Local Politics

Staffordshire Children’s Services Earns Ofsted Praise After Major Improvements Staffordshire County Council’s children’s services have been given a significant vote of confidence by Ofsted following a focused reinspection in December 2025. Inspectors described the service as having made strong progress since it was rated as requiring improvement in 2023. They highlighted ambitious leadership, improved management oversight and better decision-making for vulnerable children. Th

Government Greenlights Election Postponements Amid Sweeping Local Government Overhaul In a significant shake up to England’s local governance landscape, the government has approved requests from 29 councils to delay their May 2026 elections, allowing them to concentrate on a major reorganisation programme aimed at dismantling the inefficient two tier system. This reform, described by officials as a once in a generation opportunity, seeks to consolidate overlapping authorities

Cannock Chase District Council Full Council Meeting Blocks Theatre Demolition Funds In a dramatic turn at Cannock Chase District Council’s Full Council meeting, councillors rejected a key recommendation that would have reallocated capital funds for the ongoing Cannock Town Centre Regeneration Programme. The proposal, stemming from the Cabinet meeting on 4 December 2025, sought to adjust budget allocations for works outlined in the associated report, including steps that would

Cannock Chase District Council Leader Cllr Steve Thornley has formally asked central government to postpone the May 2026 local elections, citing major operational pressures from high service demands, staff shortages, complex projects and the extra workload from Local Government Reorganisation in Staffordshire. The request follows a letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness seeking views on whether deferring the polls would free up capacity for re

Cannock Chase District Council is facing growing criticism after concerns were raised about its approach to the future of the town’s theatre, despite having secured £20 million in Levelling Up funding for Cannock Town Centre. The upgrade of the theatre, currently costed at around £2.5 million, had originally formed part of the bid that helped secure the government investment, yet councillors clashed over whether the venue should demolished. During tonights meeting, councillor