Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce says it welcomes the opportunity for more joined-up working between local authorities across the county as plans to bring the councils closer take a step forward.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is joining a partnership called the Staffordshire Leaders’ Board, which enables closer working on issues such as transport, the economy and health.
The top-level committee has previously only included Staffordshire County Council as well as the eight borough and district councils, so the city’s input will significantly strengthen the partnership approach.
In particular, the Chamber believes it will boost an integrated approach to transport and break down cross boundary barriers hampering policy.
Staffordshire Chambers Policy Adviser Declan Riddell said: “We very much welcome closer working between all of our local authorities.
“Transport is one area where a joined-up approach is needed, with greater collaboration between local authorities. In the North Staffordshire conurbation, this could mean promotion of “cross boundary” schemes which would benefit the wider area, for example public transport initiatives – both bus and rail.
“We feel that a more integrated transport strategy for the North Staffordshire conurbation is pivotal for the future transport planning of the whole area.
“This is all about setting out a clear vision on what the regional transport system needs to achieve in terms of economic and social outcomes. In other words, a consistent cross boundary vision.”
Mike Herbert, Chair of the Chamber’s Transport Forum, echoed those thoughts adding: “I strongly believe that there should be an integrated transport strategy for the whole of the north Staffordshire conurbation area. That should include local, regional and strategic highways as well as public transport bus and rail services.”
It is too early to say if the Leaders’ Board plan will lead to a more formal devolution of power in Staffordshire. In fact, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Jane Ashworth described the latest approach as simply “administrative” and “common sense”.
However, the government has been working with a number of political areas across the country to devolve funding and power. These fall into various tiers, with the top one involving the setting up of a directly-elected metro mayor.
This approach has been seen in places like the West Midlands and East Midlands, while Cheshire councils have been pushing ahead with plans for a county deal for several years.
