Councillors have been told they need to do more to make sure they are informed on the issue of combined authorities.
Less than half of the members of Lichfield District Council turned up for a recent briefing on the issue.
Labour opposition group leader Sue Woodward said councillors had a duty to make sure they had all of the facts on behalf of local residents.
“These sessions are an education,” she said. “We discovered that it was not about a takeover, but about shaping the future of the council rather than having it shaped for us.
“Members need to make sure they attend in order to make an informed decision.”
Cllr Woodward’s call was supported by Conservative representative Janet Eagland.
She said: “A combined authority is going to happen.
“Our job as councillors is to take information on board and make the right decision for residents.”
