Tracey Dougherty

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 28th October 2025 10:00am

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Staffordshire Council met to discuss local government reorganisation, performance monitoring, and the corporate work programme. The committee also reviewed the minutes from previous meetings.

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.

Special County Council Meeting, County Council - Thursday 9th October 2025 12:00pm

The Staffordshire County Council convened for a special meeting to bestow honours upon Sir Ian Dudson and sixteen former councillors. Sir Ian Dudson was granted the title of Honorary Freeman, and each of the sixteen former councillors were granted the title of Honorary Alderman, all in recognition of their distinguished service to Staffordshire.