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South Staffordshire Council bucks national trend amid reports of widespread planning enforcement failures
South Staffordshire Council (SSDC) is bucking the trend as a new ombudsman report warns that many councils across England are ‘losing control’ of planning enforcement.
A new report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman revealed that many local authorities are struggling to keep up with planning enforcement – but SSDC is standing out as a positive exception.
According to the ombudsman, some councils are facing long delays, drifting cases and missed deadlines because of understaffing and growing backlogs. In several examples, councils were unable to act because cases had been left for too long or vital steps were missed.
However, unlike the national picture, SSDC has a strong Planning Enforcement Team that is currently handling 155 live cases and are keeping them under regular review to prevent the ‘case drift’ highlighted in the ombudsman’s report.
The council also performed strongly in 2025, receiving 273 reports of alleged breaches and investigating and closing 269 cases within the same period. This high level of activity shows a service that is keeping control, even as many councils elsewhere are falling behind.
Codsall business network off to a strong start
South Staffordshire’s Village Centre Networks are beginning to take shape, with the Codsall group already showing the value of bringing local businesses and partners together to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and help shape the future of village centres.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the project aims to establish or further develop business‑led clusters across South Staffordshire’s village centres.
These networks are designed to support thriving high streets by creating a space where businesses, community representatives and stakeholders can exchange insights, discuss shared challenges, and work collaboratively on practical solutions. Last week, the Codsall group welcomed more than 25 local businesses and stakeholders – an encouraging start that reflects strong local appetite for partnership working.
Representatives from South Staffordshire Council, including Chris Lander, Revenues Team Manager, and Wayne Dutton, Enterprise Team Manager, attended to provide updates and guidance.
Chris outlined significant upcoming changes to business rates, including a full revaluation of non‑domestic properties and adjustments to charges and reliefs, stressing the importance of early preparation.
Wayne highlighted wider support from the council’s Enterprise Team and Business Hub, upcoming tailored workshops and the launch of the Codsall Workspace. The meeting showcased how these networks can operate in practice, helping identify trends, gather insights, and inform future business support, alongside the wider business partnership.
Looking for a family-friendly activity this Easter?
Join us and Forest of Mercia CIC at our FREE hands on wreath making session using natural, seasonal materials at our cemeteries in Wombourne and Great Wyrley.
Create a beautiful wreath to take home or place on a loved one’s resting place, all while enjoying peaceful surroundings and quality time together.
Be quick as places are limited!
Key information
– Booking is essential – All materials will be provided – Free, family-friendly activity – all ages welcome – No experience needed
Event details
Sytch Lane Cemetery, Sytch Lane, Wombourne, WV5 0JP Wednesday, 1st April from 10am – 1pm
Strawberry Lane Cemetery, Upper Landywood Lane, Great Wyrley, WS6 7AU Thursday, 2nd April from 10am – 1pm
Call 01902 696111 or email bereavementservices@sstaffs.gov.uk to book your places.
Proudly working in partnership with Forest of Mercia CIC.
Food Waste Community Roadshow
Coming to a venue near you
Join us for our second week of our Food Waste Collection Service Community Roadshow.
There are three events to pick from and further events across the district will be following in the coming weeks.
We hope you can join us at:
👉Monday, 9th March 7pm at Trysull and Seison Parish Council Meeting, All Saints Primary School, Trysull
👉Thursday, 12th March 11am-1pm at Penkridge Parish Council Warm Hub, Haling Dene Centre
👉Thursday, 12th March 6.30pm at Swindon Annual Parish Council Meeting, Swindon Community Centre
For more information on food waste, to see answers to the frequently asked questions, and to see additional events scheduled across the district please visit:
Food Waste Collection Service | South Staffordshire District Council
Congratulations to our five weekend lottery winners
Five lucky players each won £25 in the latest draw of South Staffordshire’s community lottery! 👏
Every ticket makes a difference.💷
With 60% of ticket sales going directly to local good causes, playing the lottery helps support the brilliant charities, groups and community projects that keep South Staffordshire thriving.
Get your tickets now: www.southstaffslottery.co.uk
National Pool Lifeguard course – Easter 2026
Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre is running a National Pool Lifeguard Course this Easter, giving young people aged 16 and over the chance to train and qualify as a lifeguard.
The course runs from Monday, 30th March to Saturday, 4th April, 9am – 5.30pm daily, and includes a mix of theory, pool-based training, and dry side practical sessions.
Candidate requirements:
• Must be 16 years of age at the start of the course
• Able to swim 100m front crawl and 100m backstroke continuously
• Able to retrieve a manikin from the deepest part of the pool
• Able to swim 50m in 60 seconds
• Must declare any additional needs or special circumstances prior to the course
• A £100 non refundable deposit is required – places are held for 48 hours only
To find out more or to book your place, please contact:
📞 01922 417790
📧 cheslynhay@sstaffs.gov.uk
Start a rewarding career in lifeguarding this Easter.
National No Smoking Day
Pop‑up at Codsall Community Hub
Everyone Health will be at the Codsall Community Hub on Wednesday, 11th March, hosting a National No Smoking Day pop‑up from 10am – 12pm.
Their team will be on hand to provide free advice, guidance and information about the FREE Stop Smoking service, supporting anyone who is thinking about quitting or would simply like to learn more.
Drop by the stand to chat with the team and pick up useful resources to support your smoke‑free journey.
‘Look Again’: Police call for safer driving across Staffordshire
Staffordshire Police are asking drivers across the county to ‘Look Again’ as part of their ongoing road safety campaign.
The campaign highlights that 45 people sadly lost their lives on Staffordshire’s roads over the past year and urges motorists to take simple steps to prevent further tragedies.
Police stress the importance of reducing distractions, taking extra care at junctions, adjusting speed appropriately and giving other road users sufficient space.
These small actions can save lives and help prevent serious collisions.
Staffordshire Police are encouraging all drivers to stay alert, stay patient and always take a moment to look again.
Read more: Look Again to keep Staffordshire’s roads safe | Staffordshire Police
Faith Security Training launched to support places of worship
The Home Office has launched Faith Security Training (FST), a FREE initiative designed to help faith communities across England and Wales strengthen their security awareness and preparedness.
Delivered by CDS Support, a specialist defence and security consultancy, the training offers practical guidance to help places of worship remain safe and resilient.
Sessions are open to faith leaders, trustees, volunteers, and anyone involved in security at worship venues.
Participants can register for virtual or face‑to‑face workshops, with digital e‑learning coming soon via ProtectUK.
Digital e-Learning will be available soon via ProtectUK | Home
For more info, visit the Faith Security Training website or email: contact@cdssupport.uk.
Free NHS health checks coming to local villages
Free NHS Health Checks are coming to local village halls across Staffordshire.
These drop‑in sessions make it easier for adults to check key health indicators such as blood pressure, heart health, diabetes risk, weight‑related conditions and smoking‑related issues.
Many health issues start silently, so early detection matters.
The roadshow also supports CORE20PLUS5 communities by improving access to preventative care.
No appointment needed – simply pop in, get checked and speak to the team.
If you can’t attend, arrange your NHS Health Check by texting HEART to 60777 or calling 0333 005 0095.
Click here for dates: Book Now – Everyone Health Staffordshire
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