THE Liberal Democrats say they have concerns about how successful a new unitary authority representing more than 650,000 people can be.
The Government has opted to go with a north-south split as part of a shake-up which will see Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council abolished in 2028.
Under the move, Lichfield and Burntwood will be in a new southern authority with areas including Tamworth, Burton, East Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase.
Lichfield District Council had backed a smaller alternative, but the proposal was not supported by Government.
Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Lib Dem opposition group at the district council, said:
"This is not the arrangement that we, or any other political party in Lichfield, had as our first choice.
"An authority with a population of over 650,000 is neither agile enough to meet residents’ demands in an adequate fashion, nor large enough to provide economies of scale.
"We are concerned that residents will find that the local government services on which they depend are no longer local, but will be located further away than at present.
"Even so, we will work with other groups and other authorities to ensure that residents continue to enjoy the same, or better, services than they currently receive.”
Cllr Paul McDermott, who leads the party's group at Lichfield City Council, said the shake-up could have wider reaching implications for other bodies not directly impacted by the changes.
He explained:
“Larger parish councils, such as Lichfield City Council, may find themselves with new roles and responsibilities given the abolition of district authorities.
"The Liberal Democrats will work with other groups and with the new authority to ensure sound and responsible management of the city of Lichfield, including those historic aspects that make Lichfield such an attractive location for residents and visitors alike."
