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A clear plan for supporting Staffordshire residents, strengthening local communities, growing the economy, and making the county an even better place to live, work, visit has been approved. The two-year strategic direction focuses on five core priorities: People, economy, connectivity, communities, and value for money, helping the county council to establish Staffordshire’s position as the beating heart of the country. WATCH: Find out more about the county council’s strategic direction At the centre of the plan is a commitment to improving the lives of people of all ages. This includes early years support and high‑quality education – working with schools, Staffordshire’s colleges and universities and initiatives like the county council’s own adult community learning service. It promotes mental and physical wellbeing at home and in the workplace and independent living – with recent examples including digital connectivity for older residents in rural areas to the council’s Just Add Veg campaign. The county council’s approach emphasises early help, prevention, and strong partnership working. The plan also sets out bold ambitions for Staffordshire’s growing economy. This focuses on strengthening the ongoing support for local enterprise through its extensive business support programme offer, boosting skills and showcasing the county’s unique tourism and rural profile – with the newly launched Staffy initiative leading the way ahead of the tenth Staffordshire Day. And by attracting global investment through events like the forthcoming UKREiiF with multiple countywide development sites – higher-paid, better skilled job creation will increase. Protecting and celebrating the county’s natural and built environment will remain central to growth, ensuring towns and villages retain their character while benefiting from new opportunities. Stafford, Tamworth, Newcastle and Cannock are all developing and delivering regeneration. The strategy recognises how critical better roads, safer travel, improved rail connections, faster broadband and mobile coverage are to communities and business. This means careful planning and allocation of the council’s own budgets whilst ensuring that there are strong evidence-based bids to government for essential funding for major projects like the A34 Stafford corridor improvements. The county council will invest an extra £15million in road repairs over the two-year period the strategy covers. A thriving local economy is complemented by stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. By supporting local decision‑making, investing in community spaces such as libraries and hubs, and working closely with residents to tackle issues like crime and anti‑social behaviour, the council aims to build vibrant neighbourhoods where people feel proud of where they live. It’s recently published Community Safety Strategy is testament to this. Underlying these priorities is a renewed commitment to efficiency and value for money. The council will continue to be open and accountable, making considered decisions, planning for the long term, and ensuring every pound is used wisely for the benefit of Staffordshire residents. People can read the Strategic Direction on the county council’s website. Martin Murray, acting leader of Staffordshire County Council said:
The strategic direction was approved at today’s full council meeting. |
