A COUNCIL chief has called on MPs to back a “more community-focused” approach to local government reform.
Proposals are currently being reviewed to end the two-tier council system in favour of a unitary authority.
It would mean Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council being consumed into a larger unitary authority.
But different plans have been drawn up, including a county-wide option and another for smaller north and south unitary bodies to be created.
One of the alternative proposals would see South Staffordshire, Cannock and Stafford form one authority, while East Staffordshire, Lichfield and Tamworth would create another. An additional council would exist in the north of the county.
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said that while he did not agree with the principle of a unitary authority, he said the three-council proposal would offer the best balance of efficiency and local connection.
He said:
“This isn’t about resisting change for its own sake – it’s about making sure we make the right change.
“The three-unitary model isn’t perfect, but it’s the least worst option and one that still delivers the efficiencies Government is looking for, without losing sight of the communities we’re here to serve.”
Cllr Pullen has now written to all MPs in the area asking them to back the smaller unitary authority option after a residents’ survey showed around 65% backed smaller, local councils.
He said:
“Local government works best when it’s close to the people it serves.
“The alternative – a single authority stretched across the south of the county – risks creating something that’s big, but disconnected.
“We’ve seen elsewhere how centralisation can lead to loss of local focus. We should learn from those lessons, not repeat them.”
