The leader of Lichfield District Council has insisted no decision has been made on joining a combined authority.
Chancellor George Osborne invited leaders of local authorities from across the region to discuss proposals for a ‘Midlands powerhouse’.
But contrary to reports that the link-up was a done deal, Lichfield District Council leader Mike Wilcox revealed councillors would weight up the benefits before making any firm commitment.
“I was invited by the chancellor to give the view from a district council level,” said Cllr Wilcox. “I said that we wanted to learn more about the situation before making a decision.
“Crucially, we need to find out how it could benefit Lichfield. Once we know all the facts then we can take it back to the members of the council to make a decision.”
Lichfield’s current links with Staffordshire County Council could have a bearing on the decision, with the council forming part of both the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and Greater Birmingham local enterprise partnerships.
Cllr Wilcox says he will now weigh up all of the options available.
“I’m going to find out exactly what Staffordshire County Council thinks on combined authorities – they might not want anything at all and may be happy as they are. Once we know, then we will ultimately decide.
“But we don’t have to go with Birmingham or Staffordshire either – we can stay as we are if we want. The chancellor was keen to re-iterate it was very much down to us.
“I made it clear that if there is nothing in it for us then we won’t join it.”
Despite Lichfield District Council being one of the smaller authorities involved in the discussion, Cllr Wilcox insisted the local authority was in a strong position.
“At this stage it’s about gathering information,” said Cllr Wilcox. “But Lichfield is in a good position.
“We’re seeing the benefit of being in two local enterprise partnerships because we have options to consider if we want to.
“Of course, we may decide to stay as we are. But the Government seems to see these powerhouses as the place for all the funding to go through, so we do watch with interest the development of proposals to create a combined authority.
“We’re keen to take part in future discussions to explore the benefits closer working could bring to this district.
“But ultimately, we can make the decision we want – and I’m keen to stress no decision has been taken at all.”
Authorities are set to make their decision on any possible link-up later this year.
