The decision on whether or not to join a West Midlands combined authority will be a long-lasting one, the leader of Lichfield District Council has warned.
A special meeting of the local authority has been called for October 13 where councillors will make a final decision on the move.
Opposition Labour group leader Sue Woodward has already suggested the joining is a “no-brainer”, while other councils have already said they intend to join.
But Lichfield District Council’s Conservative leader Mike Wilcox insists he’s prepared to wait until the “11th hour” before making a final decision.
“We’re going to have to make a decision either way so the Government can put the make-up of the West Midlands combined authority into the Autumn statement,” he said. “Once members have signed up there will then be a public consultation in the autumn
“We know Tamworth and Cannock have decided to join, but I want to leave it until the last possible moment so we can get as much information from the Government as possible. It’s important that we find out exactly what the implications and benefits are for Lichfield and Burntwood.
“There’s no problem with us going right to the 11th hour if we need to.”
But with the final decision looming, Cllr Wilcox revealed that any U-Turn would not be easy.
“The situation changes constantly,” he admitted. “That’s why we need to leave it as long as we can to give ourselves the best chance of making the right decision.
“Once we’ve made a decision it will be in place for some years.
“Our understanding is that if you want to leave the combined authority then the Government will need to have another Bill and another public consultation. It’s very much that you’re either in or you’re not.
“That’s why we need to make sure we’re armed with all the information necessary for decision day on the October 13.”
