A LOCAL government reorganisation plan which would see the creation of three new unitary authorities in Staffordshire will be the best option for local residents, the leader of Lichfield District Council has said.
Final submissions have now been made to the Government ahead of a decision on how the current two-tier council areas across Staffordshire will now be replaced by a singular body.
Reform UK at Staffordshire County Council has submitted proposals for an east and west split which would see Lichfield and Burntwood grouped in with the likes of Stoke-on-Trent and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
But Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, has reiterated his belief that a split which would include the local area with Tamworth and East Staffordshire would make more sense for communities.
It comes after the Labour opposition group’s deputy leader Cllr Colin Ball quizzed him on whether the district council’s local government reorganisation submission had highlighted the “completely silly” east-west plans Reform UK had put forward.
Cllr Pullen replied:
“We made it clear throughout our submission that not only was east-west ludicrous, but so was the entire local government reorganisation which purports to move power closer to communities, but is actually moving power closer to Whitehall.
“It is not something we welcome on this side of the chamber at all and I know my colleagues across the chamber are acutely aware of how well local government serves our residents currently.
“We have made our submission and believe we’ve made a positive case for a three-by-three unitary model in Staffordshire.
“While we might not agree with the policy direction, we are all agreed that if it is going to happen that will be the best way forwards for our residents.”
The Government is expected to identify a preferred option for a new unitary authority structure for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent next year.
What is patently obvious is that none of the splits proposed are workable. They are playing pass the parcel with Stoke because of the debt issues. It will become a unitary council like nearly all other councils in the country. Quite frankly Pullen’s assertions that their policies have been “The best way forward for our residents”, is risible. Are any Lichfields residents happy with what has happened to a once beautiful city? He deserves a statue next to captain Smith in the park. They have a lot in common.
Have to agree with him, it’s the best of a group of poor options.
A stopped clock is right twice a day. The Tories are right in this matter.
As for Reform, they feel tomorrow belongs to them.
Lichfield has been served very well over the years by the existing structure. There is no need to change, it is a waste of time and money. However as the morons in Whitehall have spoken and we all have to do as we are told a split must be proposed. The East, West proposal makes no sense apart from on a compass. Lichfield and Stoke on Trent are so different I struggle to see how any decision will serve residents well.
The government’s number one agenda is allegedly economic growth. I don’t see this local authority change generating ang growth. It will cost time and money, be a huge distraction from focusing on local residents needs. Surely the residents should have a vote on this.
OMG Stoke on Trent, a failing council which will rely on neighbouring authorities to subsidise
Turkey voting for Christmas comes to mind. Central Government will not even notice LDC’s wishes. These new unitary authorities are already up & happening all over England no matter what self opinionated & distorted importance local councils think or say
I’m a bit confused by some of the comments on here criticising the LDC position. Yes, national government wants all local government to to be converted to Unitary Authorities, that’s not going to change. So why are people being critical of LDC (amongst other districts and boroughs) who are trying to make the best of it? Would they prefer LDC to remain silent and/or just to fall in with the Staffs CC plan for Lichfield District to be joined up with Stoke on Trent? It looks just like habitual council bashing from where I’m sitting.