emphasized the need for integrity, respect, and professionalism. However, his contribution was interrupted by points of order, with the Chairman reminding him to stick to the leader's statement. Councillor Farrell expressed his feeling that democratic debate was being stifled.

Renewable Energy and Farmland Use

Councillor Andrew Mynors moved a motion recognizing the importance of renewable energy technologies but expressing concerns about their distribution and impact on food security. The motion stated that the council would not support renewable energy production and storage on county council-owned farmland unless it did not significantly impact agriculture. An amendment proposed by Councillor Jack Rose suggested investigating renewable energy production on council-owned car parks and buildings. Councillor Simon Tagg raised concerns about the ownership of car parks and the need for partnership working. Councillor Mynors responded by highlighting the potential loss of funding for SEND provision if such initiatives were not pursued. A vote was taken on the amendment, which was carried, followed by a vote on Councillor Mynors' motion, which was also carried.

Changes to the Constitution

Councillor Martin Murray moved for approval of a constitutional change to ensure consistency between the amended shareholder agreement of Nexus and the council's constitution. This change aims to clarify authority regarding the approval and removal of directors on the Nexus board. The motion was seconded and approved.

Appointment of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees

Councillor Sean Bagguley moved for consideration of changes to committee appointments for vice-chairmen and chairmen. The report was received and approved.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Report

Councillor Anthony Screen moved that the report of the Chairman of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel be received.

Questions and Answers

A series of questions were posed to various Cabinet Members.

• Councillor Alex Farrell to Councillor Murray: Questioned the accuracy of a link provided in a written answer regarding the West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council, suggesting potential misleading information. Councillor Murray defended his answer, explaining the distinction between the two entities and highlighting Litchfield's perceived detachment from Staffordshire.
• Councillor Jack Rose to Councillor Murray: Sought clarification on specific initiatives related to local investment, efficiency, and economic development, deeming the provided answers too generic. Councillor Murray explained the role of a political assistant and the due process involved in their appointment.
• Councillor Philip White to Councillor Murray: Asked if Councillor Peter Mason's continued membership of the Cabinet was consistent with Reform UK's values, given his social media activity. Councillor Murray stated that due process had been followed by Reform UK and that he would adhere to past decisions, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and moving forward. The Monitoring Officer clarified that the code of conduct did not apply to Councillor Mason's pre-election social media activity.
• Councillor Su Beardmore to Councillor Hayley Coles: Inquired about steps to ensure future investment decisions are scrutinised for value for money, particularly concerning libraries. Councillor Coles detailed efforts to review costs, consult residents, and explore more adaptable and income-generating solutions for libraries.
• Councillor Mark Nixon to Councillor Coles: Asked for confirmation on whether any libraries would be closed as part of the consultation. Councillor Coles stated that the matter was currently under review by standards.
• Councillor Tracey Dougherty to Councillor Andrew Mynors: Asked about a joined-up strategy for tackling the environmental and community safety aspects of nitrous oxide canister littering. Councillor Mynors confirmed plans for a new campaign in the new year and detailed the escalating issue and its impact on waste recovery centres and collection teams.
• Councillor Michelle Woods to Councillor Hayley Coles: Enquired about plans to tackle the backlog of rights of way cases and the impact of previous cuts. Councillor Coles outlined a review of technology, AI solutions, and coordinated responses to address the backlog and restore confidence in the stewardship of the rural network.
• Councillor James Hodges to Councillor Nicholas Lakin: Asked for the results of previous inspections of Children's Services. Councillor Lakin highlighted persistent themes of budget cuts, repeated failures, and ineffective leadership across multiple inspections between 2018 and 2023, attributing these to the previous Conservative administration.
• Councillor Lynn Dean to Councillor Chris Large: Asked if cuts and spending by the previous administration had damaged children and families. Councillor Large stated that children and families were in crisis due to poor leadership and fiscal irresponsibility, citing £47 million in cuts over 10 years and the need for a £5.5 million investment to bring the service to a standard.
• Councillor Sonny Edwards to Councillor Chris Large: Asked if the previous Conservative administration wasted taxpayers' money on a CIC organisation and why the service appeared in-house. Councillor Large expressed concerns about a lack of due diligence and audit on charities and government grants, proposing stronger controls in 2026.
• Councillor Matthew Wallens to Councillor Janet Higgins: Asked about efforts to reduce high costs for home-to-school transport and alternative models being considered. Councillor Higgins detailed the legal requirements for transport, the high costs involved, and plans to improve taxi sharing, introduce a vacant seat policy, and enhance provider standards.
• Councillor Antonia Orlandi-Fantini to Councillor Chris Large: Asked about Reform UK's strategy on borrowing and expected savings. Councillor Large reiterated the commitment to lower debt, improve efficiency, and lower council tax increases, highlighting the removal of £50 million in debt and the identification of further efficiencies.
• Councillor Rhys Machin to Councillor Janet Higgins: Asked how Section 106 developer contributions are being utilized to support education infrastructure, particularly for SEND provision. Councillor Higgins explained that Section 106 funding can be used for SEND placements and that a new worker is to be recruited to focus on securing this funding, estimating a potential loss of over £1.7 million by not doing so previously.
• Councillor Craig Humphreyson to Councillor Nicholas Lakin: Questioned why the previous Conservative administration proceeded with further cuts despite expert feedback indicating failures in Children's Services. Councillor Lakin criticized the previous administration for their arrogance and failure to address repeated findings of requires improvement and illegal actions, contrasting it with the current administration's efforts to rectify the situation.

Petitions

Councillor Catherine Brown raised a point regarding previous administration's ineptitudes and asked Councillor Philip White a question, but was asked to sit down by the Chairman. Councillor Mike Broom wished everyone a Merry Christmas.