• Plan for improving and repairing Staffordshire schools over 2026/27 period approved by Cabinet.

• Capital Programme for Schools 2026/27 will see facility upgrades and building repairs at over 60 schools.

• Improvements also include sustainability upgrades to improve insulation and be better for the environment.

• Stafford-based organisation Baby Bank supports hundreds of families with essential items for babies and young children for free.
• The group relies on volunteers and donations from residents and businesses.
• Family Hubs provide one-stop-shop for a variety of services.

• Plan for improving and repairing Staffordshire schools over 2026/27 period to be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday 15 April.

• Capital Programme for Schools 2026/27 will see facility upgrades and building repairs at over 60 schools.

• Improvements also include sustainability upgrades to improve insulation and be better for the environment.

• The long-awaited Staffy Trail is expected to generate at least £600,000 for Staffordshire's visitor economy.

• The trail, featuring 10 Staffy sculptures and 40 mystery stops, is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors.

• Spanning multiple locations, the Staffy Trail will be the first of its kind in the region.

• Robin Hall appointed Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills.
• He replaces Martin Murray, who is now Leader of the Council.
• Robin brings with him 30+ years’ senior industry experience.

• Libraries across Staffordshire will have their own Helpful Bear cuddly toy for children as part of a county council school attendance campaign

• Helpful Bear helps children express their feelings and has a backpack where children can place worries that they have written down

• The cuddly toy and associated workbooks, also available in libraries, have been used in schools successfully in helping children overcome barriers to learning

• People are being encouraged to organise their own events to help mark the 10th anniversary of Staffordshire Day.

• This year’s celebrations include the launch of the new Staffy Trail, which aims to draw visitors into town centres.

• Communities, businesses and organisations are urged to submit their events to the Visit Staffordshire website, with promotional material available to download to support participation.

• People urged to have their say on local government reorganisation

• Consultation on proposals to replace county, district, borough and city councils with a smaller number of new unitary councils

• Deadline is Thursday 26 March

• Reform UK members have elected Martin Murray as their new Leader in Staffordshire.
• Martin will remain in his existing post until the county council's Leader is formally selected at Full Council.
• Hayley Coles has been appointed as Deputy Group Leader.

• New county farms policy statement will protect estate land from sale

• County council wants to support local food security

• County farms continue to provide access into the industry for ambitious farmers