As part of our coverage of the upcoming Staffordshire County Council elections, A Little Bit of Stone invited every candidate standing in the Stone area to complete a standard questionnaire. The questions were shaped by feedback gathered through our recent Stone Matters survey, where local residents told us which issues matter most to them.
We asked candidates to focus their answers on the responsibilities of Staffordshire County Council – highways, education, social care, transport, public health and related services. Their responses appear below unedited, exactly as supplied.
Name
Jill Hood
Party
Stafford Borough Independents
Division
Stone Urban
Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you, and why have you decided to stand for election in the Staffordshire County Council elections?
I am known for being confident yet grounded, with a ready smile, a strong sense of justice and honesty and a good sense of humour. I refuse to be just another “nodding along” councillor—I focus on solutions. I became a Stafford Borough Independents Councillor meaning I do not have to be told to vote one way or another by a political group. I choose common sense and honesty in voting and vote the way residents ask or expect of me for residents of every political persuasion. This has been my guiding principle throughout my 18 years of service to Stone as an independent councillor and I will continue to deliver improvements for Stone and its residents whilst also working in close harmony with Stafford Borough as a cabinet member for communities and with Stone town council to get the best for Stone.
Stone has been my home since 2001 and I’ve raised five children here, four of whom attended local schools, and now my 10-year-old grandson continues this tradition. Watching him play as goalkeeper for one of the Old Alleynians teams on Sunday mornings is one of my greatest joys. I also enjoy walking my dog and actively volunteering in the community, including my role as Chair of Age Concern Stone & District, trustee of Crown Wharf Theatre and Stone in Bloom plus a few other charities.
I am standing for election because I believe in the power of change, which starts by listening to residents, fighting for and acting on their behalf. Now more than ever, it is crucial to have a representative for Stone Urban with local knowledge and a deep understanding of our area, which I have. With devolution imminent, Staffordshire County Council will join other local authorities in receiving transferred powers and funding from Government. I will continue to be a strong local voice for our community, addressing the issues that matter most such as better funding for public transport, better skills because money will be controlled locally. I will make sure Stone Urban receives the flexibility to work more effectively to improve public services such as Primary Care, Dentistry, education – S.E.N.D that families do not have to endure long delays in educational health and care assessments and I will make sure Stone receives a share of the extra £21.2 million for social welfare to be better funded, so that Stone has the resources to meet the needs of elderly residents to ensure they have a good quality of life and retain their independence by remaining in their own home.
Q2: Do you live in the Division?
Yes
Q3: If not, why have you chosen to stand here?
N/A
Q4: What relevant experience or background do you bring to the role of County Councillor?
I have served in the Stone Urban area as an Independent Staffordshire County Councillor Since 2017 contributing to significant decisions for Staffordshire, and more importantly, for Stone Urban. I will continue to scrutinise the level of investment allocated to Stone to ensure Stone residents receive full value. I will continue to advocate for the residents and community of Stone Urban. I am dedicated to scrutinising the level of investment allocated to our community, ensuring that residents receive full value for their taxes and that services are delivered effectively and efficiently.
I work tirelessly to hold developers accountable for unfinished roads, pavements, and leisure spaces and green areas in newly developed estates by continually pressing Chief Executives and board members to oversee that their companies are delivering what is on plan. As a member of the Health Scrutiny Committee, I will continue to raise concerns about inadequate mental health services for both adults and children, and I will push for reductions in the unacceptable waiting times. Supporting care leavers remains a priority, and I will continue to highlight the lack of housing, working with the Housing Options Housing team at district level.
In addition, I will maintain pressure on mental health agencies, dentistry, and primary care providers to address massive waiting lists and improve services for all ages. Traffic congestion in our town and surrounding areas is a pressing issue. I am optimistic about the feasibility study and consultation by Highways to alter the ring road system and reduce congestion. I will push for urgent improvements and collaborate with my Highways team to ensure progress is made—this time, without the splitter island. I have been consulted on the positioning of a pedestrian crossing close to Walton roundabout and a new cycle lane with the main focus on pedestrian safety.
Q5: The County Council has declared a climate emergency and committed to a Net Zero target. What does that commitment mean in practice for local residents and businesses? What will you do to support this goal locally?
This is about making everyday life better, not just slogans.
My view is that a Net Zero Commitment must mean more than just words. It should mean better design of new houses. Warmer homes with low energy bills, safer routes for walking and cycling, better public transport options and greener business practices that help local firms thrive. Locally I will work to ensure the County Council’s actions are practical- for example by pushing for real investment in energy efficiency for homes and schools, better recycling infrastructure and making it easier for residents and businesses to access green grants and support from the County Council.
Q6: The Udall Grange estate is nearing completion, and just last month, proposals were announced for a further 500 homes on adjoining land. There has been no mention of improvements to infrastructure, GP capacity or dental services. The County Council is responsible for roads, schools, and medical services, while Stafford Borough Council handles planning. How do you square away this imbalance? What would you do to ensure new developments do not come at the cost of existing residents’ wellbeing?
The building of new homes adjacent to Udall Grange should not be allowed to negatively impact the wellbeing or quality of life of current residents there and thought also must be given to the roads especially the Eccleshall Road which leads down to Walton Roundabout which, when impacted with traffic causes heavy congestion in the town. Visitors to the town who spend and boost our local economy will be reluctant to come to Stone if they are sitting in queueing traffic each time they visit. I will work to ensure better coordination between Stafford Borough Council’s planning department and the County Council’s planning and Highways department. This includes demanding infrastructure plans that align with population growth—such as schools, roads, GP surgeries, and dentists. My goal is to give residents clear assurances about these developments before approval, rather than offering excuses afterwards. For large-scale housing projects, infrastructure must be established beforehand. This includes roads, footpaths, leisure areas, and green spaces, as they are essential for creating a strong and vibrant community. The proposed new development is not in the Stone Urban Division it is in the Stone Trent Valley Division.
Q7: The Aston to Burston Trail has been closed for months following the collapse of a footbridge. A drawn‑out process between the landowner and local authority has left this well‑used route in limbo. Do you think the County Council has done enough to uphold public rights of way in our area? What would you do differently?
The bridge has been out of action since October 2023. I would have strongly emphasised to County Council officers and their legal department that Rights of Way are essential, not optional, and play a crucial role in community well-being—both physically and mentally. The County Council has not acted with the necessary urgency. Moving forward, securing a time-bound action plan with the landowner and ensuring consistent public updates for residents is imperative and should have been the way forward. I’m delighted to read on ALBOS that a solution seems to have been found. The bridge is not in the Stone Urban Division.
Q8: What is your stance on the enforcement of Stone High Street as a pedestrianised zone? At times, the Market Square resembles a car park. Should access be more tightly restricted or more flexible, and how should this be enforced?
I have been working closely with town council colleagues on this problem and have found that teamwork with the County Highways department is finding a solution .Stone High Street is designated as pedestrian-only between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, with access permitted outside these hours exclusively for traders to load and unload goods. Despite this, vehicles often speed through the High Street, attempting to bypass traffic on the ring road, which only saves a few seconds due to traffic lights controls.
One alarming incident involved a motorist who, ignoring the prominent “NO ENTRY” signage at the High Street entrance, drove at such high speed that she collided with the bollards and ended up embedding her car on top of one. During the pedestrian hours, the High Street is bustling with families with young children, shoppers, school children and mobility scooter users. Additionally, the elderly population—many of whom cannot quickly move out of the way—are at significant risk from this reckless behaviour.
I raised this issue during a full County Council meeting, expressing my concern that a fatal accident is likely to occur soon and requesting the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. I was told that installing ANPR for the High Street would necessitate similar installations in every town and village, incurring substantial costs. Despite Stone Town Council’s offer of £30,000 toward the expense, the proposal has yet to gain approval.
I firmly believe that for the £30,000 offered, Stone Town Council could employ a dedicated traffic warden to enforce regulations, making it inconvenient ( with fines) for motorists to flout traffic rules. This would ensure the High Street is safe for pedestrians and preserve its vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its eateries, cafes, pubs, and shops becoming a safe and enjoyable destination for all.
Q9: Stone and the surrounding area has lost many of its bus routes in recent years. This leaves many residents, especially older people and those without cars, isolated. What would you do to improve public transport options in the division?
Public transport is a lifeline not a luxury and there is a clear link between social isolation, loneliness and the lack of accessible local transport. In the Stone Urban Division, numerous community groups exist, but many residents are unable to participate, unable to travel due to limited transportation options and in some cases poor physical mobility.
On January 27th, 2025, the Government published its 10-year Infrastructure Strategy Working Paper, introducing a new approach to core economic infrastructure, including transport, with plans to provide funding.
It is crucial that social isolation of all age groups is highlighted with the urgent need for public and community transport systems, as well as active travel routes, to better connect neighbourhoods across Stone.
For these transport options to be effective, additional support may be required. This could include features like low-floor buses for accessibility and easy-to-read timetables. Funding allocated to local authorities should be directed toward developing public transport solutions that meet these needs, addressing transport-related social exclusion.
To better understand the public’s requirements, I propose that holding a public consultation that would involve both online surveys and letters delivered to all residents within the Stone Urban Division, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to voice their public transport concerns preferences and needs. This isn’t about cars vs bikes it’s about making sure everyone can get around safely and affordably. I will support active travel improvements alongside smarter, greener road upgrades- focusing on safety and quality of life.
Q10: With transport in mind, what is your view on how the County Council should balance road infrastructure investment with active travel options such as walking and cycling?
Clearly, we need both – but smarter. It is a big challenge which must be addressed by the County Council. Connectivity ensuring that roads, public transport, and travel routes must complement each other rather than compete. Investing in safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure—such as dedicated lanes, improved crossings, and well-maintained pathways—will encourage more people to choose active travel for shorter journeys. This will not only reduce congestion but also contribute to public health and environmental goals.
Funding decisions should be data-driven in Stone Urban, considering data from traffic patterns, population density, and demand for active travel routes. Funding should be allocated to improve walking and cycling for more journeys by bike or foot every year.
Additionally, our County Council should engage with local communities to ensure that infrastructure projects are sympathetic to residents’ needs. Public consultations and initiatives should go ahead for plans before large-scale investments are made.
Ultimately, a balanced approach means recognising that roads and public transport remain essential while also ensuring that active travel options are safe, convenient, and well-integrated.
Q11: Speeding and dangerous parking, particularly on roads near local schools, is a common concern. What can be done to improve road safety for children and penalise offenders?
Speeding and dangerous parking near schools are significant concerns to me as a grandparent and as a school governor. I often have the conversation about how to improve road safety for children and penalise offenders and I have taken several steps to keep our children safe in the first instance liaising with police.
At a local level, parents often voice their concerns about reckless behaviours and in their social media groups hold chats regarding when they’ve seen dangerous manoeuvres, prolonged engine idling, and inconsiderate parking. However, these discussions rarely lead to meaningful change unless every parent is on board to protect every child. For enforcement, contacting local authorities like the police or council is essential. The police can issue fixed penalty notices to offenders.
In my role as County Councillor, I have successfully arranged for double yellow lines to be installed outside a school and in two local problem areas where parents dropping off their children, frequently blocked residential driveways, the yellow lines have eased the problems.
Q12: What is your view on the provision of school places and SEND services in Staffordshire? Are local families being properly supported, and what changes would you advocate for at the County level?
Staffordshire County Council provides support and services for SEND children aged 0-25. However, parents often must persistently fight to secure the necessary assistance for their children, which can take a toll on the mental and physical well-being of the entire family. The process of obtaining support is lengthy and, during this time, some children miss out on essential services. As one parent remarked, navigating the system can feel like requiring legal expertise, especially if having to go to appeal which also takes a long time.
SEND children often have complex needs that demand timely interventions to ensure they receive a well-structured education. Their needs must be identified and addressed quickly and efficiently by Staffordshire County Council and the education authority. Unfortunately, only 31% of children with an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in Staffordshire attend their local school and must travel greater distances to a school, compared to the national average of 41%.
I will work to push the County Council for faster fairer SEND assessments, more local provision and proper funding for the support children and families need.
Q13: Devolution is coming down the tracks, with the creation of new combined authorities. What are your views on this shift, and how can we ensure towns like Stone are properly represented in a larger unitary structure?
The local voice must not be drowned out and as a Stafford Borough Independents councillor I have already been able to speak up strongly making our Stone voice heard to make sure our town is represented at the best level with the imminent delivery of devolution. Staffordshire County Council will be joined with other local authorities in receiving transferred powers and funding from Government, we have to make it work in our favour. I will be your local voice and acting to put forward an understanding of the needs and wants for our town and more importantly what residents don’t want. On behalf of Stone Urban as your County councillor candidate if elected I will act in collaboration with Stafford Borough Council and Stone Town Council to get the government funding which is promised for public transport, infrastructure, affordable housing and vital public services. Each new unitary structure will need local representation to oversee re-organisation, I have proved over and again I will stand up for our town and surrounding areas in getting what is good for the town and for us to be able to offer more skilled jobs and apprenticeships encouraging our youngsters to continue living in Stone. The Government has said there will be sustainable new unitary structures and a new generational power shift. Stone Urban will be part of the re-organisation, we must be first to the table and we won’t settle for the crumbs.
Q14: What is one issue in the division that you believe does not get enough attention at County Council level, and what would you do about it within the remit of the role?
I am passionate about ensuring safety on Stone High Street, and rightfully so. When public spaces are meant to be pedestrian-friendly, yet still see a high volume of unauthorised vehicles, it creates a significant risk for everyone—especially vulnerable groups like families with children, the elderly and tourists who visit our town.
I have been advocating for the implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) as a practical and effective solution to deter repeat speeding offenders. Enforcement plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance, as people are more likely to take restrictions seriously when they know violations will result in penalties.
I have continually raised this issue with my Highways Team and engaged with Stone Town Council, who share my commitment to addressing this problem. Concerned residents have voiced their desire for change to make the High Street safer, and local businesses are eager to ensure their customers feel secure in the town.
Recently, I have been collaborating with fellow Town and Borough Councillors to escalate the issue further and push for action at the County Council level. Encouragingly, we appear to have reached a consensus, and progress is being made toward implementing measures that will enhance safety for everyone.
Q15: Finally, why should residents vote for you on 1st May?
I’m one of you, and I get things done. Because I live here, I listen, and I act. I’m not tied to any party line – I stand up for what’s right for our community. I have the experience, the independence, and the commitment to fight for Stone every day, not just at election time. I am active, visible and honest to a fault. When your part of a planning committee, you have to make incredibly difficult decisions within strict legal frameworks. Was the scale of the Stone Business Park warehouse bigger than I personally anticipated? Yes, and I was honest about that. Since approval I have been working to ensure conditions around landscaping , traffic, and local employment are fully enforced. I believe honesty matters. Once a proposal meets planning law, the council has limited grounds to refuse and without those grounds can cost residents millions in appeal costs. What matters now is making sure developments come with the right conditions: As a County Councillor I can make sure traffic and flood mitigation is heard from the County Council Highways department. I continue to press for those safeguards , what matters now is safeguarding impact and transparency. What I can promise and have shown is that I fight to shape decisions where I can, hold people accountable when needed, and stay transparent with you at every step.
