Lichfield has missed out on a “great opportunity” by voting against joining a combined authority.
Chris Worsey, who came second in the Parliamentary election earlier this year, said the Conservatives at Lichfield District Council could live to regret the decision.
Councillors voted not to sign-up to the deal, with leader Mike Wilcox saying it was “too big a risk”.
But Mr Worsey, who is also a Labour representative on Sandwell Council, said: “I’m surprised at this decision
“The combined authority would bring millions of pounds of investment into our region and give us the power to make decisions locally.
“It was a great opportunity for Lichfield and the wider area.”
Cllr Mike Wilcox, Conservative leader of Lichfield District Council, said issues around voting powers had led to the no-vote.
“It was simply the case that joining a combined authority was too big a risk at this moment in time,” he said. “Other authorities have also decided not to go in, so it’s not as if we’re not on our own.”
Why is he talking about “our” region, does he mean West Bromwich?
So we missed out on an undemocratically appointed mayor who would have control of all of this
To be the chair of the WMCA
Power to increase tax on businesses in the region by adding a supplementary rates levy
Power to add a precept to the council tax bills of residents
Transport powers including control of investment in the area
Power to introduce an Oyster-style pay-as-you-go card for the region’s rail and bus network
Power over the region’s highways
Power to enforce restrictions on commercial freight
The ability to discount travel for specific groups
Control over the commission of transport infrastructure projects
Control over a devolved £1.3bn transport fund for the next 10 years
Strategic compulsory purchase order powers
I feel we want to be thankful common sense won the day and i feel in future LDC members should be more transparent about there plans instead of hiding behind closed doors, id say this needs to go to a referendum and let Lichfield people make up there own minds instead of having decisions like this made for them.