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# MP "disappointed" by local government decision – but accepts reasons behind unitary authority choice
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/mp-disappointed-by-local-government-decision-but-accepts-reasons-behind-unitary-authority-choice/
- Published: 2026-07-16T14:45:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-16T14:45:44.000Z
- Description: Staffordshire's new councils to be split into north and south areas in 2028.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, News

LICHFIELD'S MP says he is "disappointed" by the decision on local government organisation, but says financial considerations were behind the move.

Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council will be replaced in 2028 by a new unitary authority.

After a number of options were considered, the Government has chosen to opt for a north-south split which will see Lichfield and Burntwood link up with council areas in Stafford, Tamworth, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire and South Staffordshire.

An alternative proposal from Lichfield District Council for a smaller body comprising of just Lichfield, East Staffordshire and Tamworth was backed by MP Dave Robertson.

But he said that while it was disappointing not to see that option selected, he understood the reasoning behind the decision.

He said:

> "Throughout this process, my preferred outcome was the option which would have created three unitary councils – a North Staffordshire authority, alongside two authorities covering Southern and Mid-Staffordshire.  
>  
> "I felt that approach offered a stronger balance between strategic scale and local accountability.  
>  
> "However, the Government has chosen to create two unitary councils covering North Staffordshire and one covering Southern and Mid-Staffordshire.  
>  
> "The decision was largely driven by the financial evidence, which showed this option would deliver the greatest savings, the lowest additional reorganisation costs and the strongest long-term financial benefit.  
>  
> "While I am disappointed that my preferred option was not selected, I accept that financial sustainability was a major factor in the Government's decision. Local authorities are facing significant pressures, and any new structure must be able to provide sustainable services for the long term."

The Labour MP said that he was pleased to see alternative options – including an east-west split put forward by the Reform UK administration at Staffordshire County Council – were rejected.

He said:

> "I am pleased that the Government rejected two proposals which I believed would have caused significant problems for local communities.  
>  
> "One would have split long-established school partnership areas and education networks. I consistently raised concerns about this proposal with councils, school leaders and decision-makers.  
>  
> "Our local schools work together across established catchment and partnership arrangements – and breaking those links risked creating unnecessary disruption.  
>  
> "One of the schools that could have been particularly affected was The Richard Clarke First School in Abbots Bromley. Smaller rural schools rely heavily on stable education partnerships and pupil flows. Dividing those arrangements could have created serious long-term pressures and, in some cases, raised questions about future viability.  
>  
> "I worked hard to make the case for keeping these school communities together and I am pleased those concerns were reflected in the final outcome.  
>  
> "I was equally unconvinced by Reform Staffordshire County Council's preferred proposal. In my view, it did not present a credible economic case and failed to demonstrate the level of financial sustainability required for once-in-a-generation local government reform.  
>  
> "At a time when councils across the country are under pressure, we cannot afford structures that do not stand up financially."

Mr Robertson said those responsible for making the switch to the new unitary authorities put local people at the heart of their decisions.

He explained:

> "The priority must be ensuring the new authority delivers for residents.  
>  
> "I will continue working with local leaders communities to make sure the new arrangements strengthen public services, protect local identity and deliver the best possible future for Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages.  
>  
> "Local government reorganisation presents an opportunity to reduce duplication, simplify decision-making and deliver better value for taxpayers. My focus has always been on ensuring residents receive the best possible services, regardless of the structure ultimately chosen."