The leader of Lichfield District Council says he plans to push for a Staffordshire combined authority in the coming weeks.
Proposals to join a West Midlands link-up were rejected by the Conservative-led group last week.
But despite no Staffordshire option being on the table, Cllr Mike Wilcox says he still believes there could be an opportunity to link-up with other councils across the county.
“Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins has called a summit in October and I’m going to say we need a deal for Staffordshire to present to government,” he said.
“As it stands, other areas have thrown their hats in the ring but Staffordshire hasn’t – we need to be on the front foot.
“I’ll work with Cllr Atkins and other leaders to see if we can try to put a deal together for Staffordshire.”
But Cllr Wilcox’s plans appear to be at odds with those of Lichfield’s Conservative MP Michael Fabricant, who last week told LichfieldLive the regional link up was a tricky one for the council.
“The question now that the council must face is where does it now go?” Mr Fabricant said. “The area has little in common with Stoke or Stafford.
“Most residents work either in the immediate area, in Birmingham, or commute to London.”
Cllr Wilcox insisted the door wasn’t completely closed on a future link-up with the West Midlands group – even if a Staffordshire combined authority came to fruition.
He said: “It’s not to say we couldn’t be members of more than one combined authority in future.
“But at this moment in time because of this issues around governance, I’m not 100% sure a West Midlands combined authority would suit people of Lichfield.”
Now I am worried! What is Councillor Wilcox trying to achieve? He was vague about the benefits of the West Midlands Combined Authority so what does he think will be gained by a Staffordshire CA? Fabricant cannot see any benefits of a Staffordshire CA; Staffordshire is not exactly an economic Powerhouse; is there a danger that LDC has missed the boat? I am concerned the Council really does not know what it is trying to achieve any more and it is the citizens who lose out.
Well done to Mike Wilcox for pushing for this. He’s really showing true leadership with this and I admire him for that. A combined Staffordshire authority is more sensible idea and while it would take vision, this is a first step in the right direction.
Joining any combined local authority will not only be detrimental to Lichfield but to Britain ,already Manchester has loans of a billion pounds from the EIB and is matched with a further billion treasury and business,these loans are for periods of up to 30 years so the problem of payment will not fall on these councilors,who’s to say this will not happen with either a West Midlands CA or a Staffordshire one ?????
Belong to two Combined Authorities Mr Wlilcox really? have they changed the rules ?