Matthew Wallens

Extraordinary Meeting, Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday 25th November 2025 10:00am

The Audit and Standards Committee of Staffordshire County Council met to discuss the Annual Auditor's Report for 2024 and 2025, presented by KPMG. The report is still in the risk assessment phase, with a final version due in February. Councillors sought assurances and clarifications on the report's findings, particularly regarding financial sustainability, governance, and the council's response to an Ofsted report.

Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 10th November 2025 10:00am

The Health and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee are scheduled to discuss the winter plan for health and social care, receive an update from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, and review their work programme for the coming year.

Extraordinary Council Meeting, County Council - Thursday 23rd October 2025 10:00am

Staffordshire County Council convened to discuss the implications of the Labour government's proposals for local government reorganisation (LGR) and to consider a proposal for an East-West unitary authority split in Staffordshire. Councillors unanimously opposed the government's LGR plans, which they felt were being imposed on them without a clear mandate or public support. Despite their opposition, the council debated and ultimately agreed to forward a proposal for an East-West split to the government, while also agreeing to send a letter to the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister, expressing their united opposition to LGR in Staffordshire.

Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 16th October 2025 10:00am

The Safeguarding and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, the pressures on the High Needs budget, and future work programmes. Councillor Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, presented an update on the progress and priorities of the Area SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan. Members expressed concerns about early years intervention, the complexity of the EHCP process, and the increasing High Needs deficit.

County Council - Thursday 9th October 2025 10:00am

Staffordshire County Council met to discuss a range of issues, including the adoption of a new approach to environmental policy, the appointment of political assistants, highways maintenance, and the Community Fund. The council voted to rescind its climate emergency declaration made in 2019, but rejected a proposal to include percentage impact alongside financial impact in budget changes. Councillors also approved changes to the constitution regarding political assistant posts.