LABOUR party members in Burntwood and Hammerwich are calling for a swift response to Government plans to restructure local government.
The proposals would see an end to two-tier authority areas – such as Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council – in favour of unitary bodies responsible for all services.
But the move has drawn criticism from the District Councils’ Network who say the plans could create “mega-councils” rather than providing devolution in the way the Government says it will.
The Burntwood and Hammerwich branch of Labour met this week to discuss the Devolution White Paper – and have called on Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council to respond at the earliest possible opportunity.
A spokesperson said:
“Local members believe that getting in early with our own locally agreed proposals will give us the advantage of influencing the outcome for the benefit of our own local residents.
“The economies of scale and the ending of the confusion for electors as to which council is responsible for which service will bring clarity and financial benefits for the future as we have seen elsewhere.
“We also want to ensure local areas keep their individual identities with the extra powers for communities and strengthened parish, town and city councils.”
